Integrating petrophysical data into efficient iterative cluster analysis for electrofacies identification in clastic reservoirs

Efficient iterative unsupervised machine learning involving probabilistic clustering analysis with the expectation-maximization(EM)clustering algorithm is applied to categorize reservoir facies by exploiting latent and observable well-log variables from a clastic reservoir in the Majnoon oilfield,southern Iraq.The observable well-log variables consist of conventional open-hole,well-log data and the computer-processed interpretation of gamma rays,bulk density,neutron porosity,compressional sonic,deep resistivity,shale volume,total porosity,and water saturation,from three wells located in the Nahr Umr reservoir.The latent variables include shale volume and water saturation.The EM algorithm efficiently characterizes electrofacies through iterative machine learning to identify the local maximum likelihood estimates(MLE)of the observable and latent variables in the studied dataset.The optimized EM model developed successfully predicts the core-derived facies classification in two of the studied wells.The EM model clusters the data into three distinctive reservoir electrofacies(F1,F2,and F3).F1 represents a gas-bearing electrofacies with low shale volume(Vsh)and water saturation(Sw)and high porosity and permeability values identifying it as an attractive reservoir target.The results of the EM model are validated using nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)data from the third studied well for which no cores were recovered.The NMR results confirm the effectiveness and accuracy of the EM model in predicting electrofacies.The utilization of the EM algorithm for electrofacies classification/cluster analysis is innovative.Specifically,the clusters it establishes are less rigidly constrained than those derived from the more commonly used K-means clustering method.The EM methodology developed generates dependable electrofacies estimates in the studied reservoir intervals where core samples are not available.Therefore,once calibrated with core data in some wells,the model is suitable for application to other wells that lack core data.

Variation and mechanisms of clastic reservoir quality in the Paleogene Shahejie Formation of the Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Reservoir quality varies greatly in the Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Sag. It is essential to analyze the variation and mechanisms of reservoir quality for determining the controlling factors based on cores, porosity measurements and fluid inclusion techniques and so on. The sandstones in the fluvial, （fan） delta-front have the best reservoir quality due to the depositional conditions mechanically controlling the petrology configuration and the primary porosity, and chemically influencing the diagenesis and development of secondary pores. The activity of the boundary faults and the sedimentary facies dominate the variation of reservoir quality in different areas and intervals. The reservoir quality varies with the position of sandstone beds in different vertical models of sandstone and mudstone. This mainly arose from the strong cementation or strong dissolution in the sandstone caused by the diagenesis evolution of adjacent mudstone. With higher oil saturation reservoir quality is better because the hydrocarbon charge favors dissolution and restricts cementation. Diagenesis, depositional conditions and tectonic setting are the key controls of reservoir quality in the Shahejie Formation of the Dongying Sag.

Distribution and genesis of secondary pores in Paleogene clastic reservoirs of Beidagang structural belt in the Huanghua depression

The distribution and genesis of secondary pores in Paleogene clastic reservoirs of Beidagang structural belt in the Huanghua depression have been systematically studied. We investigated sedimentary facies and carried out a comprehensive analy-sis of the vast amount of data from casting thin sections, scanning electron microscope and physical data. Then we analyzed the pore types, pore evolution, distribution and genesis of secondary pores in our study area and discussed the factors controlling the distribution of secondary pores. The results show that pores in the study area are largely composed of intergranular dissolution pores and constituent dissolved pores. Three secondary pore zones were developed in the study area at depths of 2800~3400 m, 3600~4200 m and 4500~4800 m. Secondary pores have been formed mainly because carbonate cement, feldspar, clastic debris and other plastic substances were dissolved by organic acid, released during the evolution of organic matter and acid water formed by CO2. The development and distribution of secondary pores are vertically controlled by the maturity time of source rocks and hori-zontally by the distribution of acid water. As well, this distribution was affected by the sedimentary facies belt and the development of fault zones.

