--> Abstract: Characterization of the Dundee Formation, Winterfield Field, Clare County, Michigan, by S. Chittick, C. Salotti, J. R. Wood, W. Pennington, S. D. McDowell, J. Huntoon, and W. Harrison III; #90954 (1995).

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Abstract: Characterization of the Dundee Formation, Winterfield Field, Clare County, Michigan

Steve Chittick, Charles Salotti, James R. Wood, Wayne Pennington, S. Douglas McDowell, Jacqueline Huntoon, William Harrison III

The Devonian Dundee Formation of the Winterfield field was originally developed in the late 1930's and early 1940's and rapid production helped support the U.S. war effort. Poor completion and production practices may have caused the field to have been inefficiently developed, and wells prematurely watered out due to water coning. There were several competing producing companies on the western side of the field, which may have influenced rapid production.

Production occurs in porous dolomitized "chimneys" where they extend above the oil-water contact within the otherwise "tight" limestone. Cross plots of the PEF (Photoelectric) log and the LLD (deep lateral) log separate the porous, oil-saturated dolomite from water-saturated dolomites and the "tight" limestone. The PEF distinguishes the lithologies (dolomite and limestone) and the LLD separates the fluids (water and oil); other useful logs are the CNL and GR to indicate porous and shale zones respectively. The dolomite "chimneys" are small in scale, less than 60^prime high and can be laterally discontinuous between wells on 40 acre spacings. The dolomite zones tend to have good porosity and permeability; the API gravity of the oil is 44.2 and the reservoir is produced by a strong, con tant water drive. Initial production tests on some wells indicate the ability to produce up to nearly 2000 barrels per day (BOPD).

Wells drilled in the 1980's to the deeper Richfield intercepted an isolated oil pocket in the Dundee off structure, prompting further drilling activity; subsequent production has significantly added to the cumulative production in the field. We believe that due to the heterogeneity of the reservoir, the strong water drive, the low density of the oil and the relatively high permeabilities, this reservoir and others like it are ideal candidates for horizontal drain technology. The horizontal wells could link "chimneys" that have previously been untapped, significantly adding to the total production of these Dundee fields.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90954©1995 AAPG Eastern Section, Schenectady, New York