Identification and evaluation of shale oil micromigration and its petroleum geological significance

Taking the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation shale in Mahu Sag of Junggar Basin,NW China,as an example,core observation,test analysis,geological analysis and numerical simulation were applied to identify the shale oil micro-migration phenomenon.The hydrocarbon micro-migration in shale oil was quantitatively evaluated and verified by a self-created hydrocarbon expulsion potential method,and the petroleum geological significance of shale oil micro-migration evaluation was determined.Results show that significant micro-migration can be recognized between the organic-rich lamina and organic-poor lamina.The organic-rich lamina has strong hydrocarbon generation ability.The heavy components of hydrocarbon preferentially retained by kerogen swelling or adsorption,while the light components of hydrocarbon were migrated and accumulated to the interbedded felsic or carbonate organic-poor laminae as free oil.About 69% of the Fengcheng Formation shale samples in Well MY1 exhibit hydrocarbon charging phenomenon,while 31% of those exhibit hydrocarbon expulsion phenomenon.The reliability of the micro-migration evaluation results was verified by combining the group components based on the geochromatography effect,two-dimension nuclear magnetic resonance analysis,and the geochemical behavior of inorganic manganese elements in the process of hydrocarbon migration.Micro-migration is a bridge connecting the hydrocarbon accumulation elements in shale formations,which reflects the whole process of shale oil generation,expulsion and accumulation,and controls the content and composition of shale oil.The identification and evaluation of shale oil micro-migration will provide new perspectives for dynamically differential enrichment mechanism of shale oil and establishing a“multi-peak model in oil generation”of shale.

Shale oil enrichment evaluation and production law in Gulong Sag,Songliao Basin,NE China

Based on the results of drilling,tests and simulation experiments,the shales of the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation in the Gulong Sag of the Songliao Basin are discussed with respect to hydrocarbon generation evolution,shale oil occurrence,and pore/fracture evolution mechanism.In conjunction with a substantial amount of oil testing and production data,the Gulong shale oil enrichment layers are evaluated and the production behaviors and decline law are analyzed.The results are drawn in four aspects.First,the Gulong shales are in the stage of extensive hydrocarbon expulsion when R_(0) is 1.0%-1.2%,with the peak hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency of 49.5%approximately.In the low-medium maturity stage,shale oil migrates from kerogen to rocks and organic pores/fractures.In the medium-high maturity stage,shale oil transforms from adsorbed state to free state.Second,the clay mineral intergranular pores/fractures,dissolution pores,and organic pores make up the majority of the pore structure.During the transformation,clay minerals undergo significant intergranular pore/fracture development between the minerals such as illite and illite/smectite mixed layer.A network of pores/fractures is formed by organic matter cracking.Third,free hydrocarbon content,effective porosity,total porosity,and brittle mineral content are the core indicators for the evaluation of shale oil enrichment layers.Class-I layers are defined as free hydrocarbon content equal or greater than 6.0 mg/g,effective porosity equal or greater than 3.5%,total porosity equal or greater than 8.0%,and brittle mineral content equal or greater than 50%.It is believed that the favourable oil layers are Q2-Q3 and Q8-Q9.Fourth,the horizontal wells in the core area of the light oil zone exhibit a high cumulative production in the first year,and present a hyperbolic production decline pattern,with the decline index of 0.85-0.95,the first-year decline rate of 14.5%-26.5%,and the single-well estimated ultimate recovery(EUR)greater than 2.0×10^(4)t.In practical exploration and production,more efforts will be devoted to the clarification of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion mechanisms,accurate testing of porosity and hydrocarbon content/phase of shale under formation conditions,precise delineation of the boundary of enrichment area,relationship between mechanical properties and stimulated reservoir volume,and enhanced oil recovery,in order to improve the EUR and achieve a large-scale,efficient development of shale oil.

