REGIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE UTICA SHALE/POINT PLEASANT FORMATION FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY IN OHIO

With the increased importance of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) to help mitigate anthropogenic climate change, numerous studies have been conducted on both CO₂-sequestration and CO₂ Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in the Appalachian Basin. This study is a regional characterization of the Utica/Point Pleasant interval for the application of EOR techniques. For over ten years, the Utica Shale/Point Pleasant Formation unconventional play has been a prolific natural gas and natural gas liquids producer, primarily in the Ohio portion of the Appalachian Basin. CO₂ EOR techniques may play a role in opening the oil assessment area and extending the life of the Utica Shale/Point Pleasant Formation unconventional play, while also allowing for the net sequestration of CO₂.

As part of this study, new, higher-resolution mapping of geologic units and rock and reservoir properties were conducted in the Utica/Point Pleasant interval. New structure and isopach maps show much more detail than previously published maps. For example, the isopach maps indicate that the Sebree Trough extends through northern Ohio and towards northwestern Pennsylvania. Data analysis of the Utica/Point Pleasant interval conducted during this study also provided valuable insights. Using XRD mineralogy data, Mineral Brittleness Indices (MBI) were computed for each of the geologic units in Utica/Point Pleasant interval. The MBI and source rock analysis data were used to calculate areas for potential EOR operations. Recently published reservoir-pressure maps show most of the oil assessment area is at or slightly above hydrostatic pressure, indicating that reservoir repressurization, potentially with CO₂, will be needed for oil production. These new maps and analyses provide valuable guidance to operators for future EOR operations in the Utica/Point Pleasant unconventional play.