Enrichment and distribution of shale oil in the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation,Songliao Basin,Northeast China

The Songliao Basin is a large-scale petroliferous basin in China. With a gradual decline in conventional oil production, the exploration and development of replacement resources in the basin is becoming increasingly important. Previous studies have shown that the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation (K₂qn) has favorable geological conditions for the formation of shale oil. Thus, shale oil in the Qingshankou Formation represents a promising and practical replacement resource for conventional oil. In this study, geological field surveys, core observation, sample tests, and the analysis of well logs were applied to study the geochemical and reservoir characteristics of shales, identify shale oil beds, build shale oil enrichment models, and classify favorable exploration areas of shale oil from the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation. The organic matter content is high in shales from the first member of the Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation (K₂qn¹), with average total organic carbon (TOC) content exceeding 2%. The organic matter is mainly derived from lower aquatic organisms in a reducing brackish to fresh water environment, resulting in mostly type I kerogen. The vitrinite reflectance (Ro) and the temperature at which the maximum is release of hydrocarbons from cracking of kerogen occurred during pyrolysis (T_max) respectively range from 0.5% to 1.1% and from 430 °C to 450 °C, indicating that the K₂qn¹ shales are in the low-mature to mature stage (Ro ranges from 0.5% to 1.2%) and currently generating a large amount of oil. The favorable depth for oil generation and expulsion is 1800–2200 m and 1900–2500 m, respectively as determined by basin modeling. The reserving space of the K₂qn¹ shale oil includes micropores and mircofractures. The micropore reservoirs are developed in shales interbedded with siltstones exhibiting high gamma ray (GR), high resistivity (Rt), low density (DEN), and slightly abnormal spontaneous potential (SP) in the well-logging curves. The microfracture reservoirs are mainly thick shales with high Rt, high AC (acoustic transit time), high GR, low DEN, and abnormal SP. Based on the shale distribution, geochemical characteristics, reservoir types, fracture development, and the process of shale oil generation and enrichment, the southern Taikang and northern Da'an are classified as two favorable shale oil exploration areas in the Songliao Basin.     

Geochemistry,reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon generation potential of lacustrine shales: A case of YQ-1 well in the Yuqia Coalfield,northern Qaidam Basin,NW China

Ever since a breakthrough of marine shales in China, lacustrine shales have been attracting by the policy makers and scientists. Organic-rich shales of the Middle Jurassic strata are widely distributed in the Yuqia Coalfield of northern Qaidam Basin. In this paper, a total of 42 shale samples with a burial depth ranging from 475.5 m to 658.5 m were collected from the Shimengou Formation in the YQ-1 shale gas borehole of the study area, including 16 samples from the Lower Member and 26 samples from the Upper Member. Geochemistry, reservoir characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential of the lacustrine shales in YQ-1 well were preliminarily investigated using the experiments of vitrinite reflectance measurement, maceral identification, mineralogical composition, carbon stable isotope, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, methane isothermal adsorption and rock eval pyrolysis. The results show that the Shimengou shales have rich organic carbon (averaged 3.83%), which belong to a low thermal maturity stage with a mean vitrinite reflectance (R_o) of 0.49% and an average pyrolytic temperature of the generated maximum remaining hydrocarbon (T_max) of 432.8 °C. Relative to marine shales, the lacustrine shales show low brittleness index (averaged 34.9) but high clay contents (averaged 55.1%), high total porosities (averaged 13.71%) and great Langmuir volumes (averaged 4.73 cm⁻³ g). Unlike the marine and marine-transitional shales, the quartz contents and brittleness index (BI) values of the lacustrine shales first decrease then increase with the rising TOC contents. The kerogens from the Upper Member shales are dominant by the oil-prone types, whereas the kerogens from the Lower Member shales by the gas-prone types. The sedimentary environment of the shales influences the TOC contents, thus has a close connection with the hydrocarbon potential, mineralogical composition, kerogen types and pore structure. Additionally, in terms of the hydrocarbon generation potential, the Upper Member shales are regarded as very good and excellent rocks whereas the Lower Member shales mainly as poor and fair rocks. In overall, the shales in the top of the Upper Member can be explored for shale oil due to the higher free hydrocarbon amount (S₁), whereas the shales in the Lower Member and the Upper Member, with the depths greater than 1000 m, can be suggested to explore shale gas.     

