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Table of Content

    01 April 2025, Volume 46 Issue 2 Previous Issue   
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    OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION
    Classification of Sweet Spots in Shale Oil Reservoir of Lucaogou Formation in Jimsar Sag,Jurggar Basin
    QI Hongyan, WANG Zhenlin, ZHANG Yanning, LIN Jingqi, HU Xuan, SU Jing, XU Rui, CAO Zhifeng
    2025, 46 (2):  127-135.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250201
    Abstract ( 151 )   HTML ( 12 )   PDF (3916KB) ( 88 )   Save

    The shale oil reservoir of Permian Lucaogou formation in the Jimsar sag of the Junggar Basin can be divided into two sweet spots from top to bottom. These sweet spots vary significantly in productivity and remain unclear for controlling factors, making sweet spot prediction challenging. By using geological, petrophysical experiment, logging, and formation testing data, the enrichment mechanisms of shale oil were identified, the main factors controlling sweet spots in the shale oil reservoir were investigated, sweet spot index was constructed, and a classification standard for sweet spots was established. The research results show that the dominant reservoir rocks in the sweet spots in the study area are silty-fine sandstone and psammitic dolomite, with good pore structure, relatively abundant free oil, and moderate brittleness. The development, distribution, and effectiveness of micro-fractures in the shale oil reservoir are influenced by formation overpressure. The sweet spots in the shale oil reservoir are mainly controlled by free oil saturation, formation overpressure, and brittleness index. The sweet spot index is greater than 45 for Class Ⅰ sweet spots, 25-45 for Class Ⅱ sweet spots, and less than 25 for Class Ⅲ sweet spots. Class Ⅰ and Class Ⅱ sweet spots are considered as prime targets for horizontal wells, while Class Ⅲ sweet spots are reserved for future development.

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    Prediction of Structural Fractures in Deng 4 Member Reservoirs in the Shehong-Yanting Block, Penglai Gas Field, Sichuan Basin
    LI Gao, SHANGGUAN Ziran, YANG Xu, LI Hongtao, LI Ze, WANG Qiutong
    2025, 46 (2):  136-143.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250202
    Abstract ( 102 )   HTML ( 12 )   PDF (11883KB) ( 23 )   Save

    In order to determine the distribution of the fractures in the fourth member of the Dengying formation (Deng 4 member) in the Shehong-Yanting block of the Penglai gas field, Sichuan Basin, a statistical analysis was conducted on the structural fracture parameters. Based on rock rupture criteria, occurrence evolution conditions, and present-day stress field characteristics, a quantitative prediction of fractures in the ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs of the Deng 4 member were performed through tectonic stress field inversion. The results show that structural shear fractures are well developed in the Deng 4 member, oblique fractures are concentrated in the southeastern structural highs, while high-angle and vertical fractures are mostly distributed near faults. The fracture strikes are predominantly NW-SE, NE-SW and NNW-SSE. The linear density of fracture is generally low in the southeast and high in the northwest, while the fracture aperture shows an opposite distribution pattern. The fracture porosity reflects a relatively small variation. Fracture parameters exhibit different distribution characteristics within fault zones, near faults, and in non-fault areas, with the predicted results being largely consistent with the measured data. The fracture dip, aperture, and porosity significantly influence gas well productivity.

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    Differences in Natural Fracture Development in Ultra-Deep Carbonate Reservoirs: A Case Study of YUEM Area in Tarim Basin
    LI Hui, NING Yaxin
    2025, 46 (2):  144-153.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250203
    Abstract ( 106 )   HTML ( 10 )   PDF (13373KB) ( 42 )   Save

    The carbonate reservoirs in the YUEM area of Tarim Basin show differences in natural fracture development. Using the data of outcrop, core, thin section, logging, seismic, and production performance, the differences of natural fractures in development characteristics, formation periods, genesis, and spatial distribution were clarified through fracture parameter statistics, sensitivity analysis of seismic attributes, and numerical simulation of tectonic stress field. Three types of fractures, i.e. diagenetic fractures, tectonic fractures, and composite fractures, corresponding to three development periods are found in the study area. The development of these fractures is controlled by the coupling of tectonics, sedimentation, and karstification. Favorable fracture development zones are identified in oblique-overlap zones, intersections of major and secondary faults, fault tips, algal reef facies belts, and tops and bottoms of karst caves.

