Geological characteristics and exploration breakthroughs of coal rock gas in Carboniferous Benxi Formation,Ordos Basin,NW China

To explore the geological characteristics and exploration potential of the Carboniferous Benxi Formation coal rock gas in the Ordos Basin,this paper presents a systematic research on the coal rock distribution,coal rock reservoirs,coal rock quality,and coal rock gas features,resources and enrichment.Coal rock gas is a high-quality resource distinct from coalbed methane,and it has unique features in terms of burial depth,gas source,reservoir,gas content,and carbon isotopic composition.The Benxi Formation coal rocks cover an area of 16×104km^(2),with thicknesses ranging from 2 m to 25 m,primarily consisting of bright and semi-bright coals with primitive structures and low volatile and ash contents,indicating a good coal quality.The medium-to-high rank coal rocks have the total organic carbon(TOC)content ranging from 33.49%to 86.11%,averaging75.16%.They have a high degree of thermal evolution(Roof 1.2%-2.8%),and a high gas-generating capacity.They also have high stable carbon isotopic values(δ13C1of-37.6‰to-16‰;δ13C2of-21.7‰to-14.3‰).Deep coal rocks develop matrix pores such as gas bubble pores,organic pores,and inorganic mineral pores,which,together with cleats and fractures,form good reservoir spaces.The coal rock reservoirs exhibit the porosity of 0.54%-10.67%(averaging 5.42%)and the permeability of(0.001-14.600)×10^(-3)μm^(2)(averaging 2.32×10^(-3)μm^(2)).Vertically,there are five types of coal rock gas accumulation and dissipation combinations,among which the coal rock-mudstone gas accumulation combination and the coal rock-limestone gas accumulation combination are the most important,with good sealing conditions and high peak values of total hydrocarbon in gas logging.A model of coal rock gas accumulation has been constructed,which includes widespread distribution of medium-to-high rank coal rocks continually generating gas,matrix pores and cleats/fractures in coal rocks acting as large-scale reservoir spaces,tight cap rocks providing sealing,source-reservoir integration,and five types of efficient enrichment patterns(lateral pinchout complex,lenses,low-amplitude structures,nose-like structures,and lithologically self-sealing).According to the geological characteristics of coal rock gas,the Benxi Formation is divided into 8 plays,and the estimated coal rock gas resources with a buried depth of more than 2000 m are more than 12.33×10^(12)m^(3).The above understandings guide the deployment of risk exploration.Two wells drilled accordingly obtained an industrial gas flow,driving the further deployment of exploratory and appraisal wells.Substantial breakthroughs have been achieved,with the possible reserves over a trillion cubic meters and the proved reserves over a hundred billion cubic meters,which is of great significance for the reserves increase and efficient development of natural gas in China.

Main controlling factors and exploration enlightenment of aluminous rock series gas reservoirs in Ordos Basin,NW China

Based on the data of outcrop,core,logging,gas testing,and experiments,the natural gas accumulation and aluminous rock mineralization integrated research was adopted to analyze the controlling factors of aluminous rock series effective reservoirs in the Ordos Basin,NW China,as well as the configuration of coal-measure source rocks and aluminous rock series reservoirs.A natural gas accumulation model was constructed to evaluate the gas exploration potential of aluminous rock series under coal seam in the basin.The effective reservoirs of aluminous rock series in the Ordos Basin are composed of honeycomb-shaped bauxites with porous residual pisolitic and detrital structures,with the diasporite content of greater than 80%and dissolved pores as the main storage space.The bauxite reservoirs are formed under a model that planation controls the material supply,karst paleogeomorphology controls diagenesis,and land surface leaching improves reservoir quality.The hot humid climate and sea level changes in the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian dominated the development of a typical coal-aluminum-iron three-stage stratigraphic structure.The natural gas generated by the extensive hydrocarbon generation of coal-measure source rocks was accumulated in aluminous rock series under the coal seam,indicating a model of hydrocarbon accumulation under the source.During the Upper Carboniferous–Lower Permian,the relatively low-lying area on the edge of an ancient land or island in the North China landmass was developed.The gas reservoirs of aluminous rock series,which are clustered at multiple points in lenticular shape,are important new natural gas exploration fields with great potential in the Upper Paleozoic of North China Craton.

