Genetic Relationship between Natural Gas Dispersal Zone and Uranium Accumulation in the Northern Ordos Basin, China

The Ordos Basin is well-known for the coexistence of oil, natural gas, coal and uranium. However, there has been little research to discuss the genetic relationship between them. In this paper, a case study of the Zaohuohao area in Dongsheng, Inner Mongolia, China, is conducted to investigate the genetic relationship between the natural gas and the uranium accumulation. Fluid inclusion data from the uranium-bearing sandstone samples indicate that the fluid inclusions formed in a gas-water transition zone. Using the homogeneous temperatures of aqueous inclusions coeval with hydrocarbon-bearing inclusions, combined with the buried history and paleo-temperature data, the gas-water transition zone reached the area at about 110 Ma. On the basis of this, the contents of Uranium （U） and Total Organic Carbon （TOC） of the samples were analyzed, and there was no obvious relation between them. With regard to the available data from both publications and this study, it is found that the U mineralization has a spatiotemporal accordance with the gas-water dispersal zone. Thus, it is believed that the natural gas in the gas-water zone is an effective reducer to the U-bearing ground water abundant in oxygen, which is the main factor to U accumulation. This result can be used as the reference to the U mines predicting and prospecting.

Identification of gas zones and chimneys using seismic attributes analysis at the Scarab field,offshore,Nile Delta,Egypt

Seismic attributes supported by composite logs are the best way that can enable the interpreter to understand seismic data very well and generate a new view of the output results.Detection of the reservoir zone can be enhanced by analyzing wells log data based on Gamma-ray,Resistivity,and Vp sonic logs respectively.Composite logs of Scarab-1,Scarab-De,Scarab-Da,Scarab-Dd,and Scarab-2 wells indicate the lateral and vertical variation of the gas reservoir in ElWastani Formation.However,there are several seismic attributes that can be used to support reservoirs identification.For enhancement the detection of the hydrocarbon reservoirs,it is important to carefully analyze the 2D seismic data,which in this study will be primarily prepared to enhance seismic attributes results for the identification of gas chimneys,gas zones as channels,enhance stratigraphic and structural interpretations.In this article,we have performed data conditioning,quality control and seismic well ties including the preliminary wavelet extractions to get accurate output.Then,we have extracted of several classes of physical,geometrical and complex attributes as a direct hydrocarbon indicator to identify the gas zones,channels and chimneys and to identify the faults and discontinuities.The main contribution of this work is to provide a more detailed seismic reflection image supported by several seismic attributes classes and well logs to show a visual and quantitative evidence to identify the gas channels and gas chimneys with improving the detection of the faults and discontinuities.

Geothermal investigation of the thickness of gas hydrate stability zone in the north continental margin of the South China Sea

The exploration of unconventional and/or new energy resources has become the focus of energy research worldwide,given the shortage of fossil fuels.As a potential energy resource,gas hydrate exists only in the environment of high pressure and low temperature,mainly distributing in the sediments of the seafloor in the continental margins and the permafrost zones in land.The accurate determination of the thickness of gas hydrate stability zone is essential yet challenging in the assessment of the exploitation potential.The majority of previous studies obtain this thickness by detecting the bottom simulating reflectors（BSRs） layer on the seismic profiles.The phase equilibrium between gas hydrate stable state with its temperature and pressure provides an opportunity to derive the thickness with the geothermal method.Based on the latest geothermal dataset,we calculated the thickness of the gas hydrate stability zone（GHSZ） in the north continental margin of the South China Sea.Our results indicate that the thicknesses of gas hydrate stability zone vary greatly in different areas of the northern margin of the South China Sea.The thickness mainly concentrates on 200–300 m and distributes in the southwestern and eastern areas with belt-like shape.We further confirmed a certain relationship between the GHSZ thickness and factors such as heat flow and water depth.The thickness of gas hydrate stability zone is found to be large where the heat flow is relatively low.The GHSZ thickness increases with the increase of the water depth,but it tends to stay steady when the water depth deeper than 3 000 m.The findings would improve the assessment of gas hydrate resource potential in the South China Sea.