Characteristics of Paleozoic clastic reservoirs and the relationship with hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tazhong area of the Tarim Basin, west China

In order to predict favorable exploration areas of the Paleozoic, Carboniferous and Silurian clastic reservoirs in the Tazhong area of the Tarim Basin, west China, we studied the basic characteristics of Paleozoic clastic reservoirs in the Tazhong area based on a lot of data. Several issues about the hydrocarbon accumulation related to the reservoirs were also discussed. The results were concluded that： the high-value areas of the porosity and permeability of clastic reservoirs were located in the southeast of the Tazhong area; the content of cement （carbonate cement in particular） was the main factor controlling the porosity and permeability of clastic reservoirs; the hydrocarbon distributions of Carboniferous and Silurian clastic reservoirs were closely related to the porosity and permeability; the favorable hydrocarbon accumulation areas of the two sets of strata were located in the southeast of this area, especially in the updip pinch-out area.

Forming Condition and Geology Prediction Techniques of Deep Clastic Reservoirs

1 Introduction As new exploration domain for oil and gas,reservoirs with low porosity and low permeability have become a hotspot in recent years(Li Daopin,1997).With the improvement of technology,low porosity and low

Diagenetic evolution and formation mechanisms of middle to deep clastic reservoirs in the Nanpu sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China

The reservoir properties, diagenetic features and evolution of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation(Es) in the Nanpu sag, Bohai Bay Basin were analyzed based on mineralogical and petrological data, and the main controlling factors and formation mechanisms of medium to deep high-quality reservoir were revealed by multiple regression analysis. The results show that the sedimentary microfacies, rigid grains content, and dissolution process are the key factors controlling the formation of high-quality clastic reservoir in middle to deep depth in the Nanpu sag. The formation mechanisms of middle to deep sandstones of the Es in different structural belts differ widely in formation mechanism. The Es1(uppermost member of Es) sandstone reservoirs in the Nanpu No.3 structural belt is low porosity, moderate to high permeability reservoir in the mesodiagenesis A2 stage on the whole, and the formation of high-quality reservoirs is mainly attributed to strong compaction resistance ability primarily, and dissolution process secondarily. The Es3(third member of Es) sandstones in Gaoshangpu structural belt is classified as tight sandstones in the mesodiagenesis A1 stage, in which the development of favorable reservoirs is primarily controlled by dissolution. This study provides references for reservoir evaluation of deep clastic reservoirs and exploration deployment in the Bohai Bay rift basin. As there are high-quality reservoirs, it is believed that the deep clastic reservoirs in the eastern of China, such as Bohai Bay Basin still have significant exploration potential.

Carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of carbonate cements of different phases in terrigenous siliciclastic reservoirs and significance for their origin:A case study from sandstones of the Triassic Yanchang Formation,southwestern Ordos Basin,China

Early carbonate cements in the Yanchang Formation sandstones are composed mainly of calcite with relatively heavier carbon isotope(their δ18O values range from-0.3‰--0.1‰) and lighter oxygen isotope(their δ18O values range from-22.1‰--19.5‰).Generally,they are closely related to the direct precipitation of oversaturated calcium carbonate from alkaline lake water.This kind of cementation plays an important role in enhancing the anti-compaction ability of sandstones,preserving intragranular volume and providing the mass basis for later disso-lution caused by acidic fluid flow to produce secondary porosity.Ferriferous calcites are characterized by relatively light carbon isotope with δ13C values ranging from-8.02‰ to-3.23‰,and lighter oxygen isotope with δ18O values ranging from-22.9‰ to-19.7‰,which is obviously related to the decarboxylation of organic matter during the late period of early diagenesis to the early period of late diagenesis.As the mid-late diagenetic products,ferriferous calcites in the study area are considered as the characteristic authigenic minerals for indicating large-scaled hydrocarbon influx and migration within the clastic reservoir.The late ankerite is relatively heavy in carbon isotope with δ13C values ranging from-1.92‰ to-0.84‰,and shows a wide range of variations in oxygen isotopic composition,with δ18O values ranging from-20.5‰ to-12.6‰.They are believed to have nothing to do with decarboxylation,but the previously formed marine carbonate rock fragments may serve as the chief carbon source for their precipitation,and the alkaline diagenetic environment at the mid-late stage would promote this process.

