Correlation between formation pressure and hydrocarbon enrichment in Triassic Xujiahe Formation, Western Sichuan Depression

Abstract

The Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Xinchang structural belt of the Western Sichuan Depression is an important exploration target for tight sandstone hydrocarbon in the Sichuan Basin. Several studies are carried out in this paper to improve the effectiveness of exploration and development including the characteristics of oil and gas movement with a view of dynamic point combining with fluid dynamics, determine the distribution characteristics of oil and gas in combination with static research results, and study the relationship between hydrocarbon enrichment and formation pressure. Overpressure is developed in the study area, and the degree of overpressure in the third member of Xujiahe Formation is the highest. Whilst the formation pressure of the main gas producing layer, the second member of Xujiahe Formation, is generally between 60-80 MPa with the maximum residual pressure reaches 40 MPa. The residual pressure gradients in most areas distribute between 0-3 MPa/km and up to 10 MPa/km as the highest. According to dynamic hydrocarbon enrichment theory and the relevant research on residual pressure and residual pressure gradient, it is considered that it has an important relationship with faults, fluids, hydrocarbon distribution and production performance. The area with higher residual pressure gradient (1-2 MPa/km) both improves fluid migration capacity and provides favorable reservoir, which is conducive to long-term high-yield and stable production.

Keywords

• formation pressure
• residual pressure gradient
• hydrocarbon distribution
• xujiahe formation
• west sichuan depression