A novel triple responsive smart fluid for tight oil fracturing-oil expulsion integration

The traditional multi-process to enhance tight oil recovery based on fracturing and huff-n-puff has obvious deficiencies,such as low recovery efficiency,rapid production decline,high cost,and complexity,etc.Therefore,a new technology,the so-called fracturing-oil expulsion integration,which does not need flowback after fracturing while making full use of the fracturing energy and gel breaking fluids,are needed to enable efficient exploitation of tight oil.A novel triple-responsive smart fluid based on“pseudo-Gemini”zwitterionic viscoelastic surfactant(VES)consisting of N-erucylamidopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-2-hydroxy-1-propane-sulfonate(EHSB),N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine(TMEDA)and sodium p-toluenesulfonate(NaPts),is developed.Then,the rheology of smart fluid is systematically studied at varying conditions(CO_(2),temperature and pressure).Moreover,the mechanism of triple-response is discussed in detail.Finally,a series of fracturing and spontaneous imbibition performances are systematically investigated.The smart fluid shows excellent CO_(2)-,thermal-,and pressure-triple responsive behavior.It can meet the technical requirement of tight oil fracturing construction at 140°C in the presence of 3.5 MPa CO_(2).The gel breaking fluid shows excellent spontaneous imbibition oil expulsion(∼40%),salt resistance(1.2×104 mg/L Na+),temperature resistance(140°C)and aging stability(30 days).

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.

Organic matter transformation ratio, hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency and shale oil enrichment type in Chang 7_(3) shale of Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin, NW China

The major enrichment type of shale oil in the Chang 7_(3) shale of Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin is unknown.This paper analyzes the organic matter transformation ratio,hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency and roof/floor sealing conditions of the Chang 7_(3) shale,and evaluates the major enrichment type of shale oil in this interval.The average organic matter transformation ratio of the Chang 7_(3) shale is about 45%;in other words,more than 50%of the organic matters have not transformed to hydrocarbons,and the lower the maturity,the greater the proportion of untransformed organic matters.The cumulative hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency of the transformed hydrocarbon is 27.5% on average,and the total proportion of untransformed organic matters plus retained hydrocarbons is greater than 70%.The relative hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency of the Chang 7_(3) shale is 60%on average,that is,about 40% of hydrocarbons retain in the shale.The Chang 7_(3) shale corresponds to Chang 7_(1+2) and Chang 8 sandstones as the roof and floor,respectively,and is further overlaid by Chang 6 shale,where extensive low porosity and low permeability–tight oil reservoirs have formed in the parts with relatively good porosity and permeability.Moreover,the Chang 7_(3) shale is tested to be in a negative pressure system(the pressure coefficient of 0.80–0.85).Therefore,the roof/floor sealing conditions of the Chang 7_(3) shale are poor.The retained hydrocarbons appear mostly in absorbed status,with low mobility.It is concluded that the medium–high mature shale oil is not the major enrichment type of shale oil in the Chang 7_(3) shale,but there may be enrichment opportunity for shale oil with good mobility in the areas where the sealing conditions are good without faults and fractures and oil reservoirs are formed off Chang 7_(1+2),Chang 6 and Chang 8.Furthermore,low–medium mature shale oil is believed to have great potential and is the major enrichment type of shale oil in the Chang 7_(3) shale.It is recommended to prepare relevant in-situ conversion technologies by pilot test and figure out the resource availability and distribution.

Exploration progress of the Paleogene in Jiyang Depression,Bohai Bay Basin

With increased exploration in the faulted basins of eastern China,petroleum exploration in this region has been challenged by unclear remaining petroleum resources distribution,complex reservoir and hydrocarbon enrichment patterns,and lacking of suitable exploration techniques.Aiming at resolving these problems,studies on source rocks,reservoirs,hydrocarbon accumulation and geophysical prospection were carried out by laboratory analysis,reservoir anatomy,and seismic analysis.A highlyefficient hydrocarbon generation/expulsion model of source rocks in saline environment was established,which aided in the discovery of a new set of source rocks in the Jiyang Depression.This study also reveals the formation process of high-quality reservoir by alternating acid and alkaline fluids during deposition and diagenesis,and pattern of secondary pores development in deep clastic rocks.Through the fine anatomy of the oil reservoirs,an orderly distribution pattern of the oil reservoirs is established,and the potential exploration targets in the undrilled area are identified.In addition,single-point highdensity seismic acquisition and high-resolution imaging technologies are developed,enabling fine and efficient exploration in areas with high exploration maturity.The research result plays a leading and demonstrative role in the fine and efficient exploration of faulted basins in eastern China.

