Quantitative description of characteristics of high-capacity channels in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs using in situ production data

Quantitative description of the high-capacity channels in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs, into which water was injected to improve oil recovery, is a hot topic in the field of reservoir development. This paper presents a novel approach to describing quantitatively the characteristics of connected macropores in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs using in situ production data. Based on physical simulation for formation mechanisms of high capacity channels and interwell tracer test data, a mathematical model was established to describe high-capacity channels by grey correlation theory, flow mechanism of fluid in porous media and reservoir engineering, and a program was developed to describe quantitatively the channel characteristics. The predicted results were consistent with field monitoring data （80%）, so this model could be economically and effectively used to identify high-capacity channels.

Genesis, evolution and reservoir identification of a Neogene submarine channel in the southwestern Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea

A rarely reported middle-late Miocene-Pliocene channel(incised valley fill),the Huaguang Channel(HGC),has been found in the deep-water area of the southwestern Qiongdongnan Basin(QDNB).This channel is almost perpendicular to the orientation of another well-known,large,and nearly coeval submarine channel in this area.Based on the interpretation of high-resolution 3D seismic data,this study describes and analyzes the stratigraphy,tectonics,sedimentation,morphology,structure and evolution of HGC by means of well-seismic synthetic calibration,one-and two-dimensional forward modeling,attribute interpretation,tectonic interpretation,and gas detection.The HGC is located on the downthrown side of an earlier activated normal fault and grew northwestward along the fault strike.The channel is part of a slope that extends from the western Huaguang Sag to the eastern Beijiao Uplift.The HGC underwent four developmental stages:the(1)incubation(late Sanya Formation,20.4–15.5 Ma),(2)embryonic(Meishan Formation,15.5–10.5 Ma),(3)peak(Huangliu Formation,10.5–5.5 Ma)and(4)decline(Yinggehai Formation,5.5–1.9 Ma)stages.The channel sandstones have a provenance from the southern Yongle Uplift and filled the channel via multistage vertical amalgamation and lateral migration.The channel extended 42.5 km in an approximately straight pattern in the peak stage.At 10.5 Ma,sea level fell relative to its lowest level,and three oblique progradation turbidite sand bodies filled the channel from south to north.A channel sandstone isopach map demonstrated a narrow distribution in the early stages and a fan-shaped distribution in the late stage.The formation and evolution of the HGC were controlled mainly by background tectonics,fault strike,relative sea level change,and mass supply from the Yongle Uplift.The HGC sandstone reservoir is near the Huaguangjiao Sag,where hydrocarbons were generated.Channel-bounding faults and underlying faults link the source rock with the reservoir.A regionally extensive mudstone caprock overlies the channel sandstone.Two traps likely containing gas were recognized in a structural high upstream of the channel from seismic attenuation anomalies.The HGC will likely become an important oil and gas accumulation setting in the QDNB deep-water area.

Analysis of Channeling-Path Phenomena in a Complex Fault-Block Reservoir with Low Recovery Factor and High Water-Cut Ratio

Current methods for the analysis of channeling-path phenomena in reservoirs cannot account for the influence of time and space on the actual seepage behavior.In the present study,this problem is addressed considering actual production data and dynamic characteristic parameters quantitatively determined in the near wellbore area by fitting the water-cut curve of the well.Starting from the dynamic relationship between injection and production data,the average permeability is determined and used to obtain a real-time quantitative characterization of the seepage behavior of the channeling-path in the far wellbore area.For the considered case study(Jidong oilfield),it is found that the seepage capacity of the channeling-path in the far wellbore area is far less(10 times smaller)than that of the channeling-path in the near wellbore area.The present study and the proposed model(combining near wellbore area and far wellbore area real-time data)have been implemented to support the definition of relevant adjustment measures to ultimately improve oil recovery.

