Geological Conditions and Prospect Forecast of Shale Gas Formation in Qiangtang Basin,Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The presence of shale gas has been confirmed in almost every marine shale distribution area in North America.Formation conditions of shale gas in China are the most favorable for marine,organic-rich shale as well.But there has been little research focusing on shale gas in Qiangtang Basin,Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,where a lot of Mesozoic marine shale formations developed.Based on the survey results of petroleum geology and comprehensive test analysis data for Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,for the first time,this paper discusses characteristics of sedimentary development,thickness distribution,geochemistry,reservoir and burial depth of organic-rich shale,and geological conditions for shale gas formation in Qiangtang Basin.There are four sets of marine shale strata in Qiangtang Basin including Upper Triassic Xiaochaka Formation （T3x）,Middle Jurassic Buqu Formation （J2b）,Xiali Formation （J2x） and Upper Jurassic Suowa Formation （J3s）,the sedimentary types of which are mainly bathyal-basin facies,open platform-platform margin slope facies,lagoon and tidal-fiat facies,as well as delta facies.By comparing it with the indicators of gas shale in the main U.S.basins,it was found that the four marine shale formations in Qiangtang Basin constitute a multi-layer distribution of organic-rich shale,featuring a high degree of thickness and low abundance of organic matter,high thermal evolution maturity,many kinds of brittle minerals,an equivalent content of quartz and clay minerals,a high content of feldspar and low porosity,which provide basic conditions for an accumulation of shale gas resources.Xiaochaka Formation shale is widely distributed,with big thickness and the best gas generating indicators.It is the main gas source layer.Xiali Formation shale is of intermediate thickness and coverage area,with relatively good gas generating indicators and moderate gas formation potential.Buqu Formation shale and Suowa Formation shale are of relatively large thickness,and covering a small area,with poor gas generating indicators,and limited gas formation potential.The shale gas geological resources and technically recoverable resources were estimated by using geologic analogy method,and the prospective areas and potentially favorable areas for Mesozoic marine shale gas in Qiangtang Basin are forecast and analyzed.It is relatively favorable in a tectonic setting and indication of oil and gas,shale maturity,sedimentary thickness and gypsum-salt beds,and in terms of mineral association for shale gas accumulation.But the challenge lies in overcoming the harsh natural conditions which contributes to great difficulties in ground engineering and exploration,and high exploration costs.     

Geological Features and Reservoiring Mode of Shale Gas Reservoirs in Longmaxi Formation of the Jiaoshiba Area

Abstract: 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.     

Formation Mechanism and Controlling Factors of Natural Gas Reservoirs of the Jialingjiang Formation in the East Sichuan Basin

The Lower Triassic Jialingjiang Formation reservoirs are distributed widely in the East Sichuan Basin, which are composed mainly of fractured reservoirs. However, natural gas with high concentration of H2S, ranging from 4% to 7%, was discovered in the Wolonghe Gas pool consisting primarily of porous reservoirs, while the other over 20 fractured gas reservoirs have comparatively low, tiny and even no H2S within natural gases. Researches have proved the H2S of the above reservoirs are all from the TSR origin. Most of the Jialingjiang Formation natural gases are mainly generated from Lower Permian carbonate rocks, the Wolonghe gas pool＇s natural gases are from the Upper Permian Longtan Formation, and the natural gases of the Huangcaoxia and Fuchengzhai gas pools are all from Lower Silurian mudstone. The formation of H2S is controlled by the characteristics and temperature of reservoirs, and is not necessarily related with gas sources. The Jialingjiang Formation in East Sichuan is buried deeply and its reservoir temperature has ever attained the condition of the TSR reaction. Due to poor reservoir potential, most of the gas pools do not have enough room for hydrocarbon reaction except for the Wolonghe gas pool, and thus natural gases with high H2S concentration are difficult to be generated abundantly. The south part of East Sichuan did not generate natural gases with high H2S concentration because the reservoir was buried relatively shallow, and did not suffer high temperature. Hence, while predicting the distribution of H2S, the characteristics and temperature of reservoirs are the necessary factors to be considerd besides the existence of anhydrite.     