米拉贝隆治疗输尿管远端结石的疗效评价

目的观察米拉贝隆治疗输尿管远端结石的疗效。方法随机分为两组,研究组采用米拉贝隆+间苯三酚,对照组单用间苯三酚。比较年龄、性别、肾积水严重程度、结石情况。评价药物排石率(SER)、排石时间及每日肾绞痛发作频次及程度。结果研究组1例因加服中药排石制剂而排除,此外研究组1例、对照组1例未参加随访被排除在研究之外。米拉贝隆组排石率为71.6%,对照组48.1%,差异有统计学意义(P=0.021),结石排出时间方面差异无统计学意义(P=0.876)。对照组每日发作肾绞痛的频次高于米拉贝隆组,VAS评分米拉贝隆组低于对照组。结论初步临床观察米拉贝隆是一种治疗输尿管远端结石有效、安全、不良反应低的药物。

Quantitative Assessment of Hydrocarbon Expulsion of Petroleum Systems in the Niuzhuang Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China

Based on a detailed survey of the distribution and organic geochemical characteristics of potential source rocks in the South Slope of the Niuzhuang Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China, a new approach to assess the amount of hydrocarbons generated and expelled has been developed. The approach is applicable to evaluate hydrocarbons with different genetic mechanisms. The results show that the models for hydrocarbon generation and expulsion vary with potential source rocks, depending on thermal maturity, types of organic matter and paleoenvironment. Hydrocarbons are mostly generated and expelled from source rocks within the normal oil window. It was calculated that the special interval (algal-rich shales of the ES4 member formed in brackish environments) in the South Slope of the Niuzhuang Sag has a much higher potential of immature oil generation than the other intervals in the area. This suggests that hydrocarbons can definitely be generated in early diagenesis, especially under certain special geological settings. The proportion of hydrocarbons generated and expelled from the ES4 shales in the early diagenetic stage is up to 26.75% and 17.36%, respectively. It was also observed that laminated shales have a much higher expulsion efficiency than massive mudstones. In contrast, the special interval of the ES4 shales proposed from previous studies is probably not the whole rock for oil in the South Slope of the Niuzhuang Sag because of the small proportion of the gross volume and corresponding low percentage of hydrocarbons generated and expelled. A much lower expulsion efficiency of the source rock during the early stage relative to that within the normal oil window has been calculated. Our results indicate that the ES4 mudstones rather than the shales deposited in the Niuzhuang and Guangli Sag are the main source rocks for the oil discovered.

Hydrocarbon charge history of the Paleogene reservoir in the northern Dongpu Depression,Bohai Bay Basin,China

The hydrocarbon charge history of the Paleogene in the northern Dongpu Depression was analyzed in detail based on a comprehensive analysis of the generation and expulsion history of the major hydrocarbon source rocks, fluorescence microscopic features and fluid inclusion petrography. There were two main stages of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion of oil from the major hydrocarbon source rocks. The first stage was the main hydrocarbon expulsion stage. The fluorescence microscopic features also indicated two stages of hydrocarbon accumulation. Carbonaceous bitumen, asphaltene bitumen and colloidal bitumen reflected an early hydrocarbon charge, whereas the oil bitumen reflected a second hydrocarbon charge. Hydrocarbon inclusions also indicate two distinct charges according to the diagenetic evolution sequence, inclusion petrography features combined with the homogenization temperature and reservoir burial history analysis. According to these comprehensive analysis results, the hydrocarbon charge history of the Paleogene reservoir in the northern Dongpu Depression was divided into two phases. The first phase was from the late Dongying depositional period of the Oligocene to the early uplift stages of the late Paleogene. The second phase was from the late Minghuazhen period of the Pliocene to the Quaternary. Reservoirs formed during the first period were widely distributed covering the entire area. In contrast,reservoirs formed during the second period were mainly distributed near the hydrocarbon generation sags. Vertically, it was characterized by a single phase in the upper layers and two phases in the lower layers of the Paleogene.

