Reservoir characterization of the Point Pleasant Formation, Appalachian Basin, SE Ohio

Abstract

The late Ordovician Point Pleasant Formation is a prolific, self-sourced petroleum system that is located in the Appalachian Basin. Many operators name this petroleum system the Utica Shale. However, the majority of the production in Southeast (SE) Ohio comes from the Point Pleasant Formation. The Point Pleasant spans across several states. However, the focus of drilling and production is in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and of these three states, the majority of the production emerges from the SE side of Ohio. The Point Pleasant Formation is a low-porosity and permeability reservoir that consists of calcareous organic-rich shales with interbedded limestones that reflect a Type-II kerogen. Previous studies have proven that the Point Pleasant Formation is a viable petroleum system over an immense area. This study describes one core with 10 total facies and seven facies within the Point Pleasant. The Point Pleasant in the study area ranges from 76-82 ft, with an average total organic carbon of 3.5-5 wt.%. Source rock analysis indicates that the core is in the dry gas window (1.35 Ro%). Subsurface mapping of effective porosity, clay volume, total organic carbon and water saturation would suggest that the lower 1/4 of the Point Pleasant Formation is the prime target for hydrocarbon extraction. This study will explore the petroleum system in several counties and develop a detailed geologic framework to understand the Point Pleasant Formation in SE Ohio.