Abstract

Recent Gulf exploration efforts in the Williston Basin have resulted in the discovery of a major new field with multiple reservoir potential in a relatively untested area of the basin. The 41 producing wells drilled to date have been completed in the Mission Canyon Formation, but potential Devonian Duperow production has also been established in a restricted area in the north section of the field.

The dominant factor in entrapment appears to be a north-plunging structural nose, though stratigraphic contribution to entrapment has not yet been fully evaluated.

The Mission Canyon can be divided into five zones (A-E) based on lithologic and sonic log data. Zone B is the principal producing zone and was deposited in a wide variety of shore and near shore environments. The depositional environments and diagenetic settings associated with Zone B are responsible for the development of an intricate pattern of carbonate deposition and porosity development.

Wells are presently subject to restriction pending completion of a gas treatment plant. The plant will begin operation with a capacity of 5 MMCFGPD and will reach an ultimate capacity of 15 MMCFGPD by late 1978.