Evaluation of Eocene source rock for potential shale oil and gas generation in north Cambay Basin,India

Source rock potential of 108 representative samples from 3 m intervals over a 324 m thick shale section of middle Eocene age from the north Cambay Basin, India have been studied. Variation in total organic carbon (TOC) and its relationship with loss on ignition (LOI) have been used for initial screening. Screened samples were subjected to Rock-Eval pyrolysis and organic petrography. A TOC log indicated wide variation with streaks of elevated TOC. A 30 m thick organic-rich interval starting at 1954 m depth, displayed properties consistent with a possible shale oil or gas reservoir. TOC (wt%) values of the selected samples were found to vary from 0.68% to 3.62%, with an average value of 2.2. The modified van Krevelen diagram as well as HI vs. T_max plot indicate prevalence of Type II to Type III kerogen. T_max measurements ranged from 425 °C to 439 °C, indicating immature to early mature stage, which was confirmed by the mean vitrinite reflectance values (%R_o of 0.63, 0.65 and 0.67 at 1988 m, 1954 m, and 1963 m, respectively). Quantification of hydrocarbon generation, migration and retention characteristics of the 30 m source rock interval suggests 85% expulsion of hydrocarbon. Oil in place (OIP) resource of the 30 m source rock was estimated to be 3.23 MMbbls per 640 acres. The Oil saturation index (OSI) crossover log showed, from a geochemical perspective, moderate risk for producing the estimated reserve along with well location for tapping the identified resource.     

Modeling free gas content of the Lower Paleozoic shales in the Weiyuan area of the Sichuan Basin,China

Two sets of Lower Paleozoic organic-rich shales develop well in the Weiyuan area of the Sichuan Basin: the Lower Cambrian Jiulaodong shale and the Lower Silurian Longmaxi shale. The Weiyuan area underwent a strong subsidence during the Triassic to Early Cretaceous and followed by an extensive uplifting and erosion after the Late Cretaceous. This has brought about great changes to the temperature and pressure conditions of the shales, which is vitally important for the accumulation and preservation of shale gas. Based on the burial and thermal history, averaged TOC and porosity data, geological and geochemical models for the two sets of shales were established. Within each of the shale units, gas generation was modeled and the evolution of the free gas content was calculated using the PVTSim software. Results show that the free gas content in the Lower Cambrian and Lower Silurian shales in the studied area reached the maxima of 1.98–2.93 m³/t and 3.29–4.91 m³/t, respectively (under a pressure coefficient of 1.0–2.0) at their maximum burial. Subsequently, the free gas content continuously decreased as the shale was uplifted. At present, the free gas content in the two sets of shales is 1.52–2.43 m³/t and 1.94–3.42 m³/t, respectively (under a current pressure coefficient of 1.0–2.0). The results are roughly coincident with the gas content data obtained from in situ measurements in the Weiyuan area. We proposed that the Lower Cambrian and Lower Silurian shales have a shale gas potential, even though they have experienced a strong uplifting.     

Organic geochemistry and reservoir characterization of the organic matter-rich calcilutite in the Shulu Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,North China

Although extensive studies have been conducted on unconventional mudstone (shales) reservoirs in recent years, little work has been performed on unconventional tight organic matter-rich, fine-grained carbonate reservoirs. The Shulu Sag is located in the southwestern corner of the Jizhong Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin and filled with 400–1000 m of Eocene lacustrine organic matter-rich carbonates. The study of the organic matter-rich calcilutite in the Shulu Sag will provide a good opportunity to improve our knowledge of unconventional tight oil in North China. The dominant minerals of calcilutite rocks in the Shulu Sag are carbonates (including calcite and dolomite), with an average of 61.5 wt.%. The carbonate particles are predominantly in the clay to silt size range. Three lithofacies were identified: laminated calcilutite, massive calcilutite, and calcisiltite–calcilutite. The calcilutite rocks (including all the three lithofacies) in the third unit of the Shahejie Formation in the Eocene (Es₃) have total organic carbon (TOC) values ranging from 0.12 to 7.97 wt.%, with an average of 1.66 wt.%. Most of the analyzed samples have good, very good or excellent hydrocarbon potential. The organic matter in the Shulu samples is predominantly of Type I to Type II kerogen, with minor amounts of Type III kerogen. The temperature of maximum yield of pyrolysate (T_max) values range from 424 to 452 °C (with an average of 444 °C) indicating most of samples are thermally mature with respect to oil generation. The calcilutite samples have the free hydrocarbons (S₁) values from 0.03 to 2.32 mg HC/g rock, with an average of 0.5 mg HC/g rock, the hydrocarbons cracked from kerogen (S₂) yield values in the range of 0.08–57.08 mg HC/g rock, with an average of 9.06 mg HC/g rock, and hydrogen index (HI) values in the range of 55–749 mg HC/g TOC, with an average of 464 mg HC/g TOC. The organic-rich calcilutite of the Shulu Sag has very good source rock generative potential and have obtained thermal maturity levels equivalent to the oil window. The pores in the Shulu calcilutite are of various types and sizes and were divided into three types: (1) pores within organic matter, (2) interparticle pores between detrital or authigenic particles, and (3) intraparticle pores within detrital grains or crystals. Fractures in the Shulu calcilutite are parallel to bedding, high angle, and vertical, having a significant effect on hydrocarbon migration and production. The organic matter and dolomite contents are the main factors that control calcilutite reservoir quality in the Shulu Sag.     

