Discussion on effective development techniques for continental tight oil in China

Abstract

Based on the main geological features and technical breakthroughs made in tight oil exploration, the major challenges facing tight oil development are analyzed, and the key technical trend for tight oil development is discussed in this paper. Mainly found in continental deposits, tight oil reservoirs in China feature small area, poor physical properties, big differences in geological characteristics between different basins, but low porosity, low permeability and pressure in general. In contrast to marine tight oil, tight oil in continental deposits faces such challenges as low production and recovery, and poor economics. Through nearly three years of research and pilot test, an integrated development mode with repeated fracturing of horizontal wells as the principal technique has been proposed, which includes integrated design, platform long horizontal well drilling, massive volume fracturing, re-fracturing stimulation, controlled production, factory-like operation, concentrated surface construction etc. It is recommended that study be strengthened on basic tight oil development theory, practical development technologies, and economic evaluation of tight oil development over the whole life cycle. Key words: continental tight oil, geological characteristics, effective development, key techniques, repeated fracturing of horizontal wells