A Study on Organic Inclusions in Clastic Reservoir Rocks and Their Application to the Assessment of Oil and Gas Accumulations

Terrigenous clastic reservoir rocks are widespread in China, and nearly all the industrial oil and gas accumulations in eastern China occur in the clastic rocks. The study shows that organic inclusions are mostly distributed in the secondary fissures and pores which were formed in the process of oil-rock interaction, rather than in the cements or secondary enlargements.The organic inclusions are dominantly organic gas-rich or are composed of pure hydrocarbons.Homogenization temperatures range mainly from 120℃ to 130℃, which shows a relatively high maturity of organic matter. Vertical and horizontal temperature changes provide the grounds for the investigation of hasin evolution and thermal fluid-kinetics model. Fluorescence spectral characteristics of the organic inclusions indicate that oils and gases in the area studied probably have experienced two-stage or two-time migration. Micro-fluorescence research is one of the effective approaches to oil/source correlation and oil migration-stage determination. The abundance and occurrence of organic inclusions is one of the indicators of oil and gas abundance and accumulation in rock layers. With the help of other information, organic inclusions can provide the basis for the prospective assessment of oil and gas in clastic reservoir rocks.

Classification and Denominationof Flow Units for Clastic Reservoirsof Continental Deposit

On the basis of other researchers' achievements and the authors' understanding of flow units, a proposal on classification and denomination of flow units for clastic reservoirs of continental deposit is put forward according to the practical need of oilfield development and relevant theories. The specific implications of development and geology are given to each type of flow units, which has provided a scientific basis for oil development.

Analysis of petrophysical cutoffs of reservoir intervals with production capacity and with accumulation capacity in clastic reservoirs

Methodologies have been developed for calculating cutoffs of reservoir intervals with production capacity （RIPC） and reservoir intervals with accumulation capacity （RIAC） according to the types of pore throat structures and dynamic force by using data from petrophysical analysis, production tests and mercury injection. The data are from clastic reservoirs in the third member （Es3） and the fourth member （Es4） of the Shahejie Formation in the Shengtuo area on the North Slope of the Dongying Sag, Jiyang Depression, China. The method of calculating cutoffs of RIPC is summarized as follows： 1） determination of permeability cutoffs of RIPC; 2） classification of types of pore-throat structures according to mercury injection data and then relating porosity to permeability and determining the relationship between porosity and permeability according to each type of pore-throat structure; and 3） calculating porosity cutoffs of RIPC using established correlation between porosity and permeability according to the type of pore throat structure. The method of calculating cutoffs of RIAC includes： 1） establishing a functional relationship between oil-water interracial tension and formation temperature; 2） calculating limiting values of maximum connected pore-throat radii according to formation temperature and dynamic forces of each reservoir interval; 3） correlating permeability with maximum connected pore-throat radius and then obtaining permeability cutoffs of RIAC; and 4） calculating porosity cutoffs on the basis of permeability cutoffs according to specific correlations, suitable for the type of porethroat structure. The results of this study show that porosity and permeability cutoffs of clastic reservoirs decrease with depth. For a fixed permeability cutoff, the porosity cutoff of R1PC varies because the type of pore throat is different. At a fixed temperature, porosity and permeability cutoffs of RIAC decrease as dynamic force increases. For a fixed permeability cutoff of effective hydrocarbon accumulation, the porosity cutoff also varies with different types of pore throat.

Influences of burial process on diagenesis and high-quality reservoir development of deep-ultra-deep clastic rocks:A case study of Lower Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in southern margin of Junggar Basin,NW China

Taking the Lower Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin as an example,the influences of the burial process in a foreland basin on the diagenesis and the development of high-quality reservoirs of deep and ultra-deep clastic rocks were investigated using thin section,scanning electron microscope,electron probe,stable isotopic composition and fluid inclusion data.The Qingshuihe Formation went through four burial stages of slow shallow burial,tectonic uplift,progressive deep burial and rapid deep burial successively.The stages of slow shallow burial and tectonic uplift not only can alleviate the mechanical compaction of grains,but also can maintain an open diagenetic system in the reservoirs for a long time,which promotes the dissolution of soluble components by meteoric freshwater and inhibits the precipitation of dissolution products in the reservoirs.The late rapid deep burial process contributed to the development of fluid overpressure,which effectively inhibits the destruction of primary pores by compaction and cementation.The fluid overpressure promotes the development of microfractures in the reservoir,which enhances the dissolution effect of organic acids.Based on the quantitative reconstruction of porosity evolution history,it is found that the long-term slow shallow burial and tectonic uplift processes make the greatest contribution to the development of deep-ultra-deep high-quality clastic rock reservoirs,followed by the late rapid deep burial process,and the progressive deep burial process has little contribution.

