Fault Systems and their Control of Deep Gas Accumulations in Xujiaweizi Area

A study of faults and their control of deep gas accumulations has been made on the basis of dividing fault systems in the Xujiaweizi area. The study indicates two sets of fault systems are developed vertically in the Xujiaweizi area, including a lower fault system and an upper fault system. Formed in the period of the Huoshiling Formation to Yingcheng Formation, the lower fault system consists of five fault systems including Xuxi strike-slip extensional fault system, NE-trending extensional fault system, near-EW-trending regulating fault system, Xuzhong strike-slip fault system and Xudong strike-slip fault system. Formed in the period of Qingshankou Formation to Yaojia Formation, the upper fault system was affected mainly by the boundary conditions of the lower fault system, and thus plenty of muiti-directionally distributed dense fault zones were formed in the T2 reflection horizon. The Xuxi fault controlled the formation and distribution of Shahezi coal-measure source rocks, and Xuzhong and Xndong faults controlled the formation and distribution of volcanic reservoirs of Y1 Member and Y3 Member, respectively. In the forming period of the upper fault system, the Xuzhong fault was of successive strong activities and directly connected gas source rock reservoirs and volcanic reservoirs, so it is a strongly-charged direct gas source fault. The volcanic reservoir development zones of good physical properties that may be found near the Xuzhong fault are the favorable target zones for the next exploration of deep gas accumulations in Xujiaweizi area.

Research on thermal insulation materials properties under HTHP conditions for deep oil and gas reservoir rock ITP-Coring

Deep oil and gas reservoirs are under high-temperature conditions,but traditional coring methods do not consider temperature-preserved measures and ignore the influence of temperature on rock porosity and permeability,resulting in distorted resource assessments.The development of in situ temperaturepreserved coring(ITP-Coring)technology for deep reservoir rock is urgent,and thermal insulation materials are key.Therefore,hollow glass microsphere/epoxy resin thermal insulation materials(HGM/EP materials)were proposed as thermal insulation materials.The materials properties under coupled hightemperature and high-pressure(HTHP)conditions were tested.The results indicated that high pressures led to HGM destruction and that the materials water absorption significantly increased;additionally,increasing temperature accelerated the process.High temperatures directly caused the thermal conductivity of the materials to increase;additionally,the thermal conduction and convection of water caused by high pressures led to an exponential increase in the thermal conductivity.High temperatures weakened the matrix,and high pressures destroyed the HGM,which resulted in a decrease in the tensile mechanical properties of the materials.The materials entered the high elastic state at 150℃,and the mechanical properties were weakened more obviously,while the pressure led to a significant effect when the water absorption was above 10%.Meanwhile,the tensile strength/strain were 13.62 MPa/1.3%and 6.09 MPa/0.86%at 100℃ and 100 MPa,respectively,which meet the application requirements of the self-designed coring device.Finally,K46-f40 and K46-f50 HGM/EP materials were proven to be suitable for ITP-Coring under coupled conditions below 100℃ and 100 MPa.To further improve the materials properties,the interface layer and EP matrix should be optimized.The results can provide references for the optimization and engineering application of materials and thus technical support for deep oil and gas resource development.

Evaluation and Application of Flowback Effect in Deep Shale Gas Wells

The pivotal areas for the extensive and effective exploitation of shale gas in the Southern Sichuan Basin have recently transitioned from mid-deep layers to deep layers.Given challenges such as intricate data analysis,absence of effective assessment methodologies,real-time control strategies,and scarce knowledge of the factors influencing deep gas wells in the so-called flowback stage,a comprehensive study was undertaken on over 160 deep gas wells in Luzhou block utilizing linear flow models and advanced big data analytics techniques.The research results show that:(1)The flowback stage of a deep gas well presents the characteristics of late gas channeling,high flowback rate after gas channeling,low 30-day flowback rate,and high flowback rate corresponding to peak production;(2)The comprehensive parameter AcmKm1/2 in the flowback stage exhibits a strong correlation with the Estimated Ultimate Recovery(EUR),allowing for the establishment of a standardized chart to evaluate EUR classification in typical shale gas wells during this stage.This enables quantitative assessment of gas well EUR,providing valuable insights into production potential and performance;(3)The spacing range and the initial productivity of gas wells have a significant impact on the overall effectiveness of gas wells.Therefore,it is crucial to further explore rational well patterns and spacing,as well as optimize initial drainage and production technical strategies in order to improve their performance.

