To realize the shift of oil and gas exploration from shallow-middle to deep strata, and from conventional to unconventional resources, and then to promote the exploration of deep oil and gas resources in the Turpan-Hami exploration area, the tectonic-lithofacies palaeogeographical evolution of Turpan-Hami basin, Santanghu basin, and Zhundong block of Junggar basin were analyzed, the characteristics and exploration potential of the petroleum systems in these basins were evaluated, the main exploration targets were determined, and the fields for strategic breakthrough were selected. In the Carboniferous-Permian period, the Turpan-Hami exploration area was a unified sedimentary basin with similar sedimentary environments and structures. In the Triassic-Jurassic period, the study area was separated into several independent foreland basins. With the tectonic-lithofacies palaeogeographical evolution, three sets of source rocks (marine-transitional facies of Carboniferous, lacustrine facies of Permian, and lacustrine-coal measure of Jurassic) were formed, contributing to three major petroleum systems. The change in exploration ideas has promoted significant progress in petroleum exploration in deep strata. Significant breakthroughs have been made in the exploration of Shiqiantan formation marine clastic oil and gas reservoirs, Permian shale oil reservoirs and conventional sandstone oil reservoirs in the Zhundong block, and the Middle-Lower Jurassic large-scale tight sandstone gas reservoirs in the Turpan-Hami basin, which enables the discovery of large-scale high-quality reserves and the orderly succession of strategic resources. Future exploration should be carried out at three levels: strategic preparation, strategic breakthrough, and strategic implementation, with a focus on 10 favorable directions.
To determine the distribution of the carbonate gas reservoirs in Permian Taiyuan formation in Yishaan slope of the Ordos basin, based on the data of drilling, well testing, logging, and formation testing, the carbonate gas reservoirs in Taiyuan formation were analyzed using field outcrops, core samples, thin sections, electron microscopy scanning, high-pressure mercury intrusion, and fluid inclusion temperature measurements, and then sedimentary microfacies, petrographic characteristics, physical properties, pore structures, and fracture distribution were studied of the reservoir. The results indicate that the carbonate gas reservoirs in Taiyuan formation are low-porosity and low-permeability lithological gas reservoirs. Favorable plays control the reservoir distribution and gas enrichment. The gas reservoirs `are mainly distributed in the bioherm and bioclastic shoal microfacies zones. Bioherms are found in the eastern part of the study area, including Jiaxian, Zizhou, and Qingjian, while bioclastic shoals are developed in the western part of the study area, including Hengshan, Jingbian, and Pingqiao, exhibiting an obvious zoning of facies from west to east. The carbonate rocks in Taiyuan formation consist of micritic bioclastic limestone and algal-bounded limestone, in which biogenic pores, intercrystalline pores, dissolution pores, and microcracks serve as accommondation. Fractures play a crucial role in migration of oil and gas, and their development contributes significantly to the natural gas enrichment in the reservoirs.
To determine the diagenetic facies and their evolution patterns of the Chang 8 tight sandstone reservoir in the eastern part of the HQ block in the Longdong area of the Ordos basin, the diagenetic facies and logging facies of the cores from individual sand layers were divided by using the data of cast thin section, rock property, coring, and logging. Then, the diagenetic facies of the Chang 8 reservoir were classified with the dominant facies method, the favorable diagenetic facies for oil and gas exploration were determined, and the distribution zones of favorable diagenetic facies were predicted. Considering the diagenetic influences, the diagenetic facies of target layers can be classified into five categories: facies of residual intergranular pores and feldspar dissolution, facies of chlorite-cemented residual intergranular pores, strongly chlorite-illite cementation facies, authigenic carbonate cementation facies, and clay matrix compaction facies. The facies of residual intergranular pores and feldspar dissolution is the most favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation in the study area. Generally, the favorable diagenetic facies distribute as strips with good continuity and in large areas. The central and east-central parts of the study area are the main development zones for favorable diagenetic facies belts.
