Petroleum geological features and hydrocarbon enrichment of Linhe Depression in Hetao Basin, NW China

Based on paleogeomorphology, drilling and seismic data, this paper systematically studies the structural and sedimentary evolution, source rock characteristics, reservoir characteristics and formation mechanism, hydrocarbon accumulation model and enrichment law in the Linhe Depression of the Hetao Basin, NW China. The Hetao Basin mainly experienced three stages of evolution, namely, weak extensional fault depression, strong extensional fault depression and strike-slip transformation, giving rise to four positive structural belts(Jilantai, Shabu, Nalinhu and Xinglong), which are favorable areas for oil and gas accumulation. The two main saline lacustrine source rocks, Lower Cretaceous Guyang Formation and Oligocene Linhe Formation, are characterized by high sulfur content, rich algae, early maturity, early expulsion, and wide oil generation window. The large structural transition belt in the intermountain area around the Hetao Basin controls the formation of large-scale braided river delta deposits, which are characterized by high quartz content(50%-76%), long-term shallow burial and weak compaction, low cement content, and good reservoir properties in delta front sandbody. The burial depth of the effective Paleogene reservoirs is predicted to reach 8000 m. Three hydrocarbon accumulation models, nose-uplift near sag, buried hill surrounding sag, fault nose near source rock, are constructed. The law of hydrocarbon accumulation in the Linhe Depression is finally clarified as follows: near-source around the depression is the foundation, high-quality thick reservoir is the premise, good tectonic setting and trap conditions are the key.

Differential Hydrocarbon Enrichment and its Main Controlling Factors in Depressions of the Bohai Bay Basin Differential Hydrocarbon Enrichment and its Main Controlling Factors in Depressions of the Bohai Bay Basin

Significant differential hydrocarbon enrichment occurs in depressions in a petroliferous basin.There are multiple depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin, and each depression as a relatively independent unit of hydrocarbon generation, migration and accumulation, contains significantly different hydrocarbon generation conditions and enrichment degree. On the basis of previous documents and a large number of statistical data, this work comparatively analyzed the differential hydrocarbon enrichment and its major controlling factors in depressions of the Bohai Bay Basin. The results show that depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin have various hydrocarbon enrichment degrees, and can be categorized into four types, namely enormously oil-rich, oil-rich, oily and oil-poor depressions. In general, the enormously oil-rich and oil-rich depressions are distributed in the eastern part of the basin along the Tan-Lu and Lan-Liao faults, whereas depressions in the western part of the basin are poor in hydrocarbons. Moreover, the vertical distribution of hydrocarbons is also highly heterogeneous, with Pre-Paleogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the northern and western depressions, Paleogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the entire basin, and Neogene strata rich in hydrocarbons in the off-shore areas of the Bohai Bay Basin. From early depressions in onshore areas to the late depressions in offshore areas of the Bohai Bay Basin, the source rocks and source-reservoir-cap rock assemblages gradually become younger and shallower, and the hydrocarbon resource abundance gradually increases. Hydrocarbon supplying condition is the key factor constraining the hydrocarbon enrichment for different depressions,while the main source-reservoir-cap rock assemblage, sufficient hydrocarbons and the transportation capacity of faults control the vertical distribution of hydrocarbons. The main factors controlling hydrocarbon enrichment are different for different layers. The hydrocarbon supplying condition of source rocks is the key controlling factor, whereas the source-reservoir configuration, the main sourcereservoir-cap rock assemblages, and the fault transportation are the main factors of hydrocarbon enrichment in the Paleogene, Paleogene and Neogene, respectively.

Relationship between Geological Structures and Hydrocarbon Enrichment of Different Depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin

The Bohai Bay Basin contains many depressions with varying degrees of hydrocarbon enrichment associated with the geological structures of different depressions. This study discussed the relationship between the geological structures and hydrocarbon enrichment of the depressions in the Bohai Bay Basin. Based on the Paleogene strata distribution and the length to width ratio of different depressions, their geological structures are divided into three types in plan-view： open（length/width 〈 2）, narrow（length/width 〉 4） and transitional types（length/width 2-4）. In cross section, the geological structures can be divided into dustpan I, dustpan II and double-faulted types. Based on tectonic evolution and sedimentary characteristics, the depressions are classified into early-formed, inherited and late-formed categories. Generally, narrow depressions are mainly located in the northeast and southwest of the Bohai Bay Basin, while open depressions are dominantly distributed in the central area of the basin; late-formed depressions are mainly around the Bohai sea area, and early-formed depressions are mostly located in the periphery of the basin. Geological structures of the depressions control the formation of the source, reservoir and cap rocks as well as hydrocarbon accumulation setting, and further influence the pay zones and oil-bearing sequence. In detail, dustpan II and doublefaulted depressions mainly have A-type sags, which often possess better hydrocarbon generation conditions than dustpan I ones; hydrocarbons in open dustpan II depressions tend to accumulate in the central uplift areas or buried hill, while those in narrow dustpan I depressions always accumulate in gentle slope belts. The oil-bearing sequence for different evolutional depressions corresponds well with the sedimentary strata of the main development stages of depressions. In early-formed depressions, hydrocarbons are mainly enriched in deeply buried reservoirs, while in late-formed depressions hydrocarbons are abundant in the relatively shallow traps. In summary, most inherited and late-formed dustpan II depressions are enriched in hydrocarbons due to their extensive source rocks and good source-reservoir-seal assemblages, whereas dustpan I and early-formed depressions are relatively poor in hydrocarbons.

Strike-Slip Faults and Their Control on Differential Hydrocarbon Enrichment in Carbonate Karst Reservoirs: A Case Study of Yingshan Formation on Northern Slope of Tazhong Uplift, Tarim Basin

Objective Oil and gas are abundant in the Ordovician Yingshan Formation carbonate karst reservoirs on the northern slope of Tazhong uplift in the Tarim Basin, and have extremely complicated oil-gas-water distribution, however. The difference in burial depth of the reservoirs between east and west sides is up to 1000 m. Water-bearing formations exist between oil- and gas-bearing formations vertically and water-producing wells are drilled between oil- and gas-producing wells. Macroscopically, oil and gas occur at low positions, while water occurs at high positiona on the northern slope of Tazhong uplift. The mechanism of differential hydrocarbon enrichment in heterogeneous reservoirs is by far not clarified, which has affected the efficient exploration and development of oil and gas fields in this area.

Hydrocarbon Enrichment and Main Controlling Factors in Offshore Rift Basins of China:A Case Study in the Beibuwan Basin

Beibuwan B asin is an important offshore oil and gas bearing basin of China.However,the distribution of oil and gas in different sags is uneven,and the rule of hydrocarbon accumulation and main controlling factors have not been clearly understood in this basin.Based on abundant seismic,well and analytical data,the differences and main controlling of tectonic evolution,sedimentary filling and source rock quality in sags are analyzed,and combined with the study of geothermal filed,the main controlling factors of differential hydrocarbon generation in sags of the Beibuwan Basin are clarified.On the basis of the research above,the hydrocarbon enrichment of the basin is clarified through the systematic analysis of reservoir-caprock assemblage and accumulation characteristics of different structural units.The results show that there are four NE-trending sag zones in the basin,and under the influence of fault activity,the scale of sags is regularly distributed.The scale of rifts in different sag zones decreases gradually from northwest to southeast and the scale of rifts in the middle of a single sag zone is normally larger than that at two ends.Under the control of the sag-controlling faults activity,paleoproductivity and organic matter preservation conditions,the quality of source rocks in sags of the Beibuwan Basin decreases from northwest to southeast.The hydrocarbon-rich sags in the Beibuwan Basin were formed under the control of source rocks and geothermal field,and the distribution of large-medium scale fields is controlled by the favorable structural traps in the rift strata of inner gentle slope zone.The understanding of the hydrocarbon enrichment and main controlling factors in the Beibuwan Basin also provides a significant guidance for the oil and gas exploration in other rift basins.

Enrichment factors of movable hydrocarbons in lacustrine shale oil and exploration potential of shale oil in Gulong Sag,Songliao Basin,NE China