The coupling control of biological precursors and environmental factors onβ-carotane enrichment in alkaline lacustrine source rocks:A case study from the Fengcheng formation in the western Junggar Basin,NW China

The organic-rich mudstones and dolostones of the Permian Fengcheng Formation(Fm.)are typically alkaline lacustrine source rocks,which are typified by impressively abundantβ-carotane.Abundant β-carotane has been well acknowledged as an effective indicator of biological sources or depositional environments.However,the specific biological sources of β-carotane and the coupling control of biological sources and environmental factors on the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.remains obscure.Based on a comprehensive investigation of the bulk,molecular geochemistry,and organic petrology of sedimentary rocks and the biochemistry of phytoplankton in modern alkaline lakes,we proposed a new understanding of the biological precursors of β-carotane and elucidated the enrichment mechanism of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.The results show that the biological precursors crucially control the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.The haloalkaliphilic cyanobacteria are the primary biological sources of β-carotane,which is suggested by a good positive correlation between the 2-methylhopane index,7-+8-methyl heptadecanes/C_(max),C_(29%),and β-carotane/C_(max)in sedimentary rocks and the predominance of cyanobacteria with abundantβ-carotene in modern alkaline lakes.The enrichment of β-carotane requires the reducing condition,and the paleoredox state that affects the enrichment of β-carotane appears to have a threshold.The paleoclimate conditions do not considerably impact the enrichment of β-carotane,but they have some influence on the water's paleosalinity by affecting evaporation and precipitation.While it does not directly affect the enrichment of β-carotane in the Fengcheng Fm.,paleosalinity does have an impact on the cyanobacterial precursor supply and the preservation conditions.

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.

Micromechanism and mathematical model of stress sensitivity in tight reservoirs of binary granular medium

Research on reservoir rock stress sensitivity has traditionally focused on unary granular structures,neglecting the binary nature of real reservoirs,especially tight reservoirs.Understanding the stresssensitive behavior and mathematical characterization of binary granular media remains a challenging task.In this study,we conducted online-NMR experiments to investigate the permeability and porosity evolution as well as stress-sensitive control mechanisms in tight sandy conglomerate samples.The results revealed stress sensitivity coefficients between 0.042 and 0.098 and permeability damage rates ranging from 65.6%to 90.9%,with an average pore compression coefficient of 0.0168—0.0208 MPa 1.Pore-scale compression occurred in three stages:filling,compression,and compaction,with matrix pores playing a dominant role in pore compression.The stress sensitivity of binary granular media was found to be influenced by the support structure and particle properties.High stress sensitivity was associated with small fine particle size,high fines content,high uniformity coefficient of particle size,high plastic deformation,and low Young's modulus.Matrix-supported samples exhibited a high irreversible permeability damage rate(average=74.2%)and stress sensitivity coefficients(average=0.089),with pore spaces more slit-like.In contrast,grain-supported samples showed low stress sensitivity coefficients(average=0.021)at high stress stages.Based on the experiments,we developed a mathematical model for stress sensitivity in binary granular media,considering binary granular properties and nested interactions using Hertz contact deformation and Poiseuille theory.By describing the change in activity content of fines under stress,we characterized the non-stationary state of compressive deformation in the binary granular structure and classified the reservoir into three categories.The model was applied for production prediction using actual data from the Mahu reservoir in China,showing that the energy retention rates of support-dominated,fill-dominated,and matrix-controlled reservoirs should be higher than 70.1%,88%,and 90.2%,respectively.

Nitrogen isotope stratigraphy of the Early Cambrian successions in the Tarim Basin:Spatial variability of nitrogen cycling and its implication for paleo-oceanic redox conditions

