Influence of Natural Fractures on Tight Oil Migration and Production: A Case Study of Permian Lucaogou Formation in Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China

Natural fractures, as the main flow channels and important storage spaces, have significant effects on the migration, distribution, and accumulation of tight oil. According to outcrop, core, formation micro image (FMI), cast-thin-section, and scanning electron microscopy data from the tight reservoir within the Permian Lucaogou Formation of the Junggar Basin, tectonic fractures are prevalent in this formation mainly on micro to large scale. There are two types of fractures worth noticing: diagenetic fractures and overpressure-related fractures, primarily at micro to medium scale. The diagenetic fractures consist of bedding fractures, stylolites, intragranular fractures, grain-boundary fractures, and diagenetic shrinkage fractures. Through FMI interpretation and Monte Carlo method evaluation, the macro-fractures could be considered as migration channels, and the micro-fractures as larger pore throats that function as storage spaces. The bedding fractures formed earlier than all tectonic fractures, while the overpressure-related fractures formed in the Middle and Late Jurassic. The bedding fractures and stylolites function as the primary channels for horizontal migration of tight oil. The tectonic fractures can provide vertical migration channels and reservoir spaces for tight oil, and readjust the tight oil distribution. The overpressure-related fractures are fully filled with calcite, and hence, have little effect on hydrocarbon migration and storage capacity. The data on tight oil production shows that the density and aperture of fractures jointly determine the productivity of a tight reservoir.

Automated summary

Natural fractures, including tectonic fractures, diagenetic fractures, and overpressure-related fractures, play a crucial role in the migration, distribution, and accumulation of tight oil in the Permian Lucaogou Formation of the Junggar Basin. The different types of fractures serve as migration channels, storage spaces, and reservoir spaces for tight oil, with their density and aperture impacting the productivity of the reservoir.