Optimizing the Diameter of Plugging Balls in Deep Shale Gas Wells

Deep shale gas reserves that have been fractured typically have many relatively close perforation holes. Due to theproximity of each fracture during the formation of the fracture network, there is significant stress interference,which results in uneven fracture propagation. It is common practice to use “balls” to temporarily plug fractureopenings in order to lessen liquid intake and achieve uniform propagation in each cluster. In this study, a diameteroptimization model is introduced for these plugging balls based on a multi-cluster fracture propagationmodel and a perforation dynamic abrasion model. This approach relies on proper consideration of the multiphasenature of the considered problem and the interaction force between the involved fluid and solid phases. Accordingly,it can take into account the behavior of the gradually changing hole diameter due to proppant continuousperforation erosion. Moreover, it can provide useful information about the fluid-dynamic behavior of the consideredsystem before and after plugging. It is shown that when the diameter of the temporary plugging ball is1.2 times that of the perforation hole, the perforation holes of each cluster can be effectively blocked.

Phase Transitions and Seepage Characteristics during the Depletion Development of Deep Condensate Gas Reservoirs

Deep condensate gas reservoirs exhibit highly complex and variable phase behaviors,making it crucial to understand the relationship between fluid phase states and flow patterns.This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the actual production process of the deep condensate gas well A1 in a certain oilfield in China.Combining phase behavior analysis and CMG software simulations,the study systematically investigates phase transitions,viscosity,and density changes in the gas and liquid phases under different pressure conditions,with a reservoir temperature of 165°C.The research covers three crucial depletion stages of the reservoir:single-phase flow,two-phase transition,and two-phase flow.The findings indicate that retrograde condensation occurs when the pressure falls below the dew point pressure,reachingmaximum condensate liquid production at around 25MPa.As pressure decreases,gas phase density and viscosity gradually decrease,while liquid phase density and viscosity show an increasing trend.In the initial single-phase flow stage,maintaining a consistent gas-oil ratio is observed when both bottom-hole and reservoir pressures are higher than the dew point pressure.However,a sudden drop in bottom-hole pressure below the dew point triggers the production of condensate oil,significantly reducing subsequent gas and oil production.In the transitional two-phase flow stage,as the bottom-hole pressure further decreases,the reservoir exhibits a complex flow regime with coexisting areas of gas and liquid.In the subsequent two-phase flow stage,when both bottom-hole and reservoir pressures are below the dew point pressure,a significant increase in the gas-oil ratio is observed.The reservoir manifests a two-phase flow regime,devoid of single-phase gas flow areas.For lowpressure conditions in deep condensate gas reservoirs,considerations include gas injection,gas lift,and cyclic gas injection and production in surrounding wells.Additionally,techniques such as hot nitrogen or CO_(2) injection can be employed to mitigate retrograde condensation damage.The implications of this study are crucial for developing targeted development strategies and enhancing the overall development of deep condensate gas reservoirs.

Characteristics and Trends of Deep Oil and Gas Research in China (1984-2024)—Research from the Perspective of CiteSpace

Deep oil and gas refer to oil and gas resources buried at a significant depth below the surface. Compared with conventional oil and gas, deep oil and gas often face more complex geological conditions and technological challenges, therefore, the development and exploitation of these oil and gas resources require advanced technology and equipment. Use bibliometrics to study academic literature. Select available data and download it in “RefWorks” format. Import the data into Cite Space 6.3.R2 software for author collaboration and keyword emergence analysis and visualization. Use Microsoft Excel 2016 software to analyze the annual publication volume, literature institutions, and disciplinary distribution of domestic and international scholarly literature. Research has found that: 1) The institution with the highest number of publications in the field of deep oil and gas in China is the China Petroleum Exploration and Development Research Institute;The author with the highest number of publications is Zhu Guangyou;The author with the highest citation frequency is Jia Chengzao;The research work in the field of deep oil and gas in China is mainly led by national level fund projects. 2) The research hot-spots of deep oil and gas in China are showing a trend of shifting from Jilin and Henan to Xinjiang and Sichuan. 3) The research on deep oil and gas fields in the Paleogene of China is mainly concentrated in Henan Province and Shandong Province. The Lower Tertiary, Cambrian and Jurassic are respectively concentrated in Dongpu Sag, Dongying Sag, Sichuan Basin, Tarim Basin in Xinjiang, the Junggar Basin and Qaidam Basin in Qinghai. The Sinian, Ordovician, Cretaceous, and Neogene systems are mainly concentrated in Sichuan, Xinjiang, and Qinghai provinces. The Permian system is mainly located in the southwest and Northwest of China. This article uses a new research perspective and methodology to systematically analyze the current situation and future development trends of deep oil and gas exploration and development in China, which is of great significance for promoting effective exploration and development of deep oil and gas resources.