Control of Formation of Lithological Reservoirs by Surrounding Mudstone

Taking the Jiyang depression as an example, this paper discusses the control of the formation of lithological reservoir by surrounding rocks by integrated application of geological analysis, physical simulation, and the analysis of oil ＆ gas accumulation mechanism. Geological statistical shows that the major burial depth and interval of lithological reservoirs in the Jiyang depression are related to the hydrocarbon generation in and expulsion from the Lower Tertiary source rocks and the time of the formation of most lithological reservoirs coincides with the peak of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. The lithological traps located in the center of effective source rocks are propitious to high oil saturation than those located on the margin of effective source rocks. The hydrocarbon charge degree of the lithological reservoir has a positive correlation with the intensity of hydrocarbon expulsion from surrounding source rocks. Geological analyses and NMR experiments also show that the oil saturation of surrounding source rocks control the hydrocarbon potential of lithological traps, and a critical value for oil saturation of surrounding mudstone is required, that is, when the oil saturation of surrounding mudstone is lower than this critical value, no oil and gas accumulate in the lithological trap. The control of surrounding mudstone on the oil-bearing properties of lithological reservoirs is also analyzed by the mechanisms of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion as well as accumulation.

Identification of the lower limit of high-quality source rocks and its relation to hydrocarbon accumulation——Taking the Beier Sag in the Hailaer Basin as an example

The theory of ＂source rock control＂ has evolved from source-rock-control hydrocarbon accumulation, to effective source-rock-control hydrocarbon accumulation, and to high-quality source- rock-control hydrocarbon accumulation. However, there are problems, such as whether high-quality source rocks exist or not？ What high-quality source rocks are, and how to identify them, are yet to be agreed upon. Aimed at this issue of concern to explorationists, and taking the Beier Sag in the Hailaer Basin as an example, this paper defines the high-quality source rocks and the lower limit for evaluation of high-quality source rocks, by using the inflection point on the relationship curve of hydrocarbon （oil） expulsion, which is calculated by the material balance principle, versus total organic carbon （TOC）. The results show that when TOC is low, all source rocks have limited hydrocarbon expulsion and slow growth rate, thus they cannot be high-quality source rocks. However, when TOC rises to some threshold, hydrocarbon expulsion increases significantly with TOC. This inflection point should be the lower limit of high-quality source rocks： those with TOC greater than the inflection-point value are high-quality source rocks. In addition, the lower limit of high-quality source rocks is also related to the type and maturity of organic matters in the source rocks, as well as the mineral components of the source rocks affecting the residual hydrocarbons. Theoretically, the lower limit of high-quality source rocks depends on geological conditions rather than being a constant value. However, for the sake of simplicity and practicability, in this paper TOC=2.0% is regarded as the lower limit of high-quality source rocks. The examination of such standard in the work area indicates that the high-quality source rocks in members K^n2 and K^n~ of the Nantun formation contribute 76% and 82% to oil generation, and 96% and 91% to oil expulsion, respectively. The distribution of high-quality source rocks is also closely related to the distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the region, demonstrating that high-quality source rocks control hydrocarbon accumulation.

Polygonal faults in the Sanzhao sag of the Songliao basin:their significance in hydrocarbon accumulation

Polygonal faults,generally distributed in fine-grained sediments,are layer-bound faults and are important in hydrocarbon accumulation.Using 3D seismic data,we analyzed the plane and profile features of faults developed in the Qingshankou formation of the Sanzhao sag.We identified these faults as having typical features of polygonal faults:1) layer-bound;2) normal faults;3) slight fault displacements and steep in dip angles;4) multi-directional in strike and 5) a single fault has a short horizontal extension.In addition,these faults intersect each other and form polygons.These polygonal faults are the result from the combined action of compaction,volume contraction and episodic hydraulic fracturing,conditions favorable for oil/gas accumulation.They are the dominant channels for migration of fluids in the Qingshankou mudstone,forming a large number of fault-lithologic oil traps.Polygonal faults improve reservoirs.

