Nano-to microscale pore characterization of the utica shale

Alexander Swift, Julia Sheets, David Cole, Lawrence Anovitz, Susan Welch, Xin Gu, David Mildner, Steve Chipera, Edwin Buchwalter, Ann Cook

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Utica Shale has proven to be a major unconventional hydrocarbon play. However, due to its relatively high clay content and complex bedding it is often a challenging environment for maximizing resource extraction. Both total and rate of resource extraction from a hydraulically fractured formation such as the Utica Shale is the macroscale outcome of micro and nanoscale processes, which in turn are associated with measurable pore-scale formation characteristics. One notable characteristic is anisotropy of the rock fabric, which includes differences in grain shape, pore geometry, tortuosity, and permeability, as measured parallel and perpendicular to bedding. Anisotropy that occurs in any laminated, clay-rich mudstone impacts orientation-specific strength, induced fracture propagation, and 4D modeling of flow and consequent resource extraction from material accessible through fractures. The preliminary work described here therefore addresses the following questions: How does Utica Shale anisotropy change as a function of scale, and with facies and texture type - and which mineral assemblages most impact the observations?.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSociety of Petroleum Engineers - SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference
PublisherSociety of Petroleum Engineers
ISBN (Electronic)9781613993606
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventSPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference - Denver, United States
Duration: Aug 25 2014Aug 27 2014

Publication series

NameSociety of Petroleum Engineers - SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference

Conference

ConferenceSPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver
Period08/25/1408/27/14

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