Characteristics of Abnormal Pressure Systems and Their Responses of Fluid in Huatugou Oil Field,Qaidam Basin

Based on the comprehensive study of core samples, well testing data, and reservoir fluid properties, the construction and the distribution of the abnormal pressure systems of the Huatugou oil field in Qaidam Basin are discussed. The correlation between the pressure systems and hydrocarbon accumulation is addressed by analyzing the corresponding fluid characteristics. The results show that the Huatugou oil field as a whole has low formation pressure and low fluid energy; therefore, the hydrocarbons are hard to migrate, which facilitates the forming of primary reservoirs. The study reservoirs, located at the Xiayoushashan Formation （N1/2） and the Shangganchaigou Formation （N1） are relatively shallow and have medium porosity and low permeability. They are abnormal low-pressure reservoirs with an average formation pressure coefficient of 0.61 and 0.72 respectively. According to the pressure coefficient and geothermal anomaly, the N1 and N1/2 Formations belong to two independent temperature-pressure systems, and the former has slightly higher energy. The low-pressure compartments consist of a distal bar as the main body, prodelta mud as the top boundary, and shore and shallow lake mud or algal mound as the bottom boundary. They are vertically overlapped and horizontally paralleled. The formation water is abundant in the Cl^- ion and can be categorized as CaCl2 type with high safinity, which indicates that the abnormal low-pressure compartments are in good sealing condition and beneficial for oil and gas accumulation and preservation.

Action mechanisms of abnormal fluid pressure on physical properties of deep reservoirs: A case study on Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin, NW China

Considering the action mechanisms of overpressure on physical changes in skeleton particles of deep reservoir rocks and the differences in physical changes of skeleton particles under overpressure and hydrostatic pressure, the sandstone of the Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin was taken as an example for physical modeling experiment to analyze the action mechanisms of overpressure on the physical properties of deep reservoirs. (1) In the simulated ultra-deep layer with a burial depth of 6000-8000 m, the mechanical compaction under overpressure reduces the remaining primary pores by about a half that under hydrostatic pressure. Overpressure can effectively suppress the mechanical compaction to allow the preservation of intergranular primary pores. (2) The linear contact length ratio under overpressure is always smaller than the linear contact length ratio under hydrostatic pressure at the same depth. In deep reservoirs, the difference between the mechanical compaction degree under overpressure and hydrostatic pressure shows a decreasing trend, the effect of abnormally high pressure to resist the increase of effective stress is weakened, and the degree of mechanical compaction is gradually close to that under hydrostatic pressure. (3) The microfractures in skeleton particles of deep reservoirs under overpressure are thin and long, while the microfractures in skeleton particles of deep reservoirs under hydrostatic pressure are short and wide. This difference is attributed to the probable presence of tension fractures in the rocks containing abnormally high pressure fluid. (4) The microfractures in skeleton particles under overpressure were mainly formed later than that under hydrostatic pressure, and the development degree and length of microfractures both extend deeper. (5) The development stages of microfractures under overpressure are mainly controlled by the development stages of abnormally high pressure and the magnitude of effective stress acting on the skeleton particles. Moreover, the development stages of microfractures in skeleton particles are more than those under hydrostatic pressure in deep reservoir. The multi-stage abnormally high pressure plays an important role in improving the physical properties of deep reservoirs.

Prediction of abnormal pressure from AVO velocities over“Safety”field,onshore Niger delta,Nigeria

Abnormal pressure prediction was undertaken in“Safety”field,onshore Niger Delta,Nigeria using amplitude variation with offset(AVO)velocities information.Each of the methods used form an integral part of a process that produces AVO Analysis,AVO velocity inversion,extraction of seismic velocity from AVO velocities inversion results and pore pressure prediction.Pore pressure predicted from the seismic velocity has a better resolution than the pressure predicted from the interval transit time.The pore pressure within the field ranges from 14.7psi to 3916psi.Overpressured and underpressured zones were delineated on the field from the pressure predicted from the seismic velocities.Within the field,the overpressured zones were delineated at depth 6855 fte7802 ft.Over pressure top was delineated at a depth of 6855 ft with a pore pressure of 3053psi and a corresponding hydrostatic pressure of 2722psi.The under-pressured zones were also delineated at depth 7883 fte9288 ft.The under pressure top was delineated at a depth of 7883 ft with a pressure of 1093psi and a corresponding hydrostatic pressure of 3122psi.Porosity values within the over pressure zone ranges from 23%to 53%which could be considered as relatively high.This could be as a result of the fact that the pore fluid cannot be expelled rapidly thereby causing the pore fluid to increase rapidly since they are no longer compacted;thus leading to overpressure.As a result of overpressure top which is directly above the reservoir top within the shale zone,drilling this reservoir vertically could not be suggested so as to avoid possible blow out.It was also observed that the primary cause or mechanism of overpressure within this field could be disequilibrium compaction.