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    Identification and Distribution of Silurian Interlayers in YM 35 Well Block, Tarim Basin
    WANG Wei, DAI Mengying, CHEN Junkai, ZOU Yunlong, WU Qiong, JIANG Qiong, FENG Cheng
    2025, 46 (2):  154-162.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250204
    Abstract ( 97 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (1061KB) ( 40 )   Save

    The distribution patterns of interlayers in the YM 35 well block of the Tarim Basin are unclear, which poses challenges for subsequent oil and gas exploration and development. To identify the interlayer types in the study area and analyze their spatial distribution characteristics, by integrating the data of cores, conventional logging, laboratory analysis, and imaging logging, the primary interlayer types in the study area were clarified. By using the three-end-member classification method, charts for identifying interlayers were established for sublayers, and identification criteria were proposed. The distribution of interlayers was analyzed laterally and vertically, and the controls of interlayers on remaining oil distribution were investigated. The results show that the study area primarily develops argillaceous interlayers and physical interlayers. Laterally, argillaceous interlayers are mainly concentrated in the lower part of the target layer, with good continuity, while physical interlayers are mainly distributed in the middle-upper part, with smaller thickness but good continuity. On plane, interlayers are mainly concentrated in the central part of the study area, forming a distinct thickness aggregation zone. The interlayer becomes thinner toward its margin as its distance from the central area increases. Controlled by the spatial distribution of interlayers, remaining oil is mainly distributed in the K3 sublayer.

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    Characteristics of Deep Geothermal Field in Shuntuoguole Area of Tarim Basin
    LIAO Keyan, QIU Nansheng, CHANG Jian, LI Dan, LI Huili, MA Anlai, LI Jingying
    2025, 46 (2):  163-171.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250205
    Abstract ( 82 )   HTML ( 2 )   PDF (2818KB) ( 24 )   Save

    The Tarim Basin is characterized by low surface heat flow and significant variation in formation temperature. To clarify the characteristics and controlling factors of deep geothermal field in the Shuntuoguole area of central Tarim Basin, by using the systematic steady-state temperature measurement data from 33 wells in the Shuntuoguole and surrounding areas, the geothermal gradients and deep temperature distribution characteristics were investigated. On this basis, the geothermal properties of sedimentary rocks and their impacts on heat flow and temperature were analyzed. Coupling with geophysical data, a layering model for the earth’s crust was constructed, and the heat flow density of the crust was calculated. The research results show that in the Shunnan, Shuntuo, and Shunbei areas, the average geothermal gradients at a depth ranging from 0 to 5 km are 22.5°C/km, 20.0°C/km, and 18.6°C/km, respectively, and the average formation temperatures at the depth of 8 km in the 3 areas are approximately 200°C, 175°C, and 135°C, respectively, indicating significant differences in the geothermal fields. The differences in the crustal structure account for variations in the crustal heat flow, and the crustal structure is the primary controlling factor for the geothermal field differences in the study area. The geothermal properties of sedimentary rocks have a negligible impact on the geothermal field. The rapid sedimentation in the Shunbei area since the Pliocene and the deep hydrothermal activity in the Shunnan area have no influence on the present-day geothermal field.