Spatial distribution and inventory of natural gas hydrate in the Qiongdongnan Basin,northern South China Sea

Natural gas hydrate is a potential clean energy source and is related to submarine geohazard,climate change,and global carbon cycle.Multidisciplinary investigations have revealed the occurrence of hydrate in the Qiongdongnan Basin,northern South China Sea.However,the spatial distribution,controlling factors,and favorable areas are not well defined.Here we use the available high-resolution seismic lines,well logging,and heat flow data to explore the issues by calculating the thickness of gas hydrate stability zone(GHSZ)and estimating the inventory.Results show that the GHSZ thickness ranges between mostly~200 and 400 m at water depths>500 m.The gas hydrate inventory is~6.5×109-t carbon over an area of~6×104 km2.Three areas including the lower uplift to the south of the Lingshui sub-basin,the Songnan and Baodao sub-basins,and the Changchang sub-basin have a thick GHSZ of~250-310 m,250-330 m,and 350-400 m,respectively,where water depths are~1000-1600 m,1000-2000 m,and2400-3000 m,respectively.In these deep waters,bottom water temperatures vary slightly from~4 to 2℃.However,heat flow increases significantly with water depth and reaches the highest value of~80-100 mW/m2 in the deepest water area of Changchang sub-basin.High heat flow tends to reduce GHSZ thickness,but the thickest GHSZ still occurs in the Changchang sub-basin,highlighting the role of water depth in controlling GHSZ.The lower uplift to the south of the Lingshui sub-basin has high deposition rate(~270-830 m/Ma in 1.8-0 Ma);the thick Cenozoic sediment,rich biogenic and thermogenic gas supplies,and excellent transport systems(faults,diapirs,and gas chimneys)enables it a promising area of hydrate accumulation,from which hydrate-related bottom simulating reflectors,gas chimneys,and active cold seeps were widely revealed.

SIMULATION OF GAS AND LIQUID TWO-PHASE FLOW THROUGH THE BLAST FURNACE DROPPING ZONE

A three-dimensional mathematical model,based on differential balances of mass and momentum,hasbeen developed to describe the two-phase flow of gas and liquid through the dropping zone of the blast fur-nace.Agreement between observed and calculated values verifies the validity of this model.On the basis of this model,various parameters for the surrounding of the dry zone of Blast FurnaceNo.I-BF of the Beijing Iron and Steel Company have been computed,from which a diagram for demar-cation of fluidization of coke and flooding of slag has been proposed.

Permeability and pressure distribution characteristics of the roadway surrounding rock in the damaged zone of an excavation

Research on the permeability and pressure distribution characteristics of the roadway surrounding rock in the excavation damaged zone(EDZ) is beneficial for the development of gas control technology. In this study, analytical solutions of stress and strain of the roadway surrounding rock were obtained, in which the creep deformation and strain softening were considered. Using the MTS815 rock mechanics testing system and a gas permeability testing system, permeability tests were conducted in the complete stress-strain process, and the evolution characteristics of permeability and strain were studied over the whole loading process. Based on the analytical solutions of stress and strain and the governing equation of gas seepage flow, this paper proposes a hydro-mechanical(HM) model, which considers three different zones around the roadway. Then the gas flow process in the roadway surrounding rock in three different zones was simulated according to the engineering geological conditions, thus obtaining the permeability and pressure distribution characteristics of the roadway surrounding rock in three different zones. These results show that the surrounding rock around the roadway can be divided into four regions-the full flow zone(FFZ), flow-shielding zone(FSZ), transitive flow zone(TFZ), and in-situ rock flow zone(IRFZ). These results could provide theoretical guidance for the improvement of gas extraction and gas control technology.

The primary controlling parameters of porosity, permeability,and seepage capability of tight gas reservoirs:a case study on Upper Paleozoic Formation in the eastern Ordos Basin,Northern China

Tight sandstone gas(hereafter"tight gas")has become a subject of unconventional gas exploration globally.The large-scale development and use of tight gas resources in the USA,in particular,facilitated the rapid rebound of natural gas production in the USA,in addition to driving the rapid development of tight gas worldwide.In the eastern Ordos Basin,the Upper Paleozoic feature includes multiple layers of gas,a shallow depth,and notable potential for exploration and development.However,the reservoirs in the area are relatively tight,exhibit strong heterogeneity,and possess a complex micropore structure,thus restricting the eff ective economic development of oil and gas.Thus,research on the primary parameters controlling pore throat structure and the seepage capability of low-permeability reservoirs will be beneficial for the effcient exploration and development of natural gas in the eastern Ordos Basin.The parameters of reservoir porosity and percolation ability,as well as permeability,were analyzed using systematic sampling of the of the Upper Paleozoic Benxi,Taiyuan,and Shanxi Formations in the eastern Ordos Basin,constant-rate mercury injection experiments,nuclear magnetic resonance analysis,and gas–water-phase experimental studies.The results indicate that reservoir porosity is controlled by the effective pore volume and number,whereas permeability is controlled by the largest throat radius,rather than the average.The effective pore volume controls the movable fluid saturation,while reservoir percolation capability is controlled by the effective pore volume,irreducible water saturation,and size of the gas–water two-phase seepage zone.