Relationship Between Electrical Properties and Sedimentary Environment of the Longmaxi Formation Shale, Southern Sichuan

The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the south of Sichuan is a key player in the exploration and development of shale gas in China. Due to a highly complex topographic area, electromagnetic methods (EM) become important exploration means in this area. Many studies have been conducted on the shale mineral composition and electrical properties of shale, however, the correlation between sedimentary environments and the electrical properties of shale remain poorly understood. The electrical properties and sedimentary environment of the organic-rich shale of the Longmaxi Formation have been studied by means of X-ray diffraction, organic geochemistry, scanning electron microscopy and complex resistivity measurements. The discovered high quartz content of the Longmaxi Formation shale results in low resistivity. Deep-water shelf biogenic quartz contributes lower resistivity more than that of shallow-water terrigenous quartz. The deep-water anoxic and organic sedimentary environment led to major enrichment of pyrite, leading to a high polarization effect in shale. We present the correlation between the lithofacies types and electrical properties of Longmaxi Formation. The mixed siliceous shale lithofacies is the most favorable among the three lithofacies, which is characterized by high total organic carbon (TOC) content, high brittleness mineral content, high polarization and low resistivity (“three high and one low”). This feature is an effective identification of shale gas reservoirs by electromagnetic prospecting. Our study can provide constraints on electrical parameters of rocks for electromagnetic “sweet spot” exploration of shale gas, and so this has important geological significance to shale gas exploration and development.     

Estimation of the Shale Oil/Gas Potential of a Paleocene–Eocene Succession: A Case Study from the Meyal Area, Potwar Basin, Pakistan

The successful exploration and production of shale-gas resources in the United States and Canada sets a new possible solution towards the energy crisis presently affecting most countries of Asia. This study focuses on the use of well log and 2D seismic data for the characterization of the shale oil/gas potential of a Paleocene–Eocene succession — the Meyal area in the Potwar Basin of Pakistan. Two shaly plays are identified in Paleocene–Eocene strata in well logs using ΔLogR and modified ΔLogR cross-plot techniques. The results indicate that Paleocene shale(the Patala Formation) and the lower shaly part of Eocene limestone(Sakesar Formation) can be potentially mature source rocks. However, the thermal maturity modelling proves that only the Paleocene shale is mature. Our results also suggest that the maturity responses on ΔLogR models for the lower shaly part of the Eocene limestone are due to trapped hydrocarbons in the intra-formational fractures. Petroelastic/petrophysical analysis of the Patala Formation reveals two potential shale oil/gas zones on the basis of Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, Brittleness index and Total Organic Content at an exploitation depth of 3980–3988 m. This work can provide valuable insight for estimating shale oil/gas potential in highly deformed basins not only in Asia but in other parts of the world.     

Characterizing the Micropores in Lacustrine Shales of the Late Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation of Southern Songliao Basin, NE China

Micropores of shale are significant to the gas content and production potential of shale, which has been verified in the research of marine shale gas; while, few studies have been conducted on lacustrine shales. This study collected 42 samples from three wells in the Late Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation of the southern Songliao Basin, NE China, and investigated these samples by the focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB–SEM) and nitrogen adsorption analysis techniques. Four types of micropores were identified in the samples, i.e., intergranular pore, intracellular pore, organic matter pore and microfracture. The pore structure type is characterized by open slit pores and “ink type” pores which are mainly 1.5–5 nm in diameter with mesopores as the main pores. The mesopores account for 74.01% of the pore volume and 54.68% of the pore surface area. Compared with the lacustrine shales from the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin and Xujiahe Formation in the Sichuan Basin, the intergranular clay mineral interlayer pores are considered to be the main reservoir space for shale gas storage in the study area, followed by intraparticle pores, organic matter pores and microfractures. Maturity and micropore are the key controlling factors which affect the shale gas content of the Qingshankou Formation in southern Songliao Basin.     