The geological characteristics and production practices of the major middle-and high-maturity shale oil exploration areas in China are analyzed.Combined with laboratory results,it is clear that three essential conditions,i.e.economic initial production,commercial cumulative oil production of single well,and large-scale recoverable reserves confirmed by the testing production,determine whether the continental shale oil can be put into large-scale commercial development.The quantity and quality of movable hydrocarbons are confirmed to be crucial to economic development of shale oil,and focuses in evaluation of shale oil enrichment area/interval.The evaluation indexes of movable hydrocarbon enrichment include:(1)the material basis for forming retained hydrocarbon,including TOC>2%(preferentially 3%-4%),and typeⅠ-Ⅱkerogens;(2)the mobility of retained hydrocarbon,which is closely related to the hydrocarbon composition and flow behaviors of light/heavy components,and can be evaluated from the perspectives of thermal maturity(Ro),gas-oil ratio(GOR),crude oil density,quality of hydrocarbon components,preservation conditions;and(3)the reservoir characteristics associated with the engineering reconstruction,including the main pore throat distribution zone,reservoir physical properties(including fractures),lamellation feature and diagenetic stage,etc.Accordingly,13 evaluation indexes in three categories and their reference values are established.The evaluation indicates that the light shale oil zones in the Gulong Sag of Songliao Basin have the most favorable enrichment conditions of movable hydrocarbons,followed by light oil and black oil zones,containing 20.8×10^(8) t light oil resources in reservoirs with R_(0)>1.2%,pressure coefficient greater than 1.4,effective porosity greater than 6%,crude oil density less than 0.82 g/cm^(3),and GOR>100 m/m^(3).The shale oil in the Gulong Sag can be explored and developed separately by the categories(resource sweet spot,engineering sweet spot,and tight oil sweet spot)depending on shale oil flowability.The Gulong Sag is the most promising area to achieve large-scale breakthrough and production of continental shale oil in China.

Prototypes,modifications,and hydrocarbon enrichment variations in basins influenced by Tethyan evolution:A comparative analysis of the Persian Gulf Basin and the Sichuan Basin

The hydrocarbon accumulation modes and differences in the Tethyan realm serve as a hot research topic in the petroleum geology community at home and abroad.Both the Persian Gulf Basin in the Middle East and the Sichuan Basin in China,situated on the southern and northern sides of the Tethyan realm,respectively,record the whole geological process of the opening and closure of the Prototethys,the Paleotethys,and the Neotethys sequentially,exhibiting anomalous hydrocarbon enrichment.Based on the analysis of the plate tectonic evolution in the Tethyan realm,this study dissects the structures and hydrocarbon accumulation conditions of both basins.Followed by a systematic comparative analysis of the factors controlling hydrocarbon enrichment in the process of plate breakup and convergence in the Tethyan realm,this study proposes petroleum exploration targets in the realm.The results are as follows:(1)Since the Meso-Neoproterozoic,the Persian Gulf Basin and the Sichuan Basin have undergone similar tectonic evolution in the early stage but different in the late stage.Under the influence of the formation and evolution of the Prototethys,Paleotethys,and Neotethys oceans,both basins experienced multi-stage development and modification,forming two major extension-convergence cycles.Consequently,both basins are characterized by the vertical orderly superimposition of various basin prototypes in the order of rift-intracratonic basin(passive continental margin)-foreland.(2)The fact that the Tethyan realm was long located at medium-low latitudes and the local anoxic environment formed in the process of plate breakup and convergence played a vital role in the formation of extensive source rocks.The source rocks are predominantly distributed in underfilled rifts and deep depressions that were connected to the ocean in the unidirectional continental breakup process;basin-slopes and intra-shelf basins on passive continental margins;basinal lows within intracratonic basins,and underfilled foredeeps in foreland basins.The favorable areas for the formation of carbonate reservoirs include platform margins,submarine highs and paleo-uplifts within platforms,and fault zones.The evaporite cap rocks,intimately associated with the basin evolutionary stages and global dry-hot events,are critical for large-scale hydrocarbon preservation.(3)Under the influence of Tethyan evolution,the Persian Gulf Basin and the Sichuan Basin share similar primary factors controlling hydrocarbon enrichment.The moderate tectono-sedimentary differentiation and structural modification in the process of prototype basin superimposition,as well as the spatio-temporal matching of elements critical for hydrocarbon accumulation,are beneficial for the development of large oil and gas fields.The macroscopic hydrocarbon distribution is dictated by source rock-cap rock assemblages,while the local hydrocarbon distribution is governed by trap-reservoir assemblages.The critical factors determining the differential hydrocarbon enrichment in the Persian Gulf Basin and the Sichuan Basin include plate size and position,basement stability,eustatic movement,paleoclimate,and tectonic transformation.Besides,different tectonic modification intensities are closely related to the type,enrichment degree,and distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Characteristics of the Cretaceous Magmatism in Huanghua Depression and Their Relationships with Hydrocarbon Enrichment

