ABSTRACT: Middle Devonian Reservoirs of Ontario: Rediscovering a Historic Play Using Modern Methods and Technology

Duncan Hamilton, Greentree Gas & Oil Ltd., London, Ontario, Canada

The Devonian Detroit River and Dundee Formations of Ontario have yielded approximately 43 million barrels of oil, which equates to approximately 56% of Ontario's oil production to date. The first oil discovered in North America was from the shallow Dundee Formation in 1858 and some of these early discoveries are still producing today. The top four largest fields in Ontario are Middle Devonian in age and include Oil Springs (10 million). Petrolia (18 million). Rodney (11 million) and Watford-Kerwood (3.3 million).

Early exploration methods included drilling surface seeps, the use of dowsers, psychics and rudimentary geological mapping. A number of modern techniques have been successfully employed recently, which include: computer mapping, gravity/magnetics, 2D seismic, lithological and resistivity geophysical logs. The use of modern engineering applications such as cased-through completions, perforating, selective acidizing tools, well stimulations and secondary recovery have the potential to greatly improve daily production volumes and ultimate recoveries. Horizontal drilling and 3D seismic are additional methods being considered.

From an economic prospective the Devonian is very attractive geological target due to its shallow depth (400-500 feet or 120-150 meters), high-gravity oil (38 API), high yield (8-10,000 barrels/acre) and long productive life-span. Large regions in Ontario have been lightly explored and the potential exists for many more significant discoveries.

Search and Discovery Article #90907©2000 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, London, Ontario, Canada