Depositional and diagenetic controls on deeply-buried Eocene sublacustrine fan reservoirs in the Dongying Depression,Bohai Bay Basin,China

This paper investigates the reservoir potential of deeply-buried Eocene sublacustrine fan sandstones in the Bohai Bay Basin, China by evaluating the link between depositional lithofacies that controlled primary sediment compositions, and diagenetic processes that involved dissolution, precipitation and transformation of minerals. This petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical study recognizes a complex diagenetic history which reflects both the depositional and burial history of the sandstones. Eogenetic alterations of the sandstones include: 1) mechanical compaction; and 2) partial to extensive non-ferroan carbonate and gypsum cementation. Typical mesogenetic alterations include: (1) dissolution of feldspar, non-ferroan carbonate cements, gypsum and anhydrite; (2) precipitation of quartz, kaolinite and ferroan carbonate cements; (3) transformation of smectite and kaolinite to illite and conversion of gypsum to anhydrite. This study demonstrates that: 1) depositional lithofacies critically influenced diagenesis, which resulted in good reservoir quality of the better-sorted, middle-fan, but poor reservoir quality in the inner- and outer-fan lithofacies; 2) formation of secondary porosity was spatially associated with other mineral reactions that caused precipitation of cements within sandstone reservoirs and did not greatly enhance reservoir quality; and 3) oil emplacement during early mesodiagenesis (temperatures > 70 °C) protected reservoirs from cementation and compaction.     

Lacustrine massive mudrock in the Eocene Jiyang Depression,Bohai Bay Basin,China: Nature,origin and significance

Massive mudrock refers to mudrock with internally homogeneous characteristics and an absence of laminae. Previous studies were primarily conducted in the marine environment, while notably few studies have investigated lacustrine massive mudrock. Based on core observation in the lacustrine environment of the Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China, massive mudrock is a common deep water fine-grained sedimentary rock. There are two types of massive mudrock. Both types are sharply delineated at the bottom and top contacts, abundant in angular terrigenous debris, and associated with oxygen-rich (higher than 2 ml O₂/L H₂O) but lower water salinities in comparison to adjacent black shales. In addition, type 1 is laterally isolated and contains abundant sand injections and contorted layers formed in the depositional process, but type 2 exactly distributes in the distal part of deep water gravity-driven sandstone units, and shows scoured bases, high-angle mineral crytsals, and fining-upward trend. It is suggested that type 1 is a muddy mass transport deposit (MMTD) formed by slide, slump, and/or debris flow, and type 2 is a turbiditic mudrock deposited by settling from dilute turbidity currents. A warm and humid climate and high subsidence rate are two main triggering events. Because of its mass movement nature, MMTD preserves the mineralogic composition and organic matter characteristics of the source sediment. By contrast, dilute turbidity currents are able to greatly entrain biochemically-formed micrite and planktonic organisms from the water column, and deposit them in the turbiditic mudrock. Because of their different ability to deposit organic matter, MMTD have poor or fair source rock potential, but the turbiditic mudrock is able to be a potentially effective source rock. The minerals in the massive mudrock are disorganized and chaotic, which cause fractures to develop in various directions, thereby, enhancing the vertical migration of oil and gas molecules to horizontal wellbore in shale reservoir exploitation.     