Successive formation of secondary pores via feldspar dissolution in deeply buried feldspar-rich clastic reservoirs in typical petroliferous basins and its petroleum geological significance

Clastic rock reservoirs in petroliferous basins are generally rich in feldspars. Feldspar dissolution has developed widely in clastic reservoirs, and the resulting secondary pores are crucial in deeply buried reservoirs. Based on a study of the diagenesis of clastic reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin, Tarim Basin, and Pearl River Mouth Basin and physical and numerical simulation experiments of fluid-rock interactions, this paper proposed a successive formation model of secondary pores via feldspar dissolution in deeply buried clastic reservoirs, considering the global research progresses in feldspar dissolution in clastic rocks. Feldspar dissolution can occur from shallow open systems to deep-ultra deep closed systems in petroliferous basins, resulting in the successive formation of secondary pores at different diagenetic stages. The successive mechanism includes three aspects. The first aspect is the succession of corrosive fluids that dissolve minerals. Meteoric freshwater dominates at the Earth’s surface and the early diagenetic A stage. Subsequently, organic acids and COformed via kerogen maturation dominate at the early diagenetic B stage to the middle diagenetic stage. COand organic acids formed via hydrocarbon oxidation in hydrocarbon reservoirs dominate at the middle diagenetic B stage to the late diagenetic stage. The second aspect is the successive formation processes of secondary pores via feldspar dissolution. Large-scale feldspar secondary pores identified in deep reservoirs include secondary pores formed at shallow-medium depths that are subsequently preserved into deep layers, as well as secondary pores formed at deep depths. Existing secondary pores in deeply buried reservoirs are the superposition of successively feldspar dissolution caused by different acids at different stages. The third aspect is a successive change in the feldspar alteration pathways and porosity enhancement/preservation effect. Open to semi-open diagenetic systems are developed from the Earth’s surface to the early diagenetic stage, and feldspar dissolution forms enhanced secondary pores. Nearly closed to closed diagenetic systems develop in the middle to late diagenetic stages, and feldspar dissolution forms redistributional secondary pores. The associated cementation causes compression resistance of the rock, which is favorable for the preservation of secondary pores in deep layers. These new insights extend the formation window of secondary pores in petroliferous basins from the traditional acid-oil generation window to a high-temperature gas generation window after hydrocarbon charging. The proposed model explains the genesis of deep-ultra deep high-quality reservoirs with low-permeability, medium-porosity and dominating feldspar secondary pores, which is significant for hydrocarbon exploration in deep to ultra-deep layers.

Reservoir Characteristics and Assessment of Clastic Rock Reservoir in the North Biru Basin

At present,the main clastic rock reservoirs discovered in north Biru Basin are Xihu Formation, Lagongtang Formation,Duoni Formation and Jingzhushan Formation.Through the studies on petrology, reservoir properties and diagenesis,it is concluded that diagenesis of these four layers are strong,most have entered the late diagenesis period.The main type of reservoir space is secondary-hole solution and the pore structure is micro-fine pore and micro

An analysis of the types and distribution characteristics of natural gas reservoirs in China

The natural gas reservoir beds of different areas in China can be divided into three kinds, clastic natural gas reservoir bed, carbonate natural gas reservoir bed and special natural gas reservoir bed. They have different combination patterns controlled by deposition, diagenesis and tectonism. Our analysis indicates that the natural gas reservoirs are mainly distributed in the Precambrian, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, and Tertiary-Quaternary. Craton basin, foreland basin and intracontinental rift basin which contain most of natural gas in China have special geological features and favorable accumulation conditions, and will be important exploration areas in the future.

