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Evaluating the Risk of H2S Occurrence (Souring) in the Bakken Petroleum System Using Analytics and Machine Learning

Date Published: 11/1/2024
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Resource Abstract

The occurrence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the Bakken Petroleum System (Bakken) presents significant challenges for oil producers, with increasing frequency and associated economic, environmental, health, and safety (EHS) impacts. The unclear mechanisms of H2S generation further complicate mitigation efforts. Recent studies by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) suggest that H2S in Bakken wells primarily results from migration through fracture networks created by out-of-zone well stimulation from adjacent sour formations. This study leveraged data from over 5,500 Bakken wells, including H2S concentrations, geological and reservoir characteristics, completion design parameters, and production volumes. Advanced data analytics and machine learning models, including Random Forest algorithms, were applied to identify spatial souring trends, predict souring risks in wells with missing data, and assess the importance of various geologic and engineering factors. Partial dependence plots revealed the interplay between geological features and completion designs in influencing souring risks. Unlike previous localized studies, this research offers a comprehensive regional analysis of souring mechanisms across the Bakken. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing completion designs and understanding geologic settings to minimize out-of-zone stimulation and reduce souring risks, contributing valuable insights to the development of more effective mitigation strategies.

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