Montney Formation is the largest Canadian unconventional gas play in NE British Columbia and central-western Alberta. Hydro-fracturing is used to create fractures, and massive amounts of proppants (e.g. silica sand) are placed in fractures to enhance the conductivity in this low-permeability formation. This talk introduces our studies on the conductivity of proppant-propped fracture in Montney formation. First, using a comprehensive dataset, the talk touches on the key factors affecting gas production from Montney Formation. Subsequently, the presentation introduces laboratory testing/numerical modelling on proppant crushing/embedment and their influence on fracture conductivity. Finally, the talk briefly discusses the relevance of the outcomes to future sustainable geo-energy systems. 

The Natural Resources & Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC hosts a weekly lecture series at the Prince George campus. Anyone from the university or wider community with interest in the topic area is welcome to attend. Presentations are also made available to remote participants through Zoom Webinar. Go to http://www.unbc.ca/nres-institute/colloquium-webcasts to view the presentation remotely.

Past NRESi colloquium presentations and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.