Tertiary hydrothermal activity and its effect on reservoir properties in the Xihu Depression, East China Sea

Three large-scale episodes of volcanic activity occurred during the Tertiary in the Xihu Depression, located in the East China Sea. Intermediate-felsic magmas intruded along faults and the associated hydrothermal fluids resulted in the hydrothermal alteration of the clastic country rock. To better describe reservoir characteristics, reservoir samples were subjected to the following investigations: thin section examination, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer analysis(SEM–EDS), fluid inclusion homogenization temperature tests, vitrinite reflectance measurements, and X-ray di raction. The results of this study provide evidence of the following hydrothermal alteration phenomena: brittle fracturing, clastic particle alteration, precipitation of unique hydrothermal minerals(celestite, zircon, apatite, barite, and cerous phosphate). The presence of abnormally high temperatures is indicated by fluid inclusion analysis, the precipitation of high-temperature authigenic minerals such as quartz, illite alteration, and anomalous vitrinite reflectance. Two aspects related to hydrothermal effects on reservoir properties have been investigated in this study:(1) Deep magmatic hydrothermal fluids carry large amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide gas. These fluids percolate into the country rocks along fault zones, resulting in dissolution within the sandstone reservoirs and the development of significant secondary porosity.(2) Magma intrusions increase the temperature of the surrounding rocks and accelerate the thermal evolution of hydrocarbon source rocks. This results in the release of large amounts of organic acids and carbon dioxide, leading the dissolution of the aluminosilicate minerals and volcanic fragments in the reservoirs, and the generation of significant secondary porosity.

中国深层、超深层气藏开发关键技术与对策建议

中国在深层、超深层油气勘探开发方面已经取得了重要进展,中国石油天然气集团有限公司(以下简称中国石油)已在塔里木盆地和四川盆地建成两大深层、超深层天然气生产基地,但目前仍存在制约此类气藏高效开发的核心问题。为促进深层、超深层气藏实现高效开发,回顾了中国石油在不同类型深层、超深层典型气藏的开发实践历程,系统梳理了气藏开发过程中面临的问题与挑战,总结了气藏开发的关键技术,最后提出了深层、超深层气藏开发对策与建议。研究结果表明:①形成了深层、超深层岩溶型碳酸盐岩气藏小洞微缝储层量化表征技术和裂缝—孔隙型碎屑岩气藏多尺度裂缝动静态描述技术,实现了储层孔隙结构特征参数的量化表征和不同尺度裂缝的精细刻画与空间预测,提高了开发井的成功率,确保了储量高效动用;②形成了开发单元划分与水侵通道刻画技术和裂缝非均匀水侵动态评价技术,实现了不同开发阶段水侵动态评价和水侵状况准确预报,为不同开发单元制订差异化的开发技术政策奠定了基础;③建立了岩溶型碳酸盐岩气藏全生命周期递进式控水开发模式和裂缝—孔隙型碎屑岩气藏控排水协同提高采收率技术,实现了气藏均衡开发,整体提高了气藏采收率。结论认为,深层、超深层气藏地质、工程环境复杂,储层非均质性强,需进一步加强气藏前期评价、布井模式攻关、不同区块水侵规律等方面研究,且需做好气田群协同开发的整体研究。

中国中西部含油气盆地超深层油气成藏条件与勘探潜力分析

随着油气工业发展,向深层超深层领域进军已成为常规油气勘探开发的主要趋势。通过对中国中西部含油气盆地超深层油气勘探与研究进展的深入分析,明确深层超深层油气成藏的有利条件,指出中西部叠合盆地的海相碳酸盐岩、碎屑岩、基岩及火山岩3大领域是未来超深层油气勘探重点领域,超深层元古界是值得勘探重视的潜在领域,并指出超深层油气地质理论与关键技术的攻关方向。研究表明:(1)克拉通盆地海相碳酸盐岩发育以多套海相烃源岩、白云岩和断控型缝洞体等规模储集层、3类有利成藏组合,是寻找碳酸盐岩大油气田的重点领域;(2)前陆盆地下组合发育以煤系为主的湖相优质烃源岩、(扇)三角洲砂体为主的规模储集层、大型构造圈闭,是寻找碎屑岩大油气田的重点领域;(3)以花岗岩和变质岩为主的基岩储集层不受埋深限制,源岩-基岩接触型成藏组合最有利,紧邻生烃凹陷及大型走滑断裂带的基岩潜山是深层-超深层基岩油气藏勘探的重点领域;(4)中新元古界受超大陆裂解及全球冰期影响,发育受陆内裂陷控制的优质烃源岩,资源潜力较大,未来勘探地位值得重视。

