Theoretical Progress and Key Technologies of Onshore Ultra-Deep Oil/Gas Exploration

Oil/gas exploration around the world has extended into deep and ultra-deep strata because it is increasingly difficult to find new large-scale oil/gas reservoirs in shallow–middle buried strata. In recent years, China has made remarkable achievements in oil/gas exploration in ultra-deep areas including carbonate and clastic reservoirs. Some (ultra) large-scale oil and gas fields have been discovered. The oil/gas accumulation mechanisms and key technologies of oil/gas reservoir exploration and development are summarized in this study in order to share China’s experiences. Ultra-deep oil/gas originates from numerous sources of hydrocarbons and multiphase charging. Liquid hydrocarbons can form in ultradeep layers due to low geothermal gradients or overpressures, and the natural gas composition in ultra-deep areas is complicated by the reactions between deep hydrocarbons, water, and rock or by the addition of mantle- or crust-sourced gases. These oils/gases are mainly stored in the original highenergy reef/shoal complexes or in sand body sediments. They usually have high original porosity. Secondary pores are often developed by dissolution, dolomitization, and fracturing in the late stage. The early pores have been preserved by retentive diageneses such as the early charging of hydrocarbons. Oil/gas accumulation in ultra-deep areas generally has the characteristics of near-source accumulation and sustained preservation. The effective exploration and development of ultra-deep oil/gas reservoirs depend on the support of key technologies. Use of the latest technologies such as seismic signal acquisition and processing, low porosity and permeability zone prediction, and gas–water identification has enabled the discovery of ultra-deep oil/gas resources. In addition, advanced technologies for drilling, completion, and oil/gas testing have ensured the effective development of these fields.

The impacts of gas impurities on the minimum miscibility pressure of injected CO_2-rich gas–crude oil systems and enhanced oil recovery potential

An effective parameter in the miscible-CO_2 enhanced oil recovery procedure is the minimum miscibility pressure(MMP)defined as the lowest pressure that the oil in place and the injected gas into reservoir achieve miscibility at a given temperature. Flue gases released from power plants can provide an available source of CO_2,which would otherwise be emitted to the atmosphere, for injection into a reservoir. However, the costs related to gas extraction from flue gases is potentially high. Hence, greater understanding the role of impurities in miscibility characteristics between CO_2 and reservoir fluids helps to establish which impurities are tolerable and which are not. In this study, we simulate the effects of the impurities nitrogen(N_2), methane(C_1), ethane(C_2) and propane(C_3) on CO_2 MMP. The simulation results reveal that,as an impurity, nitrogen increases CO_2–oil MMP more so than methane. On the other hand, increasing the propane(C_3)content can lead to a significant decrease in CO_2 MMP, whereas varying the concentrations of ethane(C_2) does not have a significant effect on the minimum miscibility pressure of reservoir crude oil and CO_2 gas. The novel relationships established are particularly valuable in circumstances where MMP experimental data are not available.

Stability analysis of seabed strata and casing structure during the natural gas hydrates exploitation by depressurization in horizontal wells in South China Sea

Natural gas hydrates(NGHs)are a new type of clean energy with great development potential.However,it is urgent to achieve safe and economical NGHs development and utilization.This study established a physical model of the study area using the FLAC^(3D) software based on the key parameters of the NGHs production test area in the South China Sea,including the depressurization method,and mechanical parameters of strata,NGHs occurrence characteristics,and the technological characteristics of horizontal wells.Moreover,this study explored the law of influences of the NGHs dissociation range on the stability of the overburden strata and the casing structure of a horizontal well.The results are as follows.With the dissociation of NGHs,the overburden strata of the NGHs dissociation zone subsided and formed funnelshaped zones and then gradually stabilized.However,the upper interface of the NGHs dissociation zone showed significant redistribution and discontinuity of stress.Specifically,distinct stress concentration and corresponding large deformation occurred in the build-up section of the horizontal well,which was thus prone to suffering shear failure.Moreover,apparent end effects occurred at the end of the horizontal well section and might cause the deformation and failure of the casing structure.Therefore,it is necessary to take measures in the build-up section and at the end of the horizontal section of the horizontal well to prevent damage and ensure the wellbore safety in the long-term NGHs exploitation.

Key technologies, engineering management and important suggestions of shale oil/gas development: Case study of a Duvernay shale project in Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

The Duvernay project in Canada was taken as an example to summarize the advanced technology and engineering management model of shale oil and gas development in North America.Preliminary suggestions were put forward to accelerate the commercial development of domestic continental shale oil and gas.The advanced technologies,valuable knowledge and rich experience were introduced,including the evaluation of geological target area of the project,rapid long horizontal drilling and completion,high-intensity fracturing,and well spacing optimization.In particular,the concept and connotation of the full-life cycle management of North American unconventional resource projects were analyzed.Its emphasis on early evaluation and risk management,and a highly competitive market environment have played an important role in promoting technological innovation and management innovation.In addition,the low-cost sharing system of industry-wide knowledge and experience and the management mode were applied.These management approaches are of great significance for reference in accelerating the exploration and development of unconventional resources in China.China possesses abundant shale oil and gas resources,which are an important replacement to guarantee the national oil and gas energy supply.However,due to the late start and special geological characteristics and engineering difficulties in China,there is a large gap in technology level and management mode compared with North America.According to the advanced experience and enlightenment of the shale oil and gas development in North America,a preliminary proposal to accelerate the development of shale oil and gas in China was made.

Thermal physical applications of carbon dioxide:Recent progress,challenges and perspective

Carbon dioxide(CO_(2))is one of the main factors contributing to the greenhouse effect.The dependence on fossil fuels has led to increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere every year.And it is far from enough to solve the climate problem by reducing the consumption of fossil fuels to cut down carbon dioxide emissions.In recent years,a series of researches on Carbon Capture,Utilization and Storage(CCUS)have been carried out in various countries around the world.CO_(2) is a nontoxic,tasteless and stable gas at normal temperature.However,when it reaches supercritical state after rising temperature and pressure,it has the characteristics of low viscosity,high diffusivity and high density,and is widely used in green,pollution-free and efficient development technology.Because of these unique properties,supercritical carbon dioxide(sCO_(2))has attracted more and more attention from researchers.sCO_(2) has been widely used in many aspects by virtue of its high solubility and easy compression.Different from previous reviews which only introduced the application of sCO_(2) property,this paper introduces the current research status of the application of the thermodynamic property of carbon dioxide in extraction,dyeing,pharmaceutical,power generation,heat transfer and exploitation of unconventional oil and gas,and mainly analyzes each application in detail from the aspects of working mechanism and improving working efficiency.Finally,the research direction and problems needed to be solved for the application of CO_(2) thermal physics are proposed,which pave the way for other new applications.

基于海洋MCSEM监测的海底油气后期开发的可行性

为了探讨海洋可控源电磁法(MCSEM)监测海底油气后期开发的可行性,根据油气运移及开采过程中储层电阻率变化特点,设计并利用MCSEM一维正演程序试算不同的海底电阻率模型,包括海底沉积层仅有储层的简单模型和储层上方有高阻覆盖层的复杂模型,分别将接收极沉放海底和油气钻井,分析电偶极子源在海底和井中的响应特征.结果表明:传统深海频率域接收模式MVO曲线能较好地反应储层电阻率的变化;井中接收频率域电场对于高阻层位的变化非常敏感;浅海下MCSEM在不同偏移距的时域电场信号既能分离空气波干扰,又能很好地反应储层电阻率变化.海洋可控源电磁法对于海底油气后期监测具有潜在优势.