--> Abstract: Horseshoe Canyon Coalbed Methane Case Study, by Dave Cox; #90039 (2005)

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Horseshoe Canyon Coalbed Methane Case Study

Dave Cox
Trident Exploration Corporation, Calgary, AB

Trident Exploration Corporation is a company formed to explore for and develop Western Canadian coalbed methane (CBM). Trident has emerged as one of the main players in both the Mannville and the Horseshoe Canyon CBM trends. This talk covers a case history of an actual successful Horseshoe Canyon development program from initial exploration through the beginning of successful development. Although water disposal has not been a problem in these dry coals, other environmental or stakeholder issues have been identified, such as community involvement and information, well density, noise, and scheduling, and methods for dealing with these factors will be discussed.

The regional coal setting is reviewed. Prospects were ranked through resource mapping (coal thickness) and accessibility and target areas were then selected. An 11-township AMI was established with Husky to explore, pilot test, and proceed to commercial CBM development if results were positive. They were. Exploratory well results will be presented, including gas content information and early production results. The progression to pilot testing is then shown, including a summary of drilling and completion methodologies and production results.

We have now progressed into commercial-scale development, having drilled more than 200 wells through 2004. Planning considerations, implementation and production results during this stage will be discussed. Stakeholder and community involvement are critical for successful commercial development in this area, and initiatives to foster and improve these relations will be presented. Forward planning including reservoir management, well spacing and operational considerations will be reviewed. Actual reservoir data, performance data and interpretations will be contained in the presentation.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005