Formation condition of deep gas reservoirs in tight sandstones in Kuqa Foreland Basin

Due to the high expense of deep oil and gas exploration,prediction of gas-bearing properties before drilling is crucial for deep gas reservoir of tight sandstone.Deep tight sandstone gas fields in Kuqa Foreland Basin are characterized by high abundance,high gas saturation,high pressure,high and stable yield,which belong to high-efficiency tight gas reservoir.Based on theoretical analysis of controlling factors and mechanisms of gas-bearing properties for tight sandstone gas reservoir,and taking tight sandstone gas fields with high effectiveness such as Dibei,Keshen and Dibei gas fields in Kuqa Foreland Basin as examples,formation condition and mechanism of high-efficiency tight sandstone gas reservoir in Kuqa area are studied through a comparative analysis of typical tight sandstone gas reservoir in Sichuan Basin and Ordos Basin.The results show that the formation condition of deep gas reservoir of tight sandstone in Kuqa foreland basin includes four factors:i.e.,overpressure gas charging,fracture development,“early-oil and late-gas”accumulation process and favorable preservation condition.The overpressure gas charging and fracture development are the most important factors for formation of high-efficiency tight gas reservoirs in Kuqa Foreland Basin.High-quality source rocks,high sourcereservoir pressure difference,and overpressure filling induced thereby are preconditions for formation of tight sandstone with high gas saturation.The fracture development controls gas migration,accumulation,and high yield of tight sandstone gas reservoir.The reservoir wettability changed by the early oil charging is beneficial to late natural gas charging,and the preservation condition of high-quality gypsum cap rocks is the key factor for gas reservoirs to maintain overpressure and high gas saturation.Matching of above four favorable factors leads to the tight sandstone gas reservoir with high abundance,high gas saturation and high gas production in Kuqa Foreland Basin,which is very different from other basins.Under the condition of little difference in physical property of tight sandstone reservoir,excessive source-reservoir pressure difference,facture development,preservation condition and current formation overpressure are the most significant factors to be considered in exploration and evaluation of deep tight sandstone gas.

Enrichment characteristics and exploration directions of deep shale gas of Ordovician-Silurian in the Sichuan Basin and its surrounding areas,China

The enrichment characteristics of deep shale gas in the Ordovician Wufeng-Silurian Longmaxi formations in the Sichuan Basin and its surrounding areas are investigated through experiments under high temperature and high pressure,including petrophysical properties analyses,triaxial stress test and isothermal adsorption of methane experiment.(1)The deep shale reservoirs drop significantly in porosity and permeability compared with shallower shale reservoirs,and contain mainly free gas.(2)With higher deviatoric stress and axial strain,the deep shale reservoirs have higher difficulty fracturing.(3)Affected by structural location and morphology,fracture characteristics,geofluid activity stages and intensity,deep shale gas reservoirs have more complicated preservation conditions.(4)To achieve the commercial development of deep shale gas reservoirs,deepening geological understanding is the basis,and exploring reservoir simulation technology befitting the geological features is the key.(5)The siliceous shale and limestone-bearing siliceous shale in the Metabolograptus persculptus-Parakidograptus acuminatus zones(LM1-LM3 graptolite zones)are the high-production intervals for deep shale gas and the most favorable landing targets for horizontal drilling.Deeps water areas such as Jiaoshiba,Wulong,Luzhou and Changning with deep shale reservoirs over 10 m thickness are the most favorable areas for deep shale gas enrichment.It is recommended to carry out exploration and development practice in deep-water shale gas areas deposited deep with burial depth no more than 5000 m where the geological structure is simple and the shale thickness in the LM1-LM3 graptolite zone is greater than 10 m.It is better to increase the lateral length of horizontal wells,and apply techniques including high intensity of perforations,large volume of proppant,far-field and near-wellbore diversions to maximize the stimulated deep reservoir volume.

