Reservoir Characteristics and Favorable Area Prediction of Chang-6 Reservoir in Zhouguan Area, Ordos Basin

Based on the analysis of a large number of core samples, logging results, logging interpretation data and dynamic data in the study area, the characteristics of Chang 6 reservoir in Zhouguan area of Baihe area are studied, and the favorable reservoir areas in the study area are predicted. The results show that the lithology of Chang 6 reservoir is mainly light gray and gray fine-grained to very fine-grained feldspar lithic sandstone. The pore types are mainly residual intergranular pores and feldspar dissolved pores, including debris dissolved pores and microfractures. The porosity and permeability values are low, which belongs to low porosity-low permeability and ultra-low permeability reservoirs. According to the reservoir distribution characteristics and related data, the Chang 6 reservoir in the study area is divided into two types, mainly Class II and Class III reservoirs. The comprehensive evaluation predicts that the spatial distribution of the favorable area of Chang 6 reservoir is not uniform, but the distribution area is large, which has broad exploration and development value, and provides the necessary conditions for the distribution study of the favorable oil-bearing zone in this area and the preparation for the next exploration and development.

Multiple-Element Matching Reservoir Formation and Quantitative Prediction of Favorable Areas in Superimposed Basins

Superimposed basins in West China have experienced multi-stage tectonic events and multicycle hydrocarbon reservoir formation, and complex hydrocarbon reservoirs have been discovered widely in basins of this kind. Most of the complex hydrocarbon reservoirs are characterized by relocation, scale re-construction, component variation and phase state transformation, and their distributions are very difficult to predict. Research shows that regional caprock （C）, high-quality sedimentary facies （Deposits, D）, paleohighs （Mountain, M） and source rock （S） are four geologic elements contributing to complex hydrocarbon reservoir formation and distribution of western superimposed basins. Longitudinal sequential combinations of the four elements control the strata of hydrocarbon reservoir formation, and planar superimpositions and combinations control the range of hydrocarbon reservoir and their simultaneous joint effects in geohistory determine the time of hydrocarbon reservoir formation. Multiple-element matching reservoir formation presents a basic mode of reservoir formation in superimposed basins, and we recommend it is expressed as T-CDMS. Based on the multiple-element matching reservoir formation mode, a comprehensive reservoir formation index （Tcdms） is developed in this paper to characterize reservoir formation conditions, and a method is presented to predict reservoir formation range and probability of occurrence in superimposed basins. Through application of new theory, methods and technology, the favorable reservoir formation range and probability of occurrence in the Ordovician target zone in Tarim Basin in four different reservoir formation periods are predicted. Results show that central Tarim, Yinmaili and Lunnan are the three most favorable regions where Ordovician oil and gas fields may have formed. The coincidence of prediction results with currently discovered hydrocarbon reservoirs reaches 97 %. This reflects the effectiveness and reliability of the new theory, methods and technology.

Tectonic-lithofacies paleogeography,large-scale source-reservoir distribution and exploration zones of Cambrian subsalt formation,Tarim Basin,NW China

To predict the large-scale source rock and reservoir distribution in Cambrian subsalt formations(Upper Sinian to Mid-Cambrian)in the Tarim Basin,more than 502D seismic lines and 3D data volume acquired latest,22 wells and some out-crops around this area were used to study the tectonic-lithofacies paleogeography,define the distribution of large scale source rocks and reservoirs,and sort out favorable zones.(1)The basin experienced evolution from ramp to deep-water mud-rich ramp,low-gradient slope,weak rimmed to strong rimmed platform,and the differentiation in the platform was controlled by pre-Cambrian palaeo-rifts.(2)The Luonan-Yubei ancient rift controlled the distribution of source rocks in the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation,and this rift together with the northern depression are the main source rock area.(3)There are three sets of large-scale reservoirs,the Upper Sinian Qigebulake Formation,the Lower Cambrian Xiaorbulake Formation and the Wu-songger Formation,and shoal-mounds,early dolomitization and multi-levels of unconformities controlled reservoir develop-ment.(4)Four favorable zones,the north slope of Tazhong,upper slope of Maigaiti area,Keping-Wensu periphery,and south slope of Tabei,were evaluated.Of them,the north slope of Tazhong is most likely to have exploration breakthrough;the south slope of Tabei is the best area for exploring the Upper Sinian large scale weathering crust dolomite;Maigaiti slope and Kep-ing-Wensu periphery area improved in exploration potentials significantly,and are worth prospecting faster.

