Drunkards wash project: Coalbed methane production from ferron coals in East-Central Utah

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · AAPG Bulletin

OSTI ID:272608

Burns, T D ^[1]; Lamarre, R A ^[2]

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1. River Gas Corp., Northport, AL (United States)
2. Texaco Exploration and Production Inc., Denver, CO (United States)

The Ferron Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale was deposited in a fluvial-dominated deltaic system, and represents an eastward thinning clastic wedge that was deposited due to regression of the Western Interior Cretaceous Seaway. Several types of deltaic deposits have been identified within the Ferron by Ryer and others, including delta front, delta plain, alluvial plain, distributary channel, and transgressive deposits. The Ferron not only consists of fine-medium grained deltaic sandstones, but also contains coal beds of adequate thickness (7-48 feet) to warrant coalbed methane exploration. Subsequent to the drilling of a corehole for obtaining coal gas contents and confirming coal thickness, the Drunkards Wash Federal Unit, a 28,000 acre area just southwest of Price, was created. Geologically, the Unit is located on the west flank of the San Rafael Swell, with beds generally dipping to the west at 2-3 degrees. Depths to the coal section in the area range from 1330 to 2350 feet. Gas sales began in January, 1993. Currently, 82 wells are in production, averaging 37 MMCFD and 17,000 BWPD. Of these 82 well, 8 have been on-line for only 1 month. Thirty-three of these wells have an average production age of 28 months and average approximately 660 MCFD per well.

• OSTI ID: 272608
• Report Number(s): CONF-9607116--
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin, Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 80; ISSN 0149-1423; ISSN AABUD2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL DEPOSITS
METHANE
PRODUCTION
RESERVES
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
SANDSTONES
UTAH