Previous studies have shown that the Eocene oil shale sequences in the Green River Basin contain long-period astronomical age information.The fine-scale chronological characteristics of the oil shale laminae remain la...Previous studies have shown that the Eocene oil shale sequences in the Green River Basin contain long-period astronomical age information.The fine-scale chronological characteristics of the oil shale laminae remain largely unexplored.We selected finely laminated oil shales formed in deep-water environments characterized by stable water column stratification as the primary focus of this study,using microscopy and micro-area X-ray fluorescence(μ-XRF)techniques.By integrating high-resolution elemental data with timeseries analysis,we identified significant periodic signals associated with solar activity(Hale and Schwabe cycles)and ENSO.The results indicate that the alternations of light and dark laminae in the Green River Formation oil shale correspond to alternating dry and wet climate regimes:the light laminae are dominated by carbonate minerals,reflecting drier and milder conditions,while the dark laminae are enriched in terrigenous clastics and organic matter,indicating periods of increased precipitation and warmer temperatures.The detected periodicities(23.5 years,13.3 years and 5.8 years)are highly consistent with modern observations,demonstrating that the lower Eocene Green River oil shale effectively records short-term solar activity and climate variability.Furthermore,our findings confirm that a persistent"permanent El Niño"state did not develop under Early Eocene greenhouse conditions,providing a refined chronological framework for highresolution paleoclimate studies during greenhouse intervals.展开更多
The shale gas development in China faces challenges such as complex reservoir conditions and high development costs.Based on the pore pressure and geostress coupling theory,this paper studies the geostress evolution l...The shale gas development in China faces challenges such as complex reservoir conditions and high development costs.Based on the pore pressure and geostress coupling theory,this paper studies the geostress evolution laws and fracture network characteristics of shale gas infill wells.A mechanism model of CN platform logging data and geomechanical parameters is established to simulate the influence of parent well’s production on the geostress in the infill well area.It is suggested that with the increase of production time,normal fault stress state and horizontal stress deflection will occur.The smaller the parent well spacing and the longer the production time,the earlier the normal fault stress state appears and the larger the range.Based on the model,the fracture network morphology and construction parameters of infill wells are optimized.parentparentparentparent The results indicate that:1:A well spacing of 500 m achieves a Pareto optimum between“full reserve coverage”and“stress barrier”;2:A parent well recovery degree of 30%corresponds to the critical point of stress reversal,where the lateral deflection rate of the infill fracture is less than 8%and the SRV loss is minimized;3:6-cluster intensive completion with twice the liquid intensity increases the fracture complexity index by 1.7 times,enhances well group EUR by 15.4%,and reduces single-well cost by 22%.This research fills the theoretical gap in the collaborative optimization of“multi-parameter,multi-objective and multi-constraint”and provide parameter optimization basis for shale gas infill well development in China and help to improve the development efficiency and economic benefits.展开更多
To clarify fluid flow mechanisms and establish effective development conditions in continental shale oil reservoirs,a high-temperature,high-pressure steady-state flow system integrated with nuclear magnetic resonance(...To clarify fluid flow mechanisms and establish effective development conditions in continental shale oil reservoirs,a high-temperature,high-pressure steady-state flow system integrated with nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)technology has been developed.The apparatus combines sample evacuation,rapid pressurization and saturation,and controlled displacement,enabling systematic investigation of single-phase shale oil flow under representative reservoir conditions.Related experiments allow proper quantification of the activation thresholds and relative contributions of different pore types to flow.A movable fluid index(MFI),defined using dual T_(2) cutoff values,is introduced accordingly and linked to key flow parameters.The results reveal distinct multi-scale characteristics of single-phase shale oil transport,namely micro-scale graded displacement and macro-scale segmented nonlinear behavior.As the injection-production pressure difference increases,flow pathways are activated progressively,beginning with fractures,followed by large and then smaller macropores,leading to a pronounced enhancement in apparent permeability.Although mesopores and micropores contribute little to direct flow,their indirect influence becomes increasingly important,and apparent permeability gradually approaches a stable limit at higher pressure difference.It is also shown that the MFI exhibits a strong negative correlation with the starting pressure gradient and a positive correlation with apparent permeability,providing a rapid and reliable indicator of shale oil flow capacity.Samples containing through-going fractures display consistently higher MFI values and superior flowability compared with those dominated by laminated fractures,highlighting the pivotal role of well-connected fracture networks generated by large-scale hydraulic fracturing in improving shale oil production.展开更多
Deep shale gas reservoirs in the southern Sichuan Basin are typically characterized by significant horizontal stress anisotropy(expressed as stress difference),variable brittleness-ductility in rock mechanics,and stro...Deep shale gas reservoirs in the southern Sichuan Basin are typically characterized by significant horizontal stress anisotropy(expressed as stress difference),variable brittleness-ductility in rock mechanics,and strong heterogeneity.These complex geomechanical conditions lead to pronounced differences in hydraulic fracturing outcomes among wells and sections.To investigate hydraulic fracture propagation and fracturing fluid injection behavior under varying geomechanical settings,true triaxial physical simulation tests were performed on 400×400×400 mm artificial rock samples.The samples were designed with different media properties based on similarity criteria.A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effects of brittleness-ductility characteristics,natural fractures,and in-situ stress conditions.The results reveal that:(i)brittle samples with lower stress difference are favorable for forming complex,perforable fracture networks;(ii)brittle samples with higher stress difference tend to develop simple,planar hydraulic fractures,with natural fractures only slightly activated during very short injection periods;(iii)ductile behavior enhances the activation of natural fractures but reduces fracture complexity compared with brittle samples,even under lower stress difference;and(iv)for typical deep shale formations,larger fluid injection volumes combined with high-density,multi-cluster fracturing techniques are recommended.展开更多
By reviewing the research progress and exploration practices of shale gas geology in China,analyzing and summarizing the geological characteristics,enrichment laws,and resource potential of different types of shale ga...By reviewing the research progress and exploration practices of shale gas geology in China,analyzing and summarizing the geological characteristics,enrichment laws,and resource potential of different types of shale gas,the following understandings have been obtained:(1)Marine,transitional,and lacustrine shales in China are distributed from old to new in geological age,and the complexity of tectonic reworking and hydrocarbon generation evolution processes gradually decreases.(2)The sedimentary environment controls the type of source-reservoir configuration,which is the basis of“hydrocarbon generation and reservoir formation”.The types of source-reservoir configuration in marine and lacustrine shales are mainly source-reservoir integration,with occasional source-reservoir separation.The configuration types of transitional shale are mainly source-reservoir integration and source-reservoir symbiosis.(3)The resistance of rigid minerals to compression for pore preservation and the overpressure facilitate the enrichment of source-reservoir integrated shale gas.Good source reservoir coupling and preservation conditions are crucial for the shale gas enrichment of source-reservoir symbiosis and source-reservoir separation types.(4)Marine shale remains the main battlefield for increasing shale gas reserves and production in China,while transitional and lacustrine shales are expected to become important replacement areas.It is recommended to carry out the shale gas exploration at three levels:Accelerate the exploration of Silurian,Cambrian,and Permian marine shales in the Upper-Middle Yangtze region;make key exploration breakthroughs in ultra-deep marine shales of the Upper-Middle Yangtze region,the new Ordovician marine shale strata in the North China region,the transitional shales of the Carboniferous and Permian,as well as the Mesozoic lacustrine shale gas in basins such as Sichuan,Ordos and Songliao;explore and prepare for new shale gas exploration areas such as South China and Northwest China,providing technology and resource reserves for the sustainable development of shale gas in China.展开更多