Exploration Experience and Problem concerning Deep Basin Gas in the Ordos Basin

Deep basin gas (DBG) reservoirs, in view of the characteristics of their main parts containing gas, are a type of subtle stratigraphic lithologic traps. But they have different reservoir-forming principles, especially in the distribution of oil, gas and water. DBG is characterized by gas-water invertion, namely the water located above the gas; however, normal non-anticline subtle reservoirs have normal distribution of gas and water, namely the water located under the gas. The theory of DBG broke the conventional exploration idea that gas is usually found in the high part of reservoir and water is under the gas. So, it provided a wide field and a new idea for the exploration of natural gas. Recently Ben E. Law (2002), in his article entitled "Basin-centered Gas Systems", discussed global DBG systemically. He listed 72 basins or areas containing known or suspected DBG, covering North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South Asia, Middle East and Africa. Ordos basin, the Sichuan basin and the Jungar basin in China are presented and assumed to be of very high possibility. In China more attention has been paid to the research and exploration of DBG in the past years. The symposiums on DBG were held twice, in Guangzhou in 1998 and in Xi'an in 2000 respectively. In 2002 in particular, the publication of the book named Deep Basin Gas in China by Professor Wangtao indicated that China has entered a new stage in the research on DBG Meanwhile, it is more cheering that the exploration of DBG in the Ordos Basin has achieved remarkable success. Therefore, analyzing the exploration experiences and problems regarding the Ordos basin will promote the exploration and research of DBG in China.

Enrichment Mechanism and Prospects of Deep Oil and Gas

With the deepening of oil and gas exploration,the importance of depth is increasingly highlighted.The risk of preservation of storage space in deep reservoirs is greater than that in shallow and medium layers.Deep layers mean older strata,more complex structural evolution and more complex hydrocarbon accumulation processes,and even adjustment and transformation of oil and gas reservoirs.This paper systematically investigates the current status and research progress of deep oil and gas exploration around the world and looks forward to the future research focus of deep oil and gas.In the deep,especially the ultra-deep layers,carbonate reservoirs play a more important role than clastic rocks.Karst,fault-karst and dolomite reservoirs are the main types of deep and ultra-deep reservoirs.The common feature of most deep large and medium-sized oil and gas reservoirs is that they formed in the early with shallow depth.Fault activity and evolution of trap highs are the main ways to cause physical adjustment of oil and gas reservoirs.Crude oil cracking and thermochemical sulfate reduction(TSR)are the main chemical modification effects in the reservoir.Large-scale high-quality dolomite reservoirs is the main direction of deep oil and gas exploration.Accurate identification of oil and gas charging,adjustment and reformation processes is the key to understanding deep oil and gas distribution.High-precision detection technology and high-precision dating technology are an important guarantee for deep oil and gas research.

“Extreme utilization”development of deep shale gas in southern Sichuan Basin,SW China

To efficiently develop deep shale gas in southern Sichuan Basin,under the guidance of“extreme utilization”theory,a basic idea and solutions for deep shale gas development are put forward and applied in practice.In view of multiple influencing factors of shale gas development,low single-well production and marginal profit of wells in this region,the basic idea is to establish“transparent geological body”of the block in concern,evaluate the factors affecting shale gas development through integrated geological-engineering research and optimize the shale gas development of wells in their whole life cycle to balance the relationship between production objectives and development costs.The solutions are as follows:(1)calculate the gold target index and pinpoint the location of horizontal well drilling target,and shale reservoirs are depicted accurately by geophysical and other means to build underground transparent geological body;(2)optimize the drilling and completion process,improve the adaptability of key tools by cooling,reducing density and optimizing the performance of drilling fluid,the“man-made gas reservoir”is built by comprehensively considering the characteristics of in-situ stress and fractures after the development well is drilled;(3)through efficient management,establishment of learning curve and optimization of drainage and production regime,the development quality and efficiency of the well are improved across its whole life cycle,to fulfil“extreme utilization”development of shale gas.The practice shows that the estimated ultimate recovery of single wells in southern Sichuan Basin increase by 10%-20%than last year.