Natural Gas Types,Distribution Controlling Factors,and Future Exploration in the Western Qaidam Basin

The Paleogene and Neogene oil and gas in the western Qaidam basin have a regular distribution in three concentric zones from the edge to the center of the basin. Natural gas mainly occurs in the inner zone, and the gas-oil ratio of the northern area of the basin is significantly higher than that of the southern area. Large amounts of carbon isotope data of natural gas, plotted in X- shaped and comprehensive identification diagrams for the southern area and northern area, respectively, were used to identify the types of natural gas. The large-scale distribution of natural gas is highly consistent with the Ro values of major source rocks, but is poorly correlated with the type of organic matter. This indicates that the main controlling factor of natural gas distribution is organic matter maturity, and the kerogen types act as the basis for the formation of different types of natural gas. Paleouplifts and squeezed anticlines near hydrocarbon generation depression centers, which are major natural gas-rich regions, control the migration directions of natural gas, while hydrocarbon migration pathways and fault systems connecting gas sources are the most important factors for natural gas reservoir formation in the inner basin. Therefore, favorable zones for natural gas distribution can be predicted on the basis of the distribution of thermal evolution and the gas generation intensity of major source rocks as well as the structural map. The Shizigou-Youshashan- Yingdong-Dawusi, Youquanzi -Kaitemilike - Youdunzi, and Xiaoliangshan - Nanyishan - Dafengshan structural belts are favorable zones for natural gas accumulation. This study has important theoretical and practical significance for future natural gas exploration.

A method for evaluating paleo hydrocarbon pools and predicting secondary reservoirs:a case study of the Sangonghe Formation in the Mosuowan area,Junggar Basin

Taking the Jurassic Sangonghe Formation in the Mosuowan-Mobei area of the Junggar Basin as an example, this paper provides a method that evaluates paleo hydrocarbon pools and predicts secondary reservoirs. Through Quantitative Grain Fluorescence （QGF） experiments, well-tie seismic correlation, and paleo structure analysis, the scale and distribution of paleo hydrocarbon pools in the study area are outlined. Combining current structural features and fault characteristics, the re-migration pathways of paleo oil and gas are depicted. Based on barrier conditions on the oil re-migration pathways and current reservoir distribution, we recognize three types of secondary reservoirs. By analyzing structural evolution and sand body-fault distribution, the major control factors of secondary reservoirs are specified and, consequently, favorable zones for secondary reservoirs are predicted. The results are mainly as follows. （1） In the primary accumulation period in the Cretaceous, paleo hydrocarbon pools were formed in the Sangonghe Formation of the Mosuowan uplift and their size and distribution were extensive and the exploration potential for secondary reservoirs should not be ignored. Besides, paleo reservoirs were also formed in the Mobei uplift, but just small scale. （2） In the adjustment period in the Neogene, traps were reshaped or destroyed and so were the paleo reservoirs, resulting in oil release. The released oil migrated linearly northward along the structural highs of the Mobei uplift and the Qianshao low-relief uplift and then formed secondary reservoirs when it met new traps. In this process, a structural ridge cooperated with sand bodies and faults, applying unobstructed pathways for oil and gas re-migration. （3） The secondary hydrocarbon pools are classified into three types： low-relief anticlinal type, lithologic pinch-out type and fault block type. The distribution of the first type is controlled by a residual low uplift in the north flank of the paleo-anticline. The second type is distributed in the lithologic pinch-out zones on the periphery of the inherited paleo uplift. The third type is controlled by fault zones of which the strikes are perpendicular to the hydrocarbon re-migration pathways. （4） Four favorable zones for secondary reservoirs are predicted： the low-relief structural zone of the north flank of the Mosuowan paleo-anticline, the fault barrier zone on the western flank of the Mobei uplift, the Qianshao low-relief uplift and the north area of the Mobei uplift that parallels the fault zone. The study above effectively supports the exploration of the Qianshao low-relief uplift, with commercial oil discovered in the Qianshaol well. Besides, the research process in this paper can also be applied to other basins to explore for secondary reservoirs.