The Huanghua depression located in the hinterland of the Bohai Bay Basin in eastern China is a typical area for the research of multistage magmatic activities with hydrocarbon enrichment,many high-yield wells related to igneous rocks were discovered within the Cretaceous strata in recent years.However,the spatial and temporal distribution of Cretaceous igneous rocks remains unclear,and the relationships among magmatic sequence,lithology,and hydrocarbon enrichment have been poorly studied.In order to solve these problems,core observation,logging analysis,major element analysis,zircon U-Pb chronology,oil-bearing grade statistics and reservoir spaces analysis were used to subdivide the magmatism cycles and to investigate the characteristics of igneous reservoirs.Our results show that the Mesozoic magmatism in Huanghua depression started in 140.1±1.4 Ma and could be divided into two stages including the Early Cretaceous stage and Late Cretaceous stage.The Early Cretaceous magmatism principally developed basic-intermediate rocks in the north zone,and could be subdivided into 3 cycles with their forming ages of 140,125–119,and 118–111 Ma,respectively.By contrast,the late stage mainly developed intermediate-acid rocks centralized in the south zone and formed at 75–70 Ma.The GR and SP curves are good indicators for the contrast of different lithologies,lithofacies and for magmatic sequences division.Intensive magmatism may have an advantage to form reservoirs,since basalt in cycle III in the Early Cretaceous and dacite porphyrite in the Late Cretaceous have great exploration potential.Lithology and tectonic fractures have an important influence on the formation of reservoir spaces and hydrocarbon enrichment.The characteristics of Cretaceous magmatism and igneous reservoirs in Huanghua depression and adjacent areas are summarized,providing important information for igneous reservoirs research and oil-gas exploration in the Cretaceous in related areas.

Pressure field characteristics of petroliferous sags in Bohai Bay Basin: Implication for hydrocarbon enrichment

Pressure fields of different sags in a petroliferous basin were significantly different,and it was related to hydrocarbon enrichment.Based on pressure data of different sags in Bohai Bay Basin,types of pressure field and its distribution characteristics were well discussed,and relationships between overpressure and hydrocarbon generation,pressure field and hydrocarbon enrichment were also investigated.Results showed that the Paleogene pressure fields of different sags in Bohai Bay Basin could be divided into three types:normal pressure type,single overpressure type and double overpressure type.These three types of pressure fields had the zoned features in their distributions.The normal pressure fields were mostly distributed in peripheral sags of the basin,while the single overpressure fields were widespread in the basin,and the double overpressure fields were concentrated in the areas around the Bohai Sea.Hydrocarbon generation had a significant effect on overpressure formation,thus overpressure horizons generally were corresponded to major source rock horizons,and differences of filling evolution history and main hydrocarbon-generation strata of different sags might be important factors for the formation of these three types of pressure fields.Overpressure in source rock horizons was closely related to hydrocarbon enrichment.Horizontally,hydrocarbons were mainly distributed around the overpressure center,and the secondary migration distance of hydrocarbons was affected by the degree of overpressure.Vertically,hydrocarbon distributionwas controlled by the type of pressure fields.Hydrocarbons in the normal pressure sags were mainly enriched in the major hydrocarbon-generation horizons and their adjacent horizons,hydrocarbons in the single overpressure sags were mainly distributed in the hydrocarbon-generation horizons and its upper and lower horizons,while in the double overpressure sags,the hydrocarbon enrichment degree in Neogene was high.Hydrocarbon enrichment in sags was controlled by the degree of overpressure in hydrocarbon-generation horizons,and these oil-rich sags had relatively large overpressure degree.

Main progress and problems in research on Ordovician hydrocarbon accumulation in the Tarim Basin

The Tarim Basin is the largest petroliferous basin in the northwest of China, and is composed of a Paleozoic marine craton basin and a Meso-Cenozoic continental foreland basin. It is of great significance in exploration of Ordovician. In over 50 years of exploration, oil and gas totaling over 1.6 billion tonnes oil-equivalent has been discovered in the Ordovician carbonate formation. The accumulation mechanisms and distribution rules are quite complicated because of the burial depth more than 3,500 m, multi-source, and multi-stage accumulation, adjustment, reconstruction and re-enrichment in Ordovician. In this paper, we summarized four major advances in the hydrocarbon accumulation mechanisms of Ordovician carbonate reservoirs. First, oil came from Cambrian and Ordovician source rocks separately and as a mixture, while natural gas was mainly cracked gas generated from the Cambrian-Lower Ordovician crude oil. Second, most hydrocarbon migrated along unconformities and faults, with different directions in different regions. Third, hydrocarbon migration and accumulation had four periods： Caledonian, early Hercynian, late Hercynian and Himalayan, and the latter two were the most important for oil and gas exploration. Fourth, hydrocarbon accumulation and evolution can be generally divided into four stages： Caledonian （the period of hydrocarbon accumulation）, early Hercynian （the period of destruction）, late Hercynian （the period of hydrocarbon reconstruction and re-accumulation）, and Himalayan （the period of hydrocarbon adjustment and re-accumulation）. Source rocks （S）, combinations of reservoir-seal （C）, paleo-uplifts （M）, structure balance belt （B） matched in the same time （T） control the hydrocarbon accumulation and distribution in the Ordovician formations. Reservoir adjustment and reconstruction can be classified into two modes of physical adjustment and variation of chemical compositions and five mechanisms. These mechanisms are occurrence displacement, biodegradation, multi-source mixing, high-temperature cracking and late gas invasion. Late hydrocarbon accumulation effects controlled the distribution of current hydrocarbon. The T-BCMS model is a basic geological model to help understanding the control of reservoirs. At present, the main problems of hydrocarbon accumulation focus on two aspects, dynamic mechanisms of hydrocarbon accumulation and the quantitative models of oil-bearing in traps, which need further systemic research.

