Well types classify the primary purpose of a wellbore, from production wells to specialized injection and observation operations.
A well producing predominantly liquid petroleum. Oil wells may also produce associated gas and water. Classification depends on the gas-oil ratio; wells producing mostly gas with some liquids may be classified as gas wells.
Example: The Cardium oil well produces 100 barrels per day with minimal gas.
A well producing predominantly natural gas. Gas wells may produce some liquids (condensate) and water. In Canada, wells with gas-oil ratios exceeding specified thresholds are classified as gas wells.
Example: This Montney gas well produces 5 million cubic feet per day.
A well used to inject fluids underground rather than produce them. Injection wells support enhanced oil recovery (water, gas, or CO2 injection), dispose of produced water, or store gases like natural gas or CO2.
Example: The waterflood uses 15 injection wells to maintain reservoir pressure.
A well specifically designed to inject waste fluids into deep formations. Disposal wells handle produced water, drilling fluids, and other wastes that cannot be economically treated or recycled. They are regulated to protect groundwater.
Example: Produced water from the field is trucked to a licensed disposal well.
A well drilled or converted to monitor reservoir conditions. Observation wells measure pressure, fluid contacts, and other parameters without producing hydrocarbons. They provide data for reservoir management.
Example: The observation well confirmed the waterflood is moving through the reservoir.
A well providing support functions rather than production or injection. Service wells may supply water for drilling operations, vent gas, or provide wellbore access for remediation. Their function varies by project needs.
Example: The service well provides fresh water for the drilling program.
A well drilled primarily to gather geological information rather than produce hydrocarbons. Strat tests evaluate formation properties, collect cores, and map subsurface geology. They are often converted or abandoned after testing.
Example: The strat test confirmed 20 meters of net pay in the Duvernay.
A well producing gas that was dissolved in oil at reservoir conditions. As pressure drops during production, the gas comes out of solution and is produced alongside the oil. Solution gas is common in oil reservoirs.
Example: The solution gas from this oil pool supplies the local gas plant.
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