Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoqi Wu, Quanyou Liu, Yingbin Chen, Jun Yang, Huasheng Zeng, Huaji Li
Summary: This study reveals the origin and characteristics of natural gas in the tight sandstone reservoirs of Member two of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Western Sichuan Depression through geochemical analysis and comparison.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhihong Wang, Cuiguo Hao, Hui Jin, Junfeng Cun, Xueqiong Wu, Dongmei Bo, Yiqing Su
Summary: To comprehensively understand the characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential of the source rock in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation, Sichuan Basin, geochemical data from over 1,500 cuttings and 106 core samples were collected and analyzed. The T3x5 member of the Xujiahe Formation had the highest average total organic carbon (TOC) content, followed by the T3x1+2 and T3x3 members. There was a general decreasing trend in TOC content from bottom to top within the Xujiahe Formation. Rock pyrolysis and kerogen d13C values indicated that the source rock was predominantly kerogen type III, with minor amounts of type II2. Based on Ro values, the Xujiahe source rock showed high maturity in the northwest and low maturity in the southeast. The T3x1+2 members were mostly in the high to overmature stage, while the T3x3 and T3x5 members were mostly in the mature to high mature stage. The differences in sedimentation rates during the Cretaceous period were identified as the main cause of thermal evolution differences in the source rock. A comparison of gas generation intensity and quantity was also conducted, revealing that the T3x5 member had the highest gas generation potential, followed by the T3x31 and T3x1+2 members. Overall, the Xujiahe Formation source rock in the Sichuan Basin exhibited thick deposits, high maturity, and high gas generation intensity in the northwest, gradually decreasing towards the southeast. Vertically, the T3x5 member had the highest gas generation content, accounting for 39.6% of the total amount.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Kaijun Tan, Juan Chen, Jun Yao, Qingpeng Wu, Jianglong Shi
Summary: This study systematically analyzed the source and genesis of natural gas in the Xujiahe Formation in the Sichuan Basin. The results showed that the natural gas is mainly methane, controlled by the maturity of source rocks, and a mixture of gas from coal-measure source rocks and oil-derived source rocks.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Liangbiao Lin, Yu Yu, Hongli Nan, Hongde Chen
Summary: The study identified two phases of carbonate cement in the fourth sandstone member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the western Sichuan Basin: crystalline carbonate and carbonate filling of secondary pores. Early calcite formed during the Middle Jurassic with low Na+ and K+ contents, while late calcite precipitated during the Late Jurassic with relatively higher Na+ and K+ contents, suggesting the involvement of organic acids in its formation. The presence of dolomite cement from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous indicates similar carbon sources to late calcite, likely sourced from the transformation of smectite to illite. Active water-rock interactions in an open diagenetic system were the main cause of carbonate mineral precipitation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lin Jiang, Wen Zhao, Yang Fan, Feng Hong, Yanjie Gong, Jiaqing Hao
Summary: The study focused on natural gas migration and accumulation in tight formations, revealing two types of hydrocarbon carrier systems - micro-fractures and micro-coal lines. The research proposed that coal lines could also act as a hydrocarbon carrier system in tight sandstone formations. Numerical simulations showed that micro-fractures/micro-coal lines significantly enhance the permeability of sandstone, aiding in natural gas accumulation.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Kaijun Tan, Jun Yao, Juan Chen, Dahai Tang, Yang Qin, Qingpeng Wu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the controlling effect of source-reservoir assemblage on gas accumulation in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Sichuan Basin. It was found that different types of pores and fractures are developed in the reservoirs, with the presence of favorable microfacies and diagenetic facies. Additionally, there are significant differences in the composition and carbon isotope characteristics of the natural gas in different intervals and gas fields, indicating localized enrichment.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yunyan Ni, Dazhong Dong, Limiao Yao, Jianping Chen, Xing Liang, Fei Liu, Jian Li, Jinhao Guo, Jinliang Gao