The Early Cambrian represents a critical time period characterized by extraordinary biological innovations and dynamic redox conditions in seawaters.Nitrogen isotopic signatures of ancient sediments have the potential to elucidate the evolutionary path of marine redox states and the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle within the water column of the Early Cambrian ocean.While existing research on this topic has predominantly focused on South China,the exploration of other continental margins has been limited,leaving contradictory hypotheses untested.In this study,pairedδ^(15)N andδ^(13)C org analyses were performed on the Lower Cambrian successions from the Shiairike section(inner ramp)and Well Tadong 2(deep shelf/basin)in the northwestern and eastern Tarim Basin,respectively.Our data from the Shiairike section reveal a discernible shift in the operation of different nitrogen cycles for the black chert-shale unit,also referred to as the black rock series in Chinese literature,of the Yurtus Formation(Fortunian stage to lower Stage 3).Oscillatingδ^(15)N values for its lower part are suggestive of alternating anaerobic assimilation of NH 4+and denitrification/anammox.This is likely attributed to a shallow,unstable chemocline consistent with the upwelling and incursion of deep,anoxic waters during a major transgression.In contrast,aerobic nitrogen cycling,indicated by positiveδ^(15)N values of>2‰,dominated the upper part alongside a reduction in upwelling intensity.On the other hand,theδ^(15)N signatures of Xishanbulake and Xidashan Formations of Well Tadong 2,which encompass a time interval from the Cambrian Fortunian Age to Age 4,are indicative of N_(2)fixation by diazotrophs as the major nitrogen source.The two studied intervals,although not time-equivalent,exhibit separated states of nitrogen cycling at least during the deposition of the Yurtus black rock series.The spatially different nitrogen cycling of the studied sections is compatible with a redox-stratified ocean during the deposition of the Yurtus black rock series.The build-up of a NO_(3)−reservoir and aerobic nitrogen cycling in seawater was largely restricted to near-shore settings whereas anaerobic nitrogen cycling dominated by N_(2)fixation served as the main nitrogen uptake pathway in off-shore settings.

Microscopic characteristics and geological significance of pyrite in shales of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations,southeastern Chongqing,China

Shales of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations in the basin-margin transition zone of southeastern Chongqing,China are characterized by high organic matter content and a significant presence of pyrite development.By examining numerous scanning electron microscope(SEM)images and considering the crystal and aggregate characteristics of minerals,we identified four types of pyrite in the study area:euhedral crystals,irregular aggregates,framboidal aggregates,and metasomatized organisms.Among these types,framboidal aggregates are the most prevalent.The formation mechanism of framboidal pyrite can be categorized into inorganic and organic origins.As inferred from the pyrite characteristics in the study area,the formation mechanism of the metasomatized organisms aligns with the biologically induced mineralization mode of organic origin,whereas the framboidal aggregates are more associated with the biologically controlled mineralization mode of organic origin.This underscores a close relationship between the pyrite formation and organic matter,which in turn indicates that an organic origin is more consistent with the pyrite characteristics observed in this study area.The pyrite morphology can reflect reactive iron concentration.Euhedral pyrite crystals tend to form under a low reactive iron concentration,whereas the formation of framboidal pyrite requires a high reactive iron concentration.Additionally,the type and grain size of pyrite aggregates can reflect variations in the redox conditions of the depositional environment.Pyrite produces positive effects on reservoir storage space,with intercrystalline organic pores,intercrystalline pores,and mold pores associated with pyrite contributing greatly to the storage spaces.

Characteristics and exploration targets of Chang 7 shale oil in Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

The geological characteristics and enrichment laws of the shale oil in the third submember of the seventh member of Triassic Yanchang Formation(Chang 7_(3)) in the Ordos Basin were analyzed by using the information of core observations, experiments and logging, and then the exploration potential and orientation of the Chang 7_(3) shale oil were discussed. The research findings are obtained in three aspects. First, two types of shale oil, i.e. migratory-retained and retained, are recognized in Chang 7_(3). The former is slightly better than the latter in quality. The migratory-retained shale oil reservoir is featured with the frequent interbedding and overlapping of silty-sandy laminae caused by sandy debris flow and low-density turbidity current and semi-deep-deep lacustrine organic-rich shale laminae. The retained shale oil reservoir is composed of black shale with frequent occurrence of bedding and micro-laminae. Second, high-quality source rocks provide a large quantity of hydrocarbon-rich high-quality fluids with high potential energy. The source-reservoir pressure difference provides power for oil accumulation in thin interbeds of organic-poor sandstones with good seepage conditions and in felsic lamina, tuffaceous lamina and bedding fractures in shales. Hydrocarbon generation-induced fractures, bedding fractures and microfractures provide high-speed pathways for oil micro-migration. Frequent sandstone interlayers and felsic laminae provide a good space for large-scale hydrocarbon accumulation, and also effectively improve the hydrocarbon movability. Third, sand-rich areas around the depression are the main targets for exploring migratory-retained shale oil. Mature deep depression areas are the main targets for exploring retained oil with medium to high maturity. Theoretical research and field application of in-situ conversion in low-mature deep depression areas are the main technical orientations for exploring retained shale oil with low to medium maturity.

