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introduction to oil sands geology
Learn more about the key geological formations in the oil sands, and the thermal in-situ extraction methods used to recover bitumen.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
IN-SITU GEOLOGY FOR NON-GEOLOGIST
Learn about the origins of present-day oil sands deposits, how to read a stratigraphic column, basic geological terminology, key formation properties — including pay depth, porosity, permeability, caprock integrity, oil saturation and thief zones — and how those properties affect reservoir performance.
BITUMEN-BEARING FORMATIONS
We cover the three most common bitumen-bearing formations in the oil sands — the McMurray-Wabiskaw formation in the Athabasca region, the Clearwater and Grand Rapids formations in Cold Lake, and the Bluesky-Gething formations in Peace River — and key geological differences between each area.
THERMAL IN-SITU PRODUCTION: CSS AND SAGD
Learn about the two main methods of thermal in-situ recovery in the oil sands — Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) and Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) — key differences between each method, and why steam pressures vary greatly by geological formation.
COMMERCIAL IN-SITU FACILITIES
Get a high-level overview of the 26 commercial thermal in-situ facilities in the oil sands, target payzone geology and the thermal extraction methods used to recover bitumen.
PREVIEW
WHAT’S INCLUDED
7 Video Lessons • 40 min
Slide Deck • 23 pg PDF
Video Transcript • 12 pg PDF
References • 4 pg PDF
$50
COURSE CURRICULUM
CHAPTER 0: INTRODUCTION (2:20)
• UNCONVENTIONAL EXPLAINED
• COURSE INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: ORIGINS OF AN OIL SANDS DEPOSIT (4:01)
• FORMATION OF THE WESTERN CANADIAN SEDIMENTARY BASIN
• FROM LIGHT OIL TO BITUMEN
• PRESENT-DAY CRETACEOUS SANDSTONES
CHAPTER 2: OIL SANDS FORMATIONS (5:00)
• GEOLOGY FOR NON-GEOLOGISTS
• OIL SANDS FORMATIONS
• COLD LAKE VS ATHABASCA VS PEACE RIVER
• PRODUCTION BY BASIN
CHAPTER 3: FORMATION PROPERTIES (6:10)
• DEPTH OF PAYZONE
• PAY THICKNESS
• CAPROCK INTEGRITY
• POROSITY
• PERMEABILITY
• BITUMEN SATURATION & OIL QUALITY
• THIEF ZONES
• RECOVERABLE RESERVES
CHAPTER 4: THERMAL EXTRACTION METHODS (4:20)
• STEAMFLOODING
• CYCLIC STEAM STIMULATION (CSS)
• STEAM-ASSISTED GRAVITY DRAINAGE (SAGD)
• CSS VERSUS SAGD
CHAPTER 5: RESERVOIR PROPERTIES (9:40)
• MCMURRAY VERSUS CLEARWATER FORMATIONS
• STEAM PRESSURE AND RESERVOIR TEMPERATURE
• PRESSURE LIMITATIONS
• PERMEABILITY CONSTRAINTS
• STEAM-TO-OIL RATIO (SOR)
CHAPTER 6: OPERATING FACILITIES (4:15)
• ATHABASCA FACILITIES
• COLD LAKE FACILITIES
• PEACE RIVER FACILITIES
• GROSMONT CARBONATES
FAQs
WHAT IS THE COURSE FORMAT?
Each lesson is presented in video format. A copy of the graphics and charts are included in the slide deck. A transcript of the videos, references, and links to further reading material is also provided as a PDF download.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE?
All 7 videos take about 40 minutes to complete, but you can go at your own pace. Each time you login, you can continue where you left off. You can also go back and review the previous lessons, as needed.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE?
Course is open for 30-days after registration. If you need more time, please contact us.
WHAT KIND OF BACKGROUND OR EXPERIENCE DO I NEED?
This course is suitable for all levels, and is intended to provide an overview of oil sands geology, and key drivers of reservoir performance for in-situ operators. No previous knowledge is required.
CAN I RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE UPON COURSE COMPLETION?
Once all chapters are completed, a downloadable “Certificate of Completion” will appear on the left sidebar.
WHAT IF I STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
No problem — just send us an email!