Multi-Scale Quantitative Characterization of Pore Distribution Networks in Tight Sandstone by integrating FE-SEM, HPMI, and NMR with the Constrained Least Squares Algorithm

Tianqi Zhou, Chaodong Wu, Zhongkui Shi, Jialin Wang, Wen Zhu, Bo Yuan and Disheng Yang
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Tianqi Zhou: Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, Ministry of Education, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Chaodong Wu: Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, Ministry of Education, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Zhongkui Shi: Institute of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Jialin Wang: Key Laboratory of Orogenic Belts and Crustal Evolution, Ministry of Education, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Wen Zhu: Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, Sinopec, Beijing 100083, China
Bo Yuan: Geophysics Department in Exploration and Development Institution of Xinjiang Oilfield Company, Urumqi 834000, China
Disheng Yang: Geophysics Department in Exploration and Development Institution of Xinjiang Oilfield Company, Urumqi 834000, China

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 18, 1-27

Abstract: The goal of this study was to investigate the impacts of various sedimentary-diagenetic conditions on the macroscopic petrophysical parameters and microscopic pore structures of tight sandstones from the Lower Jurassic Badaowan Formation in the Southern Junggar Basin, China. Based on the traditional methods for establishing pore size distribution, including integrating the results of high-pressure mercury injection, nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy, the constrained least squares algorithm was employed to automatically determine the porosity contributions of pore types with different origins. The results show that there are six genetic pore types: residual intergranular pores (RIPs), feldspar dissolution pores (FDPs), rock fragment dissolution pores (RFDPs), clay mineral intergranular pores (CIPs), intercrystalline pores of kaolinite (IPKs), and matrix pores (MPs). Four lithofacies were identified: the quartz cemented-dissolution facies (QCDF), carbonate cemented facies (CCF), authigenic clay mineral facies (ACMF), and matrix-caused tightly compacted facies (MCTF). Modified by limited dissolution, the QCDF with a high proportion of macropores (RIPs, FDPs, and RFDPs) exhibited a slightly higher porosity and considerably higher permeability than those of others. A large number of micropores (MPs, CIPs, and IPKs) in MCTF and ACMF led to slightly lower porosities but considerably lower permeabilities. Due to the tightly cemented carbonates in the CCF, its porosity reduced sharply, but the permeability of the CCF remained much higher those of the MCTF and ACMF. The results highlight that a high proportion of macropores with large radii and regular shapes provide more effective percolation paths than storage spaces. Nevertheless, micropores with small radii and complex pore structures have a limited contribution to flow capability. The fractal dimension analysis shows that a high proportion of MPs is the major reason for the heterogeneity in tight sandstones. The formation of larger macropores with smooth surfaces are more conductive for oil and gas accumulation.

Keywords: tight sandstone reservoir; pore structures; fractal characteristics; diagenesis; least squares estimator (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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