Economic potential of the P.R. Spring oil-impregnated deposit, Uinta Basin, Grand and Uintah Counties, Utah (SS-65)

By: K. M. Clem

The P.R. Spring oil-impregnated sandstone (tar sand) deposit is located in the southeastern portion of the Uinta Basin, approximately 50 miles northwest of Grand Junction, Colorado. These oil impregnated sandstones are in the Eocene Green River Formation and five zones have been identified. These zones consist of one or more lenticular beds lacustrine sandstone, separated by intervals of barren lithologies. The degree of impregnation of individual beds within the five zones is controlled by the lateral extent of the bed, its porosity and permeability, and the distance the oil has migrated within the bed. The degree of saturation varies both laterally and vertically.

The purpose of this report was to 1) determine the total hydrocarbon content of each zone in blocks of 640 acres or less, and 2) relate this data to current economic and mining feasibility.

This study incorporates the results of 38 measured sections and 26 core holes. The oil extracted from the P.R. Spring tar sands is a naturally occurring, brown to black, highly viscous or solid mixture of hydrocarbons. Its composition indicates that the oil was formed in situ or migrated only a short distance. The author has calculated the total barrels of oil in place for the deposit to be approximately 3.3 billion barrels. This is less than other publications calculations of 3.7 and 4.0 and 4.5 billion barrels.

Other Information:
Published: 1984
Pages: 35 p.
Location: Grand and Uintah Counties
Media Type: Paper Publication