In order to establish a standard section of the Upper Carboniferous Shiqiantan formation in the Shiqiantan sag on the eastern uplift of the Junggar basin, and to provide a basis for the division and correlation of the subsurface strata and for the oil and gas exploration in the sag, field survey was carried out. By using geological coastean, and through comprehensive analysis on lithological characteristics, sedimentary formations, contact relationships, marker beds, and paleontological fossils, the sequence division, sedimentary facies restoration, and regional stratigraphic correlation were completed for the Shiqiantan formation. The Shiqiantan formation underwent the deposition of alluvial fan (fan delta), pre-fan lake and bay lagoon, forming three transgression-retrogradation sequences. The Shiqiantan formation can be divided into three members. The lower member is composed of conglomerate and sandy conglomerate intercalated with sandstone and siltstone in the lower part, medium-fine grained conglomerate, graywacke, and interbeds of mudstone and silty mudstone in the middle part, and silty mudstone and mudstone intercalated with sandstone and siltstone in the upper part. The middle member is composed of conglomerate, pebbly sandstone and sandstone intercalated with siltstone in the lower part, and calcareous silty mudstone, mudstone, siltstone and argillaceous limestone in the upper part. The upper member is composed of conglomerate, sandstone and interbeds of siltstone and silty mudstone in the lower part, purple-brown and brick-red mudstone and argillaceous siltstone intercalated with gravel-bearing gritstone and conglomerate in the middle part, and dark grey mudstone and silty mudstone intercalated with limestone in the upper part. Macroscopically, the lower member, middle member, and the upper part of the upper member are dark grey, and the lower part of the upper member is light brown to brick-red; all members are normally graded. The dark mudstones of pre-fan swamp-bay lagoon facies are favorable source rocks, while the sandstones and conglomerates of mid-fan and fan-apex facies are reservoir rocks. The good source-reservoir assemblage suggests favorable petroleum geology conditions.
Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a revolution in traditional coal mining technology, and the site selection of underground coal gasifier is a prerequisite for a successful UCG project. The geological conditions of UCG of the Jurassic Xishanyao formation in the Santanghu basin were evaluated based on the analysis of coalseam thickness, burial depth of coalseam, coal petrology and quality, geologic structure, roof lithology of coalseam and hydrogeological conditions. The results show that the Xishanyao coalseam is featured with a low coal rank, high ash and volatile matter contents, moderate dip angle and burial depth, and roof lithology consisting of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone with underdeveloped faults, and good-quality water barriers, which provide favorable geological conditions for UCG. Furthermore, 18 indexes (e.g. structural complexity, burial depth, and coal-seam thickness and so on) for evaluating favorable areas of UCG were identified depending upon the geological characteristics of the Santanghu basin, and a multi-level mathematical model was established for evaluating UCG in the basin. According to UCG potential, the whole basin is divided into TypeⅠ, Type Ⅱ, and Type Ⅲ areas. The northern slope of Malang sag and the eastern margin of Tiaohu sag are defined as the favorable areas for UCG.
