Role of tannin pretreatment in flotation separation of magnesite and dolomite

Flotation separation of magnesite and its calcium-containing carbonate minerals is a difficult problem.Recently,new regulat-ors have been proposed for magnesite flotation decalcification,although traditional regulators such as tannin,water glass,sodium carbon-ate,and sodium hexametaphosphate are more widely used in industry.However,they are rarely used as the main regulators in research because they perform poorly in magnesite and dolomite single-mineral flotation tests.Inspired by the limonite presedimentation method and the addition of a regulator to magnesite slurry mixing,we used a tannin pretreatment method for separating magnesite and dolomite.Microflotation experiments confirmed that the tannin pretreatment method selectively and largely reduces the flotation recovery rate of dolomite without affecting the flotation recovery rate of magnesite.Moreover,the contact angles of the tannin-pretreated magnesite and dolomite increased and decreased,respectively,in the presence of NaOl.Zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared analyses showed that the tannin pretreatment method efficiently hinders NaOl adsorption on the dolomite surface but does not affect NaOl adsorption on the magnesite surface.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations confirmed that tannin interacts more strongly with dolomite than with magnesite.

Characteristics and main controlling factors of intra-platform shoal thin-layer dolomite reservoirs:A case study of Middle Permian Qixia Formation in Gaoshiti-Moxi area of Sichuan Basin,SW China

Based on the study of the distribution of intra-platform shoals and the characteristics of dolomite reservoirs in the Middle Permian Qixia Formation in the Gaoshiti–Moxi area of the Sichuan Basin,SW China,the controlling factors of reservoir development were analyzed,and the formation model of“intra-platform shoal thin-layer dolomite reservoir”was established.The Qixia Formation is a regressive cycle from bottom to top,in which the first member(Qi1 Member)develops low-energy open sea microfacies,and the second member(Qi2 Member)evolves into intra-platform shoal and inter-shoal sea with decreases in sea level.The intra-platform shoal is mainly distributed near the top of two secondary shallowing cycles of the Qi2 Member.The most important reservoir rock of the Qixia Formation is thin-layer fractured-vuggy dolomite,followed by vuggy dolomite.The semi-filled saddle dolomite is common in fracture-vug,and intercrystalline pores and residual dissolution pores combined with fractures to form the effective pore-fracture network.Based on the coupling analysis of sedimentary and diagenesis characteristics,the reservoir formation model of“pre-depositional micro-paleogeomorphology controlling shoal,sedimentary shoal controlling dolomite,penecontemporaneous dolomite benefiting preservation of pores,and late hydrothermal action effectively improving reservoir quality”was systematically established.The“first-order high zone”micro-paleogeomorphology before the deposition of the Qixia Formation controlled the development of large area of intra-platform shoals in Gaoshiti area during the deposition of the Qi2 Member.Shoal facies is the basic condition of early dolomitization,and the distribution range of intra-platform shoal and dolomite reservoir is highly consistent.The grain limestone of shoal facies is transformed by two stages of dolomitization.The penecontemporaneous dolomitization is conducive to the preservation of primary pores and secondary dissolved pores.The burial hydrothermal fluid enters the early dolomite body along the fractures associated with the Emeishan basalt event,makes it recrystallized into medium–coarse crystal dolomite.With the intercrystalline pores and the residual vugs after the hydrothermal dissolution along the fractures,the high-quality intra-platform shoal-type thin-layer dolomite reservoirs are formed.The establishment of this reservoir formation model can provide important theoretical support for the sustainable development of Permian gas reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin.

Classification and rating of disintegrated dolomite strata for slope stability analysis

Although disintegrated dolomite,widely distributed across the globe,has conventionally been a focus of research in underground engineering,the issue of slope stability issues in disintegrated dolomite strata is gaining increasing prominence.This is primarily due to their unique properties,including low strength and loose structure.Current methods for evaluating slope stability,such as basic quality(BQ)and slope stability probability classification(SSPC),do not adequately account for the poor integrity and structural fragmentation characteristic of disintegrated dolomite.To address this challenge,an analysis of the applicability of the limit equilibrium method(LEM),BQ,and SSPC methods was conducted on eight disintegrated dolomite slopes located in Baoshan,Southwest China.However,conflicting results were obtained.Therefore,this paper introduces a novel method,SMRDDS,to provide rapid and accurate assessment of disintegrated dolomite slope stability.This method incorporates parameters such as disintegrated grade,joint state,groundwater conditions,and excavation methods.The findings reveal that six slopes exhibit stability,while two are considered partially unstable.Notably,the proposed method demonstrates a closer match with the actual conditions and is more time-efficient compared with the BQ and SSPC methods.However,due to the limited research on disintegrated dolomite slopes,the results of the SMRDDS method tend to be conservative as a safety precaution.In conclusion,the SMRDDS method can quickly evaluate the current situation of disintegrated dolomite slopes in the field.This contributes significantly to disaster risk reduction for disintegrated dolomite slopes.

