Three-component seismic data in thin interbedded reservoir exploration

We present the first successful application of three-component seismic data to thin interbedded reservoir characterization in the Daqing placanticline of the LMD oilfield. The oilfield has reached the final high water cut stage and the principal problem is how to recognize the boundaries of sand layers that are thicker than 2 m. Conventional interpretation of single PP-wave seismic data results in multiple solutions, whereas the introduction of PS-wave enhances the reliability of interpretation. We analyze the gas reservoir characteristics by joint PP- and PS-waves, and use the amplitude and frequency decomposition attributes to delineate the gas reservoir boundaries because of the minimal effect of fl uids on S-wave. We perform joint inversion of PP- and PS-waves to obtain V P/V S, λρ, and μρ and map the lithology changes by using density, λρ, and μρ. The 3D–3C attribute λρ slices describe the sand layers distribution, while considering the well log data, and point to favorable region for tapping the remaining oil.

Understanding hydraulic fracture propagation behavior in tight sandstone–coal interbedded formations: an experimentalinvestigation

Whether hydraulic fractures could connect multiple gas zones in the vertical plane is the key to fracturing treatment to jointly exploit coalbed methane and tight sandstone gas through integrative hydraulic fracturing in tight sandstone–coal interbedded formations. Laboratory true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments were conducted on layered specimens with di erent combination types of natural sandstone and coal to simulate the propagation behavior of hydraulic fractures. The effects of the fracture initiation position, fracturing fluid viscosity and injection rate were discussed. The results showed that di erent fracture morphologies could be found. When initiating from coal seams, three patterns of fracture initiation and propagation were obtained:(1) The main hydraulic fracture initiated and propagated along the natural fractures and then diverged due to the effects of in situ stress and formed secondary fractures.(2) The hydraulic fracture initiated and propagated in the direction of the maximum horizontal stress.(3) Multiple fractures initiated and propagated at the same time. With the same fracturing fluid viscosity and injection rate, the hydraulic fractures initiating in sandstones had greater chances than those in coal seams to penetrate interfaces and enter neighboring layers. Excessively small or large fracturing fluid viscosity and injection rate would do harm to the vertical extension height of the induced fracture and improvement of the stimulated reservoir volume. Compared with operation parameters(fracturing fluid viscosity and injection rate), the natural weak planes in coals were considered to be the key factor that a ected the fracture propagation path. The experimental results would make some contributions to the development of tight sandstone–coal interbedded reservoirs.

Insights into the Tectonic Fractures in the Yanchang Formation Interbedded Sandstone-Mudstone of the Ordos Basin Based on Core Data and Geomechanical Models

The distribution and intensity of tectonic fractures within geologic units are important to hydrocarbon exploration and development. Taken the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation interbedded sandstone-mudstone in the Ordos Basin as an example, this study used the finite element method（FEM） based on geomechanical models to study the development of tectonic fractures. The results show that the sandstones tend to generate tectonic fractures more easily than mudstones with the same layer thickness, and the highest degree of tectonic fractures will be developed when the sandstone-mudstone thickness ratio is about 5.0. A possible explanation is proposed for the tectonic fracture development based on two important factors of rock brittleness and mechanical layer thickness. Generally, larger rock brittleness and thinner layer thickness will generate more tectonic fractures. In interbedded sandstone-mudstone formations, the rock brittleness increases with the increasing mechanical layer thickness, hence, these two factors will achieve a balance for the development of tectonic fractures when the sandstone-mudstone thickness ratio reaches a specific value, and the development degree of tectonic fractures is the highest at this value.

