The Center for Oil and Gas at the EERC is a specialized technical group focusing on design and implementation of new approaches to the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas. Practicing under the long-standing EERC philosophy of collaboration and an interdisciplinary approach, the group’s success is based on developing effective partnerships with the oil and gas exploration and production industry and government agencies.

Integrated Approach to Resource Characterization and Development

Working closely with industry and government agencies, the Center for Oil and Gas has developed tools and approaches specifically focused on resource assessment and optimization of exploration and production performance.

The projects conducted in the past include studies focused on the Powder River, Denver–Julesburg, Williston, and Alberta Basins. Extensive databases of petroleum-related characteristics for the basins have been created, including Web-based decision support systems (DSSs) for CO₂ Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) opportunities and the Bakken plays. The Web-based systems are exploration tools based on existing geological and engineering data sets and are tailored to aid in the identification and, ultimately, development of new oil and gas exploitation opportunities. The information systems developed have shown themselves to be powerful tools in all stages of research, development, demonstration, and commercial development. Background data collection, design and implementation of pilot studies, full-scale demonstrations, and analysis of results are typical activities conducted in the Center for Oil and Gas.

The Center for Oil and Gas has a proven track record of conducting small- and large-scale projects that meet the needs of its clients. Projects can range in size and scope from singularly focused, fast-tracked projects for individual clients, to multiyear, multimillion-dollar programs with multiple stakeholders.

Bakken Decision Support System

Center for Oil and Gas Projects

• Coalbed methane (Powder River, San Juan, and Williston Basins)
• Deep-basin-centered gas (Williston Basin)
• CO₂ EOR (Williston, Denver–Julesburg, and Alberta Basins)
• Acid gas disposal and EOR (Alberta Basin)
• Unconventional resource assessment (Williston and Alberta Basins)
• Utilization of flared gas and distributed generation

Capabilities

Geological Characterization and Modeling

• Lithology, structure, stratigraphy, and petroleum system characterization
• Static petrophysical modeling
• Dynamic injection and production modeling
• Advanced geostatistical modeling
• Geochemical modeling

Supporting Information System Design and Data Management

• Geographic information system (GIS)-driven exploration tools
• Reservoir data management and manipulation (geological maps, cross sections, production data, relevant engineering information)
• Specific design to meet client needs
• Easy navigation and data manipulation
• Online password-protected access to DSS information

Unique Analytical Capabilities

• Rock core permeability and acoustic characteristics measurement system
• Natural Materials Analytical Research Laboratory (NMARL), including scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and fluorescence, and other analytical capabilities
• Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS) Laboratory, including oil, water, and CO₂ interaction studies

CO₂ Enhanced Oil Recovery Project Support

• Feasibility study
• Geological assessment
• Monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA)
• Numerical modeling
• Monetization of credits
• CO₂ sourcing

Geomechanical Studies

• Mechanical properties and stress regime assessment
• Innovative approach to fracture network characterization
• Geomechanical assessment (e.g., compaction and fault stability)

Engineering

• Remote data acquisition, field testing, and laboratory analytical services
• Utilization of associated gas and distributed generation
• Technology development through innovation and research