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    Movable Fluid Differences in Permian Shan-1 Member Reservoirs in Northern and Southwestern Parts of Ordos Basin
    WANG Wenqing, PENG Lei, SHI Huaqiang, HOU Rui, GAO Hui, WANG Chen, LI Teng
    2025, 46 (2):  172-180.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250206
    Abstract ( 90 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (5850KB) ( 48 )   Save

    Physical properties, petrological properties, and microscopic pore structure are key factors controlling movable fluids in tight sandstone reservoirs. To reveal the differences of the movable fluids in the reservoirs of the Shan-1 member in the Sulige gas field, northern Ordos Basin and in the Qingyang gas field, southwestern Ordos Basin, by employing multiple techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cast thin section analysis, high-pressure mercury intrusion, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the differences in microscopic pore structure of reservoirs were clarified, and then the differences of movable fluids from the Shan-1 member reservoirs in the two areas were identified. The results show that the pore structures in the two parts can be classified into three types based on pore-throat radius distribution and reservoir physical properties. Type I pore structures are relatively well-developed, with movable fluids present across a wide range of pore radii, and the movable fluid content significantly sensitive to the sorting coefficient. Type II pore structures exhibit uneven pore-throat distribution, with the movable fluid content notably affected by the median pore-throat radius. Type III pore structures have a smaller range of pore radius distribution, with movable fluids mainly concentrated in small pores, and the movable fluid content primarily influenced by clay mineral content. In the Sulige gas field, the Shan-1 member is dominated by Type II pore structures, with a movable fluid content of 24.11%, which is influenced by permeability, median pore-throat radius, and illite content. In the Qingyang gas field, the Shan-1 member is dominated by Type III pore structures, with the movable fluid content mainly influenced by porosity, permeabilty, and clay mineral content.

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    Characterization Method for Full-Size Pore Radius Distribution in Lianggaoshan Formation, Sichuan Basin
    ZHAO Ji’er, RAN Qi, XIE Bing, LAI Qiang, BAI Li, ZHU Xun
    2025, 46 (2):  181-191.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250207
    Abstract ( 94 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (3296KB) ( 49 )   Save

    The shale reservoirs of Lower Jurassic Lianggaoshan formation in the Sichuan Basin are well-developed, with nanoscale pores. These reservoirs are characterized by low porosity, low permeability, diverse pore types, complex pore structures, and a wide range of pore radius distribution. Therefore, accurately evaluating pore structure of shale reservoirs is of great significance for reservoir evaluation and sweet spot prediction. Using the data from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gas adsorption experiments, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments, the pore structures of different lithofacies in the Lianggaoshan formation were characterized. The calculation models for pore radius distribution based on N2 and CO2 adsorption were defined,and the surface relaxation rate, a conversion parameter between pore radius and transverse relaxation time, was determined to enable the characterization of full-size pore radius across lithofacies. And the relationship between surface relaxation rate and mineral contents was investigated. The results show that the surface relaxation rate is inversely proportional to the contents of quartz, plagioclase, and calcite, and directly proportional to the contents of potassium feldspar, siderite, and clay minerals. Chlorite, pyrite, and siderite are paramagnetic materials; as the concentration of paramagnetic ions increases, the magnetic susceptibility of these minerals increases, thereby enhancing the surface relaxation rate.

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    RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
    Occurrence Space and Mobility of Shale Oil in Fengcheng Formation, Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin
    YANG Wangwang, WANG Zhenlin, SU Jing, HU Xuan, HUANG Yuyue, LAI Jin, WANG Guiwen
    2025, 46 (2):  192-200.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250208
    Abstract ( 104 )   HTML ( 5 )   PDF (20255KB) ( 35 )   Save