Restoration of the pre-Jurassic paleogeomorphology and its control on hydrocarbon distribution in western Ordos Basin

In recent years,the discovery of the Jurassic oil reservoirs in the Western Thrust Belt of the Ordos Basin reveals that the Jurassic formation in this area has huge oil and gas potential.The pre-Jurassic paleo-geomorphology plays a vital role in the formation of the Jurassic oil reservoirs.In this paper,the impression method is applied to restore the pre-Jurassic paleogeomorphology of the Hongde area in the western Ordos Basin,using a large number of drilling,logging,well testing and the latest 3D seismic data.The pre-Jurassic paleogeomorphological units in the study area can be categorized into five groups,including ancient channel valley,ancient terrace,slope,interchannel mound,and low residual mound facies.The oil reservoirs are mainly distributed in highland areas such as slope belts and low residual mounds,the main areas where hydrocarbons accumulate.In addition,the branch ditches in the study area are developed to the southeast and merged into the Ganshan ancient channel.The sandstone in the confluence area of the branch gully is well sorted and connected under frequent scouring by the river.The sand bodies of good connectivity therefore form a drainage system for long-term hydrocarbon migration.The formation of the Jurassic reservoirs in the study area is mainly affected by sedimentary facies,deposition location,and hydrocarbon migration pathway(or fault)of pre-Jurassic paleo-morphology.The results from this study can be useful for the prediction of the Jurassic sweet spots in the western margin of the Ordos Basin.

Multi-Directional and Multiphase Tectonic Modification,and Hydrocarbon Differential Enrichment in the Middle-Upper Yangtze Region

Based on the analysis of the deformation styles in different tectonic belts of the MiddleUpper Yangtze region,as well as the dissection of typical hydrocarbon reservoirs,this study determined the controlling effects of deformations on the hydrocarbon accumulations,obtaining the following results.The Middle-Upper Yangtze region experienced significant deformations during the Late Indosinian(T_(2)–T_(3)),the Middle Yanshanian(J_(3)–K_(1)),and the Himalayan,and five styles of tectonic deformations mainly occurred,namely superimposed deep burial,uplift,compressional thrusting,multi-layer decollement,and secondary deep burial.The distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the piedmont thrust belts is controlled by the concealed structures on the footwall of the deep nappe.The gentle deformation area in central Sichuan experienced differential uplift,structural-lithologic hydrocarbon reservoirs were formed over a wide area.The eastern Sichuan-western Hunan and Hubei deformation area experienced Jura Mountains-type multi-layer detachment,compressional thrusting,and uplift.In relatively weakly folded and uplifted areas,conventional structural-lithologic hydrocarbon reservoirs have undergone adjustment and re-accumulation,and the shale gas resources are well preserved.In the strongly deformed areas,conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs were destroyed,while unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs have been partially preserved.The marine strata in the Jianghan Basin experienced compression,thrusting,and denudation in the early stage and secondary deep burial in the late stage.Consequently,the unconventional gas resources have been partially preserved in these strata.Secondary hydrocarbon generation become favorable for conventional hydrocarbon accumulations in the marine strata.

Progress in hydrogen enriched hydrocarbons combustion and engine applications

The paper summarized the work on hydrogen enriched hydrocarbons combustion and its application in engines. The progress and understanding on laminar burning velocity, flame instability, flame structure flame and chemical kinetics were presented. Based on funda- mental combustion, both homogeneous spark-ignition engine and direct-injection spark-ignition engine fueled with natural gas-hydrogen blends were conducted and the technical route of natural gas-hydrogen combined with exhaust gas recirculation was proposed which experimen- tally demonstrated benefits on both thermal efficiency improvement and emissions reduction.