Summary: This study analyzed gases from shale gas fields in the southern Sichuan Basin to investigate their geochemical characteristics and origins. The gases belonged to shale gas from the Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian shale and were dominated by methane. The isotopic compositions of carbon indicated high thermal maturity and contributions from organic matter. The study found a complete carbon isotopic reversal trend and highlighted the importance of understanding the geochemical characteristics of shale gases for future exploration.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yu Yu, Liangbiao Lin, Zhen Li, Hongde Chen
Summary: This study provides insights into the source and formation process of quartz cement in the Xu4 sandstones. The quartz cement is mainly derived from the dissolution of feldspar, the illitization of kaolinite and smectite, and the pressure dissolution of quartz grains. The precipitation of quartz cement is influenced by meteoric water, and the uplift of the basin affects the fluid flow and reactions.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jingdong Liu, Lei Li, Cunjian Zhang, Youlu Jiang, Rudy Swennen, Chengjin Zhao, Shuai Hou
Summary: This study investigates the pore structure and fluid flow behavior in tight sandstone reservoirs of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the northern Sichuan Basin. Different types of sandstones possess different pore-throat systems, with clay mineral-related pores and throats being the key factors affecting the pore structure and fluid flow behavior. The findings provide valuable insights for reservoir characterization and development.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Lin Jiang, Wen Zhao, Dongmei Bo, Yang Fan, Gang Zhou, Jiaqing Hao
Summary: The development of tight gas in China has experienced rapid growth, but faces the challenge of declining production. The Xujiahe Formation in the Sichuan Basin shows potential for the next major gas field. This study investigates the densification mechanism and natural gas accumulation process in the Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Hechuan Area, Sichuan Basin through physical experiments and theoretical analysis. The research describes the reservoir characteristics and analyzes the diagenesis types and characteristics of sandstone reservoirs. In addition, the accumulation period and process of natural gas in the Hechuan gas field are revealed.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cunjian Zhang, Jingdong Liu, Youlu Jiang
Summary: Overpressure is a critical factor in oil and gas reservoir charging in petroliferous basins. Research on its evolution and formation mechanisms is significant for predicting formation pressures before drilling. The study on the Xujiahe Formation in the Sichuan Basin reveals that overpressure development was influenced by factors like hydrocarbon generation and tectonic compression. The analysis indicates different evolution processes and pressure changes in the formation over time.
ENERGY EXPLORATION & EXPLOITATION
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jingdong Liu, Cunjian Zhang, Youlu Jiang, Shuai Hou
Summary: The pore structure of ultra-tight reservoirs plays a key role in controlling quality and fluid flow. The relationship between pore types and rock types was identified, with different types of sandstone reservoirs having distinct pore characteristics. High-pressure mercury intrusion and fractal theory were used for quantitative assessment.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jing-Dong Liu, Cun-Jian Zhang, You-Lu Jiang, Guo-Shuai Bai
Summary: This paper presents a method for evaluating overpressure and its effect on natural gas charging in tight sandstone in a compressional basin using the example of the Xujiahe Formation in the northeastern Sichuan Basin. The study reveals that hydrocarbon generation and tectonic compression are the main causes of overpressure. The residual pressure difference between the source rocks and reservoir is the major driving force for tight sandstone gas charging. The research provides important insights into evaluating overpressure and pressure difference, as well as investigating natural gas charging space in compressed basins.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Ren, Zhengxiang Lv, Honghui Wang, Jianmeng Wu, Shunli Zhang