Pore characteristic analysis of a lacustrine shale: A case study in the Ordos Basin,NW China

Organic shales deposited in a continental environment are well developed in the Ordos Basin, NW China, which is rich in hydrocarbons. However, previous research concerning shales has predominantly focused on marine shales and barely on continental shales. In this study, geochemical and mineralogical analyses, high-pressure mercury intrusion and low-pressure adsorption were performed on 18 continental shale samples obtained from a currently active shale gas play, the Chang 7 member of Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin. A comparison of all these techniques is provided for characterizing the complex pore structure of continental shales.Geochemical analysis reveals total organic carbon (TOC) values ranging from 0.47% to 11.44%, indicating that there is abundant organic matter (OM) in the study area. Kerogen analysis shows vitrinite reflectance (Ro) of 0.68%–1.02%, indicating that kerogen is at a mature oil generation stage. X-ray diffraction mineralogy (XRD) analysis indicates that the dominant mineral constituents of shale samples are clay minerals (which mainly consist of illite, chlorite, kaolinite, and negligible amounts of montmorillonite), quartz and feldspar, followed by low carbonate content. All-scale pore size analysis indicates that the pore size distribution (PSD) of shale pores is mainly from 0.3 to 60 nm. Note that accuracy of all-scale PSD analysis decreases for pores less than 0.3 nm and more than 10 μm. Experimental analysis indicates that mesopores (2–50 nm) are dominant in continental shales, followed by micropores (<2 nm) and macropores (50 nm–10 μm). Mesopores have the largest contribution to pore volume (PV) and specific surface area (SSA). In addition, plate- and sheet-shaped pores are dominant with poor connectivity, followed by hybrid pores. Results of research on factors controlling pore structure development show that it is principally controlled by clay mineral contents and Ro, and this is different from marine systems. This study has important significance in gaining a comprehensive understanding of continental shale pore structure and the shale gas storage–seepage mechanism.     

Controls of hydrocarbon generation on the development of expulsion fractures in organic-rich shale: Based on the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Jiyang Depression,Bohai Bay Basin,East China

The development of expulsion fractures in organic-rich shale is closely related to hydrocarbon generation and expulsion from kerogen. Organic-rich shales from the upper part of the fourth member and the lower part of the third member of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Jiyang Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, East China, are used as an example. Based on thin sections, SEM and thermal simulation experiments, the characteristics of hydrocarbon generation and the conditions supporting the development of expulsion fractures were explored. The key factors influencing these fractures include the presence of kerogens, their distribution along laminae and around particle boundaries, their exposure to heat and the build-up in pressure due to confinement by low permeability. The development of excess pore fluid pressures and intrinsic low rock fracture strength are the main influencing factors. Pressurization by rapid generation of hydrocarbon provides impetus for fracture initiation and cause bitumen to migrate quickly. The shale laminae results in distinctly lower fracture strength laminae-parallel than laminae-normal and this directs the formation of new fractures in the direction of weakness. When pore fluid pressure increases, maximum and minimum principal effective stresses decrease by different proportions with a larger reduction in the maximum principal effective stress. This increases the deviatoric stress and reduces the mean stress, thus driving the rock towards failure. Moreover, the tabular shape of the kerogen aids the generation of hydrocarbon and the initiation of expulsion fractures from the tip and edge. The resulting fractures extend along the laminae when the tensile strength is lower in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Particle contact boundaries are weak and allow fractures to expand around particles and to curve as the stress/strength regime changes. When pore fluid pressure fields at different fracture tips overlap, fractures will propagate and interconnect, forming a network. This paper could provide us more detailed understanding of the forming processes of expulsion fractures and better comprehension about hydrocarbon expulsion (primary migration) in source rocks.     

Architecture of lacustrine mass-transport complexes in the Mesozoic Songliao Basin,China