The lamina(combination)types,reservoir characteristics and shale oil occurrence states of organic-rich shale in the Triassic Yanchang Formation Chang 73 sub-member in the Ordos Basin were systematically investigated t...The lamina(combination)types,reservoir characteristics and shale oil occurrence states of organic-rich shale in the Triassic Yanchang Formation Chang 73 sub-member in the Ordos Basin were systematically investigated to reveal the main controlling factors of shale oil occurrence under different lamina combinations.The differential enrichment mechanisms and patterns of shale oil were discussed using the shale oil micro-migration characterization and evaluation methods from the perspectives of relay hydrocarbon supply,stepwise migration,and multi-stage differentiation.The results are obtained in five aspects.First,Chang 73 shale mainly develops five types of lamina combination,i.e.non-laminated shale,sandy laminated shale,tuffaceous laminated shale,mixed laminated shale,and organic-rich laminated shale.Second,shales with different lamina combinations are obviously different in the reservoir space.Specifically,shales with sandy laminae and tuffaceous laminae have a large number of intergranular pores,dissolution pores and hydrocarbon generation-induced fractures.The multi-scale pore and fracture system constitutes the main place for liquid hydrocarbon occurrence.Third,the occurrence and distribution of shale oil in shale with different lamina combinations are jointly controlled by organic matter abundance,reservoir property,thermal evolution degree,mineral composition and laminae scale.The micro-nano-scale pore-fracture networks within shales containing rigid laminae,particularly sandy and tuffaceous laminations,primarily contain free-state light hydrocarbon components.In contrast,adsorption-phase heavy hydrocarbon components predominantly occupy surfaces of organic matter assemblages,clay mineral matrices,and framework mineral particulates.Fourth,there is obvious shale oil micro-migration between shales with different lamina combinations in Chang 73.Generally,such micro-migration is stepwise in a sequence of organic-rich laminated shale→tuffaceous laminated shale→mixed laminated shale→sandy lamiated shale→non-laminated shale.Fifth,the relay hydrocarbon supply of organic matter under the control of the spatial superposition of shales with various laminae,the stepwise migration via multi-scale pore and fracture network,and the multi-differentiation in shales with different lamina combinations under the control of organic-inorganic interactions fundamentally decide the differences of shale oil components between shales with different lamina combinations.展开更多
The basic geological characteristics of the Qiongzhusi Formation reservoirs and conditions for shale gas enrichment and high-yield were studied by using methods such as mineral scanning,organic and inorganic geochemis...The basic geological characteristics of the Qiongzhusi Formation reservoirs and conditions for shale gas enrichment and high-yield were studied by using methods such as mineral scanning,organic and inorganic geochemistry,breakthrough pressure,and triaxial mechanics testing based on the core,logging,seismic and production data.(1)Both types of silty shale,rich in organic matter in deep water and low in organic matter in shallow water,have good gas bearing properties.(2)The brittle mineral composition of shale is characterized by comparable feldspar and quartz content.(3)The pores are mainly inorganic pores with a small amount of organic pores.Pore development primarily hinges on a synergy between felsic minerals and total organic carbon content(TOC).(4)Dominated by Type I organic matters,the hydrocarbon generating organisms are algae and acritarch,with high maturity and high hydrocarbon generation potential.(5)Deep-and shallow-water shale gas exhibit in-situ and mixed gas generation characteristics,respectively.(6)The basic law of shale gas enrichment in the Qiongzhusi Formation was proposed as“TOC controlled accumulation and inorganic pore controlled enrichment”,which includes the in-situ enrichment model of“three highs and one over”(high TOC,high felsic mineral content,high inorganic pore content,overpressured formation)for organic rich shale represented by Well ZY2,and the in-situ+carrier-bed enrichment model of“two highs,one medium and one low”(high felsic content,high formation pressure,medium inorganic pore content,low TOC)for organic-poor shale gas represented by Well JS103.It is a new type of shale gas that is different from the Longmaxi Formation,enriching the formation mechanism of deep and ultra-deep shale gas.The deployment of multiple exploration wells has achieved significant breakthroughs in shale gas exploration.展开更多
The development of shale reservoirs is important in ensuring China’s national energy security by achiev-ing energy independence.Among the key technologies for shale oil production,CO_(2) fracturing is an effec-tive m...The development of shale reservoirs is important in ensuring China’s national energy security by achiev-ing energy independence.Among the key technologies for shale oil production,CO_(2) fracturing is an effec-tive method that can not only enhance oil recovery but also promote large amounts of CO_(2) storage,thereby supporting China’s goals of achieving a carbon peak and carbon neutrality.This research paper aims to study the impacts and prospective applications of CO_(2) fracturing in shale reservoirs,using real exploitation parameters from the Gulong shale reservoir well 1(GYYP1)well in the Songliao Basin.By utilizing numerical simulation,the dynamics of CO_(2) production are analyzed.Adsorption and diffusion are identified as pivotal mechanisms for CO_(2) storage in shale reservoirs.After the analysis of the fractur-ing process,approximately 22.13%of CO_(2) is found to be adsorbed,which decreases to 11.06%after ten years due to pressure decline.Diffusion increases the volume of CO_(2) interacting with a greater extent of shale,thereby enhancing the adsorption mechanism.Over time,the diffusion process results in a remarkable increase of 26.02%in CO_(2) adsorption,ensuring the long-term and stable storage of CO_(2) within the shale reservoir.This investigation delves into the contribution of these two crucial mechanisms of CO_(2) storage in shale reservoirs,ultimately predicting that,by 2030,approximately two million tons of CO_(2) can be effectively stored in the Daqing Oilfield through CO_(2) fracturing in shale oil reservoirs.Such an achievement will undoubtedly contribute to the sustainable development of the energy sector and foster the transformation and upgrading of China’s energy structure.展开更多
Shale gas is an important unconventional resource,and shale reservoirs typically contain both water and gas fluids.Water can occupy the shale gas storage space,reduce the flow capacity of shale gas,and even completely...Shale gas is an important unconventional resource,and shale reservoirs typically contain both water and gas fluids.Water can occupy the shale gas storage space,reduce the flow capacity of shale gas,and even completely seal off the shale gas.When the shale develops an effective sealing capacity,the water saturation of the shale reaches a threshold value which can be measured using physical simulation experiments.However,limited research has been conducted on the quantitative calculation of critical water saturation.In order to obtain the critical water saturation of shale,this paper proposes a theoretical calculation method to estimate the critical water saturation of shale based on DLvo(Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek)theory.Two shale samples from the Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin with different total organic carbon(TOC)were selected for gas adsorption experiments to characterize the pore structure of the organic matter and inorganic matter of the shale.Based on the established theoretical and geological models,the critical water film thickness and critical water saturation of pores with different pore sizes were calculated.Taking the boundary conditions into account,the critical water saturation of the two shale samples was ultimately determined.The results showed that inorganic pores occupied 81.0%of the pores of the shale with a ToC of 0.89%,and their dominant pore sizes were dominated by mesopores around 40 nm;inorganic pores occupied 48.7%of the pores of the shale with a TOC of 4.27%,and their dominant pore sizes were dominated by micropores and mesopores around 0-20 nm and 40 nm.As the pore size increased,the corresponding critical water film thickness also increased,and the critical water saturation was normally distributed in the pore size range centered at about 10 nm.The distribution of critical water saturation in inorganic pores with different pore sizes was in the range of about 63%-76%,and the critical water saturation of shale with a TOC of 0.89%and shale with a TOC of 4.27%were calculated to be 41.7%and 32.7%,respectively.The method proposed in this study accurately calculates the critical water saturation of shale and effectively distinguishes the differences critical water saturation between shales with different TOc.Further,shale gas reservoirs can be finely characterized by comparing with the original water saturation of shale layers.This study is of great scientific significance to shale gas exploration and development,and even to the field of cO2 geological storage.展开更多
Alkaline lacustrine shale is highly heterogeneous,and the complex relationship between the organicinorganic porosity network and hydrocarbon occurrence restricts the effectiveness of shale oil exploration and developm...Alkaline lacustrine shale is highly heterogeneous,and the complex relationship between the organicinorganic porosity network and hydrocarbon occurrence restricts the effectiveness of shale oil exploration and development.Herein,we investigated the Fengcheng Formation(P_(1)f)in Mahu Sag.This study integrated geochemistry,Soxhlet extraction,scanning electron microscopy,gas adsorption,and nuclear magnetic resonance T_(1)-T_(2)spectroscopy to elucidate the microscopic oil occurrence mechanisms in shales.Results indicate the presence of felsic shale,dolomitic shale,lime shale,and mixed shale within the P_(1)f.Matrix pores and microfractures associated with inorganic minerals are the predominant pore types in P_(1)f.Adsorbed oil primarily resides on the surfaces of organic matter and clay minerals,while free oil predominantly occupies inorganic pores and microfractures with larger pore sizes.Variations exist in the quantity and distribution of shale oil accumulation across different scales,where free oil and adsorbed oil are governed by dominant pores with diameters exceeding 10 nm and ineffective pores with diameters below 10 nm,respectively.Shale oil occurrence characteristics are influenced by organic matter,pore structure,and mineral composition.Felsic shale exhibits a high abundance of dominant pores,possesses the highest oil content,predominantly harbors free oil within these dominant pores,and demonstrates good mobility.Fluid occurrence in dolomitic shale and lime shale is intricate,with low oil content and a free oil to adsorbed oil ratio of 1:1.Mixed shale exhibits elevated clay mineral content and a scarcity of dominant pores.Moreover,ineffective pores contain increased bound water,resulting in medium oil content and limited mobility predominantly due to adsorption.Presently,shale oil mainly occurs in the dominant pores with a diameter larger than 10 nm in a free state.During the exploration and development of alkaline lacustrine shale oil resources,emphasis should be placed on identifying sweet spots within the felsic shale characterized by dominant pores.展开更多