Summary: High-precision in situ delta O-18 values obtained using SIMS were utilized to study the origin of quartz cement in deep-buried sandstones in western Sichuan Basin, China. Three distinctive quartz precipitation phases (Q1, Q2, Q3) with different formation temperatures and delta O-18 values were identified through petrographic, CL, and fluid inclusion data analysis. Changes in delta O-18((water)) and trace element composition from Q2 to Q3 indicate significant alterations in pore fluid chemistry due to hydrocarbon emplacement and water-rock interactions.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Peng Wang, Shuai Yin, Zhongmin Shen, Tong Zhu, Wenkai Zhang
Summary: Formation water in the Xujiahe tight sandstone reservoir in the study area was determined to be mainly of seawater origin, with some high salinity NaHCO3 water. The presence of Br suggests infiltration, overpressured hydrocarbon expulsion, and diagenesis. The study provides evidence for the marine sedimentary environment of the Xujiahe Formation and guidance for exploring high-quality reservoirs.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Brian Horsfield, Caineng Zou, Jian Li, Shengyu Yang, Nicolaj Mahlstedt, David Misch, Doris Gross, Ma Wei, Yifeng Wang, Jingqiang Tan
Summary: China is believed to have the largest shale gas resources globally, with the highest potential in the Sichuan Basin targeting the Cambrian and Silurian Formations. Lower Paleozoic shales in the basin are kerogen-rich and bitumen-poor, with late gas generation capped at 3% equivalent vitrinite reflectance. Late gas charge potential can be increased by raising the prospective acreage to the 3% R-o limit.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yuke Liu, Shuichang Zhang, Caineng Zou, Xiaomei Wang, Igor Sokolov, Jin Su, Huajian Wang, Kun He
Summary: The study quantitatively investigated the interaction strength between kaolinite and different oil fractions using atomic force microscopy, revealing large hysteresis in the kaolinite-oil interaction curves due to adhesion behavior caused by a meniscus formed at the contact area. Adhesion force and work were found to increase from nonpolar to polar organics in order of saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes, with aromatic C--C and carboxy (-COOH) groups contributing significantly to the strong adhesion between polar oil fractions and clay surface.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lianhua Hou, Caineng Zou, Zhichao Yu, Xia Luo, Songtao Wu, Zhongying Zhao, Senhu Lin, Zhi Yang, Lijun Zhang, Dingwei Wen, Jingwei Cui
Summary: Shale oil and gas sweet spots assessment relies on a new comprehensive method incorporating average estimated ultimate recovery and key geological factors, engineering conditions, and economic indicators. Research data from the lower Eagle Ford Shale in the US Gulf Basin suggest that marine shale oil and gas sweet spots are primarily influenced by oil and gas resources, storage capacity, fluidity, and fracability. The proposed evaluation approach has been validated and can serve as a basis for similar marine shale oil and gas deposits.
ENERGY STRATEGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Houliang Dai, Yinao Su, Lichun Kuang, Jizhen Liu, Dazhao Gu, Caineng Zou
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhen Qiu, Hengye Wei, Li Tian, Jacopo Dal Corso, Jiaqiang Zhang, Caineng Zou
Summary: The Late Ordovician mass extinction is the second most severe biological crisis in Phanerozoic history. The cause of this event is still debated, but extensive volcanism and oceanic euxinia are believed to have played significant roles. Mercury geochemistry provides indirect evidence of intense volcanism, while the presence of euxinia suggests a lack of oxygen in the oceans. These environmental changes are likely responsible for the two pulses of the mass extinction event.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Correction
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yinao Su, Houliang Dai, Lichun Kuang, Jizhen Liu, Dazhao Gu, Caineng Zou, Haixia Huang
Editorial Material
Energy & Fuels
Zhi Yang, Caineng Zou, Zhidong Gu, Fan Yang, Jiarui Li, Xiaoni Wang
Summary: The development of onshore deep and ultra-deep conventional and unconventional oil and gas has played a crucial role in increasing China's energy reserves and output in the past 30 years. Based on the geological conditions in the country, the study identifies paleo stratum and deep burial as the two basic characteristics of deep oil and gas. It suggests the need for strengthening theoretical research and core technology development in deep oil and gas, particularly through scientific exploration of myriameter deep wells, in order to boost the development of deep oil and gas fields in China.
