Ohio seeks grant for oil field research

State officials look to determine whether carbon dioxide could help draw more oil

6/13/2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio officials are trying to determine whether pumping carbon dioxide to increase pressure in old oil fields could free up more crude oil.

Ohio tested the process in 2008 at a low-yield well southeast of Canton and saw a 58 percent increase in production there. That led to a proposal for more testing by researchers at Battelle.

The state has applied for an $11 million federal grant to help pay for it.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the process has been used in California and Texas for decades. The chief of the Ohio Geological Survey says it hasn’t been used in Ohio because supplies of pure carbon dioxide aren’t readily available.

Supporters say the project could boost oil production. Environmentalists say they’re worried about the carbon dioxide surfacing with the oil.