22 oil and gas layers in the tight sandstones below the Xishanyao formation were interpreted in the risky exploration Well Qintan-1 in the Shengbei subsag, Turpan-Hami basin. It is necessary to evaluate the encountered source rocks and determine the tight oil source. The source rocks in the Xishanyao formation are non-or poor source rocks in most intervals near Well Taican-2, except the 4 700-4 900 m interval, and are moderate-good source rocks in Well Qintan-1 in the subsag. The source rocks in the Sangonghe formation are moderate to good. The organic matters in the Middle-Lower Jurassic are generally Type Ⅱ2-Ⅲ. The Xishanyao formation source rocks are mature, while the Sangonghe formation and Badaowan formation source rocks are highly mature. The carbon number of the paraffins in the soluble organic matters in source rocks distributes in a wide range, and the C27-C28-C29 αααR sterane shows a reverse “L” configuration, indicating a hybrid organic matters mainly sourced from terrestrial higher plants. The organic matter of Xishanyao formation has a low gammacerane content and a relatively high pristane-phytane ratio (Pr/Ph), corresponding to a weak oxidation-weak reduction sedimentary environment with relatively low salinity. The organic matter of Sangonghe formation and Badaowan formation have low Pr/Ph and high gammacerane content, showing a strong reduction sedimentary environment with high salinity. β-carotane is developed in the entire Sangonghe formation, and is quite abundant in some intervals, with the content equivalent to that of the main peak n-alkanes, indicating the contribution of halophilic bacteria and a reducing water environment in these intervals. According to the parameters such as C27/C29 αααR sterane, Pr/Ph, C19+20/C23+24 tricyclic terpane, C24 tetracyclic terpane/C26 tricyclic terpane, rearranged hopane and β-carotane, it can be inferred that the crude oil in the Sangonghe formation came from the source rocks of the same formation; the crude oil at the bottom of the Xishanyao formation originated from the Sangonghe formation source rocks enriched in β-carotane and underwent secondary migration, and the oil sand extracts from the upper and middle members of the Xishanyao formation are related to the source rocks in the Xishanyao formation.
The Sanjianfang formation in the Shengbei subsag of the Tabei sag in the Turpan-Hami basin is rich in oil and gas resources. However, the sandstone reservoirs in this formation are tight and heterogeneous, which hinders the exploration and development of oil and gas. Based on core and thin-section observations, electron microscopy scanning, and high-pressure mercury injection tests, the diagenetic processes and pore evolution of the tight sandstone reservoirs of the Middle Jurassic Sanjianfang formation in the Shengbei subsag were studied. The results show that the tight sandstone reservoirs of the Sanjianfang formation are mainly composed of feldspathic litharenite and lithic sandstone, and dominantly contain secondary pores, with an average porosity of 6.44% and an average permeability of 0.18 mD, indicating low-porosity and low-permeability reservoirs. The diagenetic evolution process includes compaction-authigenic clay mineral cementation, chlorite-rimming cementation-phase-Ⅰ quartz enlargement and feldspar dissolution-albitization-rimmed chlorite cementation-carbonate cementation-feldspar dissolution-kaolinite illitization. The sandstone is currently in phase B of the middle diagenetic stage. The average initial porosity of the Sanjianfang formation sandstones is 34.66%. The average reduction in porosity is 14.05% due to compaction and 0.50% due to the cementation in phase A of the early diagenetic stage, 3.21% due to compaction and 0.75% due to cementation in phase B of the early diagenetic stage, 7.02% due to compaction and 4.26% due to cementation in phase A of the middle diagenetic stage, and 1.08% due to compaction and 0.75% due to cementation in phase B of the middle diagenetic stage. The dissolution process in phase A of the middle diagenetic stage is crucial to the increase in porosity, with an average increase of 3.38%.
The fine-grained rocks in volcanic-active strata are characterized by complex composition, tight cementation, and strong heterogeneity. The concept and classification methods of fine-grained rocks were systematically reviewed. Combined with rock thin section identification, whole-rock X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiment, and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) experiment, a method for studying the microscopic characteristics of fine-grained reservoirs was established. By using this method, the petrological characteristics, and types and genesis of reservoir spaces of the fine-grained rocks in the Lucaogou formation of the Santanghu basin were analyzed. The results show that the fine-grained reservoirs in the Lucaogou formation are mainly composed of fine-grained carbonate rocks and fine-grained volcanoclastic rocks. The reservoir space is mainly contributed by fractures and pores, and the fractures are dominantly structural fractures and interbed. Fine-grained volcanoclastic rocks generally have volcanic dust solution pores, rock debris solution pores, crystal debris solution pores, and calcite vein solution pores. Micro-nanopores are relatively developed in fine-grained carbonate rocks, including dolomite intercrystalline pores, calcite intercrystalline pores, and clay mineral intercrystalline pores. The enrichment of volcanic material provides material basis for high-quality fine-grained reservoirs in volcanic-active strata, and the alternation of various laminae in fine-grained reservoirs is conducive to the formation of micropores and microfractures.