Multiple Dolomitization and Fluid Flow Events in the Precambrian Dengying Formation of Sichuan Basin, Southwestern China

The Precambrian Dengying Formation is a set of large-scale, extensively dolomitized, carbonate reservoirs occurring within the Sichuan Basin. Petrographic and geochemical studies reveal dolomitization was a direct result of precipitation by chemically distinct fluids occurring at different times and at different intensities. Based on this evidence, dolomitization and multiple fluid flow events are analyzed, and three types of fluid evolution models are proposed. Results of analysis show that Precambrian Dengying Formation carbonates were deposited in a restricted peritidal environment （630- 542 Ma）. A high temperature and high Mg2＋ concentration seawater was a direct result of dolomitization for the micrite matrix, and for fibrous aragonite in primary pores. Geochemical evidence shows low δ18O values of micritic dolomite varying from -1.29%o to -4.52%o PDB, abundant light rare earth elements （REEs）, and low dolomite order degrees. Microbes and meteoric water significantly altered dolomite original chemical signatures, resulting in algal micritic dolomite and the fine-grained, granular, dolosparite dolomite having very negative δ18O values. Finely crystalline cement dolomite （536.3-280 Ma） and coarsely crystalline cement dolomite have a higher crystallization degree and higher order degree. The diagenetic sequence and fluid inclusion evidence imply a linear correlation between their burial depth and homogenization temperatures, which closely resemble the temperature of generated hydrocarbon. Compared with finely crystalline dolomite, precipitation of coarsely crystalline dolomite was more affected by restricted basinal fluids. In addition, there is a trend toward a more negative δ18O value, higher salinity, higher Fe and Mn concentrations, REE-rich. Two periods of hydrothermal fluids are identified, as the exceptionally high temperatures as opposed to the temperatures of burial history, in addition to the presence of high salinity fluid inclusions. The early hydrothermal fluid flow event was characterized by hot magnesium- and silicon-rich fluids, as demonstrated by the recrystallized matrix dolomite that is intimately associated with flint, opal, and microcrystalline quartz in intergranular or intercrystalline pores. This event was likely the result of a seafloor hydrothermal chimney eruption during Episode I of the Tongwan Movement （536.3-5.5 Ma）. In contrast, later hydrothermal fluids, which caused precipitation of saddle dolomite, were characterized by high salinity （15-16.05wt% NaCI equivalent） and homogenization temperatures （250 to 265℃）, δ18O values that were more enriched, and REE signatures. Geochemical data and the paragenetic sequence indicate that this hydrothermal fluid was related to extensive Permian large igneous province activity （360-280 Ma）. This study demonstrates the presence of complicated dolomitization processes occurring during various paleoclimates, tectonic cycles, and basinal fluids flow; results are a useful reference for these dolomitized Precambrian carbonates reservoirs.

Characteristics and Dolomitization of Upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician Dolomite from Outcrop in Keping Uplift, Western Tarim Basin, Northwest China

Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician sedimentary rocks in the western Tarim Basin, Northwest China, are composed of shallow-marine platform carbonates. The Keping Uplift is located in the northwest region of this basin. On the basis of petrographic and geochemical features, four matrix replacement dolomites and one type of cement dolomite are identified. Matrix replacement dolomites include （1） micritic dolomites （MD1）; （2） fine-coarse euhedral floating dolomites （MD2）; （3） fine-coarse euhedral dolomites （MD3）; and （4） medium-very coarse anhedral mosaic dolomites （MD4）. Dolomite cement occurs in minor amounts as coarse saddle dolomite cement （CD1） that mostly fills vugs and fractures in the matrix dolomites. These matrix dolomites have δ18O values of ？9.7‰ to ？3.0‰ VPDB （Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite）; δ13C values of ？0.8‰ to 3.5‰ VPDB; 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.708516 to 0.709643; Sr concentrations of 50 to 257 ppm; Fe contents of 425 to 16878 ppm; and Mn contents of 28 to 144 ppm. Petrographic and geochemical data suggest that the matrix replacement dolomites were likely formed by normal and evaporative seawater in early stages prior to chemical compaction at shallow burial depths. Compared with matrix dolomites, dolomite cement yields lower δ18O values （？12.9‰ to ？9.1‰ VPDB）; slightly lower δ13C values （？1.6‰-0.6‰ VPDB）; higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios （0.709165-0.709764）; and high homogenization temperature （Th） values （98°C-225°C） and salinities （6 wt%-24 wt% NaCl equivalent）. Limited data from dolomite cement shows a low Sr concentration （58.6 ppm） and high Fe and Mn contents （1233 and 1250 ppm, respectively）. These data imply that the dolomite cement precipitated from higher temperature hydrothermal salinity fluids. These fluids could be related to widespread igneous activities in the Tarim Basin occurring during Permian time when the host dolostones were deeply buried. Faults likely acted as important conduits that channeled dolomitizing fluids from the underlying strata into the basal carbonates, leading to intense dolomitization. Therefore, dolomitization, in the Keping Uplift area is likely related to evaporated seawater via seepage reflux in addition to burial processes and hydrothermal fluids.

Dolomitization evolution and its effects on hydrocarbon reservoir formation from penecontemporaneous to deep burial environment

Aiming at the scientific problem that only part of dolomite acts as dolomite reservoir,this paper takes the multiple dolomite-bearing formations in the Tarim and Ordos basins,NW China and Sichuan Basin,SW China as the study object,by means of mineral petrological analysis and geochemical methods including carbonate clumped isotope,U-Pb isotopic dating,etc.,to rebuild the dolomitization pathway and evaluate its effects on reservoir formation.On the basis of detailed rock thin section observation,five dolomitic structural components are identified,including original fabric-retained dolomite(microbial and/or micrite structure),buried metasomatic dolomite I(subhedral-euhedral fine,medium and coarse crystalline structure),buried metasomatic dolomite II(allotriomorphic-subhedral fine,medium and coarse crystalline structure),buried precipitation dolomite and coarse crystalline saddle dolomite.Among them,the first three exist in the form of rocks,the latter two occur as dolomite minerals filling in pores and fractures.The corresponding petrological and geochemical identification templates for them are established.Based on the identification of the five dolomitic structural components,six dolomitization pathways for three types of reservoirs(preserved dolomite,reworked dolomite and limestone buried dolomitization)are distinguished.The initial porosity of the original rock before dolomitization and the dolomitization pathway are the main factors controlling the development of dolomite reservoirs.The preserved dolomite and reworked dolomite types have the most favorable dolomitization pathway for reservoir formation,and are large scale and controlled by sedimentary facies in development and distribution,making them the first choices for oil and gas exploration in deep carbonate formations.

Dolomitization and the causes of dolomitization dolomite reservoir

This paper utilizes multi-methods,such as core observation,slice identification,isotope analysis,trace element analysis,fluid inclusion technique and so on,to study the causes of the dolomite in the Nanpu Sag and the origins of the dolomite reservoir.The study results show that the forming environment of dolomite in the Nanpu Sag is a fresh-water lake environment,and the dolomite is the product of dolomitization which is caused by volcanic thermal fluids in the Early Dongying period.With the development of intergranular pores in the dolomitization process,a lot of dissolved pores/vugs and fractures were formed by denudation in the later periods because of the influence of thermal fluids including the associated fluids of volcanic activities and the expelled hydrocarbon fluids of the source rocks.On the whole,these secondary dissolution spaces greatly enhance the reservoir ability of the dolomite,and there are enough reservoir spaces in the dolomite in the Nanpu Sag.