The global energy demand is increasing rapidly,and it is imperative to develop shale hydrocarbon re-sources vigorously.The prerequisite for enhancing the exploitation efficiency of shale reservoirs is the systematic e...The global energy demand is increasing rapidly,and it is imperative to develop shale hydrocarbon re-sources vigorously.The prerequisite for enhancing the exploitation efficiency of shale reservoirs is the systematic elucidation of the occurrence characteristics,flow behavior,and enhanced oil recovery(EOR)mechanisms of shale oil within commonly developed nanopores.Molecular dynamics(MD)technique can simulate the occurrence,flow,and extraction processes of shale oil at the nanoscale,and then quantitatively characterize various fluid properties,flow characteristics,and action mechanisms under different reservoir conditions by calculating and analyzing a series of MD parameters.However,the existing review on the application of MD simulation in shale oil reservoirs is not systematic enough and lacks a summary of technical challenges and solutions.Therefore,recent MD studies on shale oil res-ervoirs were summarized and analyzed.Firstly,the applicability of force fields and ensembles of MD in shale reservoirs with different reservoir conditions and fluid properties was discussed.Subsequently,the calculation methods and application examples of MD parameters characterizing various properties of fluids at the microscale were summarized.Then,the application of MD simulation in the study of shale oil occurrence characteristics,flow behavior,and EOR mechanisms was reviewed,along with the elucidation of corresponding micro-mechanisms.Moreover,influencing factors of pore structure,wall properties,reservoir conditions,fluid components,injection/production parameters,formation water,and inorganic salt ions were analyzed,and some new conclusions were obtained.Finally,the main challenges associated with the application of MD simulations to shale oil reservoirs were discussed,and reasonable prospects for future MD research directions were proposed.The purpose of this review is to provide theoretical basis and methodological support for applying MD simulation to study shale oil reservoirs.展开更多
Based on the analysis of typical lacustrine shale oil zones in China and their geological characteristics,this study elucidates the fundamental differences between the enrichment patterns of shale oil sweet spots and ...Based on the analysis of typical lacustrine shale oil zones in China and their geological characteristics,this study elucidates the fundamental differences between the enrichment patterns of shale oil sweet spots and conventional oil and gas.The key parameters and evaluation methods for assessing the large-scale production potential of lacustrine shale oil are proposed.The results show that shale oil is a petroleum resource that exists in organic-rich shale formations,in other words,it is preserved in its source bed,following a different process of generation-accumulation-enrichment from conventional oil and gas.Thus,the concept of“reservoir”seems to be inapplicable to shale oil.In China,lacustrine shale oil is distributed widely,but the geological characteristics and sweet spots enrichment patterns of shale oil vary significantly in lacustrine basins where the water environment and the tectonic evolution and diagenetic transformation frameworks are distinct.The core of the evaluation of lacustrine shale oil is“sweet spot volume”.The key factors for evaluating the large-scale production of continental shale oil are the oil storage capacity,oil-bearing capacity and oil producing capacity.The key parameters for evaluating these capacities are total porosity,oil content,and free oil content,respectively.It is recommended to determine the total porosity of shale by combining helium porosity measurement with nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)method,the oil content of key layers by using organic solvent extraction,NMR method and high pressure mercury intrusion methods,and the free oil content by using NMR fluid distribution secondary spectral stripping decomposition and logging.The research results contribute supplemental insights on continental shale oil deliverability in China,and provide a scientific basis for the rapid exploration and large-scale production of lacustrine shale oil.展开更多
Gas-bearing shales have become a major source of future natural gas production worldwide.It has become increasingly urgent to develop a reliable prediction model and corresponding workflow for identifying shale gas sw...Gas-bearing shales have become a major source of future natural gas production worldwide.It has become increasingly urgent to develop a reliable prediction model and corresponding workflow for identifying shale gas sweet spots.The formation of gas-bearing shales is closely linked to relative sealevel changes,providing an important approach to predicting sweet spots in the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale in the southern Sichuan Basin,China.Three types of marine shale gas sweet spots are identified in the shale based on their formation stages combined with relative sea-level changes:early,middle,and late transgression types.This study develops a prediction model and workflow for identifying shale gas sweet spots by analyzing relative sea-level changes and facies sequences.Predicting shale gas sweet spots in an explored block using this model and workflow can provide a valuable guide for well design and hydraulic fracturing,significantly enhancing the efficiency of shale gas exploration and development.Notably,the new prediction model and workflow can be utilized for the rapid evaluation of the potential for shale gas development in new shale gas blocks or those with low exploratory maturity.展开更多
Based on recent advancements in shale oil exploration within the Ordos Basin,this study presents a comprehensive investigation of the paleoenvironment,lithofacies assemblages and distribution,depositional mechanisms,a...Based on recent advancements in shale oil exploration within the Ordos Basin,this study presents a comprehensive investigation of the paleoenvironment,lithofacies assemblages and distribution,depositional mechanisms,and reservoir characteristics of shale oil of fine-grained sediment deposition in continental freshwater lacustrine basins,with a focus on the Chang 7_(3) sub-member of Triassic Yanchang Formation.The research integrates a variety of exploration data,including field outcrops,drilling,logging,core samples,geochemical analyses,and flume simulation.The study indicates that:(1)The paleoenvironment of the Chang 7_(3) deposition is characterized by a warm and humid climate,frequent monsoon events,and a large water depth of freshwater lacustrine basin.The paleogeomorphology exhibits an asymmetrical pattern,with steep slopes in the southwest and gentle slopes in the northeast,which can be subdivided into microgeomorphological units,including depressions and ridges in lakebed,as well as ancient channels.(2)The Chang 7_(3) sub-member is characterized by a diverse array of fine-grained sediments,including very fine sandstone,siltstone,mudstone and tuff.These sediments are primarily distributed in thin interbedded and laminated arrangements vertically.The overall grain size of the sandstone predominantly falls below 62.5μm,with individual layer thicknesses of 0.05–0.64 m.The deposits contain intact plant fragments and display various sedimentary structure,such as wavy bedding,inverse-to-normal grading sequence,and climbing ripple bedding,which indicating a depositional origin associated with density flows.(3)Flume simulation experiments have successfully replicated the transport processes and sedimentary characteristics associated with density flows.The initial phase is characterized by a density-velocity differential,resulting in a thicker,coarser sediment layer at the flow front,while the upper layers are thinner and finer in grain size.During the mid-phase,sliding water effects cause the fluid front to rise and facilitate rapid forward transport.This process generates multiple“new fronts”,enabling the long-distance transport of fine-grained sandstones,such as siltstone and argillaceous siltstone,into the center of the lake basin.(4)A sedimentary model primarily controlled by hyperpynal flows was established for the southwestern part of the basin,highlighting that the frequent occurrence of flood events and the steep slope topography in this area are primary controlling factors for the development of hyperpynal flows.(5)Sandstone and mudstone in the Chang 7_(3) sub-member exhibit micro-and nano-scale pore-throat systems,shale oil is present in various lithologies,while the content of movable oil varies considerably,with sandstone exhibiting the highest content of movable oil.(6)The fine-grained sediment complexes formed by multiple episodes of sandstones and mudstones associated with density flow in the Chang 7_(3) formation exhibit characteristics of“overall oil-bearing with differential storage capacity”.The combination of mudstone with low total organic carbon content(TOC)and siltstone is identified as the most favorable exploration target at present.展开更多
In addition to the organic matter type,abundance,thermal maturity,and shale reservoir space,the preservation conditions of source rocks play a key factor in affecting the quantity and quality of retained hydrocarbons ...In addition to the organic matter type,abundance,thermal maturity,and shale reservoir space,the preservation conditions of source rocks play a key factor in affecting the quantity and quality of retained hydrocarbons in source rocks of lacustrine shale,yet this aspect has received little attention.This paper,based on the case analysis,explores how preservation conditions influence the enrichment of mobile hydrocarbons in shale oil.Research showns that good preservation conditions play three key roles.(1)Ensure the retention of sufficient light hydrocarbons(C_(1)–C_(13)),medium hydrocarbons(C_(14)–C_(25))and small molecular aromatics(including 1–2 benzene rings)in the formation,which enhances the fluidity and flow of shale oil;(2)Maintain a high energy field(abnormally high pressure),thus facilitating the maximum outflow of shale oil;(3)Ensure that the retained hydrocarbons have the miscible flow condition of multi-component hydrocarbons(light hydrocarbons,medium hydrocarbons,heavy hydrocarbons,and heteroatomic compounds),so that the heavy hydrocarbons(C_(25+))and heavy components(non-hydrocarbons and asphaltenes)have improved fluidity and maximum flow capacity.In conclusion,in addition to the advantages of organic matter type,abundance,thermal maturity,and reservoir space,good preservation conditions of shale layers are essential for the formation of economically viable shale oil reservoirs,which should be incorporated into the evaluation criteria of shale oil-rich areas/segments and considered a necessary factor when selecting favorable exploration targets.展开更多
