Gas potential of the New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippian) in the Illinois Basin

110 Pages·1994·8.1 MB·English

1557.7
ILLI
ar\
No.2 GRI-92/0391
c. 3 Illinois Basin Studies 2
Final Report
Gas Potential of the New Albany Shale
(Devonian and Mississippian) in the Illinois Basin
Prepared by:
Illinois Basin Consortium
Illinois State Geological Survey
Indiana Geological Survey
Kentucky Geological Survey
Funded by:
Gas Research Institute
Illinois Basin Consortium
Gas Research Institute
Exploration and Production Technology Research Department
January 1994
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2018 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
https://archive.org/details/gaspotentialofneOOu
GRI-92/0391
Illinois Basin Studies 2
FINAL REPORT
GAS POTENTIAL OF THE NEW ALBANY SHALE
(DEVONIAN AND MISSISSIPPIN) IN THE ILLINOIS BASIN
Edited by Nancy R. Hasenmueller and John B. Comer
Indiana Geological Survey
An Illinois Basin Consortium cooperative research project
The Illinois Basin Consortium consists of the Illinois State Geological Survey,
the Indiana Geological Survey, and the Kentucky Geological Survey
For
GAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (GRI)
Contract No. 5090-213-1975
David G. Hill, Manager
1994
ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY
11 GRI-92/0391 / ILLINOIS BASIN STUDIES 2
PROJECT MANAGERS
Indiana Geological Survey
John B. Comer
Nancy R. Hasenmueller
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Illinois State Geological Survey
Wayne T. Frankie
Kentucky Geological Survey
Terence Hamilton-Smith
INVESTIGATORS
Illinois State Geological Survey
Donald K. Lumm
Indiana Geological Survey
Wesley S. Boberg
Zinta Smidchens
CONTRIBUTORS
Illinois State Geological Survey
Joyce K. Frost
Indiana Geological Survey
Paul N. Irwin
Rea Kersey
Nelson R. Shaffer
Kimberly H. Sowder
Kentucky Geological Survey
Martin C. Noger
Dan Walker
GAS POTENTIAL OF THE NEW ALBANY SHALE iii
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Title Gas Potential of the New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippian) in the Illinois Basin
Contractor An Illinois Basin Consortium (IBC) cooperative research project. The IBC consists of the Illinois State Geological
Survey, Indiana Geological Survey, and Kentucky Geological Survey. GRI Contract No. 5090-213-1975.
Project
Managers Nancy R. Hasenmueller and John B. Comer, Indiana Geological Survey
Principal
Investigators Wayne T. Frankie, Illinois State Geological Survey, and Terence Hamilton-Smith, Kentucky Geological Survey
Report
Period May 14, 1990 to July 15,1992
Objectives To update, compile, review, and interpret all pertinent and available literature, maps, and unpublished data to be
used in assessing gas potential of the New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippian) in the Illinois Basin; to
produce basinwide maps and stratigraphic cross sections relating to the gas potential; to cooperate with interested
gas producers and operators to obtain and analyze new core material and other data, particularly from the deeper
part of the basin, and from areas where noteworthy gas shows or gas production have been reported from the shale;
and to select areas in the basin with the greatest potential for gas production from the shale.
Technical
Perspective Commercial gas has been produced from the New Albany Shale from several fields in southern Indiana and
western Kentucky. The recently increased gas production in Michigan from the Antrim Shale (Devonian), which
is in large part equivalent to the New Albany Shale, has stimulated new interest in the gas potential of the New
Albany in the Illinois Basin. The Internal Revenue Code Section 29 production tax credit has stimulated Devonian
shale gas production in general. A previous study of the gas potential of the New Albany Shale was part of the
Eastern Gas Shales Project, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from 1976 to 1978.
To better characterize and understand the resource potential of the shale, it is necessary to update and evaluate
new information obtained since 1978 and interpret pertinent data from the Eastern Gas Shales Project. Information
gained from the assimilated data can provide specific guidance for selection of cooperative field research sites
in the Illinois Basin; overall, research could result in determining effective ways of producing gas economically
from the New Albany Shale.