Acidolysis hydrocarbon characteristics and significance of sediment samples from the ODP drilling legs of gas hydrate

To study on the significance and basis of acidolysis index to China marine gas hydrate exploring, since 2006, 111 samples derived from Leg 164 and 204 of the Ocean Drilling Program （ODP） were analyzed in the experiment center of China Petroleum Exploration Research Institute to obtain data on acidolysis hydrocarbon index and methane carbon isotopes by the gas chromatography （GC） of PE AutoSystem XL and isotope mass spectrometer （IRMS） of Finnigan MAT25 I. Through these, we study the reliability of the acidolysis method and characterize the gas hydrate potential. The results show that the acidolysis hydrocarbon index has a stable correspondence with the Gas Hydrate Stability Zone （GHSZ） in the ODE and that there are clear abnormal signs in shallow samples that might reliably reflect the existence of authigenic carbonate caused by hydrocarbon migration from bottom hydrate. We therefore propose that the ability to characterize the acidolysis hydrocarbon is crucial to submarine gas hydrate exploration in China.

Comment on "Estimation of potential distribution of gas hydrate in the northern South China Sea" by Chunjuan Wang et al.

Herein we would like to comment on the paper ＂Estimation of potential distribution of gas hydrate in the northern South China Sea＂ by Wang et al. 2010 in Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Lirnnology, 28（3）： 693-699. The purpose of this comment is to point out that the given probabilities of gas hydrate occtwrence in the northern Zhujiang Mouth Basin and the Yinggehai Basin in the figure of Wang et al. （2010） are improper. After introducing our work of estimation of gas hydrate stability distribution in the northern South China Sea, we suggest that Wang et al. （2010） dismissed the basic P-T rule for the existence of gas hydrate. They should consider more the variables of water depth, seabed temperature and geothermal gradient in their gas hydrate distribution model in future studies.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation on the longwall gob breathing

In longwall mines, atmospheric pressure fluctuations can disturb the pressure balance between the gob and the ventilated working area, resulting in a phenomenon known as ‘‘gob breathing". Gob breathing triggers gas flows across the gob and the working areas and may result in a condition where an oxygen deficient mixture or a methane accumulation in the gob flows into the face area. Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFDs) modeling was carried out to analyze this phenomenon and its impact on the development of an explosive mixture in a bleeder-ventilated panel scheme. Simulation results indicate that the outgassing and ingassing across the gob and the formation of Explosive Gas Zones(EGZs) are directly affected by atmospheric pressure changes. In the location where methane zones interface with mine air, EGZ fringes may form along the face and in the bleeder entries. These findings help assess the methane ignition and explosion risks associated with fluctuating atmospheric pressures.

Optimization of gob ventilation boreholes design in longwall mining

Gob ventilation boreholes(GVBs)are widely used for degasification in U.S.longwall coal mines.Depending on geological conditions,30–50%of methane can be recovered from longwall gob using GVBs.A NIOSH funded research at the Colorado School of Mines confirmed that GVBs can efficiently reduce methane at the face.However,GVBs can also draw some fresh air from the face and create explosive gas zones(EGZs).Explosive gas mixtures may be formed in gob areas due to the increased ingress of oxygen from GVBs.It is critical to identify the locations for GVBs for maximizing extraction of methane and minimizing hazards of explosion.This study analyzes the effect of operating parameters and design of GVB on methane extraction,EGZs formation,and face and tailgate methane concentrations.Methane extraction,formation of EGZs,and concentration of methane in working areas are significantly impacted by various factors.These factors include the distance of work face and tailgate from GVBs,diameter of GVBs,vacuum pressure of wellhead,GVB distance from the roof of the coal seam,and number of operating GVBs in a panel.Computational fluid dynamics(CFD)evaluations suggest optimal design and operating parameters of GVBs that can contribute to maximum benefits with minimum risks.