To study the development of imbibition such as the imbibition front and phase distribution in shale,the Lattice Boltzmann Method(LBM)is used to study the imbibition processes in the pore-throat network of shale.Throug...To study the development of imbibition such as the imbibition front and phase distribution in shale,the Lattice Boltzmann Method(LBM)is used to study the imbibition processes in the pore-throat network of shale.Through dimensional analysis,four dimensionless parameters affecting the imbibition process were determined.A color gradient model of LBM was used in computation based on a real core pore size distribution.The numerical results show that the four factors have great effects on imbibition.The impact of each factor is not monotonous.The imbibition process is the comprehensive effect of all aspects.The imbibition front becomes more and more non-uniform with time in a heterogeneous pore-throat network.Some non-wetting phases(oil here)cannot be displaced out.The displacement efficiency and velocity do not change monotonously with any factor.The development of the average imbibition length with time is not smooth and not linear in a heterogeneous pore-throat network.Two fitting relations between the four dimensionless parameters and the imbibition velocity and efficiency are obtained,respectively.展开更多
Benthic bivalves,the most widely distributed mollusks since the Mesozoic era,often inhabited environments where their fossilized remains are found adjacent to or intermingled with organic-rich shale.Recent Jurassic sh...Benthic bivalves,the most widely distributed mollusks since the Mesozoic era,often inhabited environments where their fossilized remains are found adjacent to or intermingled with organic-rich shale.Recent Jurassic shale oil exploration in the Sichuan Basin has revealed that bioclastic layers,composed of abundant fossil bivalves and closely associated with shales and,exhibit significant hydrocarbon potentials.However,the microscopic structures of these bivalve fossils and their role in hydrocarbon storage and migration remain poorly understood.In this study,we characterized the microporosity of bivalve shells within the Middle-Lower Jurassic bioclastic shale in the northeastern Sichuan Basin using a combination of 2D imaging(thin section,SEM),3D reconstruction(FIB-SEM),and permeability simulation.The micropores within the shell fossils range from 100 to 1000 nm in radius and are uniformly distributed in a grid-like pattern within the shell interior,where they host liquid hydrocarbons.The bioclastic carbonate layers exhibit an overall porosity of approximately 0.8%.Comparative analysis with extant bivalve shells suggests that these micropores represent residual pores from the nacreous brick wall structure.Due to the regular orientation of the shells and their microporous nacres,permeability coefficients along the long bivalve fossil axes are three to five times higher than those along the short axes.These residual micropores within the bioclastic fossil shells have a positive influence on both the storage and migration of shale oil and gas,making bioclastic fossil-bearing shalespromising sweet spots for shale oil and gas exploration in similar sedimentary environments.展开更多
Shale gas wells often face challenges in maintaining continuous and stable production due to their coexistence with high-and low-pressure wells within the same development block,which leads to issues involving mixed-p...Shale gas wells often face challenges in maintaining continuous and stable production due to their coexistence with high-and low-pressure wells within the same development block,which leads to issues involving mixed-pressure flows.Traditional pipeline optimization methods used in conventional gas well blocks fail to address the unique needs of shale gas wells,such as the precise planning of airflow paths,pressure distribution,and compression.This study proposes a pressure-controlled production optimization strategy specifically designed for shale gas wells operating under mixed-pressure flow conditions.The strategy aims to improve production stability and optimize system efficiency.The decline in production and pressure for individual wells over time is forecasted using a predictive model that accounts for key factors of system optimization,such as reservoir depletion,wellbore conditions,and equipment performance.Additionally,the model predicts the timing and impact of liquid loading,which can significantly affect production.The optimization process involves analyzing the existing gathering pipeline network to determine the most efficient flow directions and compression strategies based on these predictions,while the strategy involves adjusting compressor settings,optimizing flow rates,and planning pressure distribution across the network to maximize productivity while maintaining system stability.By implementing these strategies,this study significantly improves gas well productivity and enhances the adaptability and efficiency of the gathering and transportation system.The proposed approach provides systematic technical solutions and practical guidance for the efficient development and stable production of shale gas fields,ensuring more robust and sustainable pipeline operations.展开更多
In the context of convection-heating-based in situ oil shale retorting,fractures serve as primary pathways for fluid migration and product extraction.This study investigates the permeability and microstructural evolut...In the context of convection-heating-based in situ oil shale retorting,fractures serve as primary pathways for fluid migration and product extraction.This study investigates the permeability and microstructural evolution of oil shale during water vapor injection in single-fracture and no-fracture scenarios.Three types of oil shale are investigated:intact oil shale,oil shale with a single straight crack,and oil shale with a single hydraulic crack.With increasing water vapor temperature,the permeabilities of the intact oil shale and oil shale with a fractured crack exhibit a trend of initial increase,followed by a decrease,and then a subsequent increase.However,the permeability of oil shale with a single straight crack consistently increases and exceeds that of oil shale with a fractured crack.The temperaturedependent permeability changes in fractured oil shale-a slight decrease in fracture cracks and a gradual increase in straight cracks-mainly occur in the range of 300℃-350℃.The permeability of oil shale with a straight crack is approximately three times that of oil shale with a fractured crack.This is attributed to the retention of viscous asphaltene and the frictional resistance caused by the rough fracture structure.For the oil shale with a single crack,the crack permeability has a dominant influence on the overall permeability of the rock.The contribution of the permeability of the straight crack exceeds 94.6%,while that of the permeability of the fractured crack is greater than 86.1%.The disparity in the contribution of these two crack structures is evident at 350℃-550℃.展开更多
The loaded rock experiences multiple stages of deformation.It starts with the formation of microcracks at low stresses(crack initiation,CI)and then transitions into unstable crack propagation(crack damage,CD)near the ...The loaded rock experiences multiple stages of deformation.It starts with the formation of microcracks at low stresses(crack initiation,CI)and then transitions into unstable crack propagation(crack damage,CD)near the ultimate strength.In this study,both the acoustic emission method(AEM)and the ultrasonic testing method(UTM)were used to examine the characteristics of AE parameters(b-value,peak frequency,frequency-band energy ratio,and fractal dimension)and ultrasonic(ULT)properties(velocity,amplitude,energy attenuation,and scattering attenuation)of bedded shale at CI,CD,and ultimate strength.The comparison involved analyzing the strain-based method(SBM),AEM,and UTM to determine the thresholds for damage stress.A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model(FCEM)was created to describe the damage thresholds and hazard assessment.The results indicate that the optimal AE and ULT parameters for identifying CI and CD stress are ringing count,ultrasonic amplitude,energy attenuation,and scattering attenuation of the S-wave.Besides,damage thresholds were detected earlier by AE monitoring,ranging from 3 MPa to 10 MPa.CI and CD identified by UTM occurred later than SBM and AEM,and were in the range of 12 MPa.The b-value,peak frequency,energy ratio in the low-frequency band(0e62.5 kHz),correlation dimension,and sandbox dimension showed low values at the peak stress,while the energy ratio in a moderate-frequency band(187.5e281.25 kHz)and amplitude showed high values.The successful application of FCEM to laboratory testing of shales has demonstrated its ability to quantitatively identify AE/ULT precursors of seismic hazards associated with rock failure.展开更多
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42372125 and 41772092)。
文摘Previous studies have shown that the Eocene oil shale sequences in the Green River Basin contain long-period astronomical age information.The fine-scale chronological characteristics of the oil shale laminae remain largely unexplored.We selected finely laminated oil shales formed in deep-water environments characterized by stable water column stratification as the primary focus of this study,using microscopy and micro-area X-ray fluorescence(μ-XRF)techniques.By integrating high-resolution elemental data with timeseries analysis,we identified significant periodic signals associated with solar activity(Hale and Schwabe cycles)and ENSO.The results indicate that the alternations of light and dark laminae in the Green River Formation oil shale correspond to alternating dry and wet climate regimes:the light laminae are dominated by carbonate minerals,reflecting drier and milder conditions,while the dark laminae are enriched in terrigenous clastics and organic matter,indicating periods of increased precipitation and warmer temperatures.The detected periodicities(23.5 years,13.3 years and 5.8 years)are highly consistent with modern observations,demonstrating that the lower Eocene Green River oil shale effectively records short-term solar activity and climate variability.Furthermore,our findings confirm that a persistent"permanent El Niño"state did not develop under Early Eocene greenhouse conditions,providing a refined chronological framework for highresolution paleoclimate studies during greenhouse intervals.