Effects of Near-Surface Absorption on Reflection Characteristics of Continental Interbedded Strata:the Dagang Oilfield as an Example

Due to the effects of seismic wave field interference, the reflection events generated from interbedded and superposed sand and shale strata no longer have an explicit corresponding relationship with the geological interface. The absorption of the near-surface layer decreases the resolution of the seismic wavelet, intensifies the interference of seismic reflections from different sand bodies, and makes seismic data interpretation of thin interbedded strata more complex and difficult. In order to concretely investigate and analyze the effects of the near-surface absorption on seismic reflection characteristics of interbedded strata, and to make clear the ability of current technologies to compensate the near-surface absorption, a geological model of continental interbedded strata with near-surface absorption was designed, and the prestack seismic wave field was numerically simulated with wave equations. Then, the simulated wave field was processed by the prestack time migration, the effects of near-surface absorption on prestack and poststack reflection characteristics were analyzed, and the near-surface absorption was compensated for by inverse Q-filtering. The model test shows that： （1） the reliability of prediction and delineation of a continental reservoir with AVO inversion is degraded due to the lateral variation of the near-surface structure; （2） the corresponding relationships between seismic reflection events and geological interfaces are further weakened as a result of near-surface absorption; and （3） the current technology of absorption compensation probably results in false geological structure and anomaly. Based on the model experiment, the real seismic data of the Dagang Oil Field were analyzed and processed. The seismic reflection characteristics of continental interbedded strata were improved, and the reliability of geological interpretation from seismic data was enhanced.

Prediction of Interbeds Intercalated into Complex Heterogeneous Reservoirs at a High Water Cut Stage

The occurrence of interbeds in thick oil formations is one of the main reasons that cause the difference of remaining oil distribution. A quantitative method for predicting interbeds was proposed and the sedimentary origin and division criterion were demonstrated. The distribution of interbeds in different types of sedimentary sand bodies were predicted and analyzed by combining the theory of sedimentology and reservoir bed architectural-element analysis. The interbeds in a single well were recognized from high resolution well logs, and inter-well interbeds were predicted by using the methods of cyclothem correlation, physical properties trtmcation, and conditional simulation. Finally a 3-D model of interbed was built. Application to the Gudao Oilfield was successful.

Modification of rock mass rating system:Interbedding of strong and weak rock layers

Rock mass classification systems are the very important part for underground projects and rock mass rating(RMR) is one of the most commonly applied classification systems in numerous civil and mining projects. The type of rock mass consisting of an interbedding of strong and weak layers poses difficulties and uncertainties for determining the RMR. For this, the present paper uses the concept of rock bolt supporting factor(RSF) for modification of RMR system to be used in such rock mass types. The proposed method also demonstrates the importance of rock bolting practice in such rock masses. The geological parameters of the Shemshak Formation of the Alborz Tunnel in Iran are used as case examples for development of the theoretical approach.

The effect of interbeds on distribution of i ncremental oil displaced by a polymer flood

This paper discusses the effect of influencing factors on the distribution of incremental oil displaced by a polymer flood （extra-displaced oil） using numerical reservoir simulation. These factors include the location, area and permeability of a thin low-permeability interbed, and the perforation location relative to the interbed. Simulation results show the locations from where the incremental oil was displaced by the polymer solution. The interbed position from the oil formation top affects the location of extra-displaced oil. The interbed area has a slight influence on the whole shape of extra-displaced oil. Larger interbed area leads to higher partition extent of extra-displaced oil. Higher vertical permeability of interbeds contributes to worse partition extent of extra-displaced oil and the partition effect disappears if the ratio of vertical to horizontal permeability is more than 0.05. The perforation location relative to the interbed affects polymer displacement efficiency, and also has a significant effect on the distribution of extra-displaced oil in polymer flooding.

Integrated simulation and monitoring to analyze failure mechanism of the anti-dip layered slope with soft and hard rock interbedding

The significant difference between the mechanical properties of soft rock and hard rock results in the complexity of the failure mode of the anti-dip layered slope with soft and hard rock interbedding.In order to reveal the landslide mechanism,taking the north slope of Fushun West Open-pit Mine as an example,this paper analyzed the failure mechanism of different landslides with monitoring and field surveys,and simulated the evolution of landslides.The study indicated that when the green mudstone(hard rock)of the anti-dip slope contains siltized intercalations(soft rock),the existence of weak layers not only aggravates the toppling deformation of anti-dip layered slope with high dip,but also causes the shear failure of anti-dip layered slope with stable low dip.The shear failure including subsidence induced sliding and wedge failure mainly exists in the unloading zone of the slope.Its failure depth and failure time were far less than that of toppling failure.In terms of the development characteristics of deformation,toppling deformation has the long-term and progressive characteristics,but shear failure deformation has the abrupt and transient characteristics.This study has deepened the understanding of such slope landslide mechanism,and can provide reference for similar engineering.