3-D seismic data and wireline log profiles of the Central Depression in the Songliao Basin exhibit four lacustrine mass-transport complexes (MTCs) in the second and the third members of the Upper Cretaceous Nenjiang Formation. The mass-transport complex named MTC-A lies in the north of the Daqing Anticline with an area of approximately 95 km² and a maximum thickness of 62 m. It consists of five laterally and vertically stacked blocks striking E-W and has a convex-downslope front. The mass-transport complex named MTC-C is located in the south of the Daqing Anticline consisting of seven blocks. This MTC strikes NNE-SSW and has an area of approximately 61.5 km² and a maximum thickness of 55 m. MTC-B, the mass-transport complex lying in the middle of the Daqing Anticline, consists of three vertically stacked blocks and has a semi-circular outline striking E-W. MTC-B has an area of approximately 24 km² and a maximum thickness of 92 m. Along the Daqing Anticline from north to south, the three MTCs distribute in lacustrine facies in the NNE direction. The mass-transport complex named MTC-D located in the southeast of the Daqing Anticline has an area of approximately 150 km² with a maximum thickness of 135 m striking E-W, which is rich in mudstones. MTC-D is characterized by the three-layer architecture vertically consisting of a dragged layer at the bottom, a slumped layer in the middle, and a stable layer at the top. Besides, in the plane view, MTC-D can be divided into three parts according to the sliding distance and stacking pattern of the slip blocks: the detaching area, the stacking area and the drifting area. The MTCs are characterized by thickening upslope and thin-out downslope. Siltstones and very fine sandstones occur in 2–4 beds that are cumulatively 0.8–7 m thick in the upslope and central parts of the MTCs. The edges of the blocks are composed of mudstone. Seismic amplitude slices reveal arcuate or straight ridges on the block surfaces with a spacing density of 4–10 per kilometer and a height ranging from 25 to 40 m. The arcuate ridge paleo-morphology on the MTC surfaces suggests that blocks are slump bodies. The estimated minimum water depth at the time of the MTC emplacement is 30–70 m, and the sliding distance is 2–10 km. From 3-D seismic amplitude slices, no feeding channel connected to the mass-transport complexes is found. Besides, coupled with the continuous ridges on blocks and the clear and flat lateral edges suggest that mass-transport complexes belong to the prodelta slump bodies. Thus, the triggering mechanism of the MTCs may be closely related to earthquakes caused by volcanic activities with the evidence of three cinerite layers shown in the well cores.     

Pore characterization of organic-rich Lower Cambrian shales in Qiannan Depression of Guizhou Province,Southwestern China

Nine organic-rich shale samples of Lower Cambrian black shales were collected from a recently drilled well in the Qiannan Depression, Guizhou Province where they are widely distributed with shallower burial depth than in Sichuan Basin, and their geochemistry and pore characterization were investigated. The results show that the Lower Cambrian shales in Qiannan Depression are organic rich with TOC content ranging from 2.81% to 12.9%, thermally overmature with equivalent vitrinite reflectance values in the range of 2.92–3.25%, and clay contents are high and range from 32.4% to 53.2%. The samples have a total helium porosity ranging from 2.46% to 4.13% and total surface area in the range of 9.08–37.19 m²/g. The estimated porosity in organic matters (defined as the ratio of organic pores to the volume of total organic matters) based on the plot of TOC vs helium porosity is about 10% for the Lower Cambrian shales in Qiannan Depression and is far lower than that of the Lower Silurian shales (36%) in and around Sichan Basin. This indicates that either the organic pores in the Lower Cambrian shale samples have been more severely compacted than or they did not develop organic pores as abundantly as the Lower Silurian shales. Our studies also reveal that the micropore volumes determined by Dubinin–Radushkevich (DR) equation is usually overestimated and this overestimation is closely related to the non-micropore surface area of shales (i.e. the surface area of meso- and macro-pores). However, the modified BET equation can remove this overestimation and be conveniently used to evaluate the micropore volumes/surface area and the non-micropore surface areas of micropore-rich shales.     

Pore structure of Cambrian shales from the Sichuan Basin in China and implications to gas storage

The microstructure of black siliceous shale from the lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation, Sichuan Basin in China was investigated by the combination of field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and argon ion beam milling. The nanometer-to micrometer-scale pore systems of shales are an important control on gas storage and fluid migration. In this paper, the organic porosity in shale samples within oil and gas window has been investigated, and the formation mechanism and diagenetic evolution of nanopores have been researched.FE-SEM reveals five pore types that are classified as follows: organic nanopores, pores in clay minerals, nanopores of framework minerals, intragranular pores in microfossils, and microfractures. Numerous organic nanopores are observed in shales in the gas window, whereas microfractures can be seen within the organic matter of shales in the oil window. Microfractures in oil window shales could be attributed to pressure buildup in the organic matter when incompressible liquid hydrocarbon are generated, and the orientation of microfractures is probably parallel to the bedding and strength anisotropy of the formation. Pores in clay minerals are always associated with the framework of clay flakes, and develop around rigid mineral grains because the pressure shadows of mineral grains protect pores from collapse, and the increasing of silt content would lead to an increase in pressure shadows and improve porosity. Nanopores of rock framework are probably related to dissolution by acidic fluids from hydrocarbon generation, and the dissolution-related pores promote permeability of shales. Porosity in the low-TOC, low-thermal-maturity shales contrast greatly with those of high-TOC, high-thermal-maturity shales. While the high-TOC shales contain abundant organic microporosity, the inorganic pores can contribute a lot to the porosity of the low-TOC shales.     