Dolomitization of the lower cretaceous carbonate reservoir in the Euphrates Graben,Syria

Results of this study are based on core materials description,thin sections,Cathodoluminescence(CL),and Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM)examinations.The Lower Cretaceous over the Euphrates Graben area was characterized by carbonate sedimentation in shallow marine environments.The low energy lagoonal to inner shelf sediments of the Judea Formation includes micritic mudstone to wackestone texture,dolomitic limestones and dolostones.Two types of dolomites recognized in the carbonates of the Judea Formation,the preserving microcrystalline dolomites which commonly founded in the partially dolomitized micritic limestones,and the destructive coarsely crystalline dolomites which commonly founded in the dolostones and dolomitic limestones.Petrographic examinations indicate that the preserving microcrystalline dolomites represent subtidal cycles developed in a shoal to open marine depositional environments,they probably formed under conditions of the shallow burial diagenesis.The destructive coarsely crystalline dolomites may develop in more basinward,open marine environments under conditions of the deep burial diagenesis that accompanied by rising in temperature,pressure,and burial depth.It is believed that evolution of the diagenetic history of the Judean Formation sediments occurred in two diagenetic stages;the shallow burial diagenesis,and the deep burial diagenesis.Compaction processes,early fracturing,micritization,early calcite,and the early phase of dolomitization were part of the multiple diagenetic alterations during the shallow burial diagenesis.The deep burial diagenesis was marked by dissolution,late stage of dolomitization and replacement,mechanical and chemical compaction,and the late calcite precipitation.It is believed that dolomitization of the Judea Formation carbonates in the Euphrates Graben has contributed to improving the reservoir properties by increasing the porosity and thus the permeability.

Effect of depressants on flotation separation of magnesite from dolomite and calcite

The flotation separation of magnesite from calcium-containing minerals has always been a difficult subject in minerals processing.This work studied the inhibition effects of carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC),sodium lignosulphonate,polyaspartic acid(PASP)and sodium silicate on flotation behaviors of magnesite,dolomite and calcite,providing guidance for the development of reagents in magnesite flotation.The micro-flotation results showed that among these four depressants,sodium silicate presented the strongest selectivity due to the highest recovery difference,and the flotation separation of magnesite from dolomite and calcite could be achieved by using sodium silicate as the depressant.Contact angle measurement indicated that the addition of sodium silicate caused the largest differences in surface wettability of the three minerals,which was in line with micro-flotation tests.Furthermore,zeta potential test,the Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectroscopy and atomic force microscope(AFM)imaging were used to reveal the inhibition mechanism of sodium silicate.The results indicated that the dominated component SiO(OH)3
of sodium silicate could adsorb on minerals surfaces,and the adsorption of sodium silicate hardly affected the adsorption of NaOL on magnesite surface,but caused the reduction of NaOL adsorption on dolomite and calcite surfaces,thereby increasing the flotation selectivity.

Removal of dolomite and potassium feldspar from apatite using simultaneous flotation with a mixed cationic-anionic collector

This study aims to investigate the effect of a cationic-anionic mixed collector(dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide/sodium oleate(DTAB/NaOL)on the selective separation of apatite,dolomite,and potassium feldspar.Herein,several experimental methods,including flotation experiments,zeta-potential detection,microcalorimetry detection,XPS analysis and FTIR measurements,were used.The flotation tests showed that dolomite and potassium feldspar can be successfully removed from apatite simultaneously when the molar ratio of DTAB to NaOL was 2:1 with pH 4.5.Zeta-potential and microcalorimetry detection suggested that NaOL and DTAB were adsorbed on the surface of dolomite and potassium feldspar respectively,and part of NaOL and DTAB formed co-adsorption on the surface of potassium feldspar to enhance the floatability of potassium feldspar.The XPS and FTIR spectra analysis demonstrated that the cationic collector,DTAB,was first adsorbed on the surface of potassium feldspar through electrostatic attraction in the DTAB/NaOL mixture system.Subsequently,the anionic NaOL collector and cationic DTAB collector form an electron neutralisation complex,thereby resulting in co-adsorption on the surface of potassium feldspar.NaOL was chemically reacted and adsorbed on dolomite surface,but almost no collector was adsorbed on apatite surface.Finally,the adsorption models of different collectors on mineral surface were obtained.

