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
The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation is a major horizon for shale gas development in the Changning block in Sichuan Basin.In this study,the fracture features in the Longmaxi Formation in the Changning block were inve...The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation is a major horizon for shale gas development in the Changning block in Sichuan Basin.In this study,the fracture features in the Longmaxi Formation in the Changning block were investigated through outcrop observation,core description,inclusion testing,and Fullbore Formation MicroImage logging.The results showed that tectogenetic shear fractures dominated the Longmaxi Formation,with maximum principal stress in the SSW,NW,and NE directions.According to fracture features and stress analysis,three phases of faults were generated by tectonic movements after the buried depth reached a maximum in the study area:phase 1 nearly EW-trending faults formed in the middle-late Yanshanian,phase 2 NE-trending faults formed from the end of the Yanshanian to the early Himalayan,and phase 3 NW-trending faults formed from the middle Himalayan to the present.According to the regression analysis of the tested shale gas production and faults,the faults with a throw of>200 m could have a great effect on gas production,and high-yield wells were generally located over 1 km away from faults.Based on the dissection of tectonic styles and typical wells drilled in the Changning block,three shale gas accumulation models were established:wide gentle syncline+internal smalxl fault,subdued anticline+large fault,and slope+internal fault.The study reveals the mechanism of fault influence on shale gas accumulation in the Longmaxi Formation in the Changning block and provides a reference for efficient shale gas production in the Sichuan Basin.展开更多
As the cornerstone for evaluating the storage capacity of shale reservoirs and assessing the viability of shale gas exploitation,shale pores play a very important role in shale reservoirs.Based on drilling well and te...As the cornerstone for evaluating the storage capacity of shale reservoirs and assessing the viability of shale gas exploitation,shale pores play a very important role in shale reservoirs.Based on drilling well and test data,deep learning,and artificial intelligence for image analysis,the types,characteristics,structures,and vertical heterogeneity of shale pores were studied.Additionally,we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the sedimentary environment characteristics and their influence on the heterogeneity of shale reservoir pores in the Longmaxi Formation using associated geochemical analyses.The results revealed that the sedimentary environment underwent significant changes in the Longmaxi Formation,characterized by a sea level fall,accelerated sedimentation rates,weakened reducing conditions,decreased palaeoproductivity,and increased terrigenous influx,which led to a decrease in the frequency of organic matter(OM)pores,paralleled by a gradual increase in inorganic pores.In the S_(1)1_(1)^(1-1),S_(1)1_(1)^(1-2),S_(1)1_(1)^(1-3) sections of the Long11 sub-member,OM pores constitute the primary pore type.Conversely,in the S_(1)1_(1)^(1-4) section and the Long12 sub-member,inorganic pores prevail as the primary pore type.Furthermore,the strongly anoxic sections are also pay zones that are not only enriched in OM but also concentrated with OM pores.The S_(1)1_(1)^(1-1) and S_(1)1_(1)^(1-2) sections are characterized by anoxic conditions,with total organic carbon(TOC)content exceeding 4%and abundant biogenic silica.Notably,an increased terrigenous influx adversely impacts the development and preservation of pores in the Long11 sub-member while exerting a dual effect in the Long12 sub-member.The increased terrigenous influx dilutes the OM and decreases the probability of intergranular pores and intragranular pores filled by OM.Moreover,more brittle mineral particles were deposited,which promotes the development and preservation of intergranular and intragranular pores.展开更多
The dependence of elastic moduli of shales on the mineralogy and microstructure of shales is important for the prediction of sweet spots and shale gas production. Based on 3D digital images of the microstructure of Lo...The dependence of elastic moduli of shales on the mineralogy and microstructure of shales is important for the prediction of sweet spots and shale gas production. Based on 3D digital images of the microstructure of Longmaxi black shale samples using X-ray CT, we built detailed 3D digital images of cores with porosity properties and mineral contents. Next, we used finite-element （FE） methods to derive the elastic properties of the samples. The FE method can accurately model the shale mineralogy. Particular attention is paid to the derived elastic properties and their dependence on porosity and kerogen. The elastic moduli generally decrease with increasing porosity and kerogen, and there is a critical porosity （0.75） and kerogen content （ca. ≤3%） over which the elastic moduli decrease rapidly and slowly, respectively. The derived elastic moduli of gas- and oil-saturated digital cores differ little probably because of the low porosity （4.5%） of the Longmaxi black shale. Clearly, the numerical experiments demonstrated the feasibility of combining microstructure images of shale samples with elastic moduli calculations to predict shale properties.展开更多
This study is based on the sedimentation conditions, organic geochemistry, storage spaces, physical properties, lithology and gas content of the shale gas reservoirs in Longmaxi Formation of the Jiaoshiba area and the...This study is based on the sedimentation conditions, organic geochemistry, storage spaces, physical properties, lithology and gas content of the shale gas reservoirs in Longmaxi Formation of the Jiaoshiba area and the gas accumulation mode is summarized and then compared with that in northern America. The shale gas reservoirs in the Longmaxi Formation in Jiaoshiba have good geological conditions, great thickness of quality shales, high organic content, high gas content, good physical properties, suitable depth, good preservation conditions and good reservoir types. The quality shales at the bottom of the deep shelf are the main target interval for shale gas exploration and development. Shale gas in the Longmaxi Formation has undergone three main reservoiring stages：the early stage of hydrocarbon generation and compaction when shale gas reservoirs were first formed; the middle stage of deep burial and large-scale hydrocarbon generation, which caused the enrichment of reservoirs with shale gas; the late stage of uplift, erosion and fracture development when shale gas reservoirs were finally formed.展开更多
The Upper Ordovician Wufeng-Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale is widely distributed in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery,which is the key stratum for marine shale gas exploration and development(E&D)in China.Based o...The Upper Ordovician Wufeng-Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale is widely distributed in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery,which is the key stratum for marine shale gas exploration and development(E&D)in China.Based on sedimentary environment,material basis,storage space,fracability and reservoir evolution data,the reservoir characteristics of the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale and their significance for shale gas E&D are systematically compared and analyzed in this paper.The results show that(1)the depocenter of the Wufeng(WF)-Longmaxi(LM)shale gradually migrates from east to west.The high-quality shale reservoirs in the eastern Sichuan Basin are mainly siliceous shales,which are primarily distributed in the graptolite shale interval of WF2-LM5.The high-quality reservoirs in the southern Sichuan Basin are mainly calcareous-siliceous and organic-rich argillaceous shales,which are distributed in the graptolite shale interval of WF2-LM7.(2)Deep shale gas(the burial depth>3500 m)in the Sichuan Basin has high-ultrahigh pressure and superior physical properties.The organic-rich siliceous,calcareous-siliceous and organic-rich argillaceous shales have suitable reservoir properties.The marginal area of the Sichuan Basin has a higher degree of pressure relief,which leads to the argillaceous and silty shales evolving into direct cap rocks with poor reservoir/good sealing capacity.(3)Combining shale gas exploration practices and impacts of lithofacies,depth,pressure coefficient and brittle-ductile transition on the reservoir properties,it is concluded that the favorable depth interval of the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale gas is 2200~4000 m under current technical conditions.(4)Aiming at the differential reservoir properties of the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery,several suggestions for future research directions and E&D of shale gas are formulated.展开更多