文摘The shale gas development in China faces challenges such as complex reservoir conditions and high development costs.Based on the pore pressure and geostress coupling theory,this paper studies the geostress evolution laws and fracture network characteristics of shale gas infill wells.A mechanism model of CN platform logging data and geomechanical parameters is established to simulate the influence of parent well’s production on the geostress in the infill well area.It is suggested that with the increase of production time,normal fault stress state and horizontal stress deflection will occur.The smaller the parent well spacing and the longer the production time,the earlier the normal fault stress state appears and the larger the range.Based on the model,the fracture network morphology and construction parameters of infill wells are optimized.parentparentparentparent The results indicate that:1:A well spacing of 500 m achieves a Pareto optimum between“full reserve coverage”and“stress barrier”;2:A parent well recovery degree of 30%corresponds to the critical point of stress reversal,where the lateral deflection rate of the infill fracture is less than 8%and the SRV loss is minimized;3:6-cluster intensive completion with twice the liquid intensity increases the fracture complexity index by 1.7 times,enhances well group EUR by 15.4%,and reduces single-well cost by 22%.This research fills the theoretical gap in the collaborative optimization of“multi-parameter,multi-objective and multi-constraint”and provide parameter optimization basis for shale gas infill well development in China and help to improve the development efficiency and economic benefits.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(Grant No.2024ZD 1004302)the Key Scientific and Technological Research project of SINOPEC(Grant No.P25186).
文摘To clarify fluid flow mechanisms and establish effective development conditions in continental shale oil reservoirs,a high-temperature,high-pressure steady-state flow system integrated with nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)technology has been developed.The apparatus combines sample evacuation,rapid pressurization and saturation,and controlled displacement,enabling systematic investigation of single-phase shale oil flow under representative reservoir conditions.Related experiments allow proper quantification of the activation thresholds and relative contributions of different pore types to flow.A movable fluid index(MFI),defined using dual T_(2) cutoff values,is introduced accordingly and linked to key flow parameters.The results reveal distinct multi-scale characteristics of single-phase shale oil transport,namely micro-scale graded displacement and macro-scale segmented nonlinear behavior.As the injection-production pressure difference increases,flow pathways are activated progressively,beginning with fractures,followed by large and then smaller macropores,leading to a pronounced enhancement in apparent permeability.Although mesopores and micropores contribute little to direct flow,their indirect influence becomes increasingly important,and apparent permeability gradually approaches a stable limit at higher pressure difference.It is also shown that the MFI exhibits a strong negative correlation with the starting pressure gradient and a positive correlation with apparent permeability,providing a rapid and reliable indicator of shale oil flow capacity.Samples containing through-going fractures display consistently higher MFI values and superior flowability compared with those dominated by laminated fractures,highlighting the pivotal role of well-connected fracture networks generated by large-scale hydraulic fracturing in improving shale oil production.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52204005,52192622,U20A20265)the Sichuan Science Fund for Young Scholars(23NSFSC4652).
文摘Deep shale gas reservoirs in the southern Sichuan Basin are typically characterized by significant horizontal stress anisotropy(expressed as stress difference),variable brittleness-ductility in rock mechanics,and strong heterogeneity.These complex geomechanical conditions lead to pronounced differences in hydraulic fracturing outcomes among wells and sections.To investigate hydraulic fracture propagation and fracturing fluid injection behavior under varying geomechanical settings,true triaxial physical simulation tests were performed on 400×400×400 mm artificial rock samples.The samples were designed with different media properties based on similarity criteria.A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effects of brittleness-ductility characteristics,natural fractures,and in-situ stress conditions.The results reveal that:(i)brittle samples with lower stress difference are favorable for forming complex,perforable fracture networks;(ii)brittle samples with higher stress difference tend to develop simple,planar hydraulic fractures,with natural fractures only slightly activated during very short injection periods;(iii)ductile behavior enhances the activation of natural fractures but reduces fracture complexity compared with brittle samples,even under lower stress difference;and(iv)for typical deep shale formations,larger fluid injection volumes combined with high-density,multi-cluster fracturing techniques are recommended.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42172165,42272143)Project of SINOPEC Science and Technology Department(P24181,KLP24017).
文摘By reviewing the research progress and exploration practices of shale gas geology in China,analyzing and summarizing the geological characteristics,enrichment laws,and resource potential of different types of shale gas,the following understandings have been obtained:(1)Marine,transitional,and lacustrine shales in China are distributed from old to new in geological age,and the complexity of tectonic reworking and hydrocarbon generation evolution processes gradually decreases.(2)The sedimentary environment controls the type of source-reservoir configuration,which is the basis of“hydrocarbon generation and reservoir formation”.The types of source-reservoir configuration in marine and lacustrine shales are mainly source-reservoir integration,with occasional source-reservoir separation.The configuration types of transitional shale are mainly source-reservoir integration and source-reservoir symbiosis.(3)The resistance of rigid minerals to compression for pore preservation and the overpressure facilitate the enrichment of source-reservoir integrated shale gas.Good source reservoir coupling and preservation conditions are crucial for the shale gas enrichment of source-reservoir symbiosis and source-reservoir separation types.(4)Marine shale remains the main battlefield for increasing shale gas reserves and production in China,while transitional and lacustrine shales are expected to become important replacement areas.It is recommended to carry out the shale gas exploration at three levels:Accelerate the exploration of Silurian,Cambrian,and Permian marine shales in the Upper-Middle Yangtze region;make key exploration breakthroughs in ultra-deep marine shales of the Upper-Middle Yangtze region,the new Ordovician marine shale strata in the North China region,the transitional shales of the Carboniferous and Permian,as well as the Mesozoic lacustrine shale gas in basins such as Sichuan,Ordos and Songliao;explore and prepare for new shale gas exploration areas such as South China and Northwest China,providing technology and resource reserves for the sustainable development of shale gas in China.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42302184)Innovation Group Project of Basic Research in Gansu Province,China(22JR5RA045)。
文摘The lamina(combination)types,reservoir characteristics and shale oil occurrence states of organic-rich shale in the Triassic Yanchang Formation Chang 73 sub-member in the Ordos Basin were systematically investigated to reveal the main controlling factors of shale oil occurrence under different lamina combinations.The differential enrichment mechanisms and patterns of shale oil were discussed using the shale oil micro-migration characterization and evaluation methods from the perspectives of relay hydrocarbon supply,stepwise migration,and multi-stage differentiation.The results are obtained in five aspects.First,Chang 73 shale mainly develops five types of lamina combination,i.e.non-laminated shale,sandy laminated shale,tuffaceous laminated shale,mixed laminated shale,and organic-rich laminated shale.Second,shales with different lamina combinations are obviously different in the reservoir space.Specifically,shales with sandy laminae and tuffaceous laminae have a large number of intergranular pores,dissolution pores and hydrocarbon generation-induced fractures.The multi-scale pore and fracture system constitutes the main place for liquid hydrocarbon occurrence.Third,the occurrence and distribution of shale oil in shale with different lamina combinations are jointly controlled by organic matter abundance,reservoir property,thermal evolution degree,mineral composition and laminae scale.The micro-nano-scale pore-fracture networks within shales containing rigid laminae,particularly sandy and tuffaceous laminations,primarily contain free-state light hydrocarbon components.In contrast,adsorption-phase heavy hydrocarbon components predominantly occupy surfaces of organic matter assemblages,clay mineral matrices,and framework mineral particulates.Fourth,there is obvious shale oil micro-migration between shales with different lamina combinations in Chang 73.Generally,such micro-migration is stepwise in a sequence of organic-rich laminated shale→tuffaceous laminated shale→mixed laminated shale→sandy lamiated shale→non-laminated shale.Fifth,the relay hydrocarbon supply of organic matter under the control of the spatial superposition of shales with various laminae,the stepwise migration via multi-scale pore and fracture network,and the multi-differentiation in shales with different lamina combinations under the control of organic-inorganic interactions fundamentally decide the differences of shale oil components between shales with different lamina combinations.