Salinity variation of formation water and diagenesis reaction in abnormal pressure environments

An understanding to the chemistry of formation waters in sedimentary basins is important for many geological processes, such as the fluid-rock interaction, the migrating paths of fluid and the entrapment mechanisms of hydrocarbon. This paper deals with the salinity variation of formation water and diagenesis reaction in the abnormally pressured system. The Shiwu depression of the Songliao basin and the Yinggehai basin are selected for case studies. The studies indicate that there is a distinct difference in the chemistry of subsurface water between hydropressured and abnormally pressured systems. The Shiwu depression of the Songliao basin is composed of terrigeneous clastics in fluvial-lacustrine environments, which contain brackish water with salinity ranging from less than 1000 mg/L to 12000 mg/L. Water composition varies with depth and hydrochemical regions. In the underpressured strata deposited during the rifting period, the formation water is characterized by CaCl2 type water with high salinity. NaHCO3-dominanted water with lower salinity occurs at the hydropressured strata deposited during the post-rifting period. In this halite-free basin, brackish water may be attributed to the condensation of meteoric water and water-rock interaction. In the deeply buried underpressured water, a predominated diagenesis reaction resulting in enrichment of Ca and Cl and reduction of Na may be related to the albitization of plagioclase following the basinal fluid line (BFL). The Yinggehai basin constitutes clastic deposits in nearshore, neritic, shelf environments and contains brackish and saline water with salinity ranging from less than 15000 mg/L to 50000 mg/L. Pore water in these marine deposits must have originated from seawater. In the overpressured system, however, the formation water has much lower salinity and ion concentrations (except bicarbonate and carbonate) than normal seawater. The low salinity indicates that interstitial connate seawater is diluted by the water released from the transformation of smectite to illite. High bicarbonate and carbonate concentrations may contribute to mineral dehydration and kerogen-cracking reactions. Furthermore, low salinity water also occurs near and above the top of the geopressured zone in the diapiric structures, which may indicate that pore water with normal seawater salinity has been mixed by fresher saline water from deeper portions of the overpressured stratigraphic section.This study indicates that there are different hydrochemical environments and distinct diagenesis reactions within the abnormally pressured systems. Variation of salinity in different pressured systems may provide information of fluid flow and hydrocarbon accumulation. Recent exploration has confirmed that the area near or above the top of abnormally pressured compartment was a fluid release zone, and also an available hydrocarbon accumulation zone, where plenty of commercial hydrocarbon has been discovered.

Heterogeneity and influencing factors of marine gravity flow tight sandstone under abnormally high pressure:A case study from the Miocene Huangliu Formation reservoirs in LD10 area,Yinggehai Basin,South China Sea

The characteristics of reservoir heterogeneity of the marine gravity flow tight sandstone from the Miocene Huangliu Formation under abnormally high pressure setting at LD10 area in Yinggehai Basin are studied,and the influencing factors on reservoir heterogeneity are discussed,based on modular formation dynamics test,thin sections,XRD analysis of clay minerals,scanning electron microscopy,measurement of pore throat image,porosity and permeability,and high pressure Hg injection,as well as the stimulation of burial thermal history.The aim is to elucidate characteristics of the heterogeneity and the evolution process of heterogeneity of the reservoir,and predict the favorable reservoirs distribution.(1)The heterogeneity of the reservoir is mainly controlled by the cement heterogeneity,pore throat heterogeneity,quality of the reservoir heterogeneity,and the diagenesis under an abnormally high pressure setting.(2)The differences in pore-throat structure caused by diagenetic evolution affected the intergranular material heterogeneity and the pore throat heterogeneity,and finally controlled the heterogeneity of reservoir quality.(3)Compared with the reservoir under normal pressure,abnormally high pressure restrains strength of the compaction and cementation and enhances the dissolution of the reservoir to some extent,and abnormally high pressure thus weakening the heterogeneity of the reservoir to a certain degree.The favorable reservoirs are mainly distributed in the gravity flow sand body under the strong overpressure zone in the middle and lower part of Huangliu Formation.