Characterization of shale pore system: A case study of Paleogene Xin'gouzui Formation in the Jianghan basin,China

The pore size classification (micropore <2 nm, mesopore 2–50 nm and macropore >50 nm) of IUPAC (1972) has been commonly used in chemical products and shale gas reservoirs; however, it may be insufficient for shale oil reservoirs. To establish a suitable pore size classification for shale oil reservoirs, the open pore systems of 142 Chinese shales (from Jianghan basin) were studied using mercury intrusion capillary pressure analyses. A quantitative evaluation method for I-micropores (0–25 nm in diameter), II-micropores (25–100 nm), mesopores (100–1000 nm) and macropores (>1000 nm) within shales was established from mercury intrusion curves. This method was verified using fractal geometry theory and argon-ion milling scanning electron microscopy images. Based on the combination of pore size distribution with permeability and average pore radius, six types (I-VI) shale open pore systems were analyzed. Moreover, six types open pore systems were graded as good, medium and poor reservoirs. The controlling factors of pore systems were also investigated according to shale compositions and scanning electron microscopy images. The results show that good reservoirs are composed of shales with type I, II and III pore systems characterized by dominant mesopores (mean 68.12 vol %), a few macropores (mean 7.20 vol %), large porosity (mean 16.83%), an average permeability of 0.823 mD and an average pore radius (r_a) of 88 nm. Type IV pore system shales are medium reservoirs, which have a low oil reservoir potential due to the developed II-micropores (mean 57.67 vol %) and a few of mesopores (mean 20.19 vol %). Poor reservoirs (composed of type V and VI pore systems) are inadequate reservoirs for shale oil due to the high percentage of I-micropores (mean 69.16 vol %), which is unfavorable for the flow of oil in shale. Pore size is controlled by shale compositions (including minerals and organic matter), and arrangement and morphology of mineral particles, resulting in the developments of shale pore systems. High content of siliceous mineral and dolomite with regular morphology are advantage for the development of macro- and mesopores, while high content of clay minerals results in a high content of micropores.     

A unique lacustrine mixed dolomitic-clastic sequence for tight oil reservoir within the middle Permian Lucaogou Formation of the Junggar Basin,NW China: Reservoir characteristics and origin

The middle Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusaer Sag of the southeastern Junggar Basin, NW China, was the site of a recent discovery of a giant tight oil reservoir. This reservoir is unusual as it is hosted by lacustrine mixed dolomitic-clastic rocks, significantly differing from other tight reservoirs that are generally hosted by marine/lacustrine siliciclastic–calcitic sequences. Here, we improve our understanding of this relatively new type of tight oil reservoir by presenting the results of a preliminarily investigation into the basic characteristics and origin of this reservoir using field, petrological, geophysical (including seismic and logging), and geochemical data. Field and well core observations indicate that the Lucaogou Formation is a sequence of mixed carbonate (mainly dolomites) and terrigenous clastic (mainly feldspars) sediments that were deposited in a highly saline environment. The formation is divided into upper and lower cycles based on lithological variations between coarse- and fine-grained rocks; in particular, dolomites and siltstones are interbedded with organic-rich mudstones in the lower part of each cycle, whereas the upper part of each cycle contains few dolomites and siltstones. Tight oil accumulations are generally present in the lower part of each cycle, and dolomites and dolomite-bearing rocks are the main reservoir rocks in these cycles, including sandy dolomite, dolarenite, dolomicrite, and a few dolomitic siltstones. Optical microscope, back scattered electron, and scanning electron microscope imaging indicate that the main oil reservoir spaces are secondary pores that were generated by the dissolution of clastics and dolomite by highly acidic and corrosive hydrocarbon-related fluids.     