Characteristics and Dolomitization of Dolostones in Nenjiang Formation Unit 1,Northern Songliao Basin

Songliao Basin is a large-scale Cretaceous continental sedimentary basin in northeastern China. In the northern Songliao Basin Nenjiang Formation Unit 1 are mainly dark mudstones with dolostone interbeds.Understanding the sedimentary characteristics and dolomitization of the dolostones is of great significance to the paleoenvironment and paleoc-

Dolomitization of the Ordovician subsalt Majiagou Formation in the central Ordos Basin,China:fluid origins and dolomites evolution

The Middle Ordovician subsalt Majiagou Formation in the Ordos Basin comprises pervasively dolomitized shallow marine limestone and is a major reservoir rich in natural gas resources.Four types of dolomite matrix and cement were identified based on petrographic textures:(very)finely crystalline,non-planar to planar-s matrix dolomite(Md1);finely to medium crystalline,planar-s to planar-e matrix dolomite(Md2);microbialites comprising dolomite microcrystals(Md3);and finely to coarsely crystalline dolomite cement(Cd).The Md1 and Md2 dolomites were controlled by alternating lagoon-shoal facies and haveδ13C values(−1.89 to+1.45‰VPDB for Md1,−1.35 to+0.42‰VPDB for Md2)that fall within or are slightly higher than the coeval seawater,suggesting the dolomitizing fluid of evaporated seawater.Md2 dolomite was then subjected to penecontemporaneous karstification by meteoric water and burial recrystallization by sealed brines during diagenesis,as indicated by its relatively lowerδ18O values(−8.89 to−5.73‰VPDB)and higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios(0.708920–0.710199).Md3 dolomite comprises thrombolite and stromatolite and is interpreted to form by a combination of initial microbial mediation and later replacive dolomitization related to evaporated seawater.Cd dolomite was associated with early-formed karst system in the Md2 host dolomite.The lowestδ18O values(−11.78 to−10.18‰VPDB)and 87Sr/86Sr ratios(0.708688–0.708725)and fluid inclusion data(Th:123–175°C)indicate involvement of hydrothermal fluid from which the Cd dolomite precipitated during deep burial.These results reveal the multi-stage dolomitization history of the Majiagou Formation and provide new constraints on fluid origins and dolomites evolution during deep burial in old superimposed basins,such as the Ordos Basin and elsewhere.

Dolomitization in Campanian Oil Shale Rocks from South-Western Jordan

This work represents the first detailed study of an oil shale (OS) section from the Upper Campanian Amman Silicified Limestone (ASL) Formation in south-western part of Jordan. More than five meters of oil shale have been recorded. Using the petrography and geochemistry, this study aims to focus on such non-conventional types of oil shale rocks in Jordan and to shed some light on their composition and formational environment. Unlike oil shale from Maastrichtian to early Tertiary, this type of oil shale is highly dolomitized. The dolomite is diagenetic in origin. This oil shale type contains considerable amount of OM and remarkably enriched in some trace elements and shows quite low sulfur content. Results suggest that the formation of dolomite appears to be limited by the rate of organic matter oxidation.

Autochthonous Dolomitization and Dissolution in the Microbial Carbonate Rocks of the Fengjiawan Formation in the Ordos Basin

Many euhedral dolomite crystals and related pores are found in the microbial siliceous stromatolite dolomite and siliceous oolitic dolomite in the Fengjiawan Formation of the Mesoproterozoic Jixian System in the southern Ordos Basin.With the application of the microscope,scanning electron microscope,cathodoluminescence and in-situ trace element imaging,it can be seen that different from the phase I dolomite that was damaged by silicification,the intact euhedral phase II dolomite occurred through dolomitization after silicification,concentrated mainly in the organic-rich dark laminae of the stromatolite and the dark spheres and cores of the ooids.A considerable number of phase II dolomite crystals were dissolved,giving rise to mold pores and vugs which constituted the matrix pores and also the major pore space of the Fengjiawan Formation.The formation and dissolution of the dolomite were controlled by the microenvironment favorable,respectively,for carbonate precipitation and dissolution under the influence of microbial biological activities and related biochemical reactions.The driving force and material supply of dolomitization and dissolution were confined to the fabrics enriched with microorganisms,which are highly autochthonous.This mechanism may be a key factor for the development of Precambrian dolomite and related reservoirs,in the context of the domination of microbial rocks.