Influence of tectonic uplift-erosion on formation pressure

The formation of abnormally low-pressure hydrocarbon reservoirs in petroliferous basins has a close relationship with tectonic uplift and the consequent erosion. In order to understand abnormally low-pressure reservoirs and to provide a scientific basis for exploration and development, we established, through numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, a set of equations for the formation pressure in a closed system influenced by uplift-erosion, discussed the relationship between the genesis of abnormal pressure and uplift-erosion, and put forward the concept of balance pressure （P b ）. The results showed that abnormally high pressure coefficient may form when the current formation pressure was higher than P b , and abnormally low pressure may form when the current formation pressure was lower than P b . In the Santanghu Basin, the current formation pressure of abnormally low pressure reservoirs is lower than P b , so tectonic uplift-erosion leads to the decrease of the pressure coefficient. There is a positive correlation between the pressure drop caused by the decrease of fluid temperature and the rebound of rock porosity and strata erosion. Calculation results indicated that the reservoir pressure of Jurassic strata in the Santanghu Basin was decreased by 11.6-17.1 MPa due to tectonic uplift-erosion during the Late Yanshanian period.

Characteristics and Genetic Mechanisms of Overpressure in the Depressions of Bohai Bay Basin, China

The distribution and genetic mechanisms of abnormal pressures in the Bohai Bay Basin were systematically analyzed. Abnormal pressures are widely developed in the Bohai Bay Basin, primarily in the Paleogene E2s4, E2s3, Es1, and Ed formations. From the onshore area of the Bohai Bay Basin to the center of the Bozhong area, the top depth of the overpressured zone in each depression increases gradually, the overpressured strata in each depression gradually move to younger formations, and the pressure structure successively alters from single-bottom- overpressure to double-bottom-overpressure and finally to double-top-overpressure. The distribution of overpressured area is consistent with the sedimentary migration controlled by the tectonic evolution of the Bohai Bay Basin, which is closely related to the hydrocarbon-generation capability of active source rocks. The overpressured strata are consistent with the source-rock intervals in each depression; the top of the overpressured zone is synchronous with the hydrocarbon generation threshold in each depression; the hydrocarbon generation capability is positively correlated with the overpressure magnitude in each formation. Undercompaction was the main mechanism of overpressure for depressions with fluid pressure coefficients less than 1.2, whereas hydrocarbon generation was the main mechanism for depressions with fluid pressure coefficients greater than 1.5.

Characteristics,origin and controlling effects on hydrocarbon accumulation of overpressure in foreland thrust belt of southern margin of Junggar Basin,NW China

Aiming at the differential distribution of overpressure in vertical and lateral directions in the foreland thrust belt in the southern margin of Junggar Basin,the study on overpressure origin identification and overpressure evolution simulation is carried out.Based on the measured formation pressure,drilling fluid density and well logging data,overpressure origin identification and overpressure evolution simulation techniques are used to analyze the vertical and lateral distribution patterns of overpressure,genetic mechanisms of overpressure in different structural belts and causes of the differential distribution of overpressure,and the controlling effects of overpressure development and evolution on the formation and distribution of oil and gas reservoirs.The research shows that overpressure occurs in multiple formations vertically in the southern Junggar foreland thrust belt,the deeper the formation,the bigger the scale of the overpressure is.Laterally,overpressure is least developed in the mountain front belt,most developed in the fold anticline belt,and relatively developed in the slope belt.The differential distribution of overpressure is mainly controlled by the differences in disequilibrium compaction and tectonic compression strengths of different belts.The vertical overpressure transmission caused by faults connecting the deep overpressured system has an important contribution to the further increase of the overpressure strength in this area.The controlling effect of overpressure development and evolution on hydrocarbon accumulation and distribution shows in the following aspects:When the strong overpressure was formed before reservoir becoming tight overpressure maintains the physical properties of deep reservoirs to some extent,expanding the exploration depth of deep reservoirs;reservoirs below the overpressured mudstone cap rocks of the Paleogene Anjihaihe Formation and Lower Cretaceous Tugulu Group are main sites for oil and gas accumulation;under the background of overall overpressure,both overpressure strength too high or too low are not conducive to hydrocarbon enrichment and preservation,and the pressure coefficient between 1.6 and 2.1 is the best.