The Su 36-11 block in the central area of Sulige gas field has been developed for 17 years, with high degrees of development and reserves producing. The strong reservoir heterogeneity in this block leads to uneven producing of reserves and complex distribution of remaining gas. Distribution determination and potential tapping of the remaining gas are crucial for maintaining stable production in the gas field. By accurately characterizing the reservoir architecture, the main factors influencing remaining gas distribution were identified, the distribution patterns of different types of remaining gas were determined, and corresponding strategies for recovering the remaining gas were proposed. The research results show that the gas-bearing sand bodies in the study area are mainly distributed in the 4th-order architecture units, such as channel bar and point bar, these sand bodies are significantly affected by various levels of flow barriers, with small overall scale, poor connectivity, width of 150-500 m and length of 300-800 m. The main NE-SW sand belt in the block has been developed the most, with low formation pressure, and the remaining gas is mainly distributed in the lower He 8 member in the northwestern part of the block. Remaining gas, whose distribution is mainly influenced by reservoir heterogeneity and uneven development, can be divided into five types: gas uncontrolled by well pattern, gas in composite sand body flow barrier, gas in secondary pay zone unexploited by horizontal well, gas in unperforated gas-bearing layer in vertical well, and gas unproduced. Four potential tapping measures were proposed, including well infilling, reperforation, sidetracking and potential tapping in exsisting wells. According to the adjusted development plan, it is predicted that stable production can be maintained for 7 years with the recovery efficiency reaching 45%.
The Ordovician ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim basin are controlled by high-energy facies belts, regional unconformity surfaces, and multi-period and multi-type fault fragmentation and reforming, as a result, the distributions of internal fluid and pressure systems are extremely complex. According to the analysis, factors such as sedimentation, structure, and chemical reaction affect the formation, preservation, and distribution of abnormally high pressure in the Ordovician carbonate rocks in the northern and central Tarim basin. Thick gypsum-salt rocks delayed the thermal evolution of source rocks and blocked stress transfer, while the unconformity surfaces provided pathways for the transfer of structural stress and undercompaction pressure, and for the late hydrocarbon charging, all of which are conducive to the formation of abnormally high pressure. The later thermochemical reduction reaction of sulfate weakened the development of abnormally high pressure to a certain extent and affected the vertically distributed layers. High-quality caprocks such as thick mudstone and tight limestone are conducive to the preservation of abnormally high pressure. The abnormally high pressure is mainly distributed around hydrocarbon-generating depressions and at secondary faults far away from primary faults or with weak activity. In the northern Tarim basin, the abnormally high pressure is mainly resulted from tectonic compression and undercompaction, and it is scattered as multiple points in the Yueman and Luchang areas with complex faults. In the central Tarim basin, the abnormally high pressure due to fluid expansion is concentrated in the TZ-10 structural belt, where the reservoirs are generally small in scale and constant in volume.
Based on the seismic, geological, geochemical, and production testing data, the types and distribution patterns of the tight oil reservoirs in the first member of Yaojia formation (Yao 1 member) in the Gulong sag were analyzed, and then the controlling factors and models of hydrocarbon accumulation in these reservoirs were clarified. The results show that five types of tight oil reservoirs are developed in the Yao 1 member such as lenticular sandstone reservoir in the Gulong syncline, updipping pinch-out lithologic reservoir, fault-lithologic reservoir, fault-block reservoir, and fault-anticline reservoir at the top of the nose-like bulge. The formation of tight oil reservoirs is jointly controlled by source rock and overpressure distribution, traps, oil-source faults, and high-quality reservoir beds. The lacustrine mudstones in the first member of Qingshankou formation (Qing 1 member) serve as the material basis for tight oil reservoirs and also create abnormally-high pressure that drove oil charging into the Gulong syncline. Before extensive hydrocarbon accumulation, various traps had been formed, including structural traps and structural-lithological traps at high positions on both sides, which act as the tight oil migration destinations and favorable accumulation sites. The reversal-stage faults that opened during the main oil accumulation phase serve as the primary pathways for vertical oil migration, and high-quality distributary-channel reservoir beds are favorable for tight oil accumulation. The structural units are different in controlling factors and models of hydrocarbon accumulation. In the Gulong syncline, the hydrocarbon accumulation model is “driven by overpressure, vertical migration along faults, and enrichment in local sweet spots”. In the Xinzhan nose-like bulge, the hydrocarbon accumulation model is “first driven by overpressure then by buoyancy, vertical migration along faults, and accumulation in favorable traps”. In the Xinzhao slope, the hydrocarbon accumulation model is “driven by overpressure + buoyancy, fault-sandbody relay-migration, and accumulation in favorable reservoir beds”.