Upper Paleozoic total petroleum system and geological model of natural gas enrichment in Ordos Basin, NW China

Based on the analysis of Upper Paleozoic source rocks, source-reservoir-caprock assemblage, and gas accumulation characteristics in the Ordos Basin, the gas accumulation geological model of total petroleum system is determined. Then, taking the Carboniferous Benxi Formation and the Permian Taiyuan Formation and Shanxi Formation as examples, the main controlling factors of gas accumulation and enrichment are discussed, and the gas enrichment models of total petroleum system are established. The results show that the source rocks, faults and tight reservoirs and their mutual coupling relations control the distribution and enrichment of gas. Specifically, the distribution and hydrocarbon generation capacity of source rocks control the enrichment degree and distribution range of retained shale gas and tight gas in the source. The coupling between the hydrocarbon generation capacity of source rocks and the physical properties of tight reservoirs controls the distribution and sweet spot development of near-source tight gas in the basin center. The far-source tight gas in the basin margin is mainly controlled by the distribution of faults, and the distribution of inner-source, near-source and far-source gas is adjusted and reformed by faults. Generally, the Upper Paleozoic gas in the Ordos Basin is recognized in four enrichment models: inner-source coalbed gas and shale gas, inner-source tight sandstone gas, near-source tight gas, and far-source fault-transported gas. In the Ordos Basin, inner-source tight gas and near-source tight gas are the current focuses of exploration, and inner-source coalbed gas and shale gas and far-source gas will be important potential targets in the future.

Controlling factors and models of shale oil enrichment in Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation,Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on the combination of core observation,experimental analysis and testingand geological analysis,the main controlling factors of shale oil enrichment in the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin are clarified,and a shale oil enrichment model is established.The results show that the enrichment of shale oil in the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag is controlled by the organic abundance,organic type,reservoir capacity and the amount of migration hydrocarbon in shale.The abundance of organic matter provides the material basis for shale oil enrichment,and the shales containing typesⅠandⅡorganic matters have good oil content.The reservoir capacity controls shale oil enrichment.Macropores are the main space for shale oil enrichment in the Fengcheng Formation,and pore size and fracture scale directly control the degree of shale oil enrichment.The migration of hydrocarbons in shale affects shale oil enrichment.The shale that has expelled hydrocarbons has poor oil content,while the shale that has received hydrocarbons migrated from other strata has good oil content.Lithofacies reflect the hydrocarbon generation and storage capacity comprehensively.The laminated felsic shale,laminated lime-dolomitic shale and thick-layered felsic shale have good oil content,and they are favorable lithofacies for shale oil enrichment.Under the control of these factors,relative migration of hydrocarbons occurred within the Fengcheng shale,which leads to the the difference in the enrichment process of shale oil.Accordingly,the enrichment mode of shale oil in Fengcheng Formation is established as"in-situ enrichment"and"migration enrichment".By superimposing favorable lithofacies and main controlling factors of enrichment,the sweet spot of shale oil in the Fengcheng Formation can be selected which has great significance for the exploration and development of shale oil.

Architectural Model of a Dryland Gravel Braided River,based on 3D UAV Oblique Photogrammetric Data:A Case Study of West Dalongkou River in Eastern Xinjiang,China