Anisotropic creep behavior of soft-hard interbedded rock masses based on 3D printing and digital imaging correlation technology

Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology is increasingly used in experimental research of geotechnical engineering.Compared to other materials,3D layer-by-layer printing specimens are extremely similar to the inherent properties of natural layered rock masses.In this paper,soft-hard interbedded rock masses with different dip angles were prepared based on 3D printing(3DP)sand core technology.Uniaxial compression creep tests were conducted to investigate its anisotropic creep behavior based on digital imaging correlation(DIC)technology.The results show that the anisotropic creep behavior of the 3DP soft-hard interbedded rock mass is mainly affected by the dip angles of the weak interlayer when the stress is at low levels.As the stress level increases,the effect of creep stress on its creep anisotropy increases significantly,and the dip angle is no longer the main factor.The minimum value of the long-term strength and creep failure strength always appears in the weak interlayer within 30°–60°,which explains why the failure of the layered rock mass is controlled by the weak interlayer and generally emerges at 45°.The tests results are verified by comparing with theoretical and other published studies.The feasibility of the 3DP soft-hard interbedded rock mass provides broad prospects and application values for 3DP technology in future experimental research.

Theoretical study on stability evolution of soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slopes

Soft and hard interbedded bedding rock slopes,which is prone to failure,are widely distributed in the Three Gorges Reservoir,China.Limit equilibrium method(LEM)is commonly used to analyze the stability of bedding rock slopes that have a single failure plane.However,this method cannot accurately estimate the stability of soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slopes because the strength parameters of a soft and hard interbedded rock mass vary spatially along the bedding plane and deteriorate with time due to periodic fluctuations of reservoir level.A modified LEM is proposed to evaluate the stability evolution of soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slopes considering the spatial variation and temporal deterioration of shear strength parameters of rock masses and bedding planes.In the modified LEM,the S-curve model is used to define the spatial variation of shear strength parameters,and general deterioration equations of shear strength parameters with the increasing number of wettingdrying cycles(WDC)are proposed to describe the temporal deterioration.Also,this method is applied to evaluate the stability evolution of a soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slope,located at the Three Gorges Reservoir.The results show that neglecting the spatial variation and temporal deterioration of shear strength parameters may overestimate slope stability.Finally,the modified LEM provides useful guidance to reasonably evaluate the long-term stability of soft and hard interbedded bedding reservoir slopes in reservoir area.

Acoustic-electrical properties and rock physics models for shale-oil formations:prediction of reservoir properties of interbedded sandstone and shale layers

In recent years,the Yanchang shale-oil formations of the Ordos Basin are rich in reserves with complex lithology and structure characteristics,low porosity and low permeability,and weak anomalies for oil and water discriminations,have been the key targets of unconventional oil/gas resource exploration and development in the relevant areas.The joint acoustic-electrical(AE)properties can be used to interpret reservoir lithology,mineralogy,pore structure,and fluid saturation.To conduct tests of thin section analysis,X-ray diff raction,and ultrasonic and electrical experiments at diff erent pressures and saturation degrees,cores from the shale-oil formations in the Q area of the basin are collected.The variations in AE properties with respect to clay content,porosity,pressure(microfracture),and saturation are analyzed.The experimental results indicate that the rock physics behaviors of sandstones with diff erent clay contents vary significantly.The AE properties of clean sandstones are basically dependent on the microfractures(pressure),while for muddy sandstones,the clay content is an important factor affecting the responses.The target reservoir consists of interbedded sandstone and shale layers.The AE equivalent medium equations and the Gurevich theory are applied to establish the joint models for the diff erent lithologies and simulate the variations in AE properties with respect to fluid type,pore structure,and mineral components.The three-dimensional joint templates of clean and muddy sandstones,as well as shale,are developed based on the elastic and electrical attributes and then calibrated using the experimental and well-log data.The reservoir properties are estimated with the templates and validated by the log data.The results indicate that the joint templates based on lithology characteristics can eff ectively characterize the properties of interbedded sandstone and shale layers.Furthermore,the combined application of AE data provides more beneficial information for the assessment of rock properties,leading to precise estimates that conform with the actual formation conditions.