Enrichment rules and exploration practices of Paleogene shale oil in Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Based on formation testing data of more than 40 wells with industrial oil flow, systematic observation of 1 010.26 m long cores taken from 4 wells and test data of over 10 000 core samples combining with drilling and pilot fracturing data of multiple wells, the geological characteristics of the upper submember of the Sha 4 Member to the lower submember of the Sha 3 Member of Paleogene(Es4s-Es3x) in the Jiyang Depression were investigated to find out factors controlling the enrichment of shale oil and the accumulation model of shale oil, and a comprehensive evaluation method for shale oil sweet spots was established. It is found through the study that the target shale layer is characterized by strong heterogeneity, weak diagenesis, low thermal evolution and high content of clay and carbonate minerals. Shale lithofacies, microcrack, thin interlayer and abnormal pressure are the main factors affecting enrichment and stable production of shale oil, the organic rich laminar shale has the best storage and oil-bearing capacity, microcrack network system improve the storage capacity and permeability of the shale, the thin interlayer is the main flow channel for stable shale oil production, and the abnormal high pressure layer is rich in free state shale oil and high in oil content. The shale oil layers in the target section were divided into three types: matrix, interlayer and fracture ones. According to the occurrence state and exploration practice of shale oil at home and abroad, it is concluded that the interlayer shale oil is the most profitable type at present. The selection parameters for the different types of shale oil were determined, and accordingly the favorable areas were pointed out by comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors. Vertical wells in the interlayer shale oil reservoir, such as Fan 159, Fan 143 and GX 26, were stimulated by volume fracturing and high conductivity channel fracturing jointly. After fracturing, they had a daily oil production of over 6 t, up to 44 t, and stable productivity. Shale oil is expected to become an important replacement energy resource in the Jiyang Depression.

Vertical Migration of Petroleum via Faults in Zhu Ⅲ Subbasin, Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea

The problem that faults act as a conduit for hydrocarbon bearing fluid flow has been under debate for a long time. The southern boundary fault (F S) and No.2 fault belt in the Zhu Ⅲ subbasin in the Pearl River Mouth basin (PRMB) of South China Sea (SCS) are considered as the conduit of hydrocarbons for the oil and gas fields in the hydrocarbon generating half grabens. Based upon the basin modeling and seismic velocity inversion simulation, there are abnormal pressure compartments in the central part of half grabens. Wenchang, Enping and Zhuhai FormationⅡare seated within the abnormal pressure zone, while the Zhuhai Formation Ⅰ is within the pressure transition zone. The abnormal pressure was mainly caused by undercompaction due to the high rate of sedimentation for layers with an abnormal pressure. The increase of temperature of inclusions as the increase of depth supports vertical migration via faults in the study area.

Gas expansion caused by formation uplifting and its effects on tight gas accumulation:A case study of Sulige gas field in Ordos Basin,NW China

Gas expansion caused by significant exhumation in the Sulige gas field in the Ordos Basin since Late Cretaceous and its effects on hydrocarbon accumulation have been investigated systematically based on comprehensive analysis of geochemical,fluid inclusion and production data.The results indicate that gas volume expansion since the Late Cretaceous was the driving force for adjustment and secondary charging of tight sandstone gas reservoirs in the Sulige gas field of the Ordos Basin.The gas retained in the source rocks expanded in volume,resulting in gas re-expulsion,migration and secondary charging into reservoirs,while the gas volume expansion in the tight reservoirs caused the increase of gas saturation,gas-bearing area and gas column height,which worked together to increase the gas content of the reservoir and bring about large-scale gas accumulation events.The Sulige gas field had experienced a two-stage accumulation process,burial before the end of Early Cretaceous and uplifting since the Late Cretaceous.In the burial stage,natural gas was driven by hydrocarbon generation overpressure to migrate and accumulate,while in the uplifting stage,the gas volume expansion drove internal adjustment inside gas reservoirs and secondary charging to form new reservoirs.On the whole,the gas reservoir adjustment and secondary charging during uplifting stage is more significant in the eastern gas field than that in the west,which is favorable for forming gas-rich area.