Three-dimensional unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)oblique photogrammetric data were used to infer mountainous gravel braided river lithofacies,lithofacies associations and architectural elements.Hierarchical architecture and lithofacies associations with detailed lithofacies characterizations were comprehensively described to document the architectural model,architectural element scale and gravel particle scale.(1)Nine lithofacies(i.e.,Gmm,Gcm,Gcc,Gci,Gcl,Ss,Sm,Fsm and Fl)were identified and classified as gravel,sand and fine matrix deposits.These are typical depositional features of a mountainous dryland gravel-braided river.(2)Three architectural elements were identified,including channel(CH),gravel bar(GB)and overbank(OB).CH can be further divided into flow channel and abandoned channel,while GB consists of Central Gravel bar(CGB)and Margin Gravel bar(MGB).(3)The gravel bar is the key architectural element of the gravel braided river,with its geological attributes.The dimensions of GBs and their particles are various,but exhibit good relationships with each other.The grain size of GB decreases downstream,but the dimensions of GB do not.The bank erosion affects the GB dimensions,whereas channel incision and water flow velocity influence the grain size of GB.The conclusions can be applied to the dryland gravel braided river studies in tectonically active areas.

Characteristics and discovery significance of the Upper Triassic–Lower Jurassic marine shale oil in Qiangtang Basin,China

Mesozoic marine shale oil was found in the Qiangtang Basin by a large number of hydrocarbon geological surveys and shallow drilling sampling.Based on systematic observation and experimental analysis of outcrop and core samples,the deposition and development conditions and characteristics of marine shale are revealed,the geochemical and reservoir characteristics of marine shale are evaluated,and the layers of marine shale oil in the Mesozoic are determined.The following geological understandings are obtained.First,there are two sets of marine organic-rich shales,the Lower Jurassic Quse Formation and the Upper Triassic Bagong Formation,in the Qiangtang Basin.They are mainly composed of laminated shale with massive mudstone.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation is located in the lower part of the stratum,with a thickness of 50–75 m,and mainly distributed in southern Qiangtang Basin and the central-west of northern Qiangtang Basin.The laminated organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation is located in the middle of the stratum,with a thickness of 250–350 m,and distributed in both northern and southern Qiangtang Basin.Second,the two sets of laminated organic-rich shales develop foliation,and various types of micropores and microfractures.The average content of brittle minerals is 70%,implying a high fracturability.The average porosity is 5.89%,indicating good reservoir physical properties to the level of moderate–good shale oil reservoirs.Third,the organic-rich shale of the Quse Formation contains organic matters of types II1 and II2,with the average TOC of 8.34%,the average content of chloroform bitumen'A'of 0.66%,the average residual hydrocarbon generation potential(S1+S2)of 29.93 mg/g,and the Ro value of 0.9%–1.3%,meeting the standard of high-quality source rock.The organic-rich shale of the Bagong Formation contains mixed organic matters,with the TOC of 0.65%–3.10%and the Ro value of 1.17%–1.59%,meeting the standard of moderate source rock.Fourth,four shallow wells(depth of 50–250 m)with oil shows have been found in the organic shales at 50–90 m in the lower part of the Bagong Formation and 30–75 m in the middle part of the Quse Formation.The crude oil contains a high content of saturated hydrocarbon.Analysis and testing of outcrop and shallow well samples confirm the presence of marine shale oil in the Bagong Formation and the Quse Formation.Good shale oil intervals in the Bagong Formation are observed in layers 18–20 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 206.7 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 1.92 mg/g and 1.81 mg/g,respectively.Good shale oil intervals in the Quse Formation are found in layers 4–8 in the lower part of the section,where the shales with(S0+S1)higher than 1 mg/g are 58.8 m thick,with the maximum and average(S0+S1)of 6.46 mg/g and 2.23 mg/g,respectively.

Types,characteristics and geological significance of event deposits of Chang 9 Member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in southwestern Ordos Basin,NW China

Through core observation,thin section identification,and logging and testing data analysis,the types and characteristics of event deposits in the ninth member of Yanchang Formation of Triassic(Chang 9 Member)in southwestern Ordos Basin,China,are examined.There are 4 types and 9 subtypes of event deposits,i.e.earthquake,gravity flow,volcanic and anoxic deposits,in the Chang 9 Member in the study area.Based on the analysis of the characteristics and distribution of such events deposits,it is proposed that the event deposits are generally symbiotic or associated,with intrinsic genetic relations and distribution laws.Five kinds of sedimentary microfacies with relatively developed event deposits are identified,and the genetic model of event deposits is discussed.Seismites are mainly developed in the lake transgression stage when the basin expands episodically,and commonly affected by liquefaction flow,gravity action and brittle shear deformation.Gravity flow,mainly distributed in the high water level period,sandwiched in the fine-grained sediments of prodelta or semi-deep lake,or creates banded or lobate slump turbidite fan.It is relatively developed above the seismites strata.The volcanic event deposits are only seen in the lower part of the Chang 9 Member,showing abrupt contact at the top and bottom,which reflects the volcanic activity at the same time.Anoxic deposits are mostly formed in the late stage of lake transgression to the highstand stage.Very thick organic-rich shales are developed in the highstand stage of Chang 9 Member,and the event deposits in the depositional period of these shales are conducive to potential reservoirs.