Sedimentary facies is an important factor influencing shale gas accumulation. It not only controlls hydrocarbon generation, but also affects reservoir characteristics and distribution. This paper discusses the Lower S...Sedimentary facies is an important factor influencing shale gas accumulation. It not only controlls hydrocarbon generation, but also affects reservoir characteristics and distribution. This paper discusses the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the south of the Sichuan Basin. Outcrop, core, drilling and logging data identify the sedimentary facies of the formation as continental shelf facies, which is divided into two subfacies： an inner shelf and an outer shelf subfacies. These two subfacies can be further divided into seven microfacies： muddy silty shallow shelf, calcareous silty shallow shelf, muddy limy shallow shelf, storm flow, muddy deep shelf, silty muddy deep shelf and contour current microfacies. Vertical and horizontal distribution of microfacies establishes a sedimentation model of the continental shelf facies. Combined with analization or calculation of geochemical, mineralogical, physical and gas-bearing properties of samples, sedimentary microfacies is evaluated using nine parameters： total organic carbon content, effective shale continuous thickness, vitrinite reflectance, kerogen type, mineral components, porosity, permeability, water saturation and gas content. The evaluation revealed that the most favorable facies for shale gas exploration and development are the muddy deep shelf and part of the silty muddy deep shelf microfacies, with TOC more than 2%, siliceous component over 50%, clay less than 30%, porosity more than 3%, water saturation lower than 40%, gas content greater than 2 m3/t. These results provide a theoretical basis for deciston-making on the most promising areas for shale gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin and for marine shale gas exploration and development in South China.展开更多
Based on field work, organic geochemical analyses and experimental testing, a six-property assessment method for shale gas is proposed. These six properties include organic matter properies, lithofacies, petrophysical...Based on field work, organic geochemical analyses and experimental testing, a six-property assessment method for shale gas is proposed. These six properties include organic matter properies, lithofacies, petrophysical properties, gas content, brittleness and local stress field. Due to the features of continuous distribution over a large area and low resource abundance in shale plays, a sweet spot should have these following properties： （a） TOC〉2%; （b） brittle minerals content （〉40%） and clay minerals （〈30%）; （c） Ro （〉1.1%）; （d） porosity （〉2%） and permeability （〉0.000 1 mD）, and （e） effective thickness （30-50 m）. Applying these criteria in the Sichuan Basin, the Silurian Longmaxi shale consists of four prospecting sweet spots, including blocks of Changning, Weiyuan, Zhaotong and Fushnn-Yongchuan. Although these four blocks have some similarities, different features were usually observed. After comprehensive analyses using the six-property assessment method, the Fushun-Yongan Block ranks the most favorable sweet spot, followed by the Weiyuan Block. For the other two blocks, the Changning Block is better than the Zbaotong Block. By comparing with the Mississippian Barnett shale, characteristics that are crucial for a high-yielding in the Sichuan Basin include a high content of organic matter （TOC〉2.5%）, a moderate thermal maturity （Ro=0.4%-2%）, a high content of brittle minerals （quartz： 30%-45%）, a high gas content （〉2.5 m^3·t^-1）, and types I and II1 kerogen.展开更多
Microstructure of shale formation is the key to understanding its petrophysical and chemical properties.Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography(μ-CT) have been combined for char...Microstructure of shale formation is the key to understanding its petrophysical and chemical properties.Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography(μ-CT) have been combined for characterization of microstructure of Longmaxi(LMX)shale from Shizhu area, Sichan Basin. The results indicate that laminated LMX shale consists of mineral matrix-rich layers and organic matter(OM)-rich layers at micrometer scale in two and three dimensions. Mineral matrix layers,mainly consisting of interparticle pores and intraplatelet pores, are approximately parallel to the bedding plane.Pyrite-rich layer, mainly containing intercrystalline pores,shows a strong preferred orientation parallel to the bedding plane. OM-rich layer, mainly containing OM pores, seems to be discontinuous. In addition, intercrystalline pores are enriched in some layers, while OM pores are distributed irregularly in matrix layers. This vertical heterogeneity of pore microscopic structures in LMX shale is of great importance to understand its petrophysical and chemical properties.展开更多
Comprehensive quantitative evaluation of shale gas content and the controlling factors in different occurrence states is of great significance for accurately assessing gas-bearing capacity and providing effective well...Comprehensive quantitative evaluation of shale gas content and the controlling factors in different occurrence states is of great significance for accurately assessing gas-bearing capacity and providing effective well-production strategies. A total of 122 core samples from well JY-A in the Fuling shale gas field were studied to reveal the characteristics of S_1 l shale,15 of which were selected to further predict the shale gas content in different occurrence states, which are dependent on geological factors in the thermal evolution process. Geological parameters were researched by a number of laboratory programs, and the factors influential in controlling shale gas content were extracted by both PCA and GRA methods and prediction models were confirmed by the BE method using SPSS software. Results reveal that the adsorbed gas content is mainly controlled by TOC, Ro, SSA, PD and pyrite content, and the free gas content is mainly controlled by S_2, quartz content, gas saturation and formation pressure for S_1 l in well JY-A. Three methods, including the on-site gas desorption method, the empirical formula method, and the multiple regression analysis method were used in combination to evaluate the shale gas capacity of well JY-A, all of which show that the overall shale gas content of well JY-A is in the range of 2.0–5.0 m^3/t and that the free gas ratio is about 50%, lower than that of well JY-1. Cause analysis further confirms the tectonics and preservation conditions of S_1 l in the geological processes, especially the influence of eastern boundary faults on well JY-A, as the fundamental reasons for the differences in shale gas enrichment in the Jiaoshiba area.展开更多
The Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in the Upper Yangtze block represents one of the most important shale gas plays in China. The shale composition, porosity, organic thermal maturity, and methane sorpt...The Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in the Upper Yangtze block represents one of the most important shale gas plays in China. The shale composition, porosity, organic thermal maturity, and methane sorption were investigated at the Qilongcun section in the Dingshan area, southeastern Sichuan Basin. The results show that the Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale contains： （1） sapropelic I organic matter; （2） a 40-m thick bedded sequence where total organic carbon （TOC） content is 〉 2%; （3） a 30-m thick layer at the base of the Longmaxi Shale with a brittle mineral content higher than 50%; and （4） a mean methane adsorption capacity of 1.80 cm3/g （7 MPa pressure）. A positive correlation between TOC and sorbed gas indicates that organic matter content exerts an important control on methane storage capacity. Based on the analysis of the shale reservoir characteristics, the lower member of the Longmaxi Shale can thus be considered a favorable stratum for shale gas exploration and exploitation. It has similar reservoir characteristics with the Longmaxi Shale in the Jiaoshiba area tested with a high-yield industrial gas flow. However, based on tectonic analysis, differences in the level of industrial gas flow between the low-yield study area and the high-yield Jiaoshiba area may result from different tectonic preservation conditions. Evidence from these studies indicates the shale gas potential of the Longmaxi Shale is constrained by the reservoir and preservation conditions.展开更多