Palaeogeomorphology and its control on the development of sequence stratigraphy and depositional systems of the Early Silurian in the Tarim Basin

The Silurian in the Tarim Basin was deposited on the basement deformed by the Caledonian tectonic movements at the end of the Late Ordovician. The development and distribution of sedimentary sequences of the Early Silurian have been clearly controlled by the palaeogeomorphology of the Late Ordovician. Based on unconformity characteristics and distribution of erosion, several zones can be differentiated including a high uplifted erosion zone, a transitional slope zone and a depression zone. The central and west Tabei Uplift zones show high angular unconformity and intense erosion. The Tarim Basin in the late Ordovician shows characteristics of higher in the west, lower in the east while higher in the south, lower in the north. The Early Silurian mainly developed transgressive and highstand systems tracts on the whole, while the lowstand systems tract only developed partly below the slope break. The palaeogeomorphology controlled the elastic source supply and deposit distribution. Braided delta system and tidal flat-estuary system were deposited. The duration of uplifting of the Tazhong paleo- uplift was longer than that of the Tabei paleo-uplift, and deposition was later. This led to the lower and middle members of the Kepingtage Formation missing in that area. As a large-scale transgression occurred during the deposition period of the upper member of the Kepingtage Formation, sediment from the west of the basin was transported and deposited by tides and waves, forming tidal-marine debris systems above the uplift. Proximal alluvial fan and fan delta coarse elastic deposits developed in proximal uplift zone in the east and southeast of the basin, and braided delta put forward to the transitional zone between the edge of uplift and the sea. Large-scale tidal channel, sub-distributary channel and mouth bar of the delta front can form favorable reservoirs, and they are primary targets for oil and gas exploration. This research on sequence-depositional systems development and distribution controlled by palaeogeomorphology is significant in guiding the prediction of reservoir sandstones.

Control of paleogeographic pattern on sedimentary differentiation of evaporite-carbonate symbiotic system:A case study of the sixth sub-member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation M5 Member in central-eastern Ordos Basin,NW China

The relationship between paleogeographic pattern and sedimentary differentiation of evaporite-carbonate symbiotic system is examined based on logging,core and thin section data,by taking the sixth sub-member of fifth member of Ordovician Majiagou Formation(M56)in the central-eastern Ordos Basin as an example.(1)Seven sub-geomorphic units(Taolimiao west low,Taolimiao underwater high,Taolimiao east low,Hengshan high,East salt low,North slope and Southwest slope)developed in the study area.(2)The“three lows”from west to east developed dolomitic restricted lagoon,evaporite evaporative lagoon and salt evaporative lagoon sedimentary facies respectively,the"two highs"developed high-energy grain beach and microbial mound,and the north and south slopes developed dolomitic flats around land.(3)The paleogeographic pattern caused natural differentiation of replenishment seawater from the northwest Qilian sea,leading to the eccentric sedimentary differentiation of dolomite,evaporite and salt rock symbiotic system from west to east,which is different from the classic“bull's eye”and“tear drop”distribution patterns.(4)As the Middle Qilian block subducted and collided into the North China Plate,the far-end compression stress transferred,giving rise to the alternate highland and lowland in near north to south direction during the sedimentary period of M56 sub-member.(5)Taolimiao underwater high and Hengshan high developed favorable zones of microbial mounds and grain shoals in south to north strike in M56 sub-member,making them favorable exploration areas with great exploration potential in the future.

Natural gas geology and exploration direction of the Cambrian Lower Canglangpu Member in central Sichuan paleo-uplift,Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on drilling data of JT1 and CS1,outcrop profiles and seismic data,the sedimentary pattern,space configuration of source-reservoir-cap combinations and paleouplift evolution characteristics of the Cambrian Lower Canglangpu Member in the central Sichuan paleouplift have been investigated to determine the favorable exploration zones.Controlled by Deyang-Anyue rift,the Lower Canglangpu Member features differential characteristics from east to west in sedimentary framework.In the west side of the Deyang-Anyue rift,this member is composed of clastic sediments,while in the east side of the Deyang-Anyue rift,it is fresh water shelf sediments,with grain beaches occurring along edges of the depressions,shelf and lagoon.Among the beaches,the dolomitic ones are mainly distributed around the depression edge and in the north of the lagoon.The beach sediments could become high quality reservoirs under the effect of karstification.Underlying the Lower Canglangpu Member is the widespread source rock of the Qiongzhusi Formation,so oil and gas generated by the Qiongzhusi Formation source rock can directly charge into the beach reservoirs.The sandy mudstone of the Upper Canglangpu Member can serve as the caprock of the Lower Canglangpu Member reservoir.The dolomitic beaches are located at the higher part of the paleo-uplift during the main accumulation period,with good hydrocarbon accumulation elements.Blocks PT1-CS1,HT1-GT2 and east GT2 are favorable exploration zones.