Shale Gas Reservoir Evaluation by Geophysical Measurements: A Case Study of the Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian in the Fenggang Block, Northern Guizhou Province

With the aid of geophysical measurements, including seventeen two-dimensional(2 D) seismic lines and the well logging curves of well FGY1, the structure and reservoir characteristics of the Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian strata in the Fenggang block, northern Guizhou Province, were analyzed thoroughly to identify desert areas and favorable intervals. The results show that Longmaxi-Wufeng is the most prospect-rich formation, consisting of a thick succession of overmature black shale, this formation remaining partially in the Suiyang, Fenggang and Jianchaxi synclines. The Longmaxi-Wufeng shale, especially the lower member, was deposited in a reducing low-energy environment with relatively high U content and a low Th/U value. In this shale, the organic matter type(sapropelic and humic-sapropelic), total organic carbon(TOC) content, gas content, gas adsorption capacity, vitrinite reflectance and brittle mineral content are profitable for shale gas preservation and development. The fractures of this shale were closed because of its high overburden pressure. The gas adsorption capacity of this shale increases with increasing TOC content and Ro. In the Longmaxi-Wufeng Formation at well FGY1, the most favorable intervals are in the depth ranges of 2312.4–2325.1 m and 2325.8–2331.1 m.     

The Shale Gas Accumulation of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin, China

<正>The Chang 7 dark mud shale of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin is an important source rock.The Chang 7 member has favorable prospect of shale gas showed by the latest exploration.The gas generation and trapping in the Chang 7 are studied using of 279 well logging data and the laboratory analysis test data of 347     

Depositional Environment and Lithofacies Analyses of Eocene Lacustrine Shale in the Bohai Bay Basin: Insights from Mineralogy and Elemental Geochemistry

The effect of various depositional parameters including paleoclimate, paleosalinity and provenance, on the depositional mechanism of lacustrine shale is very important in reconstructing the depositional environment. The classification of shale lithofacies and the interpretation of shale depositional environment are key features used in shale oil and gas exploration and development activity. The lower 3^rd member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation(Es₃^x shale) was sel...     

Geological Factors Controlling the Accumulation and High Yield of Marine-Facies Shale Gas: Case Study of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan Area of Southeast Sichuan,China

The main geological factors controlling the accumulation and yield of marine-facies shale gas reservoirs are the focus of the current shale gas exploration and development research. In this study, the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in the Dingshan area of southeast Sichuan was investigated. Shale cores underwent laboratory testing, which included the evaluation of total organic carbon(TOC), vitrinite reflectance(Ro), whole-rock X-ray diffraction(XRD), pore permeability,and imaging through field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM). Based on the results of natural gamma ray spectrum logging, conventional logging, imaging logging, and seismic coherence properties, the exploration and development potential of shale gas in the Dingshan area have been discussed comprehensively. The results showed that(1)layer No. 4(WF2-LM4) of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation has a Th/U ratio 2 and a Th/K ratio of 3.5–12. Graptolites and pyrite are relatively abundant in the shale core, indicating sub-high-energy and low-energy marine-facies anoxic reducing environments.(2) The organic matter is mainly I-type kerogen with a small amount of II1-type kerogen. There is a good correlation among TOC, Ro, gas content, and brittle minerals; the fracturing property(brittleness) is 57.3%. Organic and inorganic pores are moderately developed. A higher pressure coefficient is correlated with the increase in porosity and the decrease in permeability.(3) The DY1 well of the shale gas reservoir was affected by natural defects and important latestage double destructive effects, and it is poorly preserved. The DY2 well is located far from the Qiyueshan Fault. Large faults are absent, and upward fractures in the Longmaxi Formation are poorly developed. The well is affected by low tectonic deformation intensity, and it is well preserved.(4) The Dingshan area is located at the junction of the two sedimentary centers of Jiaoshiba and Changning. The thickness of the high-quality shale interval(WF2-LM4) is relatively small, which may be an important reason for the unstable production of shale gas thus far. Based on the systematic analysis of the geological factors controlling high-yield shale gas enrichment in the Dingshan area, and the comparative analysis with the surrounding typical exploration areas, the geological understanding of marine shale gas enrichment in southern China has been improved. Therefore, this study can provide a useful reference for shale gas exploration and further development.     