Results Comprehensive basinwide core location, stratigraphic, and thermal maturity data for the New Albany Shale were
compiled. The data were used to produce the following maps: (1) major structural features, (2) core locations,
(3) elevation of the top of the New Albany Shale, (4) total thickness of the New Albany Shale, (5) average initial
potential (IP) for gas Fields producing from the formation, and (6) mean random vitrinite reflectance (Ro) for New
Albany Shale samples. A plate showing regional cross sections was also compiled.
Limited data indicate that gas production is mostly from shale intervals known to have high organic carbon
concentrations in the Grassy Creek (Shale), Clegg Creek, and Blocher (Shale) Members of the New Albany Shale
and that the produced gas is indigenous. Organic geochemistry data indicate that the New Albany is a rich
hydrocarbon source rock and is thermally mature enough to generate oil and associated gas. Production is from
fractured zones. The gas is stored as free gas in fractures and also by adsorption on clay and kerogen surfaces.
The average IP from 60 fields is 187 thousand cubic feet of gas per day (MCFGPD).
The vitrinite reflectance (Ro) values for New Albany Shale samples from the commercial gas fields are low (less
than 0.70 percent) and considerably below the conventionally accepted range for the main stage of thermal
generation of natural gas (0.7 to 2.0 percent). Rock-Eval® T^ data suggest that some individual shale samples
with Ro values as low as 0.41 percent are actually mature and that, statistically, generation of associated gas begins
IV GRI-92/0391 / ILLINOIS BASIN STUDIES 2
RESEARCH SUMMARY — Continued
at Ro values of 0.53 percent Carbon isotope and composition data indicate that New Albany Shale gas is
predominandy thermogenic and associated with oil generation. A number of thermal anomalies, probably
reflecting periods of high heat flow, are apparent in the Ro data, and they are located mostly along faulted structures
in the southern part of the basin. More work is necessary to determine whether anomalous heating events
influenced the development of commercial gas reservoirs in these areas.
Technical
Approach Pertinent literature, maps, and unpublished data were compiled, updated, reviewed, and interpreted in the current
assessment of the gas potential of the New Albany Shale in the Illinois Basin. Data from more than 5,000 wells
in the Illinois Basin, an area covering approximately 60,000 square miles, were used in this study. Six intersecting
stratigraphic cross sections were compiled based on geophysical logs. Distinctive lithologic units within the New
Albany were correlated on the cross sections. Elevation, thickness, structural elements, core location, gas field
location, and vitrinite reflectance maps were made. The elevation and thickness maps were constructed from the
New Albany Shale database compiled by the three surveys using the ZYCOR, Inc., contouring program. Some
contouring in complexly faulted areas in the southern part of the basin was done by hand. All maps were compared
to one another to evaluate the geologic controls on the occurrence of gas.
Implications Although the New Albany Shale of the Illinois Basin has been estimated to contain approximately 86 trillion cubic
feet (TCF) of natural gas in place, the full development of this potentially large domestic resource has not yet
occurred. The intent of this study is to reevaluate the potential of the New Albany Shale using an integrated
basinwide approach. This study has provided cross sections, maps, and previously unpublished data concerning
gas production in a form that can be used by industry for future development of the New Albany Shale.
Because commercial production has been from shale beds having high organic carbon concentrations in the Grassy
Creek (Shale), Clegg Creek, and Blocher (Shale) Members, new discoveries will most likely be found in these
same units where T^ is 435°C or greater and Ro is 0.53 percent or greater. Both the work in the Appalachian
and Michigan Basins and the association of some gas fields in the Illinois Basin with structural features suggest
that future discoveries of New Albany Shale gas are most likely to be found along structures, such as faults, folds,
and local or regional carbonate build-ups over which the New Albany is draped.
This study has also shown that additional studies are needed to define the true potential of this large natural gas
resource. Similarities between the New Albany Shale, the Antrim Shale of the Michigan Basin, and the Ohio Shale
of the Appalachian Basin may provide additional incentives to apply technologies that are being successfully
employed elsewhere to the Devonian shales in the Illinois Basin.
