Geochemical phenomena between Utica-Point Pleasant shale and hydraulic fracturing fluid

Abstract

This study evaluated geochemistry between the Utica-Point Pleasant shale and reservoir/hydraulic fracturing fluid mixtures under simulated reservoir conditions in a batch reactor system. Analytical techniques were utilized to monitor fluid composition with time along with pre- and post-trial shale microscopy and phase identification analyses. Formation of iron-based precipitate was evident through results from fluid and material analyses. Ferrous iron was the predominant iron form found in the aqueous phase, with oxidation to ferric iron and subsequent precipitate formation. Geochemical modeling further supported ferric iron was the favorable phase for precipitation.