嵌岩扩底灌注桩及MRR型基岩扩底钻头

简要介绍了国内外扩底技术现状、扩底灌注桩的特点、ＭＲＲ型基岩扩底钻头的结构衣技术参数，结合工程实例对ＭＲＲ１０００钻头的使用效果进行了分析。     

岩石质量描述图与岩石质量风险分析探讨

本文针对结构面间距最常见的两种分布形式－－负指数分布和对数正态分布，探讨了岩石质量指标（RQD）的Monte-Carlo模拟方法，首和无根据结构面间距分布密度函数产和一包含50万个随机结构面并按生成顺序排列的模拟真实岩体的总测线，然后为了和实际 钻探时以2米测线计算RQD相一致，在总测线上按均匀分布形式随机抽取大于等于2米的局部测线共5万个计算RQD单值，并进一步统计得出所有RQD的平均值，RQD累积分布曲及岩石质量描述图，对于自然界大部分岩体，可根据结构面间距统计参数，直接在本文得出的一系列岩石质量图上定出RQD平均值，岩石质量百分比（RQP）及岩石质量风险（RQR）。     

全岩热模拟新方法及其在气源岩评价中的应用

由中国石油勘探开发研究院廊坊分院建立的全岩热模拟仪器分析方法是采用岩心样品(岩石颗粒0.5～2 mm)来模拟烃类生成的一项实验新技术.该方法模拟结果表明:(1)不同类型样品单位质量岩石的产气率与传统的加水温压模拟法结果具有可比性;(2)能够反映源岩在不同演化阶段的产气量;(3)比常规的有机碳评价方法能更准确地反映源岩在不同演化阶段的产气潜力.(4)全岩热模拟新方法经济、简便、分析周期短,可以用于大量常规样品分析,是判识有效气源岩及定量评价的一种快速、可靠的方法,在油气勘探过程中,将对烃源岩的评价发挥重要作用。     

Micromechanical Modelling of Stress Waves in Rock and Rock Fractures

The goal of this paper is to simulate the interaction of stress waves and rock fractures in a particle micromechanical model. Stress waves travelling in fractured rock masses are slowed down and attenuated by natural heterogeneities, voids, microcracks and, above all, by faults and fractures. Considerable laboratory and theoretical investigation have uncovered the major aspects of this phenomenon, but models that cover the core mechanisms of the wave propagation in rock masses are necessary to investigate aspects of wave–fracture interaction, which are not completely clear, and in the future simulate full-scale real problems. The micromechanical model is based on the particle discrete element model that reproduces rock through a densely packed non-structured assembly of 2D disks with point contacts. The model of a hard rock core is developed and an irregular rock joint is generated at mid-height. A new contact constitutive model is applied to the particles in the joint walls. Numerical static joint compression tests are performed and a typical hyperbolic stress–displacement curve is obtained. Conditions for good quality wave transmission through non-jointed unorganized particulate media are determined, hybrid static–dynamic boundary conditions are established and plane waves are emitted into the compressed joint. The transmitted and reflected waves are extracted and analysed. Joint dynamic stiffness calculated according to the hypotheses of the Displacement Discontinuity Theory shows to increase with the static joint compression until the joint is completely closed. Still in its early stages of application, this rock micromechanical model enables the joint behaviour under static and dynamic loading to be analysed in detail. Its advantages are the reproduction of the real mechanics of contact creation, evolution and destruction and the possibility of visualizing in detail the joint geometry changes, which is hard to accomplish in the laboratory.     

The Use of Rock Mass Classification Systems to Estimate the Modulus and Strength of Jointed Rock

Three-dimensional, elastic and elasto-plastic finite element (FE) programs have permitted calculation of the displacements and the factor of safety (FOS) for the excavation for a tower, 132.70 m high (above foundation) on the island of Tenerife. The tower is supported by a 2 m thick reinforced concrete slab on jointed, vesicular and weathered basalt and scoria. The installation of rod extensometers at different depths below the slab has permitted comparison between measured and calculated displacements and the estimation of in situ deformation modulus. The moduli deduced from the simple empirical equations proposed by Hoek et al. (In: NARMS-TAC, 2002) and Gokceoglu et al. (Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 40:701–710, 2003) as a function of GSI, and Nicholson and Bieniawski (Int J Min Geol Eng 8:181–202, 1990) as a function of RMR, provide an acceptable fit with the measured settlements in this type of rock. Good correlation is also obtained with the empirical equation presented by Verman et al. (Rock Mech Rock Eng 30(3):121–127, 1997) that incorporates the influence of confining stress in the deformation modulus. The FOS obtained from different correlations with geomechanical classifications is within a relatively narrow range. These results increase our confidence in the use of classification schemes to estimate the deformation and stability in jointed rock.     