The common microscale to nanoscale pore types were introduced and divided into organic and inorganic pores to estimate their contributions to porosity in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale of southeast Chongq...The common microscale to nanoscale pore types were introduced and divided into organic and inorganic pores to estimate their contributions to porosity in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale of southeast Chongqing. Following the material balance principle, the organic porosity values, which changed with formation subsidence and thermal evolution, were calculated using chemical kinetics methods and corrected via the organic porosity correction coefficient, which was obtained from field emission scanning electron microscopy. Grain density values were determined using the contents and true densities of compositions in the shale samples. The total porosity was calculated based on the grain and bulk densities. The inorganic porosity was determined from the difference between the total porosity and organic porosity at the same depth. The results show that inorganic pores mainly contain microfractures, microchannels, clay intergranular pores, intercrystalline pores and intracrystalline pores in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale of southeast Chongqing. Organic pores mainly include organopore and fossil pore. The total porosity, organic porosity and inorganic porosity of organic-rich shale samples can be quantitatively evaluated using this method. The total porosity, organic porosity and inorganic porosity values of the Longmaxi Formation shale samples from the well Pyl in southeast Chongqing lie in 2.75%-6.14%, 0.08%-2.52% and 1.41%-4.92% with average values of 4.34%, 0.95% and 3.39%, respectively. The contributions of the inorganic pores to the total porosity are significantly greater than those of the organic pores.展开更多
Shale gas has currently attracted much attention during oil and gas exploration and development. Fractures in shale have an important influence on the enrichment and preservation of shale gas. This work studied the de...Shale gas has currently attracted much attention during oil and gas exploration and development. Fractures in shale have an important influence on the enrichment and preservation of shale gas. This work studied the developmental period and formation mechanism of tectonic fractures in the Longmaxi Formation shale in the Dingshan area of southeastern Sichuan Basin based on extensive observations of outcrops and cores, rock acoustic emission(Kaiser) experiments, homogenization temperature of fracture fill inclusions, apatite fission track, thermal burial history. The research shows that the fracture types of the Longmaxi Formation include tectonic fractures, diagenetic fractures and horizontal slip fractures. The main types are tectonic high-angle shear and horizontal slip fractures, with small openings, large spacing, low densities, and high degrees of filling. Six dominant directions of the fractures after correction by plane included NWW, nearly SN, NNW, NEE, nearly EW and NW. The analysis of field fracture stage and fracture system of the borehole suggests that the fractures in the Longmaxi Formation could be paired with two sets of plane X-shaped conjugate shear fractures, i.e., profile X-shaped conjugate shear fractures and extension fractures. The combination of qualitative geological analysis and quantitative experimental testing techniques indicates that the tectonic fractures in the Longmaxi Formation have undergone three periods of tectonic movement, namely mid-late Yanshanian movement(82–71.1 Ma), late Yanshanian and middle Himalaya movements(71.1–22.3 Ma), and the late Himalayan movement(22.3–0 Ma). The middle-late period of the Yanshanian movement and end of the Yanshanian movement-middle period of the Himalayan movement were the main fractureforming periods. The fractures were mostly filled with minerals, such as calcite and siliceous. The homogenization temperature of fracture fill inclusions was high, and the paleo-stress value was large; the tectonic movement from the late to present period was mainly a slight transformation and superposition of existing fractures and tectonic systems. Based on the principle of tectonic analysis and theory of geomechanics, we clarified the mechanism of the fractures in the Longmaxi Formation, and established the genetic model of the Longmaxi Formation. The research on the qualitative and quantitative techniques of the fracture-phase study could be effectively used to analyze the causes of the marine shale gas fractures in the Sichuan Basin. The research findings and results provide important references and technical support for further exploration and development of marine shale gas in South China.展开更多
The difference in quartz types in shales not only affects the porosity and permeability of the rocks,but also reflects the difference in the sedimentary environments.We established the formation mechanism and numerica...The difference in quartz types in shales not only affects the porosity and permeability of the rocks,but also reflects the difference in the sedimentary environments.We established the formation mechanism and numerical model of quartz in shales of Wufeng and Longmaxi formations in the Wangjiawan Section,South China,based on thin-section studies using SEM(scanning electron microscope),SEM-CL(cathodoluminescence),XRD(X-ray diffraction)and geochemical analyses.There are two types of quartz in the shales:detrital quartz and authigenic quartz.Detrital quartz is mostly silt-size,typically ranging from 10 to 60μm in size and subangular to angular monocrystal in shape,and brighter than authigenic quartz by CL intensity;authigenic quartz is present in two phases in shape:grain overgrowths and crystallite grains.Overgrowth surfaces are subhedral.Crystallite grains are typically less than 10μm in size,euhedral or subhedral monocrystal in shape.Authigenic quartz can be subdivided into biogenic quartz and clay mineral transformed quartz according to the source of silicon.In the numerical model,the content of detrital quartz is relatively consistent(20%);the content of biogenic quartz ranges from 40%to 70%,with a sharp fall(0–30%)in the Guanyinqiao mudstone.During the Katian,a lower anoxic and dense water column make the dissolution of biogenic silica well preserved.Biogenic quartz is the major contributor to the sediment.During the early Hirnantian interval,due to the drop of sea level and the oxygenation of seafloor,the sediment is mainly composed of clay transformed quartz and detrital quartz.During the latest Hirnatian and Rhuddanian,rapid sea level rise and anoxic ocean enhance the preservation of the biogenic silica,thereby biogenic quartz re-emerges as the major contributors to the sediment.Authigenic crystallite grains and grain overgrowths have filled in primary pore space and have decreased the interparticle porosity,however,as a rigid framework,they can suppress compaction and maintain the internal pore structure.The formation of authigenic quartz results in the increase of total quartz,which fortifies the brittleness of rocks and is beneficial to the development of shale gas.展开更多
Fracture prediction is a technical issue in the field of petroleum exploration and production worldwide.Although there are many approaches to predict the distribution of cracks underground,these approaches have some l...Fracture prediction is a technical issue in the field of petroleum exploration and production worldwide.Although there are many approaches to predict the distribution of cracks underground,these approaches have some limitations.To resolve these issues,we ascertained the relation between numerical simulations of tectonic stress and the predicted distribution of fractures from the perspective of geologic genesis,based on the characteristics of the shale reservoir in the Longmaxi Formation in Dingshan;the features of fracture development in this reservoir were considered.3 D finite element method(FEM)was applied in combination with rock mechanical parameters derived from the acoustic emissions.The paleotectonic stress field of the crack formation period was simulated for the Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan area.The splitting factor in the study area was calculated based on the rock breaking criterion.The coefficient of fracture development was selected as the quantitative prediction classification criteria for the cracks.The results show that a higher coefficient of fracture development indicates a greater degree of fracture development.On the basis of the fracture development coefficient classification,a favorable area was identified for the development of fracture prediction in the study area.The prediction results indicate that the south of the Dingshan area and the DY3 well of the central region are favorable zones for fracture development.展开更多
As an important pilot target for shale gas exploration and development in China,the Longmaxi Formation shale in the Dianqianbei Area is characterized by high content of nitrogen,which severely increases exploration ri...As an important pilot target for shale gas exploration and development in China,the Longmaxi Formation shale in the Dianqianbei Area is characterized by high content of nitrogen,which severely increases exploration risk.Accordingly,this study explores the genesis of shale gas reservoir and the mechanism of nitrogen enrichment through investigating shale gas compositions,isotope features,and geochemical characteristics of associated gases.The high-nitrogen shale gas reservoir in the Longmaxi Formation is demonstrated to be a typical dry gas reservoir.Specifically,the alkane carbon isotope reversal is ascribed to the secondary cracking of crude oil and the Rayleigh fractionation induced by the basalt mantle plume.Such a thermogenic oil-type gas reservoir is composed of both oil-cracking gas and kerogen-cracking gas.The normally high nitrogen content(18.05%-40.92%) is attributed to organic matter cracking and thermal ammoniation in the high-maturity stage.Specifically,the high heat flow effect of the Emeishan mantle plume exacerbates the thermal cracking of organic matter in the Longmaxi Formation shale,accompanied by nitrogen generation.In comparison,the abnormally high nitrogen content(86.79%-98.54%) is ascribed to the communication between the atmosphere and deep underground fluids by deep faults,which results in hydrocarbon loss and nitrogen intrusion,acting as the key factor for deconstruction of the primary shale gas reservoir.Results of this study not only enrich research on genetic mechanism of high-maturity N_@ shale gas reservoirs,but also provide theoretical guidance for subsequent gas reservoir resource evaluation and well-drilling deployment in this area.展开更多