Multi-objective optimization of oil well drilling using elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm

A multi-objective optimization of oil well drilling has been carried out using a binary coded elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm.A Louisiana offshore field with abnormal formation pressure is considered for optimization.Several multi-objective optimization problems involving twoand three-objective functions were formulated and solved to fix optimal drilling variables.The important objectives are：（i） maximizing drilling depth,（ii） minimizing drilling time and （iii） minimizing drilling cost with fractional drill bit tooth wear as a constraint.Important time dependent decision variables are：（i） equivalent circulation mud density,（ii） drill bit rotation,（iii） weight on bit and （iv） Reynolds number function of circulating mud through drill bit nozzles.A set of non-dominated optimal Pareto frontier is obtained for the two-objective optimization problem whereas a non-dominated optimal Pareto surface is obtained for the three-objective optimization problem.Depending on the trade-offs involved,decision makers may select any point from the optimal Pareto frontier or optimal Pareto surface and hence corresponding values of the decision variables that may be selected for optimal drilling operation.For minimizing drilling time and drilling cost,the optimum values of the decision variables are needed to be kept at the higher values whereas the optimum values of decision variables are at the lower values for the maximization of drilling depth.

Relationship between heterogeneity of source rocks and genetic mechanism of abnormally high pressure

Based on the micro-fluorescence observation of polished sections of source rocks,two types of micro-layers with different wetting properties formed in thermal evolution,i.e.,oil-wetting and water-wetting micro-layers,are distinguished.The wetting property is found closely related to the abundance of organic matter and its occurrences with inorganic minerals.The alternating distribution and intercrossing of two types of micro-layers formed many separated spaces with different wettabilities.The strong capillary forces in these separated spaces with different wettibilities obstruct the cross flows of pore fluids and result in nearly independent and closed fluid systems.As a consequence,these spatially superposed spaces in source rocks bear the overburden pressure and then abnormally high pressures have developed in the whole source rock unit.Therefore,the abundance and occurrences of organic matter are the main inner factors influencing the formation of abnormally high pressures,whereas the formation,distribution and development of micro-layers with different wettabilities during the evolution of source rock determine the intensity and spatial distribution of abnormally high pressures.

Origin of abnormal high pressure and its relationship with hydrocarbon accumulation in the Dina 2 Gas Field, Kuqa Depression

Based on distribution of formation pressure by indirect estimation and formation testing,this study investigates origin of abnormal high pressure in the Dina 2 Gas Field in the Kuqa Depression in combination with the latest research findings.Contribution of major overpressure mechanisms to this gas field is estimated,and generation of the abnormal high pressure as well as its relationship with natural gas accumulation is explored.Disequilibrium compaction,tectonic stress,and overpressure transfer are the major overpressure mechanisms.Overpressure transfer resulted from vertical opening of faults and folding is the most important cause for the overpressure.Gas accumulation and abnormal high pressure generation in the reservoirs of the Dina 2 Gas Field show synchroneity.During the early oil-gas charge in the Kangcun stage,the reservoirs were generally normal pressure systems.In the Kuqa deposition stage,rapid deposition caused disequilibrium compaction and led to generation of excess pressure(approximately 5-10 MPa)in the reservoirs.During the Kuqa Formation denudation stage to the Quaternary,reservoir overpressure was greatly increased to approximately 40-50 MPa as a result of vertical pressure transfer by episodic fault activation,lateral overpressure transfer by folding and horizontal tectonic stress due to intense tectonic compression.The last stage was the major period of ultra-high pressure generation and gas accumulation in the Dina 2 Gas Field.

Formation Mechanism and Exhumation Processes for HP-UHP Metamorphic Rocks in Dabie Mountains

The high, ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks, widely distributed in Dabie Mountains, were described in terms of the geological setting, the marks of the petrology and the mineralogy of the ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks. According to the estimated uplifting and denudation of the Dabie Mountains, and to the thermodynamics theory, were assessed the depth and pressure (high pressure autoclave) of the formation setting of the UHP metamorphic rocks. Based on all the information mentioned above, a new explanation is derived from the mechanism of formation and the processes of exhumation of the UHP metamorphic rocks.