Rock Kriging with the Microscope

An idea to consider rock textures from a geostatistical viewpoint is suggested. Mineral grains are coded by indicator functions. Four metrics are shown of interest for petrographic applications. The simplest one is used to calculate covariograms of indicators for platinum-bearing gabbronorite from the Pansky rock massif (Kola Peninsula, Russia) with maximal range of 2 units. This is generalized in the concept of a minimal cluster of mineral grains for the given rock. The theory allows us to combine grain-by-grain and cluster-by-cluster considerations of rock texture. It may be used to classify monotonous lithological series using nuances of rock textures.     

判别碳酸盐岩是烃源岩还是储集岩的指标

<正> 在实际勘探中,碳酸盐岩既可作为烃源岩,也可作为储集岩存在。确定碳酸盐岩中含有的烃类是原生的,还是从它处运移而来的,这在勘探实践中有着指导意义。为此目的,许怀先等用岩石热解分析方法做了大量研究工作。结果表明岩石中原油的热蒸发烃高峰温度和干酪根热解烃高峰温度具有显著差异:干酪根热解产烃高峰温度 T_(max)为400～600℃;原油热蒸发烃最高峰温度 T_(max)为300～400℃。由此可以区分原油的热蒸发烃和干酪根的热解烃,并进一步判定当最高热解峰温 T_(max)>400℃时,该岩石为烃源岩,而当T_(max)<400℃时,则为储集岩。对干酪根热解的进一步研究表明,不同成熟度的干酪根在不同的热降解温度范围内的产烃量是不同的。低成熟度的干酪根在450～600℃范围内所产生的烃占热解烃的5%     

Rock Stress,Rock Stress Measurements,and the Integrated Stress Determination Method (ISDM)

The primary objectives of this work are to (1) improve the understanding of the prevailing stress distribution at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL) in SE Sweden by employing an integrated stress determination approach, and in order to accomplish this (2) extend the existing stress integration methodology denominated integrated stress determination method (ISDM; Cornet in Comprehensive Rock Engineering vol 3, Pergamon Press, Oxford, pp 413–432, 1993a). The new developments of the ISDM involve a 12-parameter representation of the regional stress field in the rock mass (i.e., the full stress tensor and its variation with depth) that is applicable to hydraulic stress data (sleeve fracturing, hydraulic fracturing, and hydraulic tests on pre-existing fractures), overcoring data (CSIR- and CSIRO-type of devices), and to combinations of hydraulic and overcoring stress data. For the latter case, the elastic parameters of the overcoring technique may be solved in situ by allowing the hydraulic stress data to constrain them. As a result, the problem then involves 14 model parameters. Results from the study show that the ISDM effectively improves the precision of the prevailing stress field determination and that it is especially powerful for identification of consistencies/inconsistencies in an existing data set. Indeed, this is the very basic premise and goal of stress integration; combine all available data to achieve as complete a characterization of the mechanical stress model as possible, and not to identify a solution that fits only loosely the maximum amount of stress data.     

二连盆地烃源岩层内云质岩油气成藏研究

二连盆地下白垩统发育一套陆源碎屑与碳酸盐矿物组成的混合沉积物, 近年来在其中发现大量油气显示。通过岩心观察、薄片鉴定、物性分析和岩石热解等方法, 综合研究了云质岩储集层的岩石学特征、储集空间类型、物性特征和成藏主控因素等。研究认为, 云质岩储集层孔隙度高、渗透率低, 属于低渗透-致密储集层, 溶蚀作用或构造作用产生铸模孔和构造溶蚀缝, 形成云质岩的“甜点”区; 高碳酸盐含量烃源岩和低渗透-致密储集层呈互层式展布, 烃源岩成熟度低, 生烃超压不发育, 与优质烃源岩(TOC>2%)相邻储集层溶蚀孔隙发育, 从而降低油气充注阻力, 最有利于油气聚集成藏。