Mineralogical and chemical distribution of the Es3L oil shale in the Jiyang Depression,Bohai Bay Basin (E China): Implications for paleoenvironmental reconstruction and organic matter accumulation

The Es₃^L (lower sub-member of the third member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation) shale in the Jiyang Depression is a set of relatively thick and widely deposited lacustrine sediments with elevated organic carbon, and is considered to be one of the most important source rocks in East China. We can determine the mineralogy, organic and inorganic geochemistry of the Es₃^L shale and calculate paleoclimate indexes by using multiple geochemical proxies based on organic chemistry (total organic carbon [TOC] and Rock-Eval pyrolysis), major and trace elements, X-Ray diffraction, and carbon and oxygen isotope data from key wells alongside ECS (Elemental Capture Spectroscopy) well log data. These indicators can be used to analyze the evolution of the paleoenvironment and provide a mechanism of organic matter (OM) accumulation. The Es₃^L oil shale has high TOC abundance (most samples >3.0%) and is dominated by Type I kerogens. Additionally, the organic-rich shale is rich in CaO and enrichment in some trace metals is present, such as Sr, Ba and U. The positive δ¹³C and negative δ¹⁸O values, high Sr/Ba, B/Ga and Ca/Ca + Fe ratios and low C/S ratios indicate that the Es₃^L shales were mainly deposited in a semi-closed freshwater-brackish water lacustrine environment. The consistently low Ti/Al and Si/Al ratios reflect a restricted but rather homogeneous nature for the detrital supply. Many redox indicators, including the Th/U, V/(V + Ni), and δU ratios, pyrite morphology and TOC-TS-Fe diagrams suggest deposition under dysoxic to suboxic conditions. Subsequently, the brackish saline bottom water evolved into an anoxic water body under a relatively arid environment, during which organic-lean marls were deposited in the early stage. Later, an enhanced warm-humid climate provided an abundant mineral nutrient supply and promoted the accumulation of algal material. OM input from algal blooms reached a maximum during the deposition of the organic-rich calcareous shale with seasonal laminations. High P/Ti ratios and a strongly positive relationship between the P and TOC contents indicate that OM accumulation in the oil shale was mainly controlled by the high primary productivity of surface waters with help from a less stratified water column. Factors such as the physical protection of clay minerals and the dilution of detrital influx show less influence on OM enrichment.     

Effect of pore structure on shale oil accumulation in the lower third member of the Shahejie formation,Zhanhua Sag,eastern China: Evidence from gas adsorption and nuclear magnetic resonance

As shale oil occurs primarily in micro–nano pores and fractures, research about the effect of pore structure on shale oil accumulation has great significance for shale oil exploration and development. The effect of pore structure on shale oil accumulation in the lower third member of the Shahejie formation (Es₃^l), Zhanhua Sag, eastern China was investigated using gas adsorption, soxhlet extraction, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) observation. The results indicated that the samples contained a larger amount of ink-bottle-shaped and slit-shaped pores after extraction than before extraction. The pore volume and specific surface area of the samples were approximately 2.5 times larger after extraction than before extraction. Residual hydrocarbon occurred primarily in the free-state form in pores with diameters of 10–1000 nm, which can provide sufficient pore volume for free hydrocarbon accumulation. Therefore, pores with diameters of 10–1000 nm were regarded as “oil-enriched pores”, which are effective pores for shale oil exploration, whereas pores with diameters smaller than 10 nm were regarded as “oil-ineffective pores”. Samples with only well-developed small pores with diameters smaller than 1000 nm showed high oil saturation, whereas samples with both small pores and also relatively large pores and micro-fractures presented low oil saturation. As the minimum pore size allowing fluid expulsion is 1000 nm, pores with diameters greater than 1000 nm were considered as “oil-percolated pores”. Large pores and micro-fractures are generally interconnected and may even form a complex fracture mesh, which greatly improves the permeability of shale reservoirs and is beneficial to fluid discharge.     

Geochemistry,origin, and accumulation of petroleum in the Eocene Wenchang Formation reservoirs in Pearl River Mouth Basin,South China Sea: A case study of HZ25-7 oil field