基金Supported by the Sinopec Major Science and Technology Project(P22081)National Natural Science Foundation of China(U24B60001).
文摘The basic geological characteristics of the Qiongzhusi Formation reservoirs and conditions for shale gas enrichment and high-yield were studied by using methods such as mineral scanning,organic and inorganic geochemistry,breakthrough pressure,and triaxial mechanics testing based on the core,logging,seismic and production data.(1)Both types of silty shale,rich in organic matter in deep water and low in organic matter in shallow water,have good gas bearing properties.(2)The brittle mineral composition of shale is characterized by comparable feldspar and quartz content.(3)The pores are mainly inorganic pores with a small amount of organic pores.Pore development primarily hinges on a synergy between felsic minerals and total organic carbon content(TOC).(4)Dominated by Type I organic matters,the hydrocarbon generating organisms are algae and acritarch,with high maturity and high hydrocarbon generation potential.(5)Deep-and shallow-water shale gas exhibit in-situ and mixed gas generation characteristics,respectively.(6)The basic law of shale gas enrichment in the Qiongzhusi Formation was proposed as“TOC controlled accumulation and inorganic pore controlled enrichment”,which includes the in-situ enrichment model of“three highs and one over”(high TOC,high felsic mineral content,high inorganic pore content,overpressured formation)for organic rich shale represented by Well ZY2,and the in-situ+carrier-bed enrichment model of“two highs,one medium and one low”(high felsic content,high formation pressure,medium inorganic pore content,low TOC)for organic-poor shale gas represented by Well JS103.It is a new type of shale gas that is different from the Longmaxi Formation,enriching the formation mechanism of deep and ultra-deep shale gas.The deployment of multiple exploration wells has achieved significant breakthroughs in shale gas exploration.
基金funded by the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52274058,52174052,52474058)the Central Program of Basic Science of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72088101)the"Enlisting and Leading"Science and Technology Project of Heilongjiang Province(RIPED-2022-JS-1740 and RIPED-2022-JS-1853).
文摘The development of shale reservoirs is important in ensuring China’s national energy security by achiev-ing energy independence.Among the key technologies for shale oil production,CO_(2) fracturing is an effec-tive method that can not only enhance oil recovery but also promote large amounts of CO_(2) storage,thereby supporting China’s goals of achieving a carbon peak and carbon neutrality.This research paper aims to study the impacts and prospective applications of CO_(2) fracturing in shale reservoirs,using real exploitation parameters from the Gulong shale reservoir well 1(GYYP1)well in the Songliao Basin.By utilizing numerical simulation,the dynamics of CO_(2) production are analyzed.Adsorption and diffusion are identified as pivotal mechanisms for CO_(2) storage in shale reservoirs.After the analysis of the fractur-ing process,approximately 22.13%of CO_(2) is found to be adsorbed,which decreases to 11.06%after ten years due to pressure decline.Diffusion increases the volume of CO_(2) interacting with a greater extent of shale,thereby enhancing the adsorption mechanism.Over time,the diffusion process results in a remarkable increase of 26.02%in CO_(2) adsorption,ensuring the long-term and stable storage of CO_(2) within the shale reservoir.This investigation delves into the contribution of these two crucial mechanisms of CO_(2) storage in shale reservoirs,ultimately predicting that,by 2030,approximately two million tons of CO_(2) can be effectively stored in the Daqing Oilfield through CO_(2) fracturing in shale oil reservoirs.Such an achievement will undoubtedly contribute to the sustainable development of the energy sector and foster the transformation and upgrading of China’s energy structure.
基金the Sinopec Ministry of Science and Technology Research Project of Experimental study and application of key parameters for self-sealing evaluation of deep shale(KLP25015)Research on stress in complex tectonic zones and its impact on shale gas enrichment and high yield(P24181)+1 种基金Quantitative characterization technology and application of fluid properties in veins of shale of eastern fault basins(KLP24017)Evolution and differential enrichment mechanism of deep-ultra deep shale gas in southeastern Sichuan(P23132).
文摘Shale gas is an important unconventional resource,and shale reservoirs typically contain both water and gas fluids.Water can occupy the shale gas storage space,reduce the flow capacity of shale gas,and even completely seal off the shale gas.When the shale develops an effective sealing capacity,the water saturation of the shale reaches a threshold value which can be measured using physical simulation experiments.However,limited research has been conducted on the quantitative calculation of critical water saturation.In order to obtain the critical water saturation of shale,this paper proposes a theoretical calculation method to estimate the critical water saturation of shale based on DLvo(Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek)theory.Two shale samples from the Longmaxi Formation in the Sichuan Basin with different total organic carbon(TOC)were selected for gas adsorption experiments to characterize the pore structure of the organic matter and inorganic matter of the shale.Based on the established theoretical and geological models,the critical water film thickness and critical water saturation of pores with different pore sizes were calculated.Taking the boundary conditions into account,the critical water saturation of the two shale samples was ultimately determined.The results showed that inorganic pores occupied 81.0%of the pores of the shale with a ToC of 0.89%,and their dominant pore sizes were dominated by mesopores around 40 nm;inorganic pores occupied 48.7%of the pores of the shale with a TOC of 4.27%,and their dominant pore sizes were dominated by micropores and mesopores around 0-20 nm and 40 nm.As the pore size increased,the corresponding critical water film thickness also increased,and the critical water saturation was normally distributed in the pore size range centered at about 10 nm.The distribution of critical water saturation in inorganic pores with different pore sizes was in the range of about 63%-76%,and the critical water saturation of shale with a TOC of 0.89%and shale with a TOC of 4.27%were calculated to be 41.7%and 32.7%,respectively.The method proposed in this study accurately calculates the critical water saturation of shale and effectively distinguishes the differences critical water saturation between shales with different TOc.Further,shale gas reservoirs can be finely characterized by comparing with the original water saturation of shale layers.This study is of great scientific significance to shale gas exploration and development,and even to the field of cO2 geological storage.
基金financially supported by the State Key Laboratory of Shale Oil and Gas Enrichment Mechanisms and Efficient Development(33550000-22-ZC0613-0006)National Natural Science Foundation of China(42202133)+2 种基金CNPC Innovation Fund(2022DQ02-0106)Strategic Cooperation Technology Projects of the CNPC and CUPB(ZLZX2020-01-05)Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources(China University of Geosciences),Ministry of Education,China(TPR-2023-05)。
文摘Alkaline lacustrine shale is highly heterogeneous,and the complex relationship between the organicinorganic porosity network and hydrocarbon occurrence restricts the effectiveness of shale oil exploration and development.Herein,we investigated the Fengcheng Formation(P_(1)f)in Mahu Sag.This study integrated geochemistry,Soxhlet extraction,scanning electron microscopy,gas adsorption,and nuclear magnetic resonance T_(1)-T_(2)spectroscopy to elucidate the microscopic oil occurrence mechanisms in shales.Results indicate the presence of felsic shale,dolomitic shale,lime shale,and mixed shale within the P_(1)f.Matrix pores and microfractures associated with inorganic minerals are the predominant pore types in P_(1)f.Adsorbed oil primarily resides on the surfaces of organic matter and clay minerals,while free oil predominantly occupies inorganic pores and microfractures with larger pore sizes.Variations exist in the quantity and distribution of shale oil accumulation across different scales,where free oil and adsorbed oil are governed by dominant pores with diameters exceeding 10 nm and ineffective pores with diameters below 10 nm,respectively.Shale oil occurrence characteristics are influenced by organic matter,pore structure,and mineral composition.Felsic shale exhibits a high abundance of dominant pores,possesses the highest oil content,predominantly harbors free oil within these dominant pores,and demonstrates good mobility.Fluid occurrence in dolomitic shale and lime shale is intricate,with low oil content and a free oil to adsorbed oil ratio of 1:1.Mixed shale exhibits elevated clay mineral content and a scarcity of dominant pores.Moreover,ineffective pores contain increased bound water,resulting in medium oil content and limited mobility predominantly due to adsorption.Presently,shale oil mainly occurs in the dominant pores with a diameter larger than 10 nm in a free state.During the exploration and development of alkaline lacustrine shale oil resources,emphasis should be placed on identifying sweet spots within the felsic shale characterized by dominant pores.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52304021,52104022,52204031)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(2022NSFSC0205,2024NSFSC0201,2023NSFSC0947)the National Science and Technology Major Projects of China(2017ZX05049006-010).