Turbidite Dynamics and Hydrocarbon Reservoir Formation in the Tano Basin: A Coastal West African Perspective

This study examines the turbidite dynamics and hydrocarbon reservoir formation in Ghana’s Tano Basin, which is located in coastal West Africa. Through an exploration of geological processes spanning millions of years, we uncover key factors shaping hydrocarbon accumulation, including source rock richness, temperature, pressure, and geological structures. The research offers valuable insights applicable to exploration, management, and sustainable resource exploitation in coastal West Africa. It facilitates the identification of exploration targets with higher hydrocarbon potential, enables the anticipation of reservoir potential within the Tano Basin, and assists in tailoring exploration and management strategies to specific geological conditions of the Tano Basin. Analysis of fluvial channels sheds light on their impact on landscape formation and hydrocarbon exploration. The investigation into turbidite systems unveils intricate interactions involving tectonics, sea-level fluctuations, and sedimentation patterns, influencing the development of reservoirs. An understanding of sediment transport and depositional settings is essential for efficient reservoir management. Geomorphological features, such as channels, submarine canyons, and distinct channel types, are essential in this situation. A detailed examination of turbidite channel structures, encompassing canyons, channel complexes, convex channels, and U-shaped channels, provides valuable insights and aids in identifying exploration targets like basal lag, channel levees, and lobes. These findings underscore the enduring significance of turbidite systems as conduits for sediment transport, contributing to enhanced reservoir management and efficient hydrocarbon production. The study also highlights how important it is to examine the configuration of sedimentary layers, stacking patterns, and angular laminated facies to identify turbidites, understand reservoir distribution, and improve well design. The dynamic nature of turbidite systems, influenced by basin characteristics such as shape and slope, is highlighted. The research provides valuable insights essential for successful hydrocarbon exploration, reservoir management, and sustainable resource exploitation in coastal West Africa.

Study on the Fine Configuration of Reservoir in River Facies Oilfield in Bohai Sea Area

The geological conditions of offshore shallow water delta oil reservoirs were complex, with limited well data and large well spacing. Taking A Oilfield in the Bohai Sea Area, China as an example, the target sand body was formed in a shallow water delta sedimentary environment, with well-developed underwater distributary channels and frequent branching and diversion. The reservoir was strong non-uniformity and uneven plane water cut pressure. To this end, based on the existing work of predecessors, combined with seismic, logging, and production dynamics data, and based on the genesis mechanism of shallow water delta reservoirs, the boundary of composite river channels was identified through seismic facies, and logging facies were used to subdivide them into single river levels within the composite river channels. Then, seismic waveform characteristics were applied to track and characterize the plane distribution of single river channels, guiding the efficient development of offshore shallow water delta oil fields and achieving increased storage and production in Bohai Oilfield, China.

A New Understanding of Channel Patterns and Facies Models of the Shallow Lake Delta Facies of Fuyu Oil Reservoir in Songliao Basin,China

In the Fuyu Reservoir of Songliao Basin, there occur a series of well-developed peculiar shallow lake delta facies, which can be divided to such three ones as the upper delta plain subfacies, the lower delta plain subfacies, and the delta front subfacies. Among them the upper delta plain subfacies mainly grows proximal distributary channels; the lower delta plain subfacies mainly grows distal ones. The entire Fuyu Reservoir has mainly developed 7 kinds of distributary channel patterns： proximal/ distal meandering type distributary channels, proximal/distal low-sinuosity type distributary channels, proximal/distal straight type distributary channels, and subaqueous distributary channels. Among these patterns, the proximal and distal meandering type distributary channels have bigger thickness of point bar and better sorting and low content of mud; moreover, they are the major reservoirs and occur in the bottom of Quan-4th member. The sandbars of the subaqueous distributary channels have higher mud content, and serve as the poorer reservoirs, and mainly occur in the top of Quan-4th member.

Characterization of three-dimensional channel reservoirs using ensemble Kalman filter assisted by principal component analysis

Ensemble-based analyses are useful to compare equiprobable scenarios of the reservoir models.However,they require a large suite of reservoir models to cover high uncertainty in heterogeneous and complex reservoir models.For stable convergence in ensemble Kalman filter(EnKF),increasing ensemble size can be one of the solutions,but it causes high computational cost in large-scale reservoir systems.In this paper,we propose a preprocessing of good initial model selection to reduce the ensemble size,and then,EnKF is utilized to predict production performances stochastically.In the model selection scheme,representative models are chosen by using principal component analysis(PCA)and clustering analysis.The dimension of initial models is reduced using PCA,and the reduced models are grouped by clustering.Then,we choose and simulate representative models from the cluster groups to compare errors of production predictions with historical observation data.One representative model with the minimum error is considered as the best model,and we use the ensemble members near the best model in the cluster plane for applying EnKF.We demonstrate the proposed scheme for two 3D models that EnKF provides reliable assimilation results with much reduced computation time.

