Peru and Urbana Fields, Indiana: A Comparison of Trenton Limestone (Ordovician) Reservoir Characteristics, History, and Economics

Abstract

Peru and Urbana Fields are abandoned oil fields in the Trenton Limestone located north of the main Trenton oil and gas field in Indiana. The two fields have similar reservoir characteristics yet contrasting histories. Both are anticlinal traps with tens of feet of closure. The Trenton Limestone is pervasively dolomitized both within and surrounding both fields. The reservoirs consist of multiple zones of porous dolomite a foot or less thick with less than 10% vuggy to intercrystalline porosity and permeability of 10 to 45 md. These thin reservoir zones are separated by layers of nonporous dolomite.

Peru Field in Miami County has had three development phases over its long history. The initial phase was from 1897 to 1908, when an estimated 184 oil wells were drilled, most on town lots within the city of Peru. Estimated oil production was 680,650 bbls. The second stage of development occurred from 1947 to 1960 with 48 oil wells drilled, and estimated production was 231,379 bbls of oil. The third phase began in 1980 lasting until 1992 with 88 oil wells completed, which produced 176,361 bbls of oil. Even though the last phase had the lowest cumulative production, it produced the greatest income because of higher oil prices.

Urbana Field in Wabash County had one phase of development from 1966 to 1992. Fifty-four oil wells were drilled, which produced 379,737 bbls of oil. Per-well oil recovery for Urbana was 9,993 bbls compared to the range of 2,025 to 4,820 bbls for all production phases at Peru.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90218 © 2015 Eastern Section Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana, September 20-22, 2015