In order to improve the accuracy of reservoir characterization for purpose of tapping the potential of remaining oil in the middle to late oil and gas field development stage, taking the shallow-water delta reservoir of the Huagang formation in C oilfield, Xihu sag, as an example, the reservoir architecture was investigated by using core, grain size, logging, and seismic data. The architecture patterns of composite channel sandbodies of shallow-water delta facies were established, and their spatial evolution was clarified. The results show that the H3c layer represents the upper plain-channel deposit of shallow-water-delta facies, which is dominated by vertically stacked thick sandbodies; the H3b layer represents the lower plain-channel deposit of shallow-water delta facies, in which laterally-migrated medium-thick sandbodies are developed; and the H3a layer represents the shallow-water delta-front deposit, which is featured with isolated thin sandbody. The development of vertical sandbodies was controlled by middle-term base-level cycle. As the lake level rose, the shallow-water delta in the study area formed a retrogradational sequence, and sandbodies evolved from sheet-like to isolated belt-like, resulting in deteriorating reservoir connectivity.
Continental mixed shale reservoirs are characterized by complex lithology and varying physical properties. The pore structure characteristics and controlling factors are crucial for understanding the physical properties of such reservoirs. Through analysis of rock thin section, casting thin section, scanning electron microscopy, high-pressure mercury intrusion, constant-rate mercury intrusion, and X-ray diffraction, the lithologies of the shale oil reservoirs in the Permian Lucaogou formation in the Jimsar sag were identified, and the pore structure characteristics of different lithologies and their relationships with diagenesis were analyzed. 6 lithologies are found in the shale reservoirs of the Lucaogou formation, namely micrite dolomite, silty sandy dolomite, calcareous siltstone, calcareous mudstone, silty tuff and calcareous tuff. The silty sandy dolomite, calcareous siltstone, and silty tuff are moderately compacted, with well-developed dissolution pores which are effectively connected and have large and well-sorted pore throats, indicating good physical properties. The calcareous tuff is also moderately compacted, and mainly composed of calcite, authigenic quartz and analcite cements, indicating moderate physical properties. The micritic dolomite and calcareous mudstone are simple in composition, strongly compacted, and weakly dissolved, with small pore throats, indicating poor physical properties.