Channel Evolution of Sandy Reservoir Sediments Following Low-Head Dam Removal, Ottawa River, Northwestern Ohio, U.S.A.

Dozens of low-head dams are removed annually for reasons of obsolescence, financial liability, public safety, or as part of aquatic ecosystem restoration. Prior to removing a dam, hydrologic and sedimentologic studies are used to predict channel changes that would occur after the proposed dam removal. One commonly used predictive approach is a channel evolution model (CEM). However, most CEMs assume that the reservoir has trapped cohesive silts and muds. This study looks at the effects of low-head dam removal on a reservoir in filled with sand-rich sediment. The Secor Dam (2.5 m tall, 17 m wide) was constructed on the Ottawa River in northwestern Ohio (USA) during 1928 and was removed in 2007. High resolution channel cross-sections were measured at 17 locations prior to dam removal and re-measured every approximately 30 days for 6 months following the removal. Sediment sampling, sediment traps, substrate sampling, differential GPS tracking of channel bed forms and sediment coring were also used to characterize the channel sediment response to dam removal. Breaching of the dam produced a diffuse nickzone which was the width of the channel and about 10 m in length. One initial response was downstream migration of a sediment wave at rates up to 0.5 m/hr. The overall effect was erosion of the former reservoir to a distance of 150 m upstream of the former dam. Portions of the former reservoir were incised >1 m. Within the first 6 months after removal, approximately 800 m3 of sand had been mobilized from the former reservoir, transported downstream past the former dam, and had primarily in-filled pre-existing pools within a reach approximately 150 m downstream of the former dam. This behavior significantly differs from the predicted results of current CEMs which anticipate a first flush of suspended sediment and minor deposition of bed load materials in the channel downstream of the former dam.

EVOLUTION OF RAPIDS OF CREEK MOUTH－BAR AT GEZHOUBA RESERVOIR AND THE IMPACTS ON NAVIGABLE CHANNEL IN THE UPPER REACHES OF THE CHANGJIANG RIVER

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Seismic Imaging and Reservoir Architecture of Sub-Marine Channel Systems Offshore West Nile Delta of Egypt

Offshore Nile Delta gas reservoirs are dominated by slope-channel systems of Plio-Pleistocene age. High-quality, three-dimensional seismic imaging has significantly helped in defining the geomorphology and architectures of these channels. Integrating seismic, logs and core data from four wells resulted in understanding of different stages of channel development and reservoir quality. The studied reservoirs that are largely controlled by episodes of transgressive-regressive events resulted in deposition of fine grained sediment and shale. Sienna channel complex consists of unconfined channel system with clearly defined development stages. The stages include amalgamated or stacked channels followed by channel abandonment phases and local flooding events. The depositional pattern continued through the Late Pliocene-Pleistocene. SimSat-P1 and SimSat-P2 reservoirs are characterized by isolated sand bodies, most probably relics of fan depositional setting. The depositional scenario that is largely controlled by successive transgression and flooding events resulted in deposition of interbedded, sheet-like, fine grained sediment and shale.

Iterative static modeling of channelized reservoirs using history-matched facies probability data and rejection of training image

Most inverse reservoir modeling techniques require many forward simulations, and the posterior models cannot preserve geological features of prior models. This study proposes an iterative static modeling approach that utilizes dynamic data for rejecting an unsuitable training image(TI) among a set of TI candidates and for synthesizing history-matched pseudo-soft data. The proposed method is applied to two cases of channelized reservoirs, which have uncertainty in channel geometry such as direction, amplitude, and width. Distance-based clustering is applied to the initial models in total to select the qualified models efficiently. The mean of the qualified models is employed as a history-matched facies probability map in the next iteration of static models. Also, the most plausible TI is determined among TI candidates by rejecting other TIs during the iteration. The posterior models of the proposed method outperform updated models of ensemble Kalman filter(EnKF) and ensemble smoother(ES) because they describe the true facies connectivity with bimodal distribution and predict oil and water production with a reasonable range of uncertainty. In terms of simulation time, it requires 30 times of forward simulation in history matching, while the EnKF and ES need 9000 times and 200 times, respectively.