Logging curves characteristics and response mechanisms of basaltic facies and sub-facies: A case study from eastern sag of Liaohe depression, Northeast China

Based on five types of conventional logging curves including GR,RLLD,CNL,DEN and AC,and 39 core samples from 30 representative boreholes,the logging characteristics and lithofacies and sub-facies of the basaltic rocks were studied.Three basaltic facies and four sub-facies are recognized from the well logs,includ-ing volcanic conduit facies(post intrusive sub-facies),explosive facies,and effusive lava flow facies(tabular flow,compound flow and hyaloclastite sub-facies).The post intrusive,tabular flow and compound flow sub-facies logging curves are mainly controlled by the distribution of vesiculate zones and vesiculate content,which are characterized by four curves with good correlation.Post intrusive sub-facies are characterized by high RLLD,high DEN,with a micro-dentate logging curve pattern,abrupt contact relationships at the top and base.Tabular flow sub-facies are characterized by high RLLD,high DEN,with a bell-shaped log curve pattern,abrupt contact at the base and gradational contact at the top.Compound flow sub-facies are characterized by medium-low RLLD,with a micro-dentate or finger-like logging curve pattern,abrupt contact at the base and gradational contact at the top.Explosive facies and hyaloclastite sub-facies logging curves are mainly controlled by the distribution of the size and sorting of rock particles,which can be recognized by four kinds of logging curves with poor cor-relation.Explosive facies are characterized by low RLLD,medium-low CNL and low DEN,with a micro-dentate logging curve pattern.Hyaloclastite sub-facies are characterized by low RLLD,high CNL,low DEN and high AC,with a micro-dentate logging curve pattern.The present research is beneficial for the prediction of basaltic reser-voirs not only in the Liaohe depression but also in the other volcanic-sedimentary basins.

Genesis and microscopic characteristics of tight reservoirs in the Fengcheng Formation, at the southern margin of the Mahu Sag

The tight reservoirs of the Fengcheng Formation at the southern margin of the Mahu Sag have strong heterogeneity due to the diversity in their pore types, sizes, and structures. The microscopic characteristics of tight reservoirs and the mechanisms that generate them are of significance in identifying the distribution of high-quality reservoirs and in improving the prediction accuracy of sweet spots in tight oil reservoirs. In this paper, high-pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments were carried out on samples from the tight reservoirs in the study area. These experimental results were combined with cluster analysis, fractal theory, and microscopic observations to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate pore types, sizes, and structures. A classification scheme was established that divides the reservoir into four types, based on the microstructure characteristics of samples, and the genetic mechanisms that aided the development of reservoir microstructure were analyzed. The results show that the lower limit for the tight reservoir in the Fengcheng Formation is Φ of 3.5% and K of 0.03 mD. The pore throat size and distribution span gradually decrease from Type I, through Type II and Type III reservoirs to non-reservoirs, and the pore type also evolves from dominantly intergranular pores to intercrystalline pores. The structural trend shows a decrease in the ball-stick pore-throat system and an increase in the branch-like pore-throat system. The dual effects of sedimentation and diagenesis shape the microscopic characteristics of pores and throats. The sorting, roundness, and particle size of the original sediments determine the original physical properties of the reservoir. The diagenetic environment of ‘two alkalinity stages and one acidity stage’ influenced the evolution of pore type and size. Although the cementation of authigenic minerals in the early alkaline environment adversely affected reservoir properties, it also alleviated the damage of the later compaction to some extent. Dissolution in the mid-term acidic environment greatly improved the physical properties of this tight reservoir, making dissolution pores an important reservoir space. The late alkaline environment occurred after large-scale oil and gas accumulation. During this period, the cementation of authigenic minerals had a limited effect on the reservoir space occupied by crude oil. It had a more significant impact on the sand bodies not filled with oil, making them function as barriers.