The Fast Road of Shale Gas Development in China——Reflections on Building a Special Test Areas for National Shale Gas Development

China's shale gas development has had a good start. It is necessary that the developers take advantage of the opportunity to make further efforts to promote shale gas development in China, in particular by rolling out a comprehensive plan on a national level. The author makes a proposal to establish a special shale gas test area in and adjacent to the Sichuan Basin as the most important way to promote the rapid development of shale gas in China. For this purpose, the author analyzes the current situation and problems of shale gas development in China, addresses the necessity and feasibility of establishing a special test area for shale gas development, and draws up the scope of this shale gas special test area of about 450 thousand square kilometers, covering Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and part of Yunnan, Hunan, Hubei provinces, and proposes the establishment of a shale gas test area in China. This consists of an overall plan, targets, and contents in 10 aspects, along with organization and implementation modes. The shale gas exploration and development in the shale gas zones is promoted vigorously by introducing special policies and innovating exploration, development and utilization model. While at the same time, the shale gas zones of continental facies in the Ordos Basin and marineterrigenous facies in South Hubei Basin will be established.The experiences of the reform in the shale gas zones will be the good practice for the reform of petroleum organization system.

Application of AVO attributes for gas channels identification, West offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

The offshore part of the Nile Delta is considered one of the most prolific provinces for gas production andfor future petroleum exploration. Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) analysis supported by composite logs considered as one of the best-advanced techniques enables the interpreter to understand theseismic data. It is used to generate a new view of the output results, especially for the identification of gaszones as gas channels by using pre-stack AVO attributes that based on the intercept product gradient(A*B) and the Scaled Poisson’s Ratio Change. Free gas, regardless of the percentage show obvious AVOanomaly. Well log data, including gamma-ray, resistivity, and Vp sonic logs are used in the seismic data towell tie and in the generation of the synthetic seismogram. Seismic data conditioning processes withcheck-shot correction is performed to improve the resolution of the reflection events and signal to noiseratio. AVO attributes technique, as a direct hydrocarbon indicator, including AVO gradient analysis andAVO crossplot separate the gas levels in the sand-shale sequences. The identified gas-bearing zonesconsistent with well log data responses. As the main conclusion, we show the visual evidence for the gasbearing zones by interpreting different AVO responses due to the changes in fluid and rock types.

Hydrocarbon accumulation conditions and key exploration and development technologies for PL 19-3 oilfield

The PL 19e3 Oilfield is the only super-large monolithic oilfield with oil and gas reserves up to 1×10^(9) t in the Bohai Bay Basin,and it has been successfully developed.Exploration and development practices have provided abundant data for analyzing formation conditions of this super-large oilfield.On the basis of the exploration and development history,fundamental reservoir features,and with available geological,geophysical and test data,the hydrocarbon accumulation conditions and key exploration&development technologies of the PL 19e3 Oilfield were discussed.The key conditions for forming the super-large Neogene oilfield include four aspects.Firstly,the oilfield is located at the high position of the uplift that contacts the brachy-axis of the multi-ridge slope in the biggest hydrocarbon-rich sag in the Bohai Bay Basin,thus it has sufficient hydrocarbon source and extremely superior hydrocarbon migration condition.Secondly,the large-scale torsional anticlines which formed in the Neogene under the control of the Tanlu strike-slipping movement provide sufficient storage spaces for oil and gas preservation.Thirdly,the“multiple sets of composite reservoir-caprock assemblages”developing in the special shallow-water delta further contributes greatly to the effective storage space for oil and gas preservation.Fourthly,due to the coupling of the uplift and strike slip in the neotectonic period,extensive faulting activities constantly released the pressure while the late period massive hydrocarbon expulsion of the Bozhong took place at the same time,which assures the constant and intense charging of oil and gas.The super-large PL 19e3 Oilfield was controlled by the coupling effects of all those special geologic factors.In view of this oilfield's features(e.g.violently reformation caused by strike slip,and the special sedimentary environment of shallow-water delta),some key practical technologies for exploration and development have been developed.Such technologies include:the special prestack depth migration processing for gas cloud zones,the prediction of thin interbed reservoirs based on high-precision inversion of geologic model,the reservoir description for the shallow-water braided river delta,the quantitative description for remaining oil in the commingled oil reservoirs with wide well spacing and long well interval,and the well pattern adjustment for formations during high water cut period in the complex fluvial-facies oilfields.