The Bakken: Utilizing a Petroleum System Based Analysis to Optimally Exploit One of the World's Largest Oil Deposits

Abstract

This paper is a comprehensive literature survey and analysis of the Bakken Oil play, Williston Basin, which is one of the largest known oil accumulations in the world. This analysis includes; examining reservoir characterization and resource assessments, and evaluating project economics as well as current operators activities. These characteristics and assessments are then used to better understand and put context around the current drilling and completion best practices as well as water handling and operational constraints. The paper thoroughly analyzes the prolific Bakken petroleum system and describes the successful application of technologies and efficient operating practices that have enabled current Bakken production to increase to the cusp of the 500,000 BOPD mark.