GRI DISCLAIMER
LEGAL NOTICE: This report was prepared by the Illinois Basin Consortium (IBC), which consists of the Illinois State
Geological Survey, Indiana Geological Survey, and Kentucky Geological Survey, as an account of work funded in part
by the Gas Research Institute (GRI). Neither GRI, members of GRI, nor any person acting on behalf of either:
a. Makes any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness
of the information contained in this report, or that the use of any apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report may
not infringe privately owned rights; or
b. Assumes any liability with respect to the use of, or for damages resulting from the use of any information, apparatus,
method, or process disclosed in this report.
GAS POTENTIAL OF THE NEW ALBANY SHALE V
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract .1
Introduction, by N. R. Hasenmueller, J. B. Comer, W. T. Frankie, and T. Hamilton-Smith. 1
Purpose of study.1
Background.3
Previous studies.3
Data and methods, by W. T. Frankie, D. K. Lumm, W. S. Boberg, J. B. Comer,
and T. Hamilton-Smith.5
Introduction.5
Structural features map.5
Core location data.5
Elevation and thickness data.5
Cross sections .5
Gas production data.6
Mineralogical and geochemical data.6
Source rock data.6
Illinois Basin geologic setting, by D. K. Lumm, W. T. Frankie, N. R. Hasenmueller,
and T. Hamilton-Smith.9
Geologic overview.9
Major structural features.9
Elevation of the top of the New Albany Shale.12
Stratigraphy, by N. R. Hasenmueller, W. S. Boberg, D. K. Lumm, W. T. Frankie,
T. Hamilton-Smith, andJ. B. Comer. 13
Introduction.13
Thickness and extent of the New Albany Shale.13
Bounding stratigraphic units.15
Correlation of the New Albany Shale with Devonian shales
in the Appalachian and Michigan Basins.15
Members and beds of the New Albany Shale.15
Blocher (Shale) Member.17
Sylamore Sandstone Member.17
Selmier (Shale) Member.17
Sweetland Creek Shale Member.18
Grassy Creek (Shale) Member.18
Morgan Trail Member.18
Camp Run Member.19
Clegg Creek Member.19
Falling Run Bed.19
Underwood Bed.19
Henryville Bed.19
Jacobs Chapel Bed.19
Saverton Shale Member.20
Louisiana Limestone Member.20
Horton Creek Member.20
Hannibal (Shale) Member.21
Nutwood Bed.21
Ellsworth Member.21
VI GRI-92/0391 / ILLINOIS BASIN STUDIES 2
Gas production, by T. Hamilton-Smith, N. R. Hasenmueller, W. S. Boberg,
Z. Smidchens, and W. T. Frankie.23
Introduction. 23
Kentucky.23
Meade County fields.26
Meadow Field.27
Shrewsbury Consolidated Field.27
Other discoveries.28
Indiana.28
Harrison County fields.28
Loogootee North Field.29
Daviess County fields.32
Post-1980 New Albany Shale gas wells.32
Illinois.32
Reservoir character.32
Introduction.32
Gas adsorption.32
Fractures.34
Water production.34
Gas composition.35
Stimulation.35
Devonian shale gas production in the Michigan and Appalachian Basins.37
Antrim Shale.37
Ohio Shale.39
Comparison of the New Albany Shale to the Antrim and Ohio Shales.39
Mineralogy and geochemistry, by J. K. Frost and N. R. Shaffer.41
Introduction.41
Organic carbon content.41
Mineralogy.41
Inorganic geochemistry.44
Source rock potential, by J. B. Comer, T. Hamilton-Smith, and W. T. Frankie.47
Introduction.47
Organic matter type.47
Thermal maturity.47
Quality of data.47
Interpretation.49
Relation to gas production.53
Summary and conclusions.55
Acknowledgments.57
References cited.59
Appendix A Selected bibliography.67
Appendix B Locations of cores of the New Albany Shale in the
Illinois Basin on file at the Illinois State Geological Survey,
Indiana Geological Survey, Kentucky Geological Survey, and
Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research.70
Appendix C Mean random vitrinite reflectance (Ro) data
for the New Albany Shale in the Illinois Basin.79
GAS POTENTIAL OF THE NEW ALBANY SHALE vii
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1 Map showing the location of the Illinois Basin, the outcrop of the New Albany Shale
