Development Of Ion Milling Methods for SEM imaging of the Utica Shale

With the development of new technologies such as horizontal drilling, shale formations that are amenable to resource extraction with unconventional methods are becoming ideal source rocks. The Utica Formation is currently of great interest and is already producing natural gas in a many areas. While extensive research has been done on the properties of other gas shale formations such as the Eagle Ford, very little is known about the Utica Formation. This study focuses on determining the size and shape of micro scale pores in clays and carbonates, the formation of pyrite, and the occurrence of organic matter in Utica shale samples utilizing 2D images acquired on a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Acquiring a polish with the level of precession necessary to obtain high quality SEM images is challenging for a soft rock such as shale. This effort includes detailed methods on acquiring such a high quality surface. Acquiring SEM images of well-polished samples allows observation and interpretation of micron to nanometer -scale pores and the minerals and organic material associated with the pores. In addition, this project compares Utica micro textures to those found in other resource-producing shale formations to predict whether it would behave similarly in terms of its petrophysical properties.Chesapeake Energy CorporationNo embargoAcademic Major: Earth Science