Hydraulic fracture geometry and proppant distribution in thin interbedded shale oil reservoirs

Small-scale true triaxial sand fracturing experiments are conducted on thin interbedded shale samples made from cores of Permian Lucaogou Formation shale oil reservoir in Jimsar sag, Junggar Basin, NW China. Combined with high-precision CT scanning digital core model reconstruction technology, hydraulic fracture geometry and proppant distribution in thin interbedded shale oil reservoirs are studied. The research shows that: In thin interbedded shale oil reservoir, the interlayer difference of rock mechanics and the interlayer interface near the wellbore cannot restrain the growth of fracture height effectively, but has a significant impact on the fracture width distribution in the fracture height direction. Hydraulic fractures in these reservoirs tend to penetrate into the adjacent layer in “step-like” form, but have a smaller width at the interface deflection, which hinders the transport of proppant in vertical direction, resulting in a poor effect of layer-crossing growth. In shale layers with dense laminae, hydraulic fractures tend to form “丰” or “井” shapes. If the perforated interval is large in rock strength and high in breakdown pressure, the main fracture is fully developed initially, large in width, and supported by enough sand. In contrast, if the perforated interval is low in strength and rich in laminae, the fracturing fluid filtration loss is large, the breakdown pressure is low, the main fracture will not open wide initially, and likely to have sand plugging. Proppant is mainly concentrated in the main hydraulic fractures with large width near the perforated layer, activated laminae, branch fractures and fractures in adjacent layers contain only a small amount of(or zero) proppant. The proppant is placed in a limited range on the whole. The limit width of fracture that proppant can enter is about 2.7 times the proppant particle size.

Mechanism and Distribution of Calcareous Interbeds in Songtao Uplift and Its Periphery of Qiongdongnan Basin

Based on core and casting slice observation, well drilling and logging data, the source of carbonate materials, lithology together with electric properties, types, genesis mechanism and distribution of calcareous interbeds in Songtao uplift and its periphery of Qiongdongnan Basin have been thoroughly analyzed. Results show that typical features have been appeared from well logging curves, containing low gamma-ray, low acoustic travel time, low neutron value, high density, as well as bright white calcium nodules or bands in electrical imaging well-logging curves. Drilling results reveal that calcareous interbeds developed mostly in high position of paleostructures and their distribution was controlled by the combined effects of macroscopic and microscopic factors. Macroscopically, calcareous interbeds relate to paleogeomorphology together with the combination of sandstone and mudstone. They are also controlled microscopically by the source of carbonate cements and pore space. Under normal circumstances, with regard to the same sand, the closer to the mudstone and the thicker of mudstone, the more conducive to the formation of calcareous interlayer. Low compaction strength, high content of rigid particles, coarse grain size, well-sorted sandstone and large pore space during carbonate cementation are favorable for the development of calcareous interbeds.

Stability of High Slope Interbedded Strata with Low Dip Angle Constituted by Soft and Hard Rock Mass

Slopes consisting of interbedded strata of soft and hard rock mass, such as purplish red mudstone and grey brown arkosic sandstone of Jurassic age, are very common in Sichuan basin of China. The mudstone is soft while the sandstone is hard and contains many opening or closing joints with a high dip angle. Some are nearly parallel and the others are nearly decussated with the trend of the slopes. Many natural slopes are in deformation or sliding because of those reasons. The stability of cutting slopes and supporting method to be taken for their stability in civil engineering are important. In this paper, the stability and deformation of the slopes are studied. The methods of analysis and support design principle are analyzed also. Finally, the method put forward is applied to study Fengdian high cutting slope in Sichuan section of the express way from Chengdu to Shanghai. The results indicate that the method is effective.

