Petroleum Exploration and Development (Aug 2023)

Controlling factors and models of shale oil enrichment in Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation, Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China

  • Fujie JIANG,
  • Meiling HU,
  • Tao HU,
  • Jiahao LYU,
  • Liliang HUANG,
  • Chenglin LIU,
  • Zhenxue JIANG,
  • Renda HUANG,
  • Chenxi ZHANG,
  • Guanyun WU,
  • Yuping WU

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 50, no. 4
pp. 812 – 825

Abstract

Read online

Based on the combination of core observation, experimental analysis and testingand geological analysis, the main controlling factors of shale oil enrichment in the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin are clarified, and a shale oil enrichment model is established. The results show that the enrichment of shale oil in the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag is controlled by the organic abundance, organic type, reservoir capacity and the amount of migration hydrocarbon in shale. The abundance of organic matter provides the material basis for shale oil enrichment, and the shales containing types I and II organic matters have good oil content. The reservoir capacity controls shale oil enrichment. Macropores are the main space for shale oil enrichment in the Fengcheng Formation, and pore size and fracture scale directly control the degree of shale oil enrichment. The migration of hydrocarbons in shale affects shale oil enrichment. The shale that has expelled hydrocarbons has poor oil content, while the shale that has received hydrocarbons migrated from other strata has good oil content. Lithofacies reflect the hydrocarbon generation and storage capacity comprehensively. The laminated felsic shale, laminated lime-dolomitic shale and thick-layered felsic shale have good oil content, and they are favorable lithofacies for shale oil enrichment. Under the control of these factors, relative migration of hydrocarbons occurred within the Fengcheng shale, which leads to the the difference in the enrichment process of shale oil. Accordingly, the enrichment mode of shale oil in Fengcheng Formation is established as “in-situ enrichment” and “migration enrichment”. By superimposing favorable lithofacies and main controlling factors of enrichment, the sweet spot of shale oil in the Fengcheng Formation can be selected which has great significance for the exploration and development of shale oil.

Keywords