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Title: Technically recoverable Devonian shale gas in West Virginia

Abstract

This report evaluates the natural gas potential of the Devonian Age shales of West Virginia. For this, the study: (1) compiles the latest geological and reservoir data to establish the gas in-place; (2) analyzes and models the dominant gas production mechanisms; and (3) examines alternative well stimulation and production strategies for most efficiently recovering the in-place gas. The major findings of the study include the following: (1) The technically recoverable gas from Devonian shale (Huron, Rhinestreet, and Marcellus intervals) in West Virginia is estimated to range from 11 to 44 trillion cubic feet. (2) The Devonian shales in this state entail great geological diversity; the highly fractured, permeable shales in the southwest respond well to traditional development practices while the deep, tight shales in the eastern and northern parts of the state will require new, larger scale well stimulation technology. (3) Beyond the currently developed Huron and Rhinestreet shale intervals, the Marcellus shale offers a third attractive gas zone, particularly in the north central portion of the state. 21 references, 53 figures, 27 tables.

Authors:
;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Lewin and Associates, Inc., Washington, DC (USA)
OSTI Identifier:
6031023
Report Number(s):
DOE/MC/19239-1750
ON: DE85003367
DOE Contract Number:  
AC21-82MC19239
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
03 NATURAL GAS; BLACK SHALES; GEOLOGY; RESOURCE ASSESSMENT; NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS; WEST VIRGINIA; DEVONIAN PERIOD; NUMERICAL DATA; RESOURCE POTENTIAL; BITUMINOUS MATERIALS; CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS; CHATTANOOGA FORMATION; DATA; ENERGY SOURCES; FEDERAL REGION III; FOSSIL FUELS; FUELS; GEOLOGIC AGES; GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS; GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS; INFORMATION; MATERIALS; MINERAL RESOURCES; NORTH AMERICA; OIL SHALES; PALEOZOIC ERA; RESOURCES; USA; 030200* - Natural Gas- Reserves, Geology, & Exploration

Citation Formats

Kuuskraa, V A, and Wicks, D E. Technically recoverable Devonian shale gas in West Virginia. United States: N. p., 1984. Web.
Kuuskraa, V A, & Wicks, D E. Technically recoverable Devonian shale gas in West Virginia. United States.
Kuuskraa, V A, and Wicks, D E. 1984. "Technically recoverable Devonian shale gas in West Virginia". United States.
@article{osti_6031023,
title = {Technically recoverable Devonian shale gas in West Virginia},
author = {Kuuskraa, V A and Wicks, D E},
abstractNote = {This report evaluates the natural gas potential of the Devonian Age shales of West Virginia. For this, the study: (1) compiles the latest geological and reservoir data to establish the gas in-place; (2) analyzes and models the dominant gas production mechanisms; and (3) examines alternative well stimulation and production strategies for most efficiently recovering the in-place gas. The major findings of the study include the following: (1) The technically recoverable gas from Devonian shale (Huron, Rhinestreet, and Marcellus intervals) in West Virginia is estimated to range from 11 to 44 trillion cubic feet. (2) The Devonian shales in this state entail great geological diversity; the highly fractured, permeable shales in the southwest respond well to traditional development practices while the deep, tight shales in the eastern and northern parts of the state will require new, larger scale well stimulation technology. (3) Beyond the currently developed Huron and Rhinestreet shale intervals, the Marcellus shale offers a third attractive gas zone, particularly in the north central portion of the state. 21 references, 53 figures, 27 tables.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6031023}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1984},
month = {Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1984}
}

Technical Report:
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