ADVANCES IN GEO-ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Caineng Zou, Zhen Qiu, Jiaqiang Zhang, Zhiyang Li, Hengye Wei, Bei Liu, Jianhua Zhao, Tian Yang, Shifa Zhu, Huifei Tao, Fengyuan Zhang, Yuman Wang, Qin Zhang, Wen Liu, Hanlin Liu, Ziqing Feng, Dan Liu, Jinliang Gao, Rong Liu, Yifan Li
Summary: The commercial exploitation of unconventional petroleum resources has significantly transformed the global energy structure. Sweet-spot intervals, consisting of deposits with high organic matter content or closely associated sandstones/carbonate rocks, are the most productive unconventional hydrocarbon resources. The formation of sweet-spot intervals is controlled by depositional and diagenetic settings influenced by global or regional geological events. Understanding the formation and distribution of sweet-spot intervals is crucial for unconventional petroleum systems.
Editorial Material
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Caineng Zou, Zhi Yang, Guoxin Li, Jianzhong Li, Xianyang Liu, Yong Tang, Tao Jiang, Yu Yang, Xuefeng Bai, Songqi Pan, Minghui Lu, Zhengdong Lei, Bo Cai
JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Caineng Zou, Youliang Feng, Zhi Yang, Wenqi Jiang, Songqi Pan, Tianshu Zhang, Xiaoni Wang, Jichang Zhu, Jiarui Li
JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Yang, Caineng Zou, Songtao Wu, Songqi Pan, Xiaoni Wang, Haitao Liu, Wenqi Jiang, Jiarui Li, Qiyan Li, Xiaobing Niu, Guohui Li, Zhenxing Tang, Xuguang Guo, Dong Huang, Qizhao Wei
Summary: The sweet sections in giant shale oil provinces in China are important areas that support the increase in reserves and production of continental shale oil. These regions have favorable geological conditions for oil and gas accumulation, and their evaluation is based on key parameters such as hydrocarbon generation and reservoir capacities. The development of geological sweet sections in these provinces has contributed to the rapid growth of the shale oil industry in China, providing an important supplement to domestic oil production.
JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Caineng Zou, Songtao Wu, Zhi Yang, Songqi Pan, Guofeng Wang, Xiaohua Jiang, Modi Guan, Cong Yu, Zhichao Yu, Yue Shen
Summary: Carbon dioxide storage and utilization has become an inevitable trend and choice for sustainable development due to global climate change and carbon neutrality. The carbon industry, which focuses on CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS/CCS), is emerging as a strategic industry under the goal of carbon neutrality. The development of a low-cost and energy-efficient carbon industry system based on CCUS/CCS is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality and clean energy utilization globally.
PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Caineng Zou, Jianming Li, Xi Zhang, Xu Jin, Bo Xiong, Huidi Yu, Xiaodan Liu, Shanyu Wang, Yiheng Li, Lin Zhang, Sheng Miao, Dewen Zheng, Hongjun Zhou, Jiani Song, Songqi Pan
Summary: Under China's strategic goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, hydrogen as a renewable, clean, and efficient secondary energy source, with abundant resources, diverse sources, high combustion calorific value, cleanliness, various forms of utilization, energy storage mediums, and good security, will become a realistic way to achieve deep decarbonization in energy, transportation, petrochemical, and other fields, and an important replacement energy source for building a modern clean energy system in China. Therefore, accelerating the development of hydrogen energy has become a global consensus.
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY B
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zou Caineng, Ma Feng, Pan Songqi, Lin Minjie, Zhang Guosheng, Xiong Bo, Wang Ying, Liang Yingbo, Yang Zhi
Summary: Energy is crucial for human development and societal progress. The co-evolution of energy sources and human civilization has had a significant impact on the Earth system and carbon cycle, leading to climate change. The transition to green energy and achieving carbon neutrality are inevitable trends. Building green energy communities is a fundamental measure to create a new energy system. China is speeding up its energy revolution to become a powerful energy nation.
PETROLEUM EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Qiu, Caineng Zou, Benjamin J. W. Mills, Yijun Xiong, Huifei Tao, Bin Lu, Hanlin Liu, Wenjiao Xiao, Simon W. Poulton
Summary: Based on research in the Yangtze Shelf Sea, two intervals of phosphorus recycling were found, which played a critical role in the occurrence of the Late Ordovician mass extinction.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)