Structural characteristics of continental carbonate-rich shale and shale oil movability: A case study of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation shale in Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China

Based on rock mineral and geochemical analysis, microscopic observation, physical property measurement, and thin laminae separation test, etc., the characteristics of typical laminae of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation carbonate-rich shale in the Jiyang Depression were analyzed, and the organic matter abundance, reservoir properties, and oil-bearing properties of different laminae were compared. Typical shale storage-seepage structures were classified, and the mobility of oil in different types of shale storage-seepage structure was compared. The results show that the repeated superposition of mud laminae and calcite laminae are the main layer structure of carbonate-rich shales. The calcite laminae are divided into micritic calcite laminae, sparry calcite laminae and fibrous calcite vein. The mud-rich laminae are the main contributor to the organic matter abundance and porosity of shale, with the best hydrocarbon generation potential, reservoir capacity, and oil-bearing property. The micritic calcite laminae also have relatively good hydrocarbon generation potential, reservoir capacity and oil-bearing property. The sparry calcite laminae and fibrous calcite vein have good permeability and conductivity. Four types of shale storage-seepage structure are developed in the carbonate-rich shale, and the mobility of oil in each type of storage-seepage structure is in descending order: sparry calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure, mixed calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure, fibrous calcite vein enriched shale storage-seepage structure, and micritic calcite laminae enriched shale storage-seepage structure. The exploration targets of carbonate-rich shale in the Jiyang Depression Shahejie Formation are different in terms of storage-seepage structure at different thermal evolution stages.

Effects of cosolvents on CO_(2) displacement of shale oil and carbon storage

Molecular dynamics method was used to establish composite wall/inorganic nanopores of three pore sizes, three shale oil systems, five CO_(2)-cosolvent systems, and pure CO_(2) system. The process of CO_(2)-cosolvent displacement of crude oil in shale nanopores and carbon storage was simulated and the influencing factors of displacement and storage were analyzed. It is shown that the attraction of the quartz wall to shale oil increases with the degree of hydroxylation. The higher the degree of quartz hydroxylation, the more difficult it is to extract the polar components of shale oil. Nanopore size also has a great impact on shale oil displacement efficiency. The larger the pore size, the higher the shale oil displacement efficiency. The closer the cosolvent molecules are to the polarity of the shale oil, the higher the mutual solubility of CO_(2) and shale oil. The more the non-polar components of shale oil, the lower the mutual solubility of CO_(2) and shale oil with highly polar cosolvent. Ethyl acetate is more effective in stripping relatively high polar shale oil, while dimethyl ether is more effective in stripping relatively low polar shale oil. Kerogen is highly adsorptive, especially to CO_(2). The CO_(2) inside the kerogen is not easy to diffuse and leak, thus allowing for a stable carbon storage. The highest CO_(2) storage rate is observed when dimethyl ether is used as a cosolvent, and the best storage stability is observed when ethyl acetate is used as a cosolvent.

Sequence structure, sedimentary evolution and their controlling factors of the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in the East Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the data of outcrops, seismic sections, thin sections, heavy mineral assemblages and detrital zircon U-Pb dating, the sedimentary characteristics, lake level fluctuation and provenance characteristics of the Middle Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation(J_(2)l) in eastern Sichuan Basin, SW China, were investigated to reveal the control of tectonic movements of the surrounding orogenic belts on the sedimentary systems. The J_(2)lmainly developed a delta–lake sedimentary system, which contained a complete third-order sequence that was subdivided into four lake level up-down cycles(fourth-order sequence).The lake basins of cycles Ⅰ and Ⅱ were mainly distributed in eastern Sichuan Basin, while the lake basins of cycles Ⅲ and Ⅳ migrated to central Sichuan Basin, resulting in the significant difference in sedimentary characteristics between the north and the south of eastern Sichuan Basin. The provenance analysis shows that there were three types of provenances for J_(2)l. Specifically, the parent rocks of Type Ⅰ were mainly acidic igneous rocks and from the proximal northern margin of the Yangtze Plate;the parent rocks of Type Ⅱ were intermediate-acid igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks and from the central parts of the southern and northern Qinling orogenic belts;the parent rocks of Type Ⅲ were mainly metamorphic rocks followed by intermediate–acid igneous rocks, and from the North Daba Mountain area. It is recognized from the changes of sedimentary system and provenance characteristics that the sedimentary evolution of J_(2)lin eastern Sichuan Basin was controlled by the tectonic compression of the Qinling orogenic belt. In the early stage, the lake basin was restricted to the east of the study area, and Type Ⅰ provenance was dominant. With the intensifying north-south compression of the Qinling orogenic belt, the lake basin expanded rapidly and migrated northward, and the supply of Type Ⅱ provenance increased. In the middle and late stages, the uplift of the North Daba Mountain led to the lake basin migration and the gradual increase in the supply of Type Ⅲ provenance.