Study on the Law of Hydraulic Fracture Propagation in Low Permeability Thin Interbed Reservoir

The third member of Weixinnanliu in the west of the South China Sea develops thin interbeds, and the vertical extension of fracturing fractures is excessive. Once the fractures extend vertically to the upper and lower aquifers, it is easy to cause water flooding of oil wells, and the effect after fracturing is not obvious. The present work aims to explore the longitudinal extension law of fractures in Low Permeability Thin Interbed Reservoir based on the finite element calculation platform. A three-dimensional expansion model of hydraulic fractures in the target reservoir was established, and the displacement, fracturing fluid viscosity, minimum horizontal principal stress difference, vertical stress, interlayer thickness, perforation point separation were studied. The interlayer distance and other factors affect the crack propagation law. The research results show that the thin interbed fractures have three forms: T-shaped fractures, through-layer fractures, and I-shaped fractures;for the target layer, the overlying stress is relatively large, and the minimum principal stress is along the horizontal direction. Vertical cracks;the farther the perforation point is or the greater the stress difference, the smaller the thickness of the interlayer required to control the fracture height;the stress difference is 3 MPa, and the distance between the perforation points exceeds 10 m, the thickness of the interlayer is required to be ≥4 m;In order to ensure that the width of the fracture in the middle spacer does not affect the placement of the proppant, it is recommended that the displacement be controlled within 3 m3/min and the viscosity of the fracturing fluid is 150 mPa·s;in addition, the thickness of the spacer required to control the fracture height is different due to different geological parameters. Different, different wells need targeted analysis.

Weight Analysis of Impact Factors of Interbedded Anti-Inclined Slopes Block-Flexure Toppling Based on Support Vector Regression

Block-flexure toppling failure is frequently encountered in interbedded anti-inclined rock(IAR)slopes,and seriously threatens the construction of hydropower infrastructure.In this study,we first investigated the Lean Reservoir area’s geological setting and the Linda landslide’s characteristics.Then,uniform design and random design were used to design 110 training datasets and 31 testing datasets,respectively.Afterwards,the toppling response was obtained by using the discrete element code.Finally,support vector regression was used to obtain the influence weights of 21 impact factors.The results show that the influence weight of the slope angle and rock formation dip angle on the toppling deformation among tertiary impact factors is 25.96%and 17.28%,respectively,which are much greater than the other 19 impact factors within the research range.For the primary impact factors,the influence weight is sorted from large to small as slope geometry parameters,joints parameters,and rock mechanics parameters.Joints parameters,especially the geometric parameters,cannot be ignored when evaluating the stability of IAR slopes.Through numerical simulation,it was qualitatively determined that failure surfaces of slopes were controlled by cross joints and that the rocks in the slope toe play a role in preventing slope deformation.

Theoretical model for loads prediction on shield tunneling machine with consideration of soil-rock interbedded ground

The loads acting on shield tunneling machines are basic parameters for the equipment design as well as key control parameters throughout the entire operation of the equipment. In the study, a mechanical analysis for the coupled interactive system between the cutterhead and the ground at the excavation face is conducted. The normal and tangential loads acting on the cutterhead are decoupled and solved, with consideration of the influence of three key factors on loads: geological condition, operating status and equipment structure. Then analytical expressions for the thrust and the torque acting on the equipment under uniform geological condition are established. On this basis, the impact of soil-rock interbedded ground on acting loads is further considered. A theoretical model for loads prediction of earth pressure balance (EPB) shield machines working under soil-rock interbedded ground is proposed. This model is subsequently applied to loads prediction for a shield tunneling project under soil-rock interbedded ground. The computational value of the thrust and the torque, the measured loads and the load ranges from Krause empirical formula are compared. Thus, this model for loads prediction acting on shield tunneling machines under soil-rock interbedded ground has been proved to be effective.