As the hydrocarbon generation and storage mechanisms of high quality shales of Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation– Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation remain unclear, based on geological conditions and experimental mode...As the hydrocarbon generation and storage mechanisms of high quality shales of Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation– Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation remain unclear, based on geological conditions and experimental modelling of shale gas formation, the shale gas generation and accumulation mechanisms as well as their coupling relationships of deep-water shelf shales in Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation of Sichuan Basin were analyzed from petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry. The high quality shales of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in Sichuan Basin are characterized by high thermal evolution, high hydrocarbon generation intensity, good material base, and good roof and floor conditions;the high quality deep-water shelf shale not only has high biogenic silicon content and organic carbon content, but also high porosity coupling. It is concluded that:(1) The shales had good preservation conditions and high retainment of crude oil in the early times, and the shale gas was mainly from cracking of crude oil.(2) The biogenic silicon(opal A) turned into crystal quartz in early times of burial diagenesis, lots of micro-size intergranular pores were produced in the same time;moreover, the biogenic silicon frame had high resistance to compaction, thus it provided the conditions not only for oil charge in the early stage, but also for formation and preservation of nanometer cellular-like pores, and was the key factor enabling the preservation of organic pores.(3) The high quality shale of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation had high brittleness, strong homogeneity, siliceous intergranular micro-pores and nanometer organic pores, which were conducive to the formation of complicated fissure network connecting the siliceous intergranular nano-pores, and thus high and stable production of shale gas.展开更多
Due to the existence of water content in shale reservoir,it is quite meaningful to clarify the effect of water content on the methane adsorption capacity(MAC)of shale.However,the role of spatial configuration relation...Due to the existence of water content in shale reservoir,it is quite meaningful to clarify the effect of water content on the methane adsorption capacity(MAC)of shale.However,the role of spatial configuration relationship between organic matter(OM)and clay minerals in the MAC reduction process is still unclear.The Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale samples from the Southern Sichuan Basin in China were prepared at five relative humidity(RH)conditions(0%,16%,41%,76%,99%)and the methane adsorption experiments were conducted on these water-bearing shale samples to clarify the MAC reduction process considering the spatial configuration relationship between clay minerals and OM and establish the empirical model to fit the stages.Total organic carbon(TOC)content and mineral compositions were analyzed and the pore structures of these shale samples were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM),N2 adsorption and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry(HPMIP).The results showed that the MAC reduction of clay minerals in OM occurred at different RH conditions from that of clay minerals outside OM.Furthermore,the amount of MAC reduction of shale samples prepared at the same RH condition was negatively related with clay content,which indicated the protection role of clay minerals for the MAC of water-bearing shale samples.The MAC reduction process was generally divided into three stages for siliceous and clayey shale samples.And the MAC of OM started to decline during stage(1)for calcareous shale sample mainly because water could enter OM pores more smoothly through hydrophobic pathway provided by carbonate minerals than through hydrophilic clay mineral pores.Overall,this study will contribute to improving the evaluation method of shale gas reserve.展开更多
The mechanical properties and fracturing mechanism of shale containing beddings are critically important in shale gas exploitation and wellbore stability.To investigate the effects of shale bedding on crack behavior a...The mechanical properties and fracturing mechanism of shale containing beddings are critically important in shale gas exploitation and wellbore stability.To investigate the effects of shale bedding on crack behavior and fracturing mechanism,scanning electron microscope(SEM)with a loading system was employed to carry out three-point bending tests on Longmaxi outcrop shale.The crack initiation and propagation of Longmaxi shale were observed and recorded by taking photos during loading.The cracking paths were extracted to calculate the crack length through a MATLAB program.The peak load,fracture toughness and fracture energy all increase with the bedding angle from 0°to 90°.The crack length and energy were also found to increase with the bedding angle in the range of 0°-600 and then drop slightly.The fracturing mechanism of shale includes the main crack affected by the bedding angle and disturbed by randomly distributed particles.The main cracking path was accompanied by several microcrack branches which could form an interconnected crack system.When the main crack encounters larger sedimentary particles,it will deflect around the particles and then restore to the initial direction.A numerical technique using extended finite element method(XFEM)coupled with anisotropic cohesive damage criteria was developed,which is able to capture the dependence of crack propagations on bedding angle and sedimentary particles.This study sheds light on understanding and predicting mesoscale fracture behavior of shale with different bedding angles.展开更多
The mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, hardness and fracture toughness of Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale samples from Youyang area in southeast Chongqing, China were investigated using dot matrix nanoin...The mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, hardness and fracture toughness of Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale samples from Youyang area in southeast Chongqing, China were investigated using dot matrix nanoindentation measurements. With the help of field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy(EDS), the indentation morphology and mineral composition in indentation area were quantitatively analyzed. According to mechanical strength classification, a micromechanical model with three components was introduced and the Mori-Tanaka model was used to upscale mechanical parameters from nano-scale to centimeter-size scale, which were further compared with uniaxial compression results. The experimental results show that there is a positive linear correlation between Young's modulus and hardness and between the Young's modulus and the fracture toughness under nano-scale; the Young's modulus, hardness and fracture toughness perpendicular to the bedding are slightly lower than those parallel with the bedding. According to data statistics, the mechanical properties at the nano-scale follow Weibull distribution feature and the dispersion degree of hardness results is the highest, which is mainly due to shale anisotropy and nanoindentation projection uncertainty. Comparing the results from nanoindentation test, with those from upscaling model and uniaxial compression test shows that the mechanical parameters at the nano-scale are higher than those from upscaling model and uniaxial compression test, which proves mechanical parameters at different scales have differences. It's because the larger the core, the more pores and internal weakness it contains, the less accurate the interpreted results of mechanical parameters will be.展开更多
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supported by The Science and Technology Project of CNPC,China(Grant No.2023ZZ21)Research Project of PetroChina Southwest Oil&Gas Field Company,China(Grant No.20220304-19)Research Project of PetroChina Southwest Oil&Gas Field Company,China(Grant No.20220304-08).