Evolution characteristics of precursor information of coal and gas outburst in deep rock cross‑cut coal uncovering

As mines become deeper,the potential for coal and gas outbursts in deep rock cross-cut coal uncovering is enhanced.The outburst precursors are unclear,which restricts the effectiveness and reliability of warning systems.To reveal the evolution characteristics of coal and gas outburst precursor information in deep rock cross-cut coal uncovering,briquette specimens are constructed and experiments are conducted using a self-developed true triaxial outburst test system.Using acoustic emission monitoring technology,the dynamic failure of coal is monitored,and variations in the root mean square(RMS)of the acoustic emissions allow the effective cracking time and effective cracking gas pressure to be defined.These characteristics are obviously different in deep and shallow coal.The characteristic parameters of gas outburst exhibit stepwise variations at different depths.The RMS and cumulative RMS have stepped failure characteristics with respect to changes in gas pressure.The characteristic parameters of coal failure are negatively correlated with the average in-situ stress and effective stress,but positively correlated with the lateral pressure coefficient of in-situ stress and the critical gas pressure.The transition characteristics are highly sensitive in all cases.The critical depth between deep and shallow coal and gas outbursts is 1700 m.The expansion multiple of acoustic emission intensity from the microfracture stage to the sharp-fracture stage of coal is defined as the outburst risk index,N1.For depths of 1100–1700 m,N1≥7 denotes a higher risk of outburst,whereas at depths of 1700–2500 m,N1≥3 indicates enhanced risk.

Technical Challenges and Countermeasures for Deep Shale Gas Drilling by SINOPEC

Deep shale gas reservoirs being developed by SINOPEC are characterized by significant buried depths, high rock strengths, high temperatures and pressures, multiple layers, low ROPs, prolonged drilling time and prohibitoryhigh costs. All of these factors may negatively affect the economic and effective development of shale gas. Under such circumstances, existing drilling techniques for deep shale gas around the world have been reviewed to highlight technical challenges in deep shale gas drilling in China. With consideration to the previous drilling operations of SINOPEC for deep shale gas, technical solutions for deep shale gas drilling have been proposed with regard to the optimization of casing programs, enhanced drilling, trajectory control, high-density oil-based drilling fluid, cementation for deep shale gas development and other aspects. Some of these research findings have been deployed with great successes in Pingqiao, Jiangdong Block in the 2nd Phase of Fuling Project, Dingshan Block and other blocks with deep shale gas development. Among them, Well JY-74-2HF has had a drilling time of only 54.25d, whereas Well JY-187-2HF has a TVD up to 4024.14m. Relevant research results may provide valuable guidance and references for the optimization of drilling programs andthe enhancement ofdrilling ef^ciency for deep shale gas development.

A numerical investigation on deep shale gas recovery

In recent years,exploration and development of deep shale gas(at a burial depth of 3,500-4,500 m)has become a hotspot in the industry.However,the state of gas storage and transporting mechanism for deep shale gas under high pressure and temperature have not been thoroughly explored,compared with its shallower counterpart.A numerical model for deep shale gas recovery considering multi-site nonisothermal excess adsorption has been established and applied using Finite Element Method.Results from the simulation reveal the following.(1)Excess desorption significantly impacts early-stage performance of deep shale gas well;the conventional way for shallower shale gas development,in which the density of adsorbed gas is not distinguished from that of free gas,overestimates the gas in place(GIP).(2)Although thermal stimulation can speed up the desorption and transporting of deep shale gas,the incremental volume of produced gas,which is impacted not only by seepage velocity but also density of gas,is insignificant,far from expectation.Only an additional 2.03%of cumulative gas would be produced under treatment temperature of 190C and initial reservoir temperature of 90C in a period of 5 years.(3)Matrix porosity,which can be measured on cores in laboratory and/or estimated by using well logging and geophysical data,is the most favorable parameter for deep shale gas recovery.With 60%increase in matrix porosity,an extra 67.25%shale gas on a daily base would be recovered even after 5-year depletion production;(4)Production rate for gas wells in shale reservoirs at 3,500 m and 4,500 m deep would be raised by 5.4%in a 5-year period if the depth of target interval would increase by 340 m without thermal treatment according to the numerical model proposed in the study.