    To clarify the occurrence space and mobility of the shale oil in the Fengcheng formation of the Mahu sag, Junggar Basin, the data of rock thin section, SEM and NMR, and experiments such as total scanning fluorescence were used, together with 2D NMR logging data, to systematically characterize the microscopic pore structure and crude oil occurrence characteristics of the shale reservoir, and identify the factors controlling oil mobility. The storage space of the shale reservoir of the Fengcheng formation in the study area is mainly composed of intergranular pores, intercrystalline pores, dissolution pores, organic pores, and microfractures, with dissolution pores and fractures in dominance. The mobility of shale oil varies significantly in reservoirs with different lithofacies. The best mobility is found in the felsic shale rich in terrigenous clastic silt-sand bands, followed by the dolomitic shale with well-developed dolomitic laminae, and the worst mobility is found in the mixed shale rich in clay minerals. Organic matter abundance, depositional fabric, and pore structure are key factors controlling the mobility of shale oil in the Fengcheng formation. When total organic carbon (TOC) content of the shale in the study area ranges from 0.5% to 1.5%, the oil saturation index reaches its maximum range, indicating good mobility of the shale oil. In thin-bedded felsic shale and laminated dolomitic shale, pores (mainly residual intergranular pores and dissolution pores) and microfractures are developed, with a high proportion of large pores, which facilitates the formation of favorable occurrence space and flow channels for shale oil, promoting the enrichment of mobile oil.

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    Identification and Analysis of Inter-Well Frac-Hit in the Tight Oil Reservoir of Jinlong 2 Well Block, Junggar Basin
    HUANG Houchuan, CAO Xiaolu, LI Ning, JIA Yufeng, WU Guolong, JU Shichang
    2025, 46 (2):  201-207.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250209
    Abstract ( 91 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (741KB) ( 26 )   Save

    The tight oil reservoir in the Jinlong 2 well block in the Zhongguai bulge, western uplift of the Junggar Basin, is developed by horizontal well hydraulic fracturing. Frequent inter-well frac-hit caused by the large-scale well infilling and the presence of fault zones in the reservoir impedes production efficiency greatly. By investigating the applicability of monitoring and identification methods for inter-well frac-hit in multi-stage fractured horizontal wells, and combining field fracturing monitoring and production data from the Jinlong 2 well block, a comprehensive identification workflow for inter-well frac-hit was established. This workflow which integrates production performance, fracturing operation, and microseismic characteristics was used to identify and analyze inter-well frac-hit in the study area. The results show that severe inter-well frac-hit exists in the Jinlong 2 well block, not only within but also across individual horizons and fault blocks. The relatively small horizontal well spacing and developed fault system in the reservoir in the Jinlong 2 well block may induce inter-well frac-hit. It is recommended to avoid well infilling in large-scale fault zones and reduce fracturing scale for infill wells.

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    Fracture Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Deep Shales Under Spontaneous Imbibition
    FANG Zheng, CHEN Mian, LI Ji, WEI Shiming, KAO Jiawei, MAO Yu
    2025, 46 (2):  208-216.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250210
    Abstract ( 79 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (1539KB) ( 56 )   Save

    The mechanism of fracture propagation and changes in mechanical properties of deep shale reservoirs caused by the imbibition of fracturing fluid after hydraulic fracturing remain unclear. By CT scanning, continuous scratch testing, and overburden pressure porosity-permeability testing, as well as spontaneous imbibition experiments, the fracture propagation patterns, changes in rock mechanics, and variations in physical properties before and after imbibition were comprehensively evaluated. The results show that imbibition promotes the activation, propagation, and interconnection of shale beddings and pre-existing microcracks, forming a more complex fracture network to enhance reservoir porosity and permeability. The development of fracture and bedding plane reduce the overall strength and stability of rock, demonstrating a dual effect of improving fluid transport capacity while weakening mechanical performance. Under limited crack propagation conditions, the increase in porosity and permeability is modest. When a complex fracture network is developed, reservoir porosity and permeability significantly improve, and mechanical weakening becomes more pronounced. In the evaluation and stimulation design of unconventional reservoirs, it is essential to balance the fracture network induced by spontaneous imbibition to account for its impact on reservoir flow conditions and formation stability.

