Review of the Rose Run Sandstone Play of Ohio: Geological Framework and Exploration/Production Techniques, Challenges, and Opportunities - Topical Report (April 1993-June 1993)

The Upper Cambrian Rose Run sandstone of Ohio currently forms the most active exploratory hydrocarbon play in the Appalachian Basin. The Rose Run comprises a 125-ft-thick, interstratified siliciclastic/carbonate unit that was deposited in peritidal to shallow-subtidal marine environments. Deep-seated faults and folds influenced both Rose Run deposition and diagenesis. Rose Run reservoirs consist of sandstone bodies, 10 to 30 ft thick. Dolomite forms the predominant sandstone cement. The most important feature controlling the distribution of Rose Run reservoirs is the Knox unconformity. Remnants of Rose Run strata overlain by Beekmantown dolomite form the primary targets for exploration, and 2-D seismic data play a critical role in their identification. Other exploration techniques include mapping thickness variations of the shallower Packer Shell and Wells Creek intervals. Drilling depths for the play range from 3,200 to 7,000 ft, and drilling, completion, and pipeline hookup costs range from $200,000 to $300,000 per well. Average well-deliverability rates are 500 Mcf per day, and average cumulative production per well is estimated at 1 Bcf. Challenges facing Rose Run operators include seismic interpretation and successful completion and cement operations. Research opportunities include evaluating external reservoir geometry and intra-reservoir permeability variation.