The Study of Tubing Vibration Mechanism in High Pressure Gas Well

Deep gas wells and gas fields have the characteristics of high pressure. The vibration of the tubing string during the production of gas wells causes the string to be subjected to severe stress and even dynamic fatigue failure. Therefore, this article is based on the dynamic finite element theory, aiming at the characteristics of large-size tubing strings in deep gas wells. The finite element mechanics model and mathematical model of the tubing string vibration of the packer of high-pressure gas wells were established, and the ANSYS software was re-developed. The finite element analysis program for the vibration dynamics of the unbuckled and buckled strings of gas wells was compiled with APDL, and the displacement of the longitudinal vibration of the tubing string of high-pressure gas wells was studied. According to different sizes of tubing strings currently used in deep gas wells and gas fields, simulation calculations are carried out, and the axial impact load and buckling damage laws of the tubing strings of the entire well section under different production rates are obtained. It provides a theoretical basis for the prediction of tubing string vibration law and measures to prevent tubing string vibration.

Porosity, permeability and rock mechanics of Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation deep shale under temperature-pressure coupling in the Sichuan Basin, SW China

To investigate the porosity, permeability and rock mechanics of deep shale under temperature-pressure coupling, we selected the core samples of deep shale from the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the Weirong and Yongchuan areas of the Sichuan Basin for porosity and permeability experiments and a triaxial compression and sound wave integration experiment at the maximum temperature and pressure of 120 ℃ and 70 MPa. The results show that the microscopic porosity and permeability change and the macroscopic rock deformation are mutually constrained, both showing the trend of steep and then gentle variation. At the maximum temperature and pressure, the porosity reduces by 34%–71%, and the permeability decreases by 85%–97%. With the rising temperature and pressure, deep shale undergoes plastic deformation in which organic pores and clay mineral pores are compressed and microfractures are closed, and elastic deformation in which brittle mineral pores and rock skeleton particles are compacted. Compared with previous experiments under high confining pressure and normal temperature,the experiment under high temperature and high pressure coupling reveals the effect of high temperature on stress sensitivity of porosity and permeability. High temperature can increase the plasticity of the rock, intensify the compression of pores due to high confining pressure, and induce thermal stress between the rock skeleton particles, allowing the reopening of shale bedding or the creation of new fractures along weak planes such as bedding, which inhibits the decrease of permeability with the increase of temperature and confining pressure. Compared with the triaxial mechanical experiment at normal temperature, the triaxial compression experiment at high temperature and high pressure demonstrates that the compressive strength and peak strain of deep shale increase significantly due to the coupling of temperature and pressure. The compressive strength is up to 435 MPa and the peak strain exceeds 2%, indicating that high temperature is not conducive to fracture initiation and expansion by increasing rock plasticity. Lithofacies and mineral composition have great impacts on the porosity, permeability and rock mechanics of deep shale. Shales with different lithologies are different in the difficulty and extent of brittle failure. The stress-strain characteristics of rocks under actual geological conditions are key support to the optimization of reservoir stimulation program.

Progress of Deep Geological Survey Project under the China Geological Survey

Serving as a way to understand the material composition,structure,and dynamic process of the Earth's interior,deep earth exploration is driven by not only mankind's pursuit of natural mysteries but also mankind's basic need to obtain resources and guarantee economic and social development.The first phase of deep earth exploration of China(SinoProbe)was carried out from 2008 to 2016 and tremendous results were achieved.In 2016,the China Geological Survey launched a Deep Geological Survey Project(also referred to as the Project)to continuously explore the deep Earth.Focusing on the national energy resources strategy,the Belt and Road Initiative,and major basic issues of the geological survey,the Project was carried out in Songliao Basin(an important energy base in China)and major geological boundaries and tectonic units including Qilian Mountains-Tianshan Mountains and Qinzhou-Hangzhou juncture belt.The purpose of it is to reveal the process,structure,and forming patterns of the deep ore deposits and petroleum reservoirs,clarify the evolutionary pattern and controlling factors of Mesozoic environmental climate,and discover deep fine structures of key orogens,basins,and mountains by comprehensive geophysical exploration and scientific drilling.Great achievements have been obtained after more than three years of efforts,including a cumulative 1552 km of deep seismic reflection profiles and magnetotelluric profiles,an ultra-deep continental scientific crilling well,a scientific drilling pilot hole,and a magnetotelluric array and a portable broadband seismic array,both of which cover South China.Moreover,significant progress has been made in ultra-deep drilling technology,deep oil and gas discovery in Songliao Basin,and basic geological issues of Qilian Orogen and Qinzhou-Hangzhou juncture belt in South China,greatly accelerating the deep earth exploration in China and further consolidating China's position as a power in deep earth exploration.