Sequence sedimentary evolution and reservoir distribution in the third and fourth members of Sinian Dengying Formation,Gaomo area,Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on comprehensive analysis of cores,thin sections,logging and seismic data,the sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary evolution of the third and fourth members of Sinian Dengying Formation(Deng 3 and Deng 4 members for short)in the Gaomo area of Sichuan Basin were investigated,and the favorable zones for reservoir development in the Deng 3 Member and Deng 4 Member were predicted.(1)Two Type I and one Type II sequence boundaries are identified in the Deng 3 and Deng 4 members.Based on the identified sequence boundaries,the Deng 3 and Deng 4 members can be divided into two third order sequences SQ3 and SQ4,which are well-developed,isochronal and traceable in this area;the SQ3 thins from west to the east,and the SQ4 thins from northwest to southeast.(2)The sedimentary environment from the depositional period of SQ3 to SQ4 has experienced the evolution from mixed platform to rimmed platform,and the platform rimmed system on the west side is characterized by the development of platform margin microbial mound and grain shoal assemblages.The intraplatform area is a restricted platform facies composed of a variety of dolomites,and there are local micro-geomorphic highlands of different scales and scattered intraplatform mounds and shoals.(3)The Deng 4 Member reservoirs,with obvious facies-controlled characteristic,are mainly distributed in the upper part of high-frequency upward shallow cycle and the high-stand systems tract of the third-order sequence vertically,and are more developed in the platform margin belt than in the intraplatform belt,and more developed in the Gaoshiti platform margin belt than in the west Suining platform margin belt on the plane.(4)Three types of favorable reservoir zones of Deng 4 Member have been finely delineated with 3D seismic data;among them,the mound and shoal facies zones developed in the ancient highlands of the intraplatform are the first choice for the next exploration and development of the Deng 4 Member.

Distributions and accumulation mechanisms of helium in petroliferous basins

Helium is an irreplaceable strategic mineral resource, and commercial helium-rich gas fields(He>0.1%) worldwide are typically discovered serendipitously during hydrocarbon exploration efforts. According to an analysis of 75 helium-rich gas fields and 1048 natural gas samples worldwide, helium in natural gas generally exhibits “scarce”, “accompanying”, and“complex” properties, and helium-rich gas fields often occur at depths <4500 m. Helium concentrations in He-CH_(4) and He-CO_(2) gas fields are notably lower than those in He-N_(2)gas fields(He>1%). However, geological reserves in the former two types of gas fields are mainly in the range of 10^(7)–10^(11)m^(3), whereas in the latter, they are only in the range of 10^(5)–10^(7)m^(3). There are nevertheless notable disparities in the genesis and migration patterns between helium and gaseous hydrocarbons. Helium necessitates carriers(such as formation water, hydrocarbon fluids, N_(2), mantle-derived fluids, etc.) during both accumulation and long-distance migration processes, where migration conduits are not confined to sedimentary strata, and may extend to the basin's basement, lower crust, and even lithospheric mantle. However, the accumulation conditions of both helium and gaseous hydrocarbons are generally considered equivalent. The presence of gaseous hydrocarbons facilitates both the rapid exsolution of helium within helium-containing fluids and subsequent efficient aggregation in gaseous hydrocarbons, while both reduce helium diffusion and diminish escape flux. In terms of caprock, gypsum, salt, and thick shale as sealing layers contribute to the long-term preservation of helium over geological timescales. Large helium-rich gas fields, predominantly crust-derived gas fields, are primarily concentrated in uplifted zones of ancient cratonic basins and their peripheries. Based on a diagram of the He concentration versus He/N_(2) ratio, crust-derived helium fields can be categorized as basement, combined basement-sedimentary rock, and sedimentary rock helium supply types. Comprehensively given China's helium grade, helium resource endowment,natural gas industrialization process, and current helium purification processes, the foremost deployment zones for the commercial production of helium should be the helium-rich gas fields located in the Ordos, Tarim, Sichuan, and Qaidam Basins in western and central China. In addition, certain(extra) large helium-containing gas fields serve as important replacement zones.