Progress and Enlightenment of Exploration and Development of Major Shale Oil Zones in the USA

doi:10.7657/XJPG20210518

Abstract

Abstract:

We reviewed the geological features, reserves, production, drilling activities and progress of development technology in major shale oil zones in the Permian basin, the Bakken area in the Williston basin and the Eagle Ford area in the Gulf of Mexico basin, analyzed the development trend of shale oil in the USA, and summarized the experience and enlightenment from the USA, with the intent to provide a reference to the development of shale oil in China. The results show that the Permian basin has the highest reserves and production of shale oil in the USA, which is mainly produced from the Spraberry zone and the Wolfcamp zone, and they will also be of great importance in the future. In 2020, influenced by COVID-19, the amount of drilling rigs and the oil production in the three major shale oil zones mentioned above first declined and then increased, and the ultra-low oil prices drove a new round of technological innovation and cost-cutting measures to increase well production in oil companies. By referring to the experiences in shale oil exploration and development in the USA, to develop shale oil in China, priority should be given to highly matured light oil and condensate oil, and the advanced development technologies of condensate oil reservoirs in the USA should be studied and followed. Grading evaluation of sweet spot is the basis of efficient development of shale oil in the USA, and plays a particularly significant role at low oil prices. There is a long way to go to get profitable development of shale oil in China. Technological progress is the key to reducing cost and enhancing profit. Technological researches should be paid attention to in early exploration and development. Life-cycle and geological-engineering integration management is recommended. This may be a new way for efficient shale oil development and rapid cost reduction in China.

Key words: shale oil, exploration and development, USA, China, Permian basin, Williston basin, Gulf of Mexico basin, production, enlightenment

CLC Number:

TE121

LI Qianwen, MA Xiaoxiao, GAO Bo, CHEN Xinjun. Progress and Enlightenment of Exploration and Development of Major Shale Oil Zones in the USA[J]. Xinjiang Petroleum Geology, 2021, 42(5): 630-640.

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