Driving forces and their relative contributions to hydrocarbon expulsion from deep source rocks: A case of the Cambrian source rocks in the Tarim Basin

To thoroughly understand the dynamic mechanism of hydrocarbon expulsion from deep source rocks,in this study,five types of hydrocarbon expulsion dynamics(thermal expansion,hydrocarbon diffusion,compaction,product volume expansion,and capillary pressure difference(CPD))are studied.A model is proposed herein to evaluate the relative contribution of different dynamics for hydrocarbon expulsion using the principle of mass balance,and the model has been applied to the Cambrian source rocks in the Tarim Basin.The evaluation results show that during hydrocarbon expulsion from the source rocks,the relative contribution of CPD is the largest(>50%),followed by compaction(10%-40%),product volume expansion(5%-30%),and thermal expansion(2%-20%).The relative contribution of diffusion to hydrocarbon expulsion is minimal(<10%).These results demonstrate that CPD plays an important role in the hydrocarbon expulsion process of deep source rocks.The hydrocarbon expulsion process of source rocks can be categorized into three stages based on the contribution of different dynamics to the process:the first stage is dominated by compaction and diffusion to expel hydrocarbons,the second stage is dominated by product volume expansion and CPD,and the third stage is dominated by product volume expansion and CPD.This research offers new insights into hydrocarbon exploration in tight oil and gas reservoirs.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Geological and Engineering Sweet Spots of Shale Gas Reservoir: A Case Study of the Luzhou Block, Sichuan Basin

There is a huge amount of marine shale gas resources in the southern Sichuan Basin in China, and most of the resources are at the buried depth of 3500 - 4500 meters. At present, deep shale gas is in the early stage of exploration and development. In order to achieve large-scale efficient development, in addition to optimizing favorable blocks, it is also to identify the optimal target in the vertical direction combine geology, drilling, and fracturing. Therefore, Taking the Longmaxi formation shale in the Luzhou block as the research object, based on drilling, logging, and core experiment data, through single well and 3D geomechanical modeling methods, analyze the characteristics of organic matter abundance, porosity, pore pressure, collapse pressure, mineral composition and in-situ stress of different layers of shale in Longmaxi formation. Systematically summarized the main controlling factors of the “sweet spot” of deep shale gas and establish the comprehensive evaluation system of deep shale gas “sweet spots”, to clarify the optimal “sweet spots” of geology, drilling, and fracturing in the Longmaxi reservoir. Results show that the total organic carbon content, porosity, and gas saturation of the long111 layer are higher than other layers. The Long111 layer has a low collapse pressure and a high compressive strength, the risk of wellbore instability is relatively low. The stress difference coefficient of All layers is less than 0.3, and the brittleness index of the Long111 layer is 62.35%. A complex fracture network is easier to form after fracturing. The conclusion shows that the Long111 layer is the optimal reservoir section of the Longmaxi Formation. Ensure the drilled rate of the Long111 layer and maximize the length of the horizontal section can obtain higher production.

Insights into the hydrogen evolution reaction in vanadium redox flow batteries:A synchrotron radiation based X-ray imaging study

The parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in the negative half-cell of vanadium redox flow batteries(VRFBs)causes severe efficiency losses.Thus,a deeper understanding of this process and the accompanying bubble formation is crucial.This benchmarking study locally analyzes the bubble distribution in thick,porous electrodes for the first time using deep learning-based image segmentation of synchrotron X-ray micro-tomograms.Each large three-dimensional data set was processed precisely in less than one minute while minimizing human errors and pointing out areas of increased HER activity in VRFBs.The study systematically varies the electrode potential and material,concluding that more negative electrode potentials of-200 m V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE)and lower cause more substantial bubble formation,resulting in bubble fractions of around 15%–20%in carbon felt electrodes.Contrarily,the bubble fractions stay only around 2%in an electrode combining carbon felt and carbon paper.The detected areas with high HER activity,such as the border subregion with more than 30%bubble fraction in carbon felt electrodes,the cutting edges,and preferential spots in the electrode bulk,are potential-independent and suggest that larger electrodes with a higher bulk-to-border ratio might reduce HER-related performance losses.The described combination of electrochemical measurements,local X-ray microtomography,AI-based segmentation,and 3D morphometric analysis is a powerful and novel approach for local bubble analysis in three-dimensional porous electrodes,providing an essential toolkit for a broad community working on bubble-generating electrochemical systems.