Dolomitization Mechanism Based on Petrography and Geochemistry in the Shotori Formation (Middle Triassic), Central Iran

Middle Triassic carbonate sequences of Shotori Formation have a thickness of 70 m and are deposited Robat-e-Kalmard region of Tabas city in Central Iran basin. Gradationally and conformably overlying Sorkh shale Formation, Shotori Formation, mostly composed of medium to thick dolomites (50 m), interbeded with thin lime and sandstones, is disconformable by a laterite horizon at its upper boundary. This Formation mainly consists of fine-to-coarsely crystalline dolomites. According to petrographic (fabric and grain size) and geochemical (elemental analysis of Ca, Mg, Na, Sr, Fe, Mn) evidence, five various types of dolomites were recognized in Shotori Formation. This variety results from early and late diagenetic processes, triggering a change in dolomitizing fluids and thereby forming various dolomites. Geochemical studies have revealed that the dolomites of Shotori Formation have formed under meteoric diagenesis and reducing conditions. Various dolomitization mechanisms are proposed for various types of dolomites;that is to say, Sabkha model is considered for type 1 dolomite, mixing zone model for type 2 and 3 dolomites and burial model for type 4 and 5 dolomites.

Episodic dolomitization of Paleozoic limestones in the Kinta Valley,Malaysia:Implications on porosity evolution and reservoir properties

Carbonates undergo a variety of physical,mineralogical,chemical changes during depositional and postdepositional stages that are of interest to exploration geologists and sedimentologists.World over,about 60%of hydrocarbon reserves occur in carbonates with the dominant proportion associated with dolomitic reservoirs,in particular fault-associated dolomites which appear to be proven hydrocarbon reservoirs.Dolomitization as the critical diagenetic process thus plays an important role in determining reservoir characteristics and in designing exploration strategies.The buried Paleozoic dolomites exhibit relatively higher porosity than their counterparts,Paleozoic limestones.Fault-associated dolomites are usually targets of hydrocarbon exploration due to their good reservoir quality.High heterogeneity in carbonate reservoirs due to varied porosity types and distribution makes reservoir characterization a daunting task.However,the key elements that control porosity development and evolution in these dolomites remain debatable.Studying the influence of multiphase dolomitization,associated diagenetic events,hydrothermal alteration and their causative thermo-tectonic events on porosity evolution and reservoir quality is essential to understanding the critical processes and controlling factors that result in diverse impacts on reservoir quality.In this paper,an attempt is made to characterize dolomitization in homogeneous carbonate mud and its relationship with porosity evolution and reservoir property.In the field,six facies types excluding host limestone are recognized,which are in turn characterized into seven petrographically recognizable phases,namely the host limestone,early replacement dolomite,sucrosic dolomite,metamorphosed dolomite,late replacement dolomite,brecciated limestone and dolomite and late stage calcite.Mineralogical analyses reveal the dominance of stoichiometric dolomites,followed by calcareous dolomites and magnesium calcites.Among all the field-based facies and petrographic phases,the sucrosic dolomites show appreciable porosity within a range from 4%to 8%,whereas the other phases show either nil or insignificant porosity under megascopic and petrographic observations.Our study confirms that in the process of dolomitization that substantially modifies porosity,dolomitic crystal morphologies play a significant role in enhancing or reducing the porosity.

Origin of Dolomitization in Demirkazik Formation(Adana-Turkey)

Demirkaz&#305k formation consisting of the limestones and dolomites is common in the Adana, Turkey. In this study, it is aimed to find the origin of dolomitization by preparing a detailed geological map. For this purpose, firstly, thin section/polished section and, chemical analysis of the twenty-one samples characterizing dolomitization of the field were prepared and examined. In the chemical analyzes, 21 samples were determined MgO-CaO ratio. Geological map was prepared by field study and MgO contents of the samples that are known coordinates in the chemical data, and the regions where dolomitization was effective were determined. Dolomitization in these carbonates occurs at early stages and late stages. Two dolomite types are petrographically determined;(1) fine crystalline dolomite (TD-1) with 10 - 25 μm crystal size and (2) coarse crystalline dolomite (TD-2) with 50 - 120 μm crystal size. TD-1 is formed by synsedimentary replacement and TD-2 derived from TD-1. The evidence of dolomitization due to pressure changes in the TD-2 dolomites is evidence of late diagenetic. There are three types of carbonate by chemical data;limestone, dolomitic limestone, calcitic dolomite and MgCO3 ratio of these is increased respectively. The rate of dolomitization is very variable and at the fracture regions, the Mg ratio increases, indicating that tectonism is the cause of dolomitization.