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    Fault/Fracture Characteristics and Production Strategies for Ultra-Deep Fractured Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoirs
    WANG Yanli, ZHU Songbai, WU Weimin, NIE Yanbo, LIN Na, ZHAO Ji, HUANG Rui
    2025, 46 (2):  217-223.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250211
    Abstract ( 92 )   HTML ( 2 )   PDF (1142KB) ( 53 )   Save

    The Keshen gas field in the northern Kuqa depression of the Tarim Basin is a typical representative of ultra-deep fractured tight sandstone gas reservoirs. The intensifying water invasion has significantly affected the steady gas field development in recent years. Taking the Cretaceous Bashijiqike formation in the Keshen X gas reservoir as an example, the fault/fracture characteristics of the reservoir were analyzed using the drilling fluid loss and imaging logging data, and their controls over production performance were identified. Depending on production behaviors of various gas wells and water invasion patterns in the reservoir, a production performance model of the reservoir under fault/fracture control was established, and corresponding production strategies were proposed. The results show that microfractures are well developed in the Keshen X gas reservoir, and the reservoirs can be divided into three types by fault/fracture presence: multi-fracture, single-fracture and micro-fracture. Two wells targeting multi-fracture reservoirs are deployed in the middle-upper part of the Keshen X gas reservoir, four wells targeting single-fracture reservoirs in the middle and edge parts of the gas reservoir, and one well targeting micro-fracture reservoirs in the upper part of the gas reservoir. Based on production behaviors, gas wells can be classified into highly water-flooded wells, long-term water production wells, and long-term stable production wells without water breakthrough, corresponding to single-fracture reservoir, multi-fracture reservoir, and micro-fracture reservoir, respectively. It is recommended to maintain a moderate productivity for wells targeting multi-fracture reservoir, inject gas to replenish energy in the initial stage of water invasion for wells targeting single-fracture reservoir, and keep a proper production pressure differential for wells targeting micro-fracture reservoir.

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    Causes Behind Low Recovery in Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoirs
    DAI Jinyou, LEI Xizhen, SHI Yangyang, PAN Zhiyang, SHEN Xiaoshu, ZHANG Lijuan, ZHOU Xiaofeng
    2025, 46 (2):  224-230.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250212
    Abstract ( 95 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (1762KB) ( 36 )   Save

    To identify the causes behind low recovery in tight sandstone gas reservoirs, taking the Shan 2 gas reservoir in the Zizhou gas field as an example, and based on the definition of recovery for gas reservoirs, a zonal reserves producing model and an analytical theoretical model for recovery were established. With the 2 models, the recovery of the gas reservoir was calculated, and the causes behind the low recovery in the tight sandstone gas reservoir were systematically analyzed. The results show that the low recovery in the Shan 2 gas reservoir is primarily attributed to the low vertical sweep coefficient, low plane sweep coefficient, and low gas displacement efficiency. The vertical sweep coefficient is mainly influenced by the vertical heterogeneity of the reservoir, the gas displacement efficiency is closely related to the abandonment pressure of the gas reservoir, while the plane sweep efficiency is primarily constrained by the horizontal heterogeneity of the reservoir and the controlling extent of well pattern. Rationalizing well pattern deployment and enhancing plane sweep coefficient are effective methods for increasing the recovery of tight sandstone gas reservoirs. However, even when the plane sweep coefficient is 100%, the ultimate recovery remains relatively low. Therefore, strengthening research on increasing vertical sweep coefficient and improving gas displacement efficiency is crucial for enhancing recovery in tight sandstone gas reservoirs.

