Multiscale Characterization of the Caney Shale — An Emerging Play in Oklahoma

From a hydrocarbon perspective, the Caney Shale has historically been evaluated as sealing unit, which resulted in limited studies characterizing rock properties of and its suitability for hydraulic fracturing. The objective our research is to help bridge current knowledge gap through integration multiscale laboratory techniques characterize macro- microscale Shale. We employed an integrated approach characterization using 200 ft (61 m) core from target well southern Oklahoma. Core observation petrographic analysis thin sections were combined general types associated fabrics textures. Mineralogical composition, pore system architecture, fabric analyzed x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), focused ion beam (FIB)-SEM. In addition, rebound hardness indentation testing carried out determine (brittleness) elasticity, respectively. With characterization, three mixed carbonate-siliciclastic identified — mudstone, calcareous siltstone, silty carbonate likely representing spectrum deposition low relatively high energy environments distal portions ramp system. Silty contains mostly interparticle pores. siltstones mudstones contain combination organic matter pores Each shows unique mineralogical compositions based on XRD. mudstone lithofacies highest clay content least content. Calcareous show moderate indicates with order carbonate, Young’s modulus increasing trend. As result rock-fluid interactions, there are potential scaling reactions during completion production that could ultimately affect permeability rates. Overall, proposed critical geologic most rocks. However, shale reservoirs dominated by microporosity microstructure where engineered fractures expected provide at reservoir scale, successful essential. An optimized, geological aligned engineering designs drilling, completing, producing wellbores will lead optimal while providing safe environmentally responsible operations.