Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Unconventional shale reservoirs in Western Canada, host the majority of Canada's known natural gas resources as well as significant volumes of hydrocarbon liquids. These reservoirs include no to variable, and poorly predictable amounts of hydrogen sulphide and hydrocarbon liquids. In order to predict the distribution, abundance and anticipate production rates of hydrogen sulphide and producible fluids from unconventional reservoirs, a multi-faceted, three year study is proposed that is designed to meet both short and longer term exploration and development needs of industry, environmental management, and resource stewardship. The study will further identify optimum methods for well site and mid-stream treatment of low concentration hydrogen sulphide gas and identify optimum biocides or other treatments to inhibit in situ formation of sour gas. The results of the study will assist the Crown in providing stewardship of the resources and for evaluating and mitigating the environmental impact of sour gas and liquids development. The study will provide factual data to stake holders on risks and hazards. The deliverables of the study will be detailed mapping of produced gases including hydrogen sulphide, and liquids. The predictive maps would be based on fields studies, geochemical modeling and laboratory tests that will include analyses of the selective diffusion, solution, and adsorption of hydrogen sulphide in the presence of other fluids. The data and models will provide both industry and regulators critical information for the design of exploration and development programs including environmental management of hazardous gases.