Production of high-purity Mg metal from dolomite through novel molten salt electrolysis and vacuum distillation

In this study,a novel Mg production process for producing high-purity Mg metal from dolomite was developed.When the electrolysis of calcined dolomite was conducted using Cu cathode and C anode in MgF_(2)–LiF molten salt at 1083–1173 K by applying an average current of 1.42–1.46 A for 9.50–21.0 h,the current efficiency of 66.4–88.6%was obtained.The produced Mg alloys consisted of MgCu_(2)and Cu(Mg)or MgCu_(2)and CuMg_(2)phases,depending on the Mg concentration in the Mg alloy.When the electrolysis of calcined dolomite was conducted in MgF_(2)–LiF–CaF_(2)molten salt at 1083 K,the current efficiency was 40.9–71.4%,owing to undesired reactions such as electroreduction of Ca^(2+)or/and CO_(3)^(2−)ions.Meanwhile,the current efficiency increased from 40.9%to 63.2%by utilizing a Pt anode,because the occurrence of CO_(3)^(2−)ions in the molten salt was prevented.After vacuum distillation of the obtained Mg alloys at 1300 K for 10 h,Mg metal with a purity of 99.9996–99.9998%was produced.Therefore,the feasibility of this novel process for the production of high-purity Mg metal from dolomite was demonstrated.

Origin of dolomites in the Permian dolomitic reservoirs of Fengcheng Formation in Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin, NW China

Origin of authigenic dolomites in the dolomitic reservoir of the Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag of Junggar Basin is unclear.Occurrence and genetic evolution of the authigenic dolomites in dolomitic rock reservoir of the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag were analyzed by polarized and fluorescence thin sections,scanning electron microscope(SEM),electron microprobe(EMP),C,O and Sr isotopes analysis,and other techniques.(1)Dolomites were mainly precipitated in three stages:penecontemporaneous-shallow burial stage(early stage of the Middle Permian),middle burial stage(middle stage of the Middle Permian),and middle-deep burial stage,with the former two stages in dominance.(2)Dolomitization fluid was high-salinity brine originating from alkaline lake.In the penecontemporaneous-shallow burial stage,Mg^(2+)was mainly supplied by alkaline-lake fluid and devitrification of volcanic glass.In the middle burial stage,Mg^(2+)mainly came from the transformation of clay minerals,devitrification of volcanic glass and dissolution of aluminosilicates such as feldspar.(3)Regular changes of Mg,Mn,Fe,Sr,Si and other elements during the growth of dolomite were mainly related to the alkaline-lake fluid,and to different influences of devitrification and diagenetic alteration of volcanic materials during the burial.(4)In the penecontemporaneous stage,induced by alkaline-lake microorganisms,the micritic-microcrystalline dolomites were formed by primary precipitation,replacement of aragonite and high-Mg calcite,and other processes;in the shallow burial stage,the silt-sized dolomites were formed by continuous growth of micritic-microcrystalline dolomite and replacement of calcites,tuffs and other substances;in the middle burial stage,the dolomites,mainly silt-and fine-sized,were formed by replacement of volcanic materials.The research results are referential for investigating the formation mechanism and distribution patterns of tight dolomitic reservoirs in the Mahu Sag and other similar oil and gas bearing areas.

Reservoir Characterization of Special Dolomite Rock of Fengcheng Formation in Junggar Basin, China

Dolomites and eruptive rocks are well-developed in the Permian Fengcheng Formation in Junggar Basin in China, in which oil and gas are accumulated extensively. Until now, high-yield industrial oil and gas flows have been obtained in the dolomitic tuff of the second unit of the Fengcheng Formation, which demonstrates the huge exploration potential of the thick layer of massive dolomitic tuff. The lithology of the second unit of the Fengcheng Formation in this area has gradually transformed from the dolomite, dolomitic tuff to siltstone from east to west. Moreover, the well testing shows that the reservoir is oil-saturated, and the production rate mainly depends on the reservoir’s physical properties and fracture development. In this study, different types of data including core data, well log and seismic data are used cooperatively to characterize the sedimentary, structure and fracture features of the Fengcheng Formation, and then characterize the promising target zone in the study area. The result indicates that hydrocarbons are most accumulated along the deep fault in the Wu-Xia fault zone, which will be the favorable zone for the next progressive exploration.