Athabasca Oil Sand Evaluation using Core and Log Analysis and Geological Data Processing Methods

$10.00

R. W. Fetzner, W. L. Henson, F. J. Feigl,
Sun Oil Company

Abstract

A 3900 acre oil sand mining operation in northeastern Alberta is being conducted by Great Canadian Oil Sands, Ltd. The sands contain up to 18% by weight of low gravity oil or tar and are lenticular and interbedded with barren shale and silt strata. In order to determine in place oil content and other ore body characteristics an extensive coring and well logging program was conducted during the winters of 1963-64 and 1964-65. Using a comprehensive well log analysis computer program, core analysis data and a geological data processing system, average grade, in place oil reserves and other characteristics of the mining lease were determined. Of all logging devices tested the formation density-laterolog 3 combination provided the best borehole measurements of porosity and water saturation. Numerous com- parisons of core vs. log analysis results indicate that accurate oil content can be ascertained in the oil sands using conventional log analysis methods.