More efficient and cost-effective ways of evaluating and high grading unconventional plays

AbstractWith unconventional exploration expanding into basins with little seismic data and few wellbores, some lower cost technologies should be exploited up front to select areas of greater economic potential. Typically, 3D seismic is used for high grading, but it is expensive, ground access can be limited resulting in partial coverage, and, as with many technologies, interpretations can be ambiguous. However, there are less expensive alternatives, such as remote sensing, gravity and magnetics, geochemistry, and petrography, that can be used to initially identify areas with higher potential. After the initial screening evaluation, the high-graded areas can subsequently be appraised using more expensive techniques. Using less expensive screening alternatives up front can improve results and project economics. Two examples, one from the Bakken in the Williston Basin and another from the Eagle Ford at First Shot Field in Texas, are given showing how such less expensive screening data can be used to locate a...