文摘The global energy demand is increasing rapidly,and it is imperative to develop shale hydrocarbon re-sources vigorously.The prerequisite for enhancing the exploitation efficiency of shale reservoirs is the systematic elucidation of the occurrence characteristics,flow behavior,and enhanced oil recovery(EOR)mechanisms of shale oil within commonly developed nanopores.Molecular dynamics(MD)technique can simulate the occurrence,flow,and extraction processes of shale oil at the nanoscale,and then quantitatively characterize various fluid properties,flow characteristics,and action mechanisms under different reservoir conditions by calculating and analyzing a series of MD parameters.However,the existing review on the application of MD simulation in shale oil reservoirs is not systematic enough and lacks a summary of technical challenges and solutions.Therefore,recent MD studies on shale oil res-ervoirs were summarized and analyzed.Firstly,the applicability of force fields and ensembles of MD in shale reservoirs with different reservoir conditions and fluid properties was discussed.Subsequently,the calculation methods and application examples of MD parameters characterizing various properties of fluids at the microscale were summarized.Then,the application of MD simulation in the study of shale oil occurrence characteristics,flow behavior,and EOR mechanisms was reviewed,along with the elucidation of corresponding micro-mechanisms.Moreover,influencing factors of pore structure,wall properties,reservoir conditions,fluid components,injection/production parameters,formation water,and inorganic salt ions were analyzed,and some new conclusions were obtained.Finally,the main challenges associated with the application of MD simulations to shale oil reservoirs were discussed,and reasonable prospects for future MD research directions were proposed.The purpose of this review is to provide theoretical basis and methodological support for applying MD simulation to study shale oil reservoirs.
基金Supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2024YFE0114000)Science and Technology Project of China National Petroleum Corporation(2024DJ8702).
文摘Based on the analysis of typical lacustrine shale oil zones in China and their geological characteristics,this study elucidates the fundamental differences between the enrichment patterns of shale oil sweet spots and conventional oil and gas.The key parameters and evaluation methods for assessing the large-scale production potential of lacustrine shale oil are proposed.The results show that shale oil is a petroleum resource that exists in organic-rich shale formations,in other words,it is preserved in its source bed,following a different process of generation-accumulation-enrichment from conventional oil and gas.Thus,the concept of“reservoir”seems to be inapplicable to shale oil.In China,lacustrine shale oil is distributed widely,but the geological characteristics and sweet spots enrichment patterns of shale oil vary significantly in lacustrine basins where the water environment and the tectonic evolution and diagenetic transformation frameworks are distinct.The core of the evaluation of lacustrine shale oil is“sweet spot volume”.The key factors for evaluating the large-scale production of continental shale oil are the oil storage capacity,oil-bearing capacity and oil producing capacity.The key parameters for evaluating these capacities are total porosity,oil content,and free oil content,respectively.It is recommended to determine the total porosity of shale by combining helium porosity measurement with nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)method,the oil content of key layers by using organic solvent extraction,NMR method and high pressure mercury intrusion methods,and the free oil content by using NMR fluid distribution secondary spectral stripping decomposition and logging.The research results contribute supplemental insights on continental shale oil deliverability in China,and provide a scientific basis for the rapid exploration and large-scale production of lacustrine shale oil.
文摘Gas-bearing shales have become a major source of future natural gas production worldwide.It has become increasingly urgent to develop a reliable prediction model and corresponding workflow for identifying shale gas sweet spots.The formation of gas-bearing shales is closely linked to relative sealevel changes,providing an important approach to predicting sweet spots in the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale in the southern Sichuan Basin,China.Three types of marine shale gas sweet spots are identified in the shale based on their formation stages combined with relative sea-level changes:early,middle,and late transgression types.This study develops a prediction model and workflow for identifying shale gas sweet spots by analyzing relative sea-level changes and facies sequences.Predicting shale gas sweet spots in an explored block using this model and workflow can provide a valuable guide for well design and hydraulic fracturing,significantly enhancing the efficiency of shale gas exploration and development.Notably,the new prediction model and workflow can be utilized for the rapid evaluation of the potential for shale gas development in new shale gas blocks or those with low exploratory maturity.
基金Supported by the CNPC Major Science and Technology Project(2021DJ1806).
文摘Based on recent advancements in shale oil exploration within the Ordos Basin,this study presents a comprehensive investigation of the paleoenvironment,lithofacies assemblages and distribution,depositional mechanisms,and reservoir characteristics of shale oil of fine-grained sediment deposition in continental freshwater lacustrine basins,with a focus on the Chang 7_(3) sub-member of Triassic Yanchang Formation.The research integrates a variety of exploration data,including field outcrops,drilling,logging,core samples,geochemical analyses,and flume simulation.The study indicates that:(1)The paleoenvironment of the Chang 7_(3) deposition is characterized by a warm and humid climate,frequent monsoon events,and a large water depth of freshwater lacustrine basin.The paleogeomorphology exhibits an asymmetrical pattern,with steep slopes in the southwest and gentle slopes in the northeast,which can be subdivided into microgeomorphological units,including depressions and ridges in lakebed,as well as ancient channels.(2)The Chang 7_(3) sub-member is characterized by a diverse array of fine-grained sediments,including very fine sandstone,siltstone,mudstone and tuff.These sediments are primarily distributed in thin interbedded and laminated arrangements vertically.The overall grain size of the sandstone predominantly falls below 62.5μm,with individual layer thicknesses of 0.05–0.64 m.The deposits contain intact plant fragments and display various sedimentary structure,such as wavy bedding,inverse-to-normal grading sequence,and climbing ripple bedding,which indicating a depositional origin associated with density flows.(3)Flume simulation experiments have successfully replicated the transport processes and sedimentary characteristics associated with density flows.The initial phase is characterized by a density-velocity differential,resulting in a thicker,coarser sediment layer at the flow front,while the upper layers are thinner and finer in grain size.During the mid-phase,sliding water effects cause the fluid front to rise and facilitate rapid forward transport.This process generates multiple“new fronts”,enabling the long-distance transport of fine-grained sandstones,such as siltstone and argillaceous siltstone,into the center of the lake basin.(4)A sedimentary model primarily controlled by hyperpynal flows was established for the southwestern part of the basin,highlighting that the frequent occurrence of flood events and the steep slope topography in this area are primary controlling factors for the development of hyperpynal flows.(5)Sandstone and mudstone in the Chang 7_(3) sub-member exhibit micro-and nano-scale pore-throat systems,shale oil is present in various lithologies,while the content of movable oil varies considerably,with sandstone exhibiting the highest content of movable oil.(6)The fine-grained sediment complexes formed by multiple episodes of sandstones and mudstones associated with density flow in the Chang 7_(3) formation exhibit characteristics of“overall oil-bearing with differential storage capacity”.The combination of mudstone with low total organic carbon content(TOC)and siltstone is identified as the most favorable exploration target at present.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U22B6004)Project of PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development(2022yjcq03)Core Technology Key Project of China Petroleum Changqing Oilfield Company(KJZX2023-01).