A Method for Identifying Channeling Paths in Low-Permeability Fractured Reservoirs

Often oilfield fractured horizontal wells produce water flowing in multiple directions.In this study,a method to identify such channeling paths is developed.The dual-medium model is based on the principle of inter-well connectivity and considers the flow characteristics and related channeling terms.The Lorentz curve is drawn to qualitatively discern the geological type of the low-permeability fractured reservoir and determine the channeling direction and size.The practical application of such an approach to a sample oilfield shows that it can accurately identify the channeling paths of the considered low-permeability fractured reservoir and predict production performances according to the inter-well connectivity model.As a result,early detection of water channeling becomes possible,paving the way to real-time production system optimization in low-permeability fractured reservoirs.

The analysis on reservoir sediment deposition and downstream river channel scouring after impoundment and operation of TGP

According to the measured data after impoundment and operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir,the reservoir sediment deposition and downstream river channel scouring are described briefly and compared with the research results achieved in the demonstration stage.It is indicated through analysis that the reservoir sediment deposition and downstream river channel scouring during 8-year impoundment and operation are still within the original forecast,so the original forecasting results are feasible.The further observation and comparison should be conducted because the comparison between the observed data and the original forecast is not so sufficient in time and the prototype observation and related research work should be strengthened in the future.

Distribution Patterns of Remaining Hydrocarbons Controlled by Reservoir Architecture of Distributary Channel with Different Channel Style: S2 Formation of Songliao Basin, China

1 Introduction Reservoir architecture analysis of distributary channel of Daqing oilfield has drawn consistent interest among development geologists and petroleum engineers over the last decade(Lv et al.,1999;Zhou et al.,2008;Zhang et

Main flow channel index in porous sand reservoirs and its application

Based on well test interpretation,production performance analysis,overburden permeability and porosity test,gas-water core flooding test and high-pressure mercury injection,a quantitative correlation has been built of in-situ effective permeability with routine permeability and water saturation,and the ranges of Main Flow Channel Index(MFCI)are determined for different permeability levels in porous sand gas reservoirs.A new method to evaluate the in-situ effective permeability of porous sand reservoir and a correlation chart of reserves producing degree and main flow channel index are established.The results reveal that the main flow channel index of porous sand gas reservoirs has close correlation with routine matrix permeability and water saturation.The lower the routine matrix permeability and the higher the water saturation,the lower the MFCI is.If the routine matrix permeability is greater than 5.0×10-3,the MFCI is generally greater than 0.5.When the routine matrix permeability is from 1.0×10-3 to 5.0×10-3,the MFCI is mainly between 0.2 and 0.5.When the routine matrix permeability is less than 1.0×10-3,the MFCI is less than 0.2.The evaluation method of in-situ effective permeability can be used to evaluate newly discovered or not tested porous sand gas reservoirs quickly and identify whether there is tight sand gas.The correlation chart of reserves producing degree and main flow channel index can provide basis for recoverable reserves evaluation and well infilling,and provide technical support for formulation of reasonable technical policy of gas reservoir.

胜利油田GF84区块CCUS气窜封堵技术及其应用

胜利油田GF84区块为低渗透油藏,采出程度较低,CO_(2)驱是提高该区块采收率的有效措施之一。在前期开发中注采井之间已形成明显的气窜通道,现阶段亟需进行气窜封堵,提高CO_(2)驱波及系数,实现均衡驱替。通过分析GF84区块气窜特征与开发矛盾,将气窜类型划分为“裂缝型气窜”和“基质型气窜”,并制定了“裂缝封堵”和“基质调剖”的治理策略。在明确气窜特征的基础上,通过室内实验研发了硅盐树脂堵剂、CO_(2)气溶性发泡剂和高温冻胶堵剂,并形成了“硅盐树脂裂缝封堵+CO_(2)气溶性发泡剂、高温冻胶基质调剖”化学封堵分级调控技术。结果表明,该技术在GF84区块成功应用4口井,其中硅盐树脂裂缝封堵2口井,CO_(2)气溶性发泡剂基质调剖2口井,措施有效率100%,有效期在0.5 a以上。研究成果可为低渗透油田CO_(2)驱开发提供技术支撑。