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    Impacts of Rock Mineral Composition and Structure of Conglomerate Reservoirs on Enhanced Oil Recovery of Polymer-Surfactant Binary Flooding
    ZHANG Chaoliang, LI Jun, YAN Xiaolong, LYU Jianrong, ZHANG Defu, DOU Ping
    2025, 46 (2):  231-239.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250213
    Abstract ( 69 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (739KB) ( 37 )   Save

    The complex mineral components of conglomerate reservoirs have active surface physical and chemical properties, making them liable to interact with polymers and surfactants. These interactions may result in loss and alteration of binary flooding formulations underground. By using core samples from different types of conglomerate reservoirs, the microscopic structure and mineral composition/content were investigated, specific surface area and Zeta potential were measured, and the adsorption charts of chemical agents on the cores were established. Through oil displacement experiments, the impacts of rock mineral composition and structure of conglomerate reservoirs on the recovery of polymer-surfactant binary flooding was validated. The results show that in conglomerate reservoirs, clay and zeolite minerals have large specific surface areas and high Zeta potentials, and their active physical and chemical properties affect oil displacement efficiency. The cores from Class I reservoirs with the best petrophysical properties exhibited the highest ultimate recovery factor, the cores from Class II reservoirs with the lowest content of active minerals achieved the highest chemical flooding efficiency, while the cores from Class III reservoirs showed the lowest oil displacement efficiency.

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    APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY
    Seismic Prediction of Small- to Medium-Sized Fault-Controlled Fracture-Cave Bodies in Shunbei Area, Tarim Basin
    LI Hongyan, LIU Jun, GONG Wei, ZHANG Rong
    2025, 46 (2):  240-245.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250214
    Abstract ( 81 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (6759KB) ( 52 )   Save

    The Shunbei area in Tarim Basin develops fault-controlled fracture-cave reservoirs, and good results have been achieved in exploration and development of the main fault zones. In addition to the main fault zones, there are numerous small- to medium-sized faults in the area, which are more abundant, widely distributed, and smaller in scale. Due to the target depth (>8 000 m) and scale, it is difficult for small- to medium-sized faults and their controlled fracture-cave bodies to get clear seismic responses, so to identify and describe them is hard. Based on seismic data interpretation, spectral extension and strong reflection separation techniques were applied to enhance the kinetic information in the seismic data, effectively highlighting the seismic reflection characteristics of the small- to medium-sized fault-controlled fracture-cave bodies. Sensitive attributes were selected depending on the characteristics of different types of reservoirs. The multi-scale coherence of curvelet is found to be sensitive to small- to medium-sized faults, and the attributes such as disorderliness and frequency-division energy can be used to effectively identify fault zones and fracture-cave bodies. Small- to medium-sized fault-controlled fracture-cave bodies were successfully predicted and described by integrating the attributes reflecting different information. This technique was applied in the Shunbei area, which effectively guided well deployment, facilitating the oil and gas development.

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    Water Production Characteristics and Water Control Practices in T3X2 Fractured and Watered Gas Reservoir in Xinchang Structural Belt, Sichuan Basin
    ZENG Hui, YI Ting, LI Xingwen, YUAN Yue, YANG Ai, XIANG Lei
    2025, 46 (2):  246-252.  doi: 10.7657/XJPG20250215
    Abstract ( 75 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (1183KB) ( 26 )   Save

    The T3X2 gas reservoir in the Xinchang structural belt, Sichuan Basin, suffers a lot of challenges such as widespread water production, complex water production characteristics, unclear water invasion patterns, and a lack of effective water control strategies, affecting the stable production. Based on geological data and production performance from the gas reservoir, and using the theories/techniques of gas reservoir engineering, orthogonal experiments and development practices, the water production characteristics of the gas reservoir were analyzed, typical water invasion patterns were clarified, and water control strategies for gas wells were proposed. The results show that the T3X2 gas reservoir has 5 types of water production which can be identified by plotting charts. The water invasion patterns are classified into: rapid water channeling along fractures and slow water advancing. The degree of fracture development and the scale of fracturing treatments are the key factors influencing water invasion pattern. For the pattern of rapid water channeling along fractures, controlling pressure difference and balancing water drainage are critical, while for the pattern of slow water advancing, rationalizing production system and localized water blocking are recommended.

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