文摘The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation is a major horizon for shale gas development in the Changning block in Sichuan Basin.In this study,the fracture features in the Longmaxi Formation in the Changning block were investigated through outcrop observation,core description,inclusion testing,and Fullbore Formation MicroImage logging.The results showed that tectogenetic shear fractures dominated the Longmaxi Formation,with maximum principal stress in the SSW,NW,and NE directions.According to fracture features and stress analysis,three phases of faults were generated by tectonic movements after the buried depth reached a maximum in the study area:phase 1 nearly EW-trending faults formed in the middle-late Yanshanian,phase 2 NE-trending faults formed from the end of the Yanshanian to the early Himalayan,and phase 3 NW-trending faults formed from the middle Himalayan to the present.According to the regression analysis of the tested shale gas production and faults,the faults with a throw of>200 m could have a great effect on gas production,and high-yield wells were generally located over 1 km away from faults.Based on the dissection of tectonic styles and typical wells drilled in the Changning block,three shale gas accumulation models were established:wide gentle syncline+internal smalxl fault,subdued anticline+large fault,and slope+internal fault.The study reveals the mechanism of fault influence on shale gas accumulation in the Longmaxi Formation in the Changning block and provides a reference for efficient shale gas production in the Sichuan Basin.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42372173)the Science and Technology Cooperation Project of the CNPC-SWPU Innovation Alliance,China(Grant No.2020CX020000).
文摘As the cornerstone for evaluating the storage capacity of shale reservoirs and assessing the viability of shale gas exploitation,shale pores play a very important role in shale reservoirs.Based on drilling well and test data,deep learning,and artificial intelligence for image analysis,the types,characteristics,structures,and vertical heterogeneity of shale pores were studied.Additionally,we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the sedimentary environment characteristics and their influence on the heterogeneity of shale reservoir pores in the Longmaxi Formation using associated geochemical analyses.The results revealed that the sedimentary environment underwent significant changes in the Longmaxi Formation,characterized by a sea level fall,accelerated sedimentation rates,weakened reducing conditions,decreased palaeoproductivity,and increased terrigenous influx,which led to a decrease in the frequency of organic matter(OM)pores,paralleled by a gradual increase in inorganic pores.In the S_(1)1_(1)^(1-1),S_(1)1_(1)^(1-2),S_(1)1_(1)^(1-3) sections of the Long11 sub-member,OM pores constitute the primary pore type.Conversely,in the S_(1)1_(1)^(1-4) section and the Long12 sub-member,inorganic pores prevail as the primary pore type.Furthermore,the strongly anoxic sections are also pay zones that are not only enriched in OM but also concentrated with OM pores.The S_(1)1_(1)^(1-1) and S_(1)1_(1)^(1-2) sections are characterized by anoxic conditions,with total organic carbon(TOC)content exceeding 4%and abundant biogenic silica.Notably,an increased terrigenous influx adversely impacts the development and preservation of pores in the Long11 sub-member while exerting a dual effect in the Long12 sub-member.The increased terrigenous influx dilutes the OM and decreases the probability of intergranular pores and intragranular pores filled by OM.Moreover,more brittle mineral particles were deposited,which promotes the development and preservation of intergranular and intragranular pores.
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences Strategic Leading Science and Technology projects(Grant No.XDB10010400)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2015M570142)
文摘The dependence of elastic moduli of shales on the mineralogy and microstructure of shales is important for the prediction of sweet spots and shale gas production. Based on 3D digital images of the microstructure of Longmaxi black shale samples using X-ray CT, we built detailed 3D digital images of cores with porosity properties and mineral contents. Next, we used finite-element （FE） methods to derive the elastic properties of the samples. The FE method can accurately model the shale mineralogy. Particular attention is paid to the derived elastic properties and their dependence on porosity and kerogen. The elastic moduli generally decrease with increasing porosity and kerogen, and there is a critical porosity （0.75） and kerogen content （ca. ≤3%） over which the elastic moduli decrease rapidly and slowly, respectively. The derived elastic moduli of gas- and oil-saturated digital cores differ little probably because of the low porosity （4.5%） of the Longmaxi black shale. Clearly, the numerical experiments demonstrated the feasibility of combining microstructure images of shale samples with elastic moduli calculations to predict shale properties.
基金supported by the Sinopec Key Project named Whole Evaluation on Shale Gas Exploration and Targets Optimization in Sichuan Basin and Its Marginal Areas
文摘This study is based on the sedimentation conditions, organic geochemistry, storage spaces, physical properties, lithology and gas content of the shale gas reservoirs in Longmaxi Formation of the Jiaoshiba area and the gas accumulation mode is summarized and then compared with that in northern America. The shale gas reservoirs in the Longmaxi Formation in Jiaoshiba have good geological conditions, great thickness of quality shales, high organic content, high gas content, good physical properties, suitable depth, good preservation conditions and good reservoir types. The quality shales at the bottom of the deep shelf are the main target interval for shale gas exploration and development. Shale gas in the Longmaxi Formation has undergone three main reservoiring stages：the early stage of hydrocarbon generation and compaction when shale gas reservoirs were first formed; the middle stage of deep burial and large-scale hydrocarbon generation, which caused the enrichment of reservoirs with shale gas; the late stage of uplift, erosion and fracture development when shale gas reservoirs were finally formed.
基金granted by the National Science and Technology Major Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2017ZX05036002–001)National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41202103, 41872124)SINOPEC Ministry of Science and Technology Project (Grant No. P17027–2)
文摘The Upper Ordovician Wufeng-Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale is widely distributed in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery,which is the key stratum for marine shale gas exploration and development(E&D)in China.Based on sedimentary environment,material basis,storage space,fracability and reservoir evolution data,the reservoir characteristics of the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale and their significance for shale gas E&D are systematically compared and analyzed in this paper.The results show that(1)the depocenter of the Wufeng(WF)-Longmaxi(LM)shale gradually migrates from east to west.The high-quality shale reservoirs in the eastern Sichuan Basin are mainly siliceous shales,which are primarily distributed in the graptolite shale interval of WF2-LM5.The high-quality reservoirs in the southern Sichuan Basin are mainly calcareous-siliceous and organic-rich argillaceous shales,which are distributed in the graptolite shale interval of WF2-LM7.(2)Deep shale gas(the burial depth>3500 m)in the Sichuan Basin has high-ultrahigh pressure and superior physical properties.The organic-rich siliceous,calcareous-siliceous and organic-rich argillaceous shales have suitable reservoir properties.The marginal area of the Sichuan Basin has a higher degree of pressure relief,which leads to the argillaceous and silty shales evolving into direct cap rocks with poor reservoir/good sealing capacity.(3)Combining shale gas exploration practices and impacts of lithofacies,depth,pressure coefficient and brittle-ductile transition on the reservoir properties,it is concluded that the favorable depth interval of the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale gas is 2200~4000 m under current technical conditions.(4)Aiming at the differential reservoir properties of the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery,several suggestions for future research directions and E&D of shale gas are formulated.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Projects of China(No.2012ZX05018-006-006)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U1262209)
文摘Sedimentary facies is an important factor influencing shale gas accumulation. It not only controlls hydrocarbon generation, but also affects reservoir characteristics and distribution. This paper discusses the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the south of the Sichuan Basin. Outcrop, core, drilling and logging data identify the sedimentary facies of the formation as continental shelf facies, which is divided into two subfacies： an inner shelf and an outer shelf subfacies. These two subfacies can be further divided into seven microfacies： muddy silty shallow shelf, calcareous silty shallow shelf, muddy limy shallow shelf, storm flow, muddy deep shelf, silty muddy deep shelf and contour current microfacies. Vertical and horizontal distribution of microfacies establishes a sedimentation model of the continental shelf facies. Combined with analization or calculation of geochemical, mineralogical, physical and gas-bearing properties of samples, sedimentary microfacies is evaluated using nine parameters： total organic carbon content, effective shale continuous thickness, vitrinite reflectance, kerogen type, mineral components, porosity, permeability, water saturation and gas content. The evaluation revealed that the most favorable facies for shale gas exploration and development are the muddy deep shelf and part of the silty muddy deep shelf microfacies, with TOC more than 2%, siliceous component over 50%, clay less than 30%, porosity more than 3%, water saturation lower than 40%, gas content greater than 2 m3/t. These results provide a theoretical basis for deciston-making on the most promising areas for shale gas exploration in the Sichuan Basin and for marine shale gas exploration and development in South China.