文摘In addition to the organic matter type,abundance,thermal maturity,and shale reservoir space,the preservation conditions of source rocks play a key factor in affecting the quantity and quality of retained hydrocarbons in source rocks of lacustrine shale,yet this aspect has received little attention.This paper,based on the case analysis,explores how preservation conditions influence the enrichment of mobile hydrocarbons in shale oil.Research showns that good preservation conditions play three key roles.(1)Ensure the retention of sufficient light hydrocarbons(C_(1)–C_(13)),medium hydrocarbons(C_(14)–C_(25))and small molecular aromatics(including 1–2 benzene rings)in the formation,which enhances the fluidity and flow of shale oil;(2)Maintain a high energy field(abnormally high pressure),thus facilitating the maximum outflow of shale oil;(3)Ensure that the retained hydrocarbons have the miscible flow condition of multi-component hydrocarbons(light hydrocarbons,medium hydrocarbons,heavy hydrocarbons,and heteroatomic compounds),so that the heavy hydrocarbons(C_(25+))and heavy components(non-hydrocarbons and asphaltenes)have improved fluidity and maximum flow capacity.In conclusion,in addition to the advantages of organic matter type,abundance,thermal maturity,and reservoir space,good preservation conditions of shale layers are essential for the formation of economically viable shale oil reservoirs,which should be incorporated into the evaluation criteria of shale oil-rich areas/segments and considered a necessary factor when selecting favorable exploration targets.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12072347)the Excellent Training Plan of the Institute of Mechanics,Chinese Academy of SciencesCNPC New Energy Key Project(2021DJ4902).
文摘To study the development of imbibition such as the imbibition front and phase distribution in shale,the Lattice Boltzmann Method(LBM)is used to study the imbibition processes in the pore-throat network of shale.Through dimensional analysis,four dimensionless parameters affecting the imbibition process were determined.A color gradient model of LBM was used in computation based on a real core pore size distribution.The numerical results show that the four factors have great effects on imbibition.The impact of each factor is not monotonous.The imbibition process is the comprehensive effect of all aspects.The imbibition front becomes more and more non-uniform with time in a heterogeneous pore-throat network.Some non-wetting phases(oil here)cannot be displaced out.The displacement efficiency and velocity do not change monotonously with any factor.The development of the average imbibition length with time is not smooth and not linear in a heterogeneous pore-throat network.Two fitting relations between the four dimensionless parameters and the imbibition velocity and efficiency are obtained,respectively.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42173030)the Open Project from the Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Exploration,Ministry of Natural Resources(KLSGE-202406).
文摘Benthic bivalves,the most widely distributed mollusks since the Mesozoic era,often inhabited environments where their fossilized remains are found adjacent to or intermingled with organic-rich shale.Recent Jurassic shale oil exploration in the Sichuan Basin has revealed that bioclastic layers,composed of abundant fossil bivalves and closely associated with shales and,exhibit significant hydrocarbon potentials.However,the microscopic structures of these bivalve fossils and their role in hydrocarbon storage and migration remain poorly understood.In this study,we characterized the microporosity of bivalve shells within the Middle-Lower Jurassic bioclastic shale in the northeastern Sichuan Basin using a combination of 2D imaging(thin section,SEM),3D reconstruction(FIB-SEM),and permeability simulation.The micropores within the shell fossils range from 100 to 1000 nm in radius and are uniformly distributed in a grid-like pattern within the shell interior,where they host liquid hydrocarbons.The bioclastic carbonate layers exhibit an overall porosity of approximately 0.8%.Comparative analysis with extant bivalve shells suggests that these micropores represent residual pores from the nacreous brick wall structure.Due to the regular orientation of the shells and their microporous nacres,permeability coefficients along the long bivalve fossil axes are three to five times higher than those along the short axes.These residual micropores within the bioclastic fossil shells have a positive influence on both the storage and migration of shale oil and gas,making bioclastic fossil-bearing shalespromising sweet spots for shale oil and gas exploration in similar sedimentary environments.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 52325402,52274057 and 52074340the National Key R&D Program of China under Grant 2023YFB4104200+1 种基金the Major Scientific and Technological Projects of CNOOC under Grant CCL2022RCPS0397RSN111 Project under Grant B08028.
文摘Shale gas wells often face challenges in maintaining continuous and stable production due to their coexistence with high-and low-pressure wells within the same development block,which leads to issues involving mixed-pressure flows.Traditional pipeline optimization methods used in conventional gas well blocks fail to address the unique needs of shale gas wells,such as the precise planning of airflow paths,pressure distribution,and compression.This study proposes a pressure-controlled production optimization strategy specifically designed for shale gas wells operating under mixed-pressure flow conditions.The strategy aims to improve production stability and optimize system efficiency.The decline in production and pressure for individual wells over time is forecasted using a predictive model that accounts for key factors of system optimization,such as reservoir depletion,wellbore conditions,and equipment performance.Additionally,the model predicts the timing and impact of liquid loading,which can significantly affect production.The optimization process involves analyzing the existing gathering pipeline network to determine the most efficient flow directions and compression strategies based on these predictions,while the strategy involves adjusting compressor settings,optimizing flow rates,and planning pressure distribution across the network to maximize productivity while maintaining system stability.By implementing these strategies,this study significantly improves gas well productivity and enhances the adaptability and efficiency of the gathering and transportation system.The proposed approach provides systematic technical solutions and practical guidance for the efficient development and stable production of shale gas fields,ensuring more robust and sustainable pipeline operations.
基金funded by the Open Research Fund of the State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources,China University of Mining and Technology(Grant No.SKLCRSM23KF018)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52104144)the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2019YFA0705501).
文摘In the context of convection-heating-based in situ oil shale retorting,fractures serve as primary pathways for fluid migration and product extraction.This study investigates the permeability and microstructural evolution of oil shale during water vapor injection in single-fracture and no-fracture scenarios.Three types of oil shale are investigated:intact oil shale,oil shale with a single straight crack,and oil shale with a single hydraulic crack.With increasing water vapor temperature,the permeabilities of the intact oil shale and oil shale with a fractured crack exhibit a trend of initial increase,followed by a decrease,and then a subsequent increase.However,the permeability of oil shale with a single straight crack consistently increases and exceeds that of oil shale with a fractured crack.The temperaturedependent permeability changes in fractured oil shale-a slight decrease in fracture cracks and a gradual increase in straight cracks-mainly occur in the range of 300℃-350℃.The permeability of oil shale with a straight crack is approximately three times that of oil shale with a fractured crack.This is attributed to the retention of viscous asphaltene and the frictional resistance caused by the rough fracture structure.For the oil shale with a single crack,the crack permeability has a dominant influence on the overall permeability of the rock.The contribution of the permeability of the straight crack exceeds 94.6%,while that of the permeability of the fractured crack is greater than 86.1%.The disparity in the contribution of these two crack structures is evident at 350℃-550℃.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U20A20266 and 12302503)Scientific and technological research projects in Sichuan province(Grant No.2024NSFSC0973).
文摘The loaded rock experiences multiple stages of deformation.It starts with the formation of microcracks at low stresses(crack initiation,CI)and then transitions into unstable crack propagation(crack damage,CD)near the ultimate strength.In this study,both the acoustic emission method(AEM)and the ultrasonic testing method(UTM)were used to examine the characteristics of AE parameters(b-value,peak frequency,frequency-band energy ratio,and fractal dimension)and ultrasonic(ULT)properties(velocity,amplitude,energy attenuation,and scattering attenuation)of bedded shale at CI,CD,and ultimate strength.The comparison involved analyzing the strain-based method(SBM),AEM,and UTM to determine the thresholds for damage stress.A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model(FCEM)was created to describe the damage thresholds and hazard assessment.The results indicate that the optimal AE and ULT parameters for identifying CI and CD stress are ringing count,ultrasonic amplitude,energy attenuation,and scattering attenuation of the S-wave.Besides,damage thresholds were detected earlier by AE monitoring,ranging from 3 MPa to 10 MPa.CI and CD identified by UTM occurred later than SBM and AEM,and were in the range of 12 MPa.The b-value,peak frequency,energy ratio in the low-frequency band(0e62.5 kHz),correlation dimension,and sandbox dimension showed low values at the peak stress,while the energy ratio in a moderate-frequency band(187.5e281.25 kHz)and amplitude showed high values.The successful application of FCEM to laboratory testing of shales has demonstrated its ability to quantitatively identify AE/ULT precursors of seismic hazards associated with rock failure.