Stability of interbed for salt cavern gas storage in solution mining considering cusp displacement catastrophe theory

Cusp displacement catastrophe theory can be introduced to propose a new method about instability failure of the interbed for gas storage cavern in bedded salt in solution mining.We can calculate initial fracture drawing pace of this interbed to obtain 2D and 3D gas storage shapes at this time.Moreover,Stability evaluation of strength reduction finite element method(FEM)based on this catastrophe theory can used to evaluate this interbed stability after initial fracture.A specific example is simulated to obtain the influence of the interbed depth,cavern internal pressure,and cavern building time on stability safety factor(SSF).The results indicate:the value of SSF will be lower with the increase of cavern building time in solution mining and the increase of interbed depth and also this value remains a rise with the increase of cavern internal pressure Especially,we can conclude that the second-fracture of the interbed may take place when this pressure is lower than 6 MPa or after 6 days later of the interbed after initial fracture.According to above analysis,some effective measures,namely elevating the tube up to the top of the interbed,or changing the circulation of in-and-out lines,can be introduced to avoid the negative effects when the secondfracture of the interbed may occur.

Model test of the mechanism underpinning water-and-mud inrush disasters during tunnel excavation in sandstone and slate interbedded Presinian strata

Water-and-mud inrush disasters have become a major challenge in underground engineering for the construction of tunnels in sandstone and slate interbedded Presinian strata.Disaster prediction and prevention rely in part on realistic modeling and observation of the disaster process,as well as the identification and examination of the underlying mechanisms.Based on the geological conditions and the historical records of the Xinping Tunnel on the China–Laos Railway,an engineering geological model of the water-and-mud inrush was established.A physical model test that accurately reproduced water-and-mud inrush during tunnel excavation in sandstone and slate interbedded strata was also carried out.Then,testing was conducted that examined the stress and strain,seepage pressure,and high-leakage flow of the surrounding rock.The results indicated that the water-and-mud inrush proceeded through three stages:seepage stage,high-leakage flow stage,and attenuation stage.In essence,the disaster was a catastrophic process,during which the water-resistant stratum was reduced to a critical safety thickness,a water-inrush channel formed,and the water-resistant stratum gradually failed under the influence of excavation unloading and in situ stress–seepage coupling.Parameters such as the stress and strain,seepage pressure,and flow of the surrounding rock had evident stage-related features during water-and-mud inrush,and their variation indicated the formation,development,and evolution of the disaster.As the tunnel face advanced,the trend of the stress–strain curve of the surrounding rock shifted from sluggish to rapid in its speed of increase.The characteristics of strain energy density revealed the erosion and weakening effect of groundwater on the surrounding rock.The seepage pressure and the thickness of the water-resistant stratum had a positive linear relationship,and the flow and thickness a negative linear relationship.There was a pivotal point at which the seepage pressure changed from high to low and the flow shifted from low to high.The thickness of the water-resistant stratum corresponding to the pivotal point was deemed the critical safety thickness.

Experimental study on the geomechanical properties and failure behaviour of interbedded shale during SAGD operation

Interbedded shale(IBS)impedes the development of a steam chamber and poses a serious threat to the success of any steam-assisted gravity drainage(SAGD)operation in a heavy-oil reservoir.Breaking up IBS has been a continual challenge for the industry.This study summarizes experimental studies on the geomechanical properties and failure behaviour of IBS during thermal stimulation.IBS cores were collected by means of fully sealed coring in northwestern China.Mineral composition analysis,porosity,and permeability measurement,as well as imbibition tests,were initiated to evaluate the potential of imbibition.First,shear failure behaviour was studied through triaxial compression tests.Second,pore structure and failure processes of IBS were investigated through thermal stimulation experiments.Mudstone IBS was considered as the focus.Its porosity was approximately 7%and permeability was approximately 100 nD while in-situ stress was applied.Although IBS contained conside rable smectite components,it didn't disintegrate under high.effective stress.Last,shear failure behaviour of IBS was observed by computer tomography(CT)scanning when IBS was heated up to 180°C under constant radial confining pressure and axial constraint of strain.While imbibition causes disintegration of IBS,it is unlikely when under in-situ stress conditions.Fortunately,shear failure can be achieved under uniaxial boundary conditions with rapid heating.