No abstract

No abstract

Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) has been widely used to characterize the pore structure for various types of porous media. Several relationships between permeability and pore structure information (e.g., porosity and pore-size distribution) have been developed in the literature. This work is to introduce a new, and simpler, empirical equation to predict permeability by solely using the median pore-throat radius (r 50), which is the pore-throat radius corresponding to 50% mercury saturation. The total of 18 samples used in this work have a wide range of permeability, from 10 −6 to 10 3 mD, which makes the new equation more applicable. The predicted permeabilities by using the new equation are comparable with permeability values obtained from other measurement methods, as shown from ten samples with permeability data measured with nitrogen.

To identify the factors controlling high-quality deep shale gas reservoirs and the exploration and development potential of the Lower Paleozoic marine shale in the Sichuan Basin, the sedimentary environment of deep shale was comprehensively analysed using core thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, gamma ray spectrometry logging, and elemental logging data. In addition, the geological conditions of deep shale gas accumulation and the effect of tectonic processes on the preservation conditions are discussed based on the experimental data of mineral composition analysis, geochemical features, and reservoir spatial characteristics. (1) The sedimentary environment changes from an anoxic water environment to an oxygen-rich oxidizing environment from bottom to top in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in southern Sichuan. The deep shale gas reservoir shows overpressure and rich gas characteristics, namely, high formation pressure (2.0~2.2), high porosity (20%~55%), and high gas content (4.0~5.0 m3/t). (2) The favourable sedimentary environment has a higher hydrocarbon generation potential and deposits of rich organic matter and siliceous particles. During the hydrocarbon generation process, the rich organic matter generates a large number of organic pores and a large specific surface area, which provides the main reservoir and adsorption space for free and adsorbed shale gas. A large number of biogenic siliceous particles provide a solid rock support framework for the shale reservoir, thereby maintaining excellent reservoir physical properties. (3) Late and small stratigraphic uplifts result in a short shale gas escape time and favourable preservation conditions. Additionally, the small-scale faults and a high-angle intersection between the fracture strike and the geostress direction are conducive to the preservation of shale gas. (4) A high formation pressure coefficient, a sedimentary environment rich in organic siliceous deep-water continental shelf microfacies, and a relatively stable tectonic structure are conducive to the accumulation of deep shale gas.

No abstract