基金financially supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2014CB239000)the China Major National Scientific and Technological Project (No. 2011ZX05018-001)
文摘Based on field work, organic geochemical analyses and experimental testing, a six-property assessment method for shale gas is proposed. These six properties include organic matter properies, lithofacies, petrophysical properties, gas content, brittleness and local stress field. Due to the features of continuous distribution over a large area and low resource abundance in shale plays, a sweet spot should have these following properties： （a） TOC〉2%; （b） brittle minerals content （〉40%） and clay minerals （〈30%）; （c） Ro （〉1.1%）; （d） porosity （〉2%） and permeability （〉0.000 1 mD）, and （e） effective thickness （30-50 m）. Applying these criteria in the Sichuan Basin, the Silurian Longmaxi shale consists of four prospecting sweet spots, including blocks of Changning, Weiyuan, Zhaotong and Fushnn-Yongchuan. Although these four blocks have some similarities, different features were usually observed. After comprehensive analyses using the six-property assessment method, the Fushun-Yongan Block ranks the most favorable sweet spot, followed by the Weiyuan Block. For the other two blocks, the Changning Block is better than the Zbaotong Block. By comparing with the Mississippian Barnett shale, characteristics that are crucial for a high-yielding in the Sichuan Basin include a high content of organic matter （TOC〉2.5%）, a moderate thermal maturity （Ro=0.4%-2%）, a high content of brittle minerals （quartz： 30%-45%）, a high gas content （〉2.5 m^3·t^-1）, and types I and II1 kerogen.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB1002010)the Major Program for the Fundamental Research of Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology(No.12JC1410400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.41325016)
文摘Microstructure of shale formation is the key to understanding its petrophysical and chemical properties.Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography(μ-CT) have been combined for characterization of microstructure of Longmaxi(LMX)shale from Shizhu area, Sichan Basin. The results indicate that laminated LMX shale consists of mineral matrix-rich layers and organic matter(OM)-rich layers at micrometer scale in two and three dimensions. Mineral matrix layers,mainly consisting of interparticle pores and intraplatelet pores, are approximately parallel to the bedding plane.Pyrite-rich layer, mainly containing intercrystalline pores,shows a strong preferred orientation parallel to the bedding plane. OM-rich layer, mainly containing OM pores, seems to be discontinuous. In addition, intercrystalline pores are enriched in some layers, while OM pores are distributed irregularly in matrix layers. This vertical heterogeneity of pore microscopic structures in LMX shale is of great importance to understand its petrophysical and chemical properties.
基金financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC Grant 41572106)+1 种基金the National Science and Technology Major Project "The enrichment conditions, evaluation technology and application of shale gas in the Sichuan Basin and its periphery" (Item No. 2017ZX05035002-006)State Key Laboratory of oil and gas resources and exploration, Chinese University of Petroleum-Beijing
文摘Comprehensive quantitative evaluation of shale gas content and the controlling factors in different occurrence states is of great significance for accurately assessing gas-bearing capacity and providing effective well-production strategies. A total of 122 core samples from well JY-A in the Fuling shale gas field were studied to reveal the characteristics of S_1 l shale,15 of which were selected to further predict the shale gas content in different occurrence states, which are dependent on geological factors in the thermal evolution process. Geological parameters were researched by a number of laboratory programs, and the factors influential in controlling shale gas content were extracted by both PCA and GRA methods and prediction models were confirmed by the BE method using SPSS software. Results reveal that the adsorbed gas content is mainly controlled by TOC, Ro, SSA, PD and pyrite content, and the free gas content is mainly controlled by S_2, quartz content, gas saturation and formation pressure for S_1 l in well JY-A. Three methods, including the on-site gas desorption method, the empirical formula method, and the multiple regression analysis method were used in combination to evaluate the shale gas capacity of well JY-A, all of which show that the overall shale gas content of well JY-A is in the range of 2.0–5.0 m^3/t and that the free gas ratio is about 50%, lower than that of well JY-1. Cause analysis further confirms the tectonics and preservation conditions of S_1 l in the geological processes, especially the influence of eastern boundary faults on well JY-A, as the fundamental reasons for the differences in shale gas enrichment in the Jiaoshiba area.
基金supported by Science and Technology Support Program of Sichuan Province(No.15ZC1390)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41102064)
文摘The Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in the Upper Yangtze block represents one of the most important shale gas plays in China. The shale composition, porosity, organic thermal maturity, and methane sorption were investigated at the Qilongcun section in the Dingshan area, southeastern Sichuan Basin. The results show that the Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale contains： （1） sapropelic I organic matter; （2） a 40-m thick bedded sequence where total organic carbon （TOC） content is 〉 2%; （3） a 30-m thick layer at the base of the Longmaxi Shale with a brittle mineral content higher than 50%; and （4） a mean methane adsorption capacity of 1.80 cm3/g （7 MPa pressure）. A positive correlation between TOC and sorbed gas indicates that organic matter content exerts an important control on methane storage capacity. Based on the analysis of the shale reservoir characteristics, the lower member of the Longmaxi Shale can thus be considered a favorable stratum for shale gas exploration and exploitation. It has similar reservoir characteristics with the Longmaxi Shale in the Jiaoshiba area tested with a high-yield industrial gas flow. However, based on tectonic analysis, differences in the level of industrial gas flow between the low-yield study area and the high-yield Jiaoshiba area may result from different tectonic preservation conditions. Evidence from these studies indicates the shale gas potential of the Longmaxi Shale is constrained by the reservoir and preservation conditions.