陆相湖盆水下喷发火山岩储层特征及发育模式——以松辽盆地长岭断陷查干花次凹为例

在松辽盆地长岭断陷陆相湖盆水下喷发的火石岭组火山碎屑岩中发现了工业油气,有广阔的勘探前景。研究针对火石岭组水下喷发火山碎屑岩储层的储集空间特征、物性特征及孔隙结构差异开展,分析不同类型储层物性差异原因及其形成和演化过程。主要有以下4个方面:①凝灰岩中火山玻璃含量较高,储集空间以脱玻化孔和溶蚀孔为主,并且粒度越粗物性越好,孔隙规模、孔径大小、孔隙丰度等方面逐渐变大;沉凝灰岩黏土矿物含量高,以黏土矿物晶间孔为主,物性差;凝灰质砂岩中长石、岩屑和浊沸石等易溶组分含量高,以溶蚀孔为主。②研究区火山碎屑岩储层原生孔隙不发育,储层较为致密,平均孔隙度为2.43%,渗透率平均值为0.076×10^(-3)μm^(2),粗粒凝灰岩孔隙度最高,其次是凝灰质砂岩和细粒凝灰岩,沉凝灰岩物性最差。③脱玻化作用是凝灰岩储层中高孔隙度和超低渗透率的重要原因,中成岩阶段的2次油气充注导致岩石发生有机酸溶蚀,此外,裂缝可以为有机酸和深部热液提供运移通道,导致后期溶蚀,并连接各种分散的溶蚀孔隙,提高储集空间的有效性。④近源相带气携水下火山碎屑流亚相粗粒凝灰岩储层是油气勘探的有利目标。

Fine description of unconventional clastic oil reservoirs

The latest researches reveal that studies on unconventional clastic oil reservoirs in China generally lag far behind those in other countries in respect of content and methodology.This study presents the definition and classification of unconventional oil reservoirs and analyzes the problems in the fine description of unconventional oil reservoirs.The key content of the fine description of unconventional oil reservoirs is summarized from four aspects:fine fracture characterization based on fine structure interpretation,reservoir architecture characterization based on sedimentary facies,characteristics of nanoscale microscopic pore structure of reservoir,and evaluation of source rock and“sweet spot zone”.Finally,this study suggests that development of fine description of unconventional clastic oil reservoirs in the future should focus on rock brittleness analysis and fracture modeling,geophysical characterization of unconventional clastic oil reservoirs,fluid description of tight reservoirs,and physical/numerical simulation experiments of unconventional oil reservoirs.

济阳坳陷桩海地区碎屑岩优质储层特征及成因机制

济阳坳陷桩海地区油气资源丰富,新近系和潜山地层探明储量较高,而古近系钻探和认识程度较低,古近系储层特征和优质储层的成因机制认识不清。为此,通过岩心、薄片、扫描电镜等分析手段,对桩海地区东下段—沙河街组碎屑岩储层的岩石学特征、成岩作用类型、储集空间特征及优质储层控制因素进行了研究。结果表明:桩海地区东下段—沙河街组碎屑岩储层分布范围小、厚度薄,储层以近源快速沉积的砂岩为主,岩石成熟度较低;压实作用是破坏储层孔隙的主要原因,以碳酸盐岩为主的胶结作用对孔隙造成了进一步的破坏,而有机酸溶蚀是形成次生孔隙、造成储层增孔的重要因素;孔隙类型整体以次生孔隙为主,原生孔隙仅在西北物源区东下段储层保留程度相对较高,储层裂缝发育程度低;优质储层发育主要受控于沉积条件、成岩改造和断裂沟通3个条件。岩石成熟度高、远离钙源、靠近酸源、断裂沟通的砂砾岩储层为有利勘探目标。该研究可为桩海地区古近系勘探开发提供地质依据。