小浪底水库减淤调度模式探讨

小浪底水库在黄河中下游防洪格局中发挥着重要作用,长期保持库区较大库容、延长拦沙运用期,对黄河防洪保安具有重大意义。基于小浪底水库运用以来入库水沙条件变化以及调度实践分析,提出了近期小浪底水库减淤调度模式:前汛期洪水期考虑下游河道淤积和主槽过流能力,尽量利用大流量过程开展降低水位排沙运用,冲刷库区河槽新增淤积物,以恢复河槽过流能力,保持库区高效输沙通道;水库排沙运用过后,运用水位宜不高于库区较大滩地滩面,利用河槽输沙调沙能够有效减缓滩面淤积;后汛期在保证防洪安全的前提下,根据上游来沙情况择机开展水库回蓄,尽早将库水位蓄至HH37断面附近滩面以上,利用HH37断面以上库段临时调沙,减缓滩面淤积。

黄河下游花园口以上河段滞沙能力分析

黄河下游河床调整主要取决于来水来沙和河床边界条件,河床调整沿程不均衡特征明显,花园口以上河段床演变对水沙条件的变化响应尤为突出,泥沙冲淤调整幅度最大。基于河道冲淤及水沙演进特性、滞沙可行性、河槽几何特性等分析,提出了花园口以上河段可作为泥沙天然反调节“库”概念,结合黄河下游实测洪水资料,采用水力计算方法,计算了花园口以上河段的河槽排洪能力及不同河槽规模条件下河槽允许滞沙量,提出了反调“库”滞沙能力,可为小浪底水库排沙指标的确定提供依据,对维持小浪底水库有效库容、弥补后续清水河床沙源不足、改善黄河下游河槽冲淤不均衡现象具有重要意义。

致密油气窜波及控制体系适用性评价

我国致密油藏分布广泛,储量占比大,开发潜力巨大。此类油藏目前注气开发较多,基质渗透率、孔隙度均较低,油气流动通道主要为裂缝。但油藏裂缝跨尺度发育,受储层非均质性和黏性指进的影响,注气提高采收率技术受限,在裂缝及高渗条带存在时易形成气窜,对地层能量补充带来了诸多问题。选择泡沫和CO_(2)响应性凝胶配制气窜波及控制体系,并通过物理实验模拟评价其性能和在致密油藏的适用性;利用商业数值模拟软件表征CO_(2)注气吞吐及地下成胶反应。经过对国内某致密油藏的数值模拟研究,证明CO_(2)响应性凝胶对注气吞吐有明显的增产效果,采收率增加3.1%,验证了CO_(2)响应性凝胶体系在致密油藏开发中具有良好的应用前景。

裂缝性低渗透/致密油藏泡沫封窜机理与新进展

针对我国裂缝性砂砾岩油藏窜漏问题及致密油藏超低的孔隙度与基质渗透率,多采用注气以保持地层能量,但由于存在裂缝,致使气窜严重,因此需要进行防气窜措施以抑制气窜。通过梳理国内外的研究,从气液分异和黏性指进的角度分析了泡沫驱见气特征。泡沫主要通过降低气相相对渗透率、调剖作用、气体上浮驱油作用、对原油的选择性、流度控制作用和乳化作用进行封窜。在综合分析泡沫驱见气特征和泡沫封窜机理的基础上,详细论述了国内外深部封窜技术,包括泡沫防气窜技术和泡沫封窜体系。从渗透率范围、起泡剂浓度、注入方式、注入速度、含油饱和度、体系组成6个方面分析了防气窜措施的影响因素,介绍了低渗透致密储层中泡沫封堵的施工效果。最后,对该类油层封窜技术未来的发展方向提出了建议。泡沫体系在油藏深层封闭领域具有重要意义,尤其在低渗透/致密油藏中,其性能评价指标和封堵能力均有明显改善,并且对高渗透、裂缝和非均质油藏也有较好的适应性。