The Cretaceous Bashijiqike formation in the Kelasu structural belt in the Kuqa depression of Tarim basin hosts a number of high- and steady-yield subsalt gas reservoirs in ultra-deep，high-temperature，and overpressure environment. For these subsalt tight sandstone reservoirs，the higher the porosity，the higher the salt content and the lower the apparent resistivity. The distribution of salt in the reservoirs not only significantly affects fluid identification but also has a noticeable impact on the reservoir physical properties. The distribution of salt in the subsalt reservoirs in the Bashijiqike formation were systematically analyzed based on the data of cores，cast thin sections，scanning electron microscopy，salt content，and conventional logs. According to the differences in salt content，resistivity，and salt source，three distribution patterns of salt in subsalt reservoirs were proposed: top source，lateral source and local sealing. For the top and lateral source patterns，the reservoir resistivity is only affected by salt content. In the reservoirs with the top source pattern，the salt content shows a vertical zonality，and the reservoir resistivity increases as the salt content decreases. In the reservoirs with the lateral source pattern，the salt content shows a lateral zonation，and the reservoir resistivity shows a trend of high to low and then to high value from the edge of structural belt towards its center. In the reservoirs with the local sealing pattern，the resistivity is influenced jointly by stress and salt content，and changes greatly because the distribution of salt content is sporadic. According to well logging responses，the reservoir is divided into intervals for each pattern. In an ideal top source pattern，the reservoir comprises a salt interval，a mudstone barrier，an interval strongly affected by saturated salt，an interval strongly affected by unsaturated salt，a transition interval affected by unsaturated salt，and a salt-unaffected interval from top to bottom. In an ideal lateral source pattern，there are several intervals affected by oversaturated salt. In an ideal local sealing pattern，the reservoir includes a salt interval，a mudstone barrier，a salt-unaffected interval with strongly compressed stress，a salt-stress hybrid affected interval，and a salt-stress unaffected interval.
The hydrocarbon storage capacity of shale reservoirs depends on their complex pore structures, which vary by lithofacies of shales. In order to clarify the control of shale lithofacies on the pore structure, the lithofaices of the shales in the Da’anzhai member of Jurassic Ziliujing formation in central Sichuan basin were determined based on total organic carbon and X-ray diffraction analyses, and the pore structure characteristics of the shales were identified by means of thin section observation, and analysis on scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and high-pressure mercury injection. The results show that six shale lithofacies (organic-rich clayey shale, organic-moderate clayey shale, organic-poor clayey shale, organic-moderate mixed shale, organic-poor mixed shale, and organic-poor calcareous shale) are mainly developed in the Da’anzhai member, with parallel plate-like and slit-like pores dominantly. Clayey shales mainly contain clay mineral interlayer pores, organic matter pores, and fractures induced by hydrocarbon generation pressurization; mixed shale mainly contains residual intergranular pores; and calcareous shale mainly contains a small amount of dissolution pores. For all these lithofacies, the clay mineral content is positively correlated with pore volume and specific surface area, and the TOC is positively correlated with the macropore volume of organic-rich clayey shale. The organic-rich clayey shale exhibits the largest macropore volume and trimodal pore-size distribution, making it the most favorable lithofacies for shale oil storage in the Da’anzhai member in central Sichuan basin.
A set of vug-type karst reservoirs is developed below the weathering crust of the Majiagou formation in the Daniudi gas field of Ordos basin, which are the main reservoirs of the Paleozoic super-large gas fields. The disturbed-facies karst reservoirs with fractures are found stably at the bottom of the fifth submember of the fifth member of Majiagou formation (M55) and contain gas universally. The genesis of these reservoirs remains unknown, leading to difficulties in oil and gas exploration and development. Based on the analysis on field outcrop and core data, the genesis of the M55 reservoirs was analyzed. Disturbed facies and well-developed fractures are clearly observed from the outcrops, and show a line-porphyritic pattern on the image logging. Most of the fractures are filled by calcite of two periods. The disturbed facies found at the bottom of M55 are mainly distributed in the fault zones of the central and western parts of the study area, with obvious gas logging anomalies and good exploration prospects. Abundant fractures in $\text{M5}^{1}_{6}$ promote the strong karstification of fresh water laterally, forming accommodation spaces. The overburden pressure makes the brittle limestone at the bottom of M55 evolve to disturbed reservoir.