基金Financial supports from the National Science Foundation of China(grants No.41530315,41302101 and 41330313)the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(grant No.2016ZX05061)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(grant No.ZR2016DL07)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(grant No.18CX02071A)
文摘The common microscale to nanoscale pore types were introduced and divided into organic and inorganic pores to estimate their contributions to porosity in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale of southeast Chongqing. Following the material balance principle, the organic porosity values, which changed with formation subsidence and thermal evolution, were calculated using chemical kinetics methods and corrected via the organic porosity correction coefficient, which was obtained from field emission scanning electron microscopy. Grain density values were determined using the contents and true densities of compositions in the shale samples. The total porosity was calculated based on the grain and bulk densities. The inorganic porosity was determined from the difference between the total porosity and organic porosity at the same depth. The results show that inorganic pores mainly contain microfractures, microchannels, clay intergranular pores, intercrystalline pores and intracrystalline pores in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale of southeast Chongqing. Organic pores mainly include organopore and fossil pore. The total porosity, organic porosity and inorganic porosity of organic-rich shale samples can be quantitatively evaluated using this method. The total porosity, organic porosity and inorganic porosity values of the Longmaxi Formation shale samples from the well Pyl in southeast Chongqing lie in 2.75%-6.14%, 0.08%-2.52% and 1.41%-4.92% with average values of 4.34%, 0.95% and 3.39%, respectively. The contributions of the inorganic pores to the total porosity are significantly greater than those of the organic pores.
基金financially supported by the Open Fund (grant No. PLC 20180404) of State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Chengdu University of Technology
文摘Shale gas has currently attracted much attention during oil and gas exploration and development. Fractures in shale have an important influence on the enrichment and preservation of shale gas. This work studied the developmental period and formation mechanism of tectonic fractures in the Longmaxi Formation shale in the Dingshan area of southeastern Sichuan Basin based on extensive observations of outcrops and cores, rock acoustic emission(Kaiser) experiments, homogenization temperature of fracture fill inclusions, apatite fission track, thermal burial history. The research shows that the fracture types of the Longmaxi Formation include tectonic fractures, diagenetic fractures and horizontal slip fractures. The main types are tectonic high-angle shear and horizontal slip fractures, with small openings, large spacing, low densities, and high degrees of filling. Six dominant directions of the fractures after correction by plane included NWW, nearly SN, NNW, NEE, nearly EW and NW. The analysis of field fracture stage and fracture system of the borehole suggests that the fractures in the Longmaxi Formation could be paired with two sets of plane X-shaped conjugate shear fractures, i.e., profile X-shaped conjugate shear fractures and extension fractures. The combination of qualitative geological analysis and quantitative experimental testing techniques indicates that the tectonic fractures in the Longmaxi Formation have undergone three periods of tectonic movement, namely mid-late Yanshanian movement(82–71.1 Ma), late Yanshanian and middle Himalaya movements(71.1–22.3 Ma), and the late Himalayan movement(22.3–0 Ma). The middle-late period of the Yanshanian movement and end of the Yanshanian movement-middle period of the Himalayan movement were the main fractureforming periods. The fractures were mostly filled with minerals, such as calcite and siliceous. The homogenization temperature of fracture fill inclusions was high, and the paleo-stress value was large; the tectonic movement from the late to present period was mainly a slight transformation and superposition of existing fractures and tectonic systems. Based on the principle of tectonic analysis and theory of geomechanics, we clarified the mechanism of the fractures in the Longmaxi Formation, and established the genetic model of the Longmaxi Formation. The research on the qualitative and quantitative techniques of the fracture-phase study could be effectively used to analyze the causes of the marine shale gas fractures in the Sichuan Basin. The research findings and results provide important references and technical support for further exploration and development of marine shale gas in South China.
基金This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41690131,41572327,4127300)the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(No.2019CFA028)the Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities of China(No.B14031).
文摘The difference in quartz types in shales not only affects the porosity and permeability of the rocks,but also reflects the difference in the sedimentary environments.We established the formation mechanism and numerical model of quartz in shales of Wufeng and Longmaxi formations in the Wangjiawan Section,South China,based on thin-section studies using SEM(scanning electron microscope),SEM-CL(cathodoluminescence),XRD(X-ray diffraction)and geochemical analyses.There are two types of quartz in the shales:detrital quartz and authigenic quartz.Detrital quartz is mostly silt-size,typically ranging from 10 to 60μm in size and subangular to angular monocrystal in shape,and brighter than authigenic quartz by CL intensity;authigenic quartz is present in two phases in shape:grain overgrowths and crystallite grains.Overgrowth surfaces are subhedral.Crystallite grains are typically less than 10μm in size,euhedral or subhedral monocrystal in shape.Authigenic quartz can be subdivided into biogenic quartz and clay mineral transformed quartz according to the source of silicon.In the numerical model,the content of detrital quartz is relatively consistent(20%);the content of biogenic quartz ranges from 40%to 70%,with a sharp fall(0–30%)in the Guanyinqiao mudstone.During the Katian,a lower anoxic and dense water column make the dissolution of biogenic silica well preserved.Biogenic quartz is the major contributor to the sediment.During the early Hirnantian interval,due to the drop of sea level and the oxygenation of seafloor,the sediment is mainly composed of clay transformed quartz and detrital quartz.During the latest Hirnatian and Rhuddanian,rapid sea level rise and anoxic ocean enhance the preservation of the biogenic silica,thereby biogenic quartz re-emerges as the major contributors to the sediment.Authigenic crystallite grains and grain overgrowths have filled in primary pore space and have decreased the interparticle porosity,however,as a rigid framework,they can suppress compaction and maintain the internal pore structure.The formation of authigenic quartz results in the increase of total quartz,which fortifies the brittleness of rocks and is beneficial to the development of shale gas.
基金supported by the Open Fund (PLN 201718) of State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and ExploitationSouthwest Petroleum University and the Open Fund (SEC-2018-04) of Collaborative Innovation Center of Shale Gas Resources and EnvironmentSouthwest Petroleum University and the National Science and Technology Major Project of China (2017ZX05036003-003)
文摘Fracture prediction is a technical issue in the field of petroleum exploration and production worldwide.Although there are many approaches to predict the distribution of cracks underground,these approaches have some limitations.To resolve these issues,we ascertained the relation between numerical simulations of tectonic stress and the predicted distribution of fractures from the perspective of geologic genesis,based on the characteristics of the shale reservoir in the Longmaxi Formation in Dingshan;the features of fracture development in this reservoir were considered.3 D finite element method(FEM)was applied in combination with rock mechanical parameters derived from the acoustic emissions.The paleotectonic stress field of the crack formation period was simulated for the Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan area.The splitting factor in the study area was calculated based on the rock breaking criterion.The coefficient of fracture development was selected as the quantitative prediction classification criteria for the cracks.The results show that a higher coefficient of fracture development indicates a greater degree of fracture development.On the basis of the fracture development coefficient classification,a favorable area was identified for the development of fracture prediction in the study area.The prediction results indicate that the south of the Dingshan area and the DY3 well of the central region are favorable zones for fracture development.
