Technically recoverable Devonian shale gas in West Virginia

Technical Report · Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6031023

Kuuskraa, V A; Wicks, D E

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.

• Research Organization: Lewin and Associates, Inc., Washington, DC (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC21-82MC19239
• OSTI ID: 6031023
• Report Number(s): DOE/MC/19239-1750; ON: DE85003367
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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