Zeolites are widely distributed in sedimentary rocks, and they are diverse in genesis and complex in evolution characteristics. Controlled by sedimentary environment and diagenetic conditions, zeolites of different genesis are formed in different diagenetic sequences, and exhibit distinct combinations, occurrences, and frameworks. Zeolites can be divided into primary zeolites, hydrothermal zeolites, volcanic-altered zeolites, and mineral-transformed zeolites. Zolite framework can be characterized by the Si/Al ratio, based on which the zeolites are categorized into high-silica and low-silica zeolites. Zeolites play a strong catalytic role in hydrocarbon generation from source rocks. High-silica zeolites have lower catalytic activity, but slower deactivation rate than low-silica zeolites, and exhibit good selectivity. Zeolite cementation and dissolution have constructive and destructive effects on reservoirs, respectively. In different diagenetic sequences, zeolites show varying impacts on reservoir properties. The transformation of clay minerals to zeolites enhances the brittleness and water sensitivity of shale. Brittleness will increase the fracability of shale reservoirs, while water sensitivity will reduce reservoir permeability.
To determine the exploration potential of the shale gas in the Cambrian Niutitang formation in the Tongren area, northeast Guizhou, on the basis of X-ray diffraction experiments, the maturity of the shale of Niutitang formation-Bianmachong formation from Well QTD-1 was tested by using methods of bitumen reflectance, illite crystallinity and laser Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the shale of Niutitang formation-Bianmachong formation lacks vitrinite, making its maturity difficult to be evaluated using conventional vitrinite reflectance. The shale is not evaluated satisfactorily by using the reflectance of bitumen, due to its complex genesis and the impact of bitumen heterogeneity. The illite crystallinity method can only provide a rough range of maturity, with relatively large error due to the presence of clay minerals. In contrast, the laser Raman spectroscopy method is less affected by heterogeneity and has advantages such as simple sample preparation and non-destructive testing, which proves to be a more ideal testing approach. The equivalent vitrinite reflectance of the black shale of Niutitang formation in the study area ranges from 3.41% to 3.50%, indicating a late overmature stage.
The Fengcheng formation of the Mahu sag in the Junggar basin is primarily composed of alkaline lake sediments. A large number of alkaline minerals are developed near the center of the alkaline lake. As a major type in these alkaline minerals, trona is an important industrial resource worthy of development. Currently, the trona intervals are mainly qualitatively evaluated by using the crossplot method, and a quantitative evaluation method is required. Based on core analysis and thin-section identification on alkaline minerals, together with previous research findings, the alkaline minerals in the Fengcheng formation are classified into four categories: trona, shortite; huntite, and searlesite, and their physical properties and impacts on both reservoir properties and oil-bearing property are identified. The influence of trona content on logging responses is analyzed, and a predictive model for trona content is developed by using the deep-to-shallow resistivity ratio. Core data uninvolved in the modeling are used for verifying the predictive model. It is found that the trona content predicted by the model and the trona content measured in the sample are in good agreement, with an average relative error of 5.67%, meeting the requirements for precise mineral content calculations. Finally, based on the logging evaluation results of trona content from eleven wells, the distribution of trona in the Fengcheng formation is clarified. The research results may provide a theoretical and technical support for trona resource evaluation.
In order to determine the temporal continuity and spatial orderliness of hydrocarbon charging and accumulation in fault areas, taking the Shangzhenzi farm-Zhuanjiao area at the southern margin of the Ordos basin as an example, the relationship between fracture formation period and reservoir distribution was analyzed, and the controls of fractures on Yanchang formation reservoir was discussed. The study shows that the fractures of three periods (Yanshanian movement episode II and III, and Himalayan movement) are developed in Yanchang formation, showing varying impacts on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. Near-source oil reservoirs captured all the hydrocarbons generated from the source rocks in immature and mature stages, which were subsequently destroyed during the Yanshanian episode III and the Himalayan movement, leading to oil migration towards the areas far away from source rocks. In the southern part of the study area, close to the Weibei uplift, fractures are well connected longitudinally and sand bodies are well developed, allowing oil enrichment primarily in reservoirs far away from source rocks. In the northern part of the study area, oil is predominantly retained in reservoirs near source rocks. Consequently, fractures and sand bodies are connected to form a transport network that plays a role in adjusting reservoirs. By virtue of multi-stage fractures, resources in reservoirs near or far away from source rocks can be complemented and integrated.