The Pearl River Mouth Basin in the South China Sea has accumulated >2 km of Eocene sediments in its deep basin, and has become the exploration focus due to the recent discoveries of the HZ25-7 oil field in the Eocene Wenchang (E₂w) Formation. In this study, the geochemical characteristics of potential source rocks and petroleum in the HZ25-7 oil field are investigated and the possible origins and accumulation models developed. The analytical results reveal two sets of potential source rocks, E₂w and Enping (E₂e) formations developed in the study area. The semi-deep-to-deep lacustrine E₂w source rocks are characterized by relatively low C₂₉ steranes, low C₁₉/C₂₃ tricyclic terpane (<0.6), low C₂₄ tetracyclic terpane/C₃₀ hopane (<0.1), low trans-trans-trans-bicadinane (T)/C₃₀ hopane (most <2.0), and high C₃₀ 4-methyl sterane/ΣC₂₉ sterane (>0.2) ratios. In contrast, the shallow lacustrine and deltaic swamp-plain E₂e source rocks are characterized by relatively high C₂₉ steranes, high C₁₉/C₂₃ tricyclic terpane (>0.6), high C₂₄ tetracyclic terpane/C₃₀ hopane (>0.1), variable yet overall high T/C₃₀ hopane, and low C₃₀ 4-methyl sterane/ΣC₂₉ sterane (<0.2) ratios. The relatively low C₁₉/C₂₃ tricyclic terpane ratios (mean value: 0.39), low C₂₄ tetracyclic terpane/C₃₀ hopane ratios (mean value: 0.07), high C₃₀ 4-methyl sterane/ΣC₂₉ sterane ratios (mean value: 1.14), and relatively high C₂₇ regular sterane content of petroleum in the HZ25-7 oil field indicate that the petroleum most likely originated from the E₂w Formation mudstone in the Huizhou Depression. One stage of continuous charging is identified in the HZ25-7 oil field; oil injection is from 16 Ma to present and peak filling occurs after 12 Ma. Thin sandstone beds with relatively good connectivity and physical properties (porosity and permeability) in the E₂w Formation are favorable conduits for the lateral migration of petroleum. This petroleum accumulation pattern implies that the E₂w Formation on the western and southern margins of the Huizhou Depression are favorable for petroleum accumulation because they are located in a migration pathway. Thus exploration should focus in these areas in the future.     

东海陆架盆地西湖凹陷孔雀亭区油气来源及运移方向

孔雀亭区是西湖凹陷油气勘探重点区带,油气来源及运移方向不清限制了勘探的进一步拓展。基于油气特征及分布研究,通过开展烃源岩及原油生物标志化合物特征对比分析、天然气成熟度计算,综合厘定了油气来源;结合油气运移效应分析明确了原油及天然气运移方向。结果表明,孔雀亭区原油主要来自平湖组下段和宝石组烃源岩,平湖组中段及上段少量贡献,原油自斜坡内生油次洼向高部位运移,是原油优势运聚方向;天然气具有斜坡带本地烃源岩及西次凹双重来源,以西次凹贡献为主,天然气自斜坡低带向高带侧向运移,并沿断层与斜坡带烃源岩自生天然气混合呈现垂向运移特征,斜坡低部位是天然气勘探有利区带。     

Impact of diagenesis on reservoir quality and heterogeneity of the Upper Triassic Chang 8 tight oil sandstones in the Zhenjing area,Ordos Basin,China

Reservoir quality and heterogeneity are critical risk factors in tight oil exploration. The integrated, analysis of the petrographic characteristics and the types and distribution of diagenetic alterations in the Chang 8 sandstones from the Zhenjing area using core, log, thin-section, SEM, petrophysical and stable isotopic data provides insight into the factors responsible for variations in porosity and permeability in tight sandstones. The results indicate that the Chang 8 sandstones mainly from subaqueous distributary channel facies are mostly moderately well to well sorted fine-grained feldspathic litharenites and lithic arkose. The sandstones have ultra-low permeabilities that are commonly less than 1 mD, a wide range of porosities from 0.3 to 18.1%, and two distinct porosity-permeability trends with a boundary of approximately 10% porosity. These petrophysical features are closely related to the types and distribution of the diagenetic alterations. Compaction is a regional porosity-reducing process that was responsible for a loss of more than half of the original porosity in nearly all of the samples. The wide range of porosity is attributed to variations in calcite cementation and chlorite coatings. The relatively high-porosity reservoirs formed due to preservation of the primary intergranular pores by chlorite coatings rather than burial dissolution; however, the chlorites also obstruct pore throats, which lead to the development of reservoirs with high porosity but low permeability. In contrast, calcite cementation is the dominant factor in the formation of low-porosity, ultra-low-permeability reservoirs by filling both the primary pores and the pore throats in the sandstones. The eogenetic calcites are commonly concentrated in tightly cemented concretions or layers adjacent to sandstone-mudstone contacts, while the mesogenetic calcites were deposited in all of the intervals and led to further heterogeneity. This study can be used as an analogue to understand the variations in the pathways of diagenetic evolution and their impacts on the reservoir quality and heterogeneity of sandstones and is useful for predicting the distribution of potential high-quality reservoirs in similar geological settings.