Saskatchewan carbon dioxide pilot responds

June 16, 2010
Production has increased to 200 b/d of oil from 48 b/d from an immiscible carbon dioxide pilot flood in Battle Creek field in southwest Saskatchewan, said operator and 100% working interest owner Second Wave Petroleum Inc., Calgary.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 16
-- Production has increased to 200 b/d of oil from 48 b/d from an immiscible carbon dioxide pilot flood in Battle Creek field in southwest Saskatchewan, said operator and 100% working interest owner Second Wave Petroleum Inc., Calgary.

The Mississippian Madison reservoir produces 11° gravity oil and associated gas. It averaged 30 b/d in 2009 before flooding began in this year’s first quarter. The project is the only natural source immiscible CO2 flood in western Canada.

Source of the flood gas is the Devonian Duperow formation in Battle Creek field, which produces high rates of natural gas with 84% CO2. The pilot area has four producing oil wells that surround a single injector. Pressure response came in early May.

First phase capital spending totaled $1.3 million because existing facilities were used. Project payout is projected in 175 days if production continues at the current level.

The company is moving ahead with second and third stages that will involve two more pilots in geologically similar areas at even lower cost due to use of existing facilities. The company believes it has far more CO2 in Duperow than required to fully flood the Battle Creek Madison pool.