Formation Dynamics and Quantitative Prediction of Hydrocarbons of the Superpressure System in the Dongying Sag

Based on the theory of formation dynamics of oil/gas pools, the Dongying sag can be divided into three dynamic systems regarding the accumulation of oil and gas： the superpressure closed system, the semi-closed system and the normal pressure open system. Based on the analysis of genesis of superpressure in the superpressure closed system and the rule of hydrocarbon expulsion, it is found that hydrocarbon generation is related to superpressure, which is the main driving factor of hydrocarbon migration. Micro fractures formed by superpressure are the main channels for hydrocarbon migration. There are three dynamic patterns for hydrocarbon expulsion： free water drainage, hydrocarbon accumulation and drainage through micro fissures. In the superpressure closed system, the oil-driving-water process and oil/gas accumulation were completed in lithologic traps by way of such two dynamic patterns as episodic evolution of superpressure systems and episodic pressure release of faults. The oil-bearing capacity of lithologic traps is intimately related to reservoir-forming dynamic force. Quantitative evaluation of dynamic conditions for pool formation can effectively predict the oil-bearing capability of traps.

Hydrocarbon expulsion model and resource potential evaluation of high-maturity marine source rocks in deep basins:Example from the Ediacaran microbial dolomite in the Sichuan Basin,China

Hydrocarbon expulsion features and resource potential evaluation of source rocks are crucial for the petroleum exploration.High-maturity marine source rocks have not exhibited a hydrocarbon expulsion mode owing to the lack of low-maturity source rocks in deep petroliferous basins.We considered the Ediacaran microbial dolomite in the Sichuan Basin,the largest high-maturity marine gas layer in China,to exhibit a method that quantitatively characterizes the hydrocarbon expulsion of high-maturity marine source rocks.The experiment of fluid inclusion,rock pyrolysis,and vitrinite reflectance(Ro)of 119 microbial dolomite core samples obtained from the Dengying Formation were performed.A hydrocarbon expulsion model of high-maturity source rock was established,and its resource potential was evaluated.The results showed that the Ediacaran microbial dolomite in the Sichuan Basin is a good source rock showing vast resource potential.The hydrocarbon expulsion threshold is determined to be vitrinite reflectance at 0.92%.The hydrocarbon expulsion intensities in the geologic history is high with maximum of 1.6×10^(7)t/km^(2).The Ediacaran microbial dolomite expelled approximately 1.008×10^(12)t of hydrocarbons,and the recoverable resource was 1.5×10^(12)m^(3).The region can be categorized into areasⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,andⅣ,in decreasing order of hydrocarbon expulsion intensity.Areas with a higher hydrocarbon expulsion intensity have a lower drilling risk and should be prioritized for exploration in the orderⅠ>Ⅱ>Ⅲ>Ⅳ.Two areas,northern and central parts of Ediacaran in the Sichuan Basin,were selected as prospects which had the drilling priority in the future gas exploration.The production data of 55 drilled wells verified the high reliability of this method.This model in this study does not require low-maturity samples and can be used for evaluating high-maturity marine source rocks,which has broad applicability in deep basins worldwide.

A method of identifying effective source rocks and its application in the Bozhong Depression,Bohai Sea,China

Research on effective source rocks directly affects the accuracy of identifying hydrocarbon resources, and indirectly affects the exploration decisions in petroliferous basins. Although the previous evaluation methods of effective source rocks vary relatively widely, a complete quantitative evaluation approach has not yet been developed. For that reason, we redefined the concept of effective source rocks based on the existing research results. Surrounding this definition, and guided by the hydrocarbon expulsion theory, the quantitative model called ＂two stages and three steps＂ method is established to predict effective source rocks. Its application in the Bozhong Depression indicates that among the four sets source rocks in the Bozhong Depression, the Member 3 of the Shahejie Formation （Es 3 ） has the largest effective source rock thickness, and the Member 1 Member 2 of the Shahejie Formation （Es 1＋2 ） is the second largest .The effective part of dark mudstone is only 30%-80% of the total volume and with the increase of buried depth and improvement of quality, the effective part increases. Comprehensive analysis indicates that the ＂two stages and three steps＂ method is a practical technique for effective source rock prediction.