Distribution, evolution and structural properties of Wushenqi paleo-uplift in Ordos Basin, NW China

This paper depicts the distribution of the Wushenqi paleo-uplift in the Ordos Basin by using the latest drilling and seismic data, and analyzes the tectonic evolution of the paleo-uplift with the support of Bischke curve and balanced section. The compressional Wushenqi paleo-uplift which developed in the Early Caledonian orogeny(Huaiyuan orogeny) is approximately a ellipse extending in S-N direction. Its long axis is about 194 km and short axis is about 55-94 km in nearly W-E direction. The denudation thickness and area of the Cambrian in the core are 170-196 m and 11 298 km^(2), respectively. It was mainly formed during the Huaiyuan orogeny according to the chronostratigraphic framework. It was in the embryonic stage in the Middle-Late Cambrian, denuded after developed obviously at the end of Late Cambrian. The paleo-uplift of the 3rd member of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation was reactivated and reduced in area. In the sedimentary period of the Ma 4 Member-pre-Carboniferous, the paleo-uplift experienced non-uniform uplift and denudation. It entered the stable period of burial and preservation in the Carboniferous and later period. The Wushenqi paleo-uplift was formed on the weak area of the basement and tectonic belts, into an compressional structure with irregular morphology, under the control of the non-coaxial compression in the south and north and the stress transmitted by the uplift in the basin. The Wushenqi paleo-uplift has a controlling effect on the sedimentary reservoirs and hydrocarbon accumulation.

Theoretical understandings, key technologies and practices of tight conglomerate oilfield efficient development: A case study of the Mahu oilfield, Junggar Basin, NW China

A series of theoretical explorations and field tests have been carried out to efficiently develop the Mahu tight conglomerate oilfield in the Junggar Basin.Concepts of steered-by-edge fracturing and proactive fracturing interference were proposed.A series of innovative technologies were developed and implemented including optimization of 3-D staggered well pattern,proactive control and utilization of spatial stress field,and synergetic integration of multiple elements.Different from shale,the unique rock fabric and strong heterogeneities of tight conglomerate formation are favorable factors for forming complex fractures,small space well pattern can proactively control and make use of interwell interference to increase the complexity of fracture network,and the"optimum-size and distribution"hydraulic fracturing can be achieved through synergetic optimization.During pilot phase of this field,both depletion with hydraulically fractured vertical wells and volume fracturing in horizontal wells were tested after water injection through vertical wells,then the multi-stage fracturing with horizontal well was taken as the primary development technology.A series of engineering methods were tested,and key development parameters were evaluated such as well spacing,lateral length,fractures spacing,fracturing size,and fracturing operation process.According to geoengineering approach,the 100 m/150 m tridimensional tight-spacing staggered development method was established with systematic integration of big well clusters,multiple stacked pay zones,small well spacing,long lateral length,fine perforation clustering,zipper fracturing and factory operation.According to half-year production performance,100 m/150 m small spacing wells outperformed 500 m/400 m/300 m spacing wells.Its average estimated ultimate recovery(EUR)of wells was identical with those best wells from large-spacing area.Compared with the overall performance of Mahu oilfield,the drainage efficiency and estimated recovery factor of this pilot were significantly boosted with improved economics.