基金financially supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project (2017ZX05063002–009)National Natural Science Foundation of China (41772150)+1 种基金Sichuan Province’s Key Project of Research and Development (18ZDYF0884)Qian Ke He Platform Talents [2017]5789-16。
文摘As an important pilot target for shale gas exploration and development in China,the Longmaxi Formation shale in the Dianqianbei Area is characterized by high content of nitrogen,which severely increases exploration risk.Accordingly,this study explores the genesis of shale gas reservoir and the mechanism of nitrogen enrichment through investigating shale gas compositions,isotope features,and geochemical characteristics of associated gases.The high-nitrogen shale gas reservoir in the Longmaxi Formation is demonstrated to be a typical dry gas reservoir.Specifically,the alkane carbon isotope reversal is ascribed to the secondary cracking of crude oil and the Rayleigh fractionation induced by the basalt mantle plume.Such a thermogenic oil-type gas reservoir is composed of both oil-cracking gas and kerogen-cracking gas.The normally high nitrogen content(18.05%-40.92%) is attributed to organic matter cracking and thermal ammoniation in the high-maturity stage.Specifically,the high heat flow effect of the Emeishan mantle plume exacerbates the thermal cracking of organic matter in the Longmaxi Formation shale,accompanied by nitrogen generation.In comparison,the abnormally high nitrogen content(86.79%-98.54%) is ascribed to the communication between the atmosphere and deep underground fluids by deep faults,which results in hydrocarbon loss and nitrogen intrusion,acting as the key factor for deconstruction of the primary shale gas reservoir.Results of this study not only enrich research on genetic mechanism of high-maturity N_@ shale gas reservoirs,but also provide theoretical guidance for subsequent gas reservoir resource evaluation and well-drilling deployment in this area.
基金Supported by the China National Science and Technology Major Project(2017ZX05036,2017ZX05036001).
文摘As the hydrocarbon generation and storage mechanisms of high quality shales of Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation– Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation remain unclear, based on geological conditions and experimental modelling of shale gas formation, the shale gas generation and accumulation mechanisms as well as their coupling relationships of deep-water shelf shales in Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation of Sichuan Basin were analyzed from petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry. The high quality shales of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in Sichuan Basin are characterized by high thermal evolution, high hydrocarbon generation intensity, good material base, and good roof and floor conditions;the high quality deep-water shelf shale not only has high biogenic silicon content and organic carbon content, but also high porosity coupling. It is concluded that:(1) The shales had good preservation conditions and high retainment of crude oil in the early times, and the shale gas was mainly from cracking of crude oil.(2) The biogenic silicon(opal A) turned into crystal quartz in early times of burial diagenesis, lots of micro-size intergranular pores were produced in the same time;moreover, the biogenic silicon frame had high resistance to compaction, thus it provided the conditions not only for oil charge in the early stage, but also for formation and preservation of nanometer cellular-like pores, and was the key factor enabling the preservation of organic pores.(3) The high quality shale of Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation had high brittleness, strong homogeneity, siliceous intergranular micro-pores and nanometer organic pores, which were conducive to the formation of complicated fissure network connecting the siliceous intergranular nano-pores, and thus high and stable production of shale gas.
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(No.2017ZX05035-002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41972145)the Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting from China University of Petroleum in Beijing(Nos.PRP/indep-3-1707,PRP/indep-3-1615)。
文摘Due to the existence of water content in shale reservoir,it is quite meaningful to clarify the effect of water content on the methane adsorption capacity(MAC)of shale.However,the role of spatial configuration relationship between organic matter(OM)and clay minerals in the MAC reduction process is still unclear.The Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale samples from the Southern Sichuan Basin in China were prepared at five relative humidity(RH)conditions(0%,16%,41%,76%,99%)and the methane adsorption experiments were conducted on these water-bearing shale samples to clarify the MAC reduction process considering the spatial configuration relationship between clay minerals and OM and establish the empirical model to fit the stages.Total organic carbon(TOC)content and mineral compositions were analyzed and the pore structures of these shale samples were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM),N2 adsorption and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry(HPMIP).The results showed that the MAC reduction of clay minerals in OM occurred at different RH conditions from that of clay minerals outside OM.Furthermore,the amount of MAC reduction of shale samples prepared at the same RH condition was negatively related with clay content,which indicated the protection role of clay minerals for the MAC of water-bearing shale samples.The MAC reduction process was generally divided into three stages for siliceous and clayey shale samples.And the MAC of OM started to decline during stage(1)for calcareous shale sample mainly because water could enter OM pores more smoothly through hydrophobic pathway provided by carbonate minerals than through hydrophilic clay mineral pores.Overall,this study will contribute to improving the evaluation method of shale gas reserve.
基金financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant No.41877257)Beijing OutstandingYoung Scientist Program(Grant No.BJJWZYJH01201911413037)+1 种基金Shaanxi Coal Group Key Project(Grant No.2018SMHKJA-J-03)Yueqi outstanding scholar Award Program by China University of Mining and Technology(Beijing),China。
文摘The mechanical properties and fracturing mechanism of shale containing beddings are critically important in shale gas exploitation and wellbore stability.To investigate the effects of shale bedding on crack behavior and fracturing mechanism,scanning electron microscope(SEM)with a loading system was employed to carry out three-point bending tests on Longmaxi outcrop shale.The crack initiation and propagation of Longmaxi shale were observed and recorded by taking photos during loading.The cracking paths were extracted to calculate the crack length through a MATLAB program.The peak load,fracture toughness and fracture energy all increase with the bedding angle from 0°to 90°.The crack length and energy were also found to increase with the bedding angle in the range of 0°-600 and then drop slightly.The fracturing mechanism of shale includes the main crack affected by the bedding angle and disturbed by randomly distributed particles.The main cracking path was accompanied by several microcrack branches which could form an interconnected crack system.When the main crack encounters larger sedimentary particles,it will deflect around the particles and then restore to the initial direction.A numerical technique using extended finite element method(XFEM)coupled with anisotropic cohesive damage criteria was developed,which is able to capture the dependence of crack propagations on bedding angle and sedimentary particles.This study sheds light on understanding and predicting mesoscale fracture behavior of shale with different bedding angles.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51704324,41728004,U1762213)China National Science and Technology Major Project(2016ZX05061)
文摘The mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, hardness and fracture toughness of Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale samples from Youyang area in southeast Chongqing, China were investigated using dot matrix nanoindentation measurements. With the help of field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy(EDS), the indentation morphology and mineral composition in indentation area were quantitatively analyzed. According to mechanical strength classification, a micromechanical model with three components was introduced and the Mori-Tanaka model was used to upscale mechanical parameters from nano-scale to centimeter-size scale, which were further compared with uniaxial compression results. The experimental results show that there is a positive linear correlation between Young's modulus and hardness and between the Young's modulus and the fracture toughness under nano-scale; the Young's modulus, hardness and fracture toughness perpendicular to the bedding are slightly lower than those parallel with the bedding. According to data statistics, the mechanical properties at the nano-scale follow Weibull distribution feature and the dispersion degree of hardness results is the highest, which is mainly due to shale anisotropy and nanoindentation projection uncertainty. Comparing the results from nanoindentation test, with those from upscaling model and uniaxial compression test shows that the mechanical parameters at the nano-scale are higher than those from upscaling model and uniaxial compression test, which proves mechanical parameters at different scales have differences. It's because the larger the core, the more pores and internal weakness it contains, the less accurate the interpreted results of mechanical parameters will be.