IUD Expulsion and its Socio-demographic Determinants in China

To identify the determinant of the occurrence of IUD expulsion Materials & Methods Based on 25 733 IUD uses from the Chinese Two per Thousand Fertility Survey data, this study examines the patterns and differentials of IUD expulsion rate by characteristics of women, and identifies the socio demographic determinants of IUD expulsion. A Life Table method was used to calculate the cumulative expulsion rate and a random effects discrete time survival model was employed to assess the impact of potential determinants simultaneously on the risk of expelling an IUD. Results Three major findings are observed in this study. First, IUD expulsion was the second main reason, after pregnancy during IUD use, for IUD discontinuation during the first four years of IUD insertion; the expulsion rates were 6.4%, 9.1%, 10.8 %, and 12.0% at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, respectively. Second, there was a clustering of IUD expulsion: some women experienced repeated IUD expulsions. Third, some socio demographic characteristics and fertility history were associated with the occurrence of IUD expulsion. In particular, the expulsion rate was high among young women, among those with two or more children and among those living in rural areas. Conclusion The above mentioned factors shoald be addressed in order to decrease the IUD expulsion rate and enhance the reprocluctive he alth of women.

Hydrocarbon Generation and Expulsion of the Upper Triassic T3x5Source Rocks in the Western Sichuan Depression: Assessment for Unconventional Natural Gas

Tight-sand gas in the Jurassic and shale gas within the fifth member of Xujiahe Formation （T3xs） in the Western Sichuan Basin （WSD） are currently regarded as the most prolific emerging unconventional gas plays in China. This study conducted a conventional evaluation of T3x5 source rocks in the WSD, and investigated their hydrocarbon generation and expulsion characteristics, including intensity, efficiency and amount. The results show that, the T3x5 source rocks are thick （generally 〉200 m）, and have a high total organic content （TOC）, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 wt%. It is thus indivative of a great hydrocarbon generation potential when they underwent high thermal evolution （Ro〉1.2%） in the area. In addition, an improved method of hydrocarbon generation potential is applied, indicating that the source rocks reached a hydrocarbon expulsion threshold with vitrinite reflectance （Ro） reaching 1.06%. and that the comprehensive hydrocarbon expulsion efficiency is about 60%. The amount of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion from Tax5 source rocks is 3.14x10^10 t and 1.86x10^10 t, respectively, with a residual amount of 1.28x10^10t within them. Continuous-type tight-sand gas is predicted to have developed in the Jurassic in the Chengdu Sag of the WSD because of the good source-reservoir configuration; the Jurassic sandstone reservoirs are tight, and the gas expelled from the T3xs source rocks migrates for very short distances vertically and horizontally. The amount of gas accumulation in the Jurassic reservoirs derived from T3x5 source rocks is up to 9.3x10s t. Geological resources of shale gas are up to 1.05x10TM t. Small differences between the amounts calculated by the volumetric method and those obtained by hydrocarbon generation potential method may be due to other gas accumulations present within interbedded sands associated with gas shales.

Influence of Surface Condition on Expulsion in Spot Welding AZ31B Magnesium Alloy

Experiments were carried out to study the influence of surface condition on expulsion during the spot welding of AZ31B Mg alloy. A general electrical contact resistance theory for conductive rough surfaces and the relation between maximum temperature Tm in the contact and voltage-drop V across interface of two surfaces were employed to understand the reason of expulsion in Mg alloy spot welding. The main reason of expulsion is that the high electrical contact resistance induced by large roughness of the surface and oxide film covered on the surface leads to local melting of metal in the interface of two surfaces, and liquid metal of the local area ejected from the specimen under electrode force forms expulsion.

Fracturing and Episodic Fluid Expulsion in Pressure Compartments

The fracturing of the pressure compartments in sedimentary basins may not be caused completely by natural hydraulic fracturing. On the bases of fracture mechanics and numerical simulation, we consider that there are two mechanisms concerning the fracturing of pressure compartments, which are as follows: (1) natural hydraulic fracturing of the sediments within pressure compartments, and (2) tensile fracturing due to tangential traction. When the fracture, formed in the sediments within pressure compartments due to hydraulic fracturing, arrives at the base of the seal, the intensely tangential tensile stresses are created and lead to the fracturing of the seal. After the seal fractured, the fluid escaped from the pressure compartments. In a shallow pressure compartment, the duration of fracture opening and fluid expulsion is about 10-20 years in a cycle.

A New Method for Quantitative Simulating Hydrocarbo

We should understand that the content of chlo-roform bitumen“A”from source rocks at any depth(or period)is not the content of residuary oil,but it is the oil content of source rocks in a condition of dynamic equilibrium of generation and expulsion in an 1nstant.Sc can be measured by laboratory experiment and determined from the curve of S-A"versus depth for the same source rock.(Fig.l)