(Devonian and Mississippi), and county names in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.2
2 Subsurface reference sections for Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.7
3 Map showing major tectonic features in the eastern Midcontinent region of the
United States.10
4 Correlation of the New Albany Shale in the Illinois Basin.14
5 Stratigraphic cross sections showing correlations of the Devonian and Mississippian
strata from the Michigan and Illinois Basins to the Appalachian Basin.16
6 Graphs showing rock pressure-decline and production-decline curves, Meade County
fields, Kentucky, from 1890 to 1921.27
7 Drilling history for the Shrewsbury Consolidated Field area, western Kentucky.27
8 Initial-potential (IP) histogram for New Albany Shale wells in the Shrewsbury
Consolidated Field, western Kentucky.28
9 Well-completion history for the New Albany Shale in Indiana.29
10 Zone of gas entry from fractured New Albany Shale in Equitable Resources
No. K10001 Hopkins, Hopkins County, Kentucky.35
11 Devonian shale resources and activity in the Appalachian, Illinois, and Michigan Basins.40
12 Mineralogical composition of the New Albany Shale in cores from Indiana Geological
Survey SDH No. 273 in Marion County, Indiana, and Energy Resources of Indiana
No. 1 Phegley Farms Inc., Sullivan County, Indiana.43
13 Relationship between total sulfur and organic carbon in samples of the New Albany
Shale from the Illinois Basin.44
14 Modified van Krevelen diagrams showing Rock-Eval® data for core samples of the
New Albany Shale.48
15 Graph of mean random vitrinite reflectance (Ro) versus present depth of burial.49
16 Graph showing Rock-Eval® T^ versus mean random vitrinite reflectance (Ro).50
17 Graph showing Rock-Eval® versus depth.52
18 Plot of 813C versus C,/(C, to C5) for off-gas from the New Albany Shale core samples.52
19 Graphs showing 5I3C versus depth and composition for off-gas from the New Albany Shale.53
TABLES
Table 1 New Albany Shale gas fields in the Illinois Basin, and locations and average initial
potential (IP) of the wells.,.24
2 Gelatinated nitroglycerine shot stimulation data for the New Albany Shale in the
Shrewsbury Consolidated Field, western Kentucky.30
3 Nitrogen-foam fracture stimulation data for the New Albany Shale in the Shrewsbury
Consolidated Field, western Kentucky.31
4 Rock pressure and initial-potential (IP) data for Railroaders’ Gas Company wells in
the New Middletown and Laconia Fields, Harrison County, Indiana.33
5 Composition of gases from the New Albany Shale.36
6 Gelatinated nitroglycerine shot stimulation data for New Albany Shale wells in Indiana.38
7 Nitrogen-foam fracture stimulation data for New Albany Shale wells in Indiana.38
viii GRI-92/0391 / ILLINOIS BASIN STUDIES 2
TABLES — Continued
Table 8 Percentage of organic carbon by weight averaged by lithologic unit in samples from
Devonian and Mississippi cores in Illinois, Indiana, and western Kentucky.42
9 Rock-Eval® values for core samples with corresponding mean random
vitrinite reflectance (Ro) data.51
10 Carbon isotope ratios and composition of off-gas from canned cores of the New
Albany Shale. 54
PLATES (in jacket)
Plate 1 Map showing major structural features of the Illinois Basin
2 Map showing locations of cores of the New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippi) in the Illinois Basin
3 Map showing elevation of the top of the New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippi) in the Dlinois Basin
4 Map showing total thickness of the New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippi) in the Illinois Basin
5 Stratigraphic cross sections showing members of the New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippi) in the
Illinois Basin
6 Map showing average initial potential (IP) for New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippi) gas fields
in the Illinois Basin
7 Map showing mean random vitrinite reflectance (Ro) for New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippi)
in the Illinois Basin