Prospect Analysis of Shale Gas Resource Exploration in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation, Southeastern Margin of the Sichuan Basin, China

Abstract:

In order to understand the sedimentary characteristics of shale and prospects of shale gas exploration in the lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation northern of Guizhou Province, outcrop and core observations, thin sections, X-ray diffraction analysis and other means are used. Studies show that the thickness of Longmaxi formation shale is generally large, range from 20m to 200m, mainly develop in the water shelf. The mineral mainly compose of detrital quartz and clay minerals, and five lithofacies can be identified: black shale, silty shale, carbonaceous shale, calcareous shale and argillaceous siltstone. Longmaxi shale kerogen type is mainlyIand II, and Ro value is average of 1.87%, mainly in the mature - over mature stage. In addition, the TOC content and gas content of Longmaxi shale is high, what’s more, these two parameters have good positive correlation. Compared with the Barnett shale, both of them have some similarities in the development environment shale, shale thickness and type of organic matter and TOC content, while, Longmaxi shale is deeply buried and post-destruction more intense. Longmaxi shale sedimentary environment is stable, high shale thickness and stable distribution, good quality source rocks and high brittle mineral content, which has meet the basic parameters of shale gas exploration and development, and has a large shale gas exploration potential in study area.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1014)
• Pages: 228-232
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1014.228
• Online since: July 2014
• Authors: Chen Lin Hu*, Yuan Fu Zhang, Zhi Feng Wang, Hai Bo Zhang
• Keywords: Exploration Prospects, Longmaxi Formation, Lower Silurian, Shale Gas, Sichuan Basin

References

[1] Zou Caineng, Dong Dazhong, Wang Shejiao, et al. Geological characteristics, formation mechanism and resource potential of shale gas in China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2010, 37(6): 641-653.

DOI: 10.1016/s1876-3804(11)60001-3

[2] Zhang Jinchuan, Xu Bo, Nie Haikuan, et al. Two essential gas, accumulations for natural gas exploration in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2007, 27(11): 1-6.

[3] Gong Meilin, Ding Wenlong, Pi Dongdong, et al. Forming conditions of shale gas of Shanxi formation of Permian in the southest of Orldos basin[J]. Journal of Northest Petroleum University, 2013, 37(3): 1-10.

[4] Li Yanjun, Liu Huan, Liu Jiaxia et al. Geological regional selection and an evaluation method of resource potential of shale gas[J]. Journal of Southwest Petroleum University（Science & Technology Edition）, 2011, 33(2): 28-34.

[5] Zhang Jinchuan, Xu Bo, Nie Haikuan et al. Exploration potential of shale gas resources in China[J]. Naturl gas industry, 28(6): 136-140.

[6] Yang Yiting, Zhang Jinchuan, Wang Xiangzeng et al. Source rock evaluation of continental shale gas: A case study of Chang 7 of Mesozoic Yanchang Formation in Xia Siwan area of Yanchang[J]. Journal of Northest Petroleum University, 2012, 36(4): 10-17.

[7] Pu Boling, Jiang Youlu, Wang Yi, et al. Reservoir-forming conditions and favorable exploration zones of shale gas in Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation of Sichuan Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2010, 31(2): 225-230.

[8] Zhao Jianan, Chen Yongjin, Jiang Wenbin. Shale gas reservoir evaluation and prediction of the shale gas reservoir's favorable zone in the cretaceous Qingshankou formation of the southern Songliao basin[J]. Journal of Northest Petroleum University, 2013, 37(2): 26-36.

[9] Chen Hongde, Huang Fuxi, Xu Shenli, et al. Distribution rule and main controlling factors of the marine facies hydrocarbon substances in the middle and upper parts of Yangtze region , China[J]. Journal of Chengdu university of technology(Science & Technology Edition）, 2009, 36(6)：569-577.

[10] Mou Chuanlong, Zhou Kenken, Liang Wei, et al. Early Paleozoic sedimentary environment of hydrocarbon source rocks in the Middle-Upper Yangtze Region and petroleum and gas exploration[J]. Acta Geologica Sinica, 2011, 85(4): 526-532.

[11] Liu Shugen, Ma Wenxin, Luba J, et al. Characteristics of the shale gas reservoir rocks in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation, East Sichuan basin, China[J]. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 2011, 27(8): 2239-2252.

DOI: 10.1260/0144-5987.31.2.187

[12] Liang Chao, Jiang Zaixing, Yang Yiting, et al. Characteristics of shale lithofacies and reservoir space of the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation, Sichuan Basin[J]. Petroleum exploration and development. 2012，39(6)：691-698.

DOI: 10.1016/s1876-3804(12)60098-6

[13] Su Wenbo, Li Zhiming, Ettensohn F R, et al. Distribution of black shale in the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formations (Ordovician–Silurian), South China: Major controlling factors and implications[J]. Earth Science: Journal of China University of Geosciences, 2007, 32(6): 819-827.

DOI: 10.1007/s11707-007-0058-6

[14] Zhang Jinchuan, Jiang Shengling, Tang Xuan, et al. Accumulation types and resources characteristics of shale gas in China [J]. Naturl gas industry, 2009, 29(12): 109-117.

[15] Jiang, Z.X., Guo, L. and Liang, C. Lithofacies and sedimentary characteristics of the Silurian Longmaxi Shale in the southeastern Sichuan Basin, China. Journal of Palaeogeography, 2013, 2(3): 238-251.

[16] Loucks RG and Ruppel SC, 2007. Mississippian Barnett shale: Lithofacies and depositional setting of a deep-water shale-gas succession in the Fort Worth basin, Texas[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 91( 4) : 579-601.

DOI: 10.1306/11020606059

[17] Scott L Montgomery, Daniel M Jarvie, Kent A Bowker, et al, 2005. Missis-sippian Barnett Shale, Fort Worth basin, north-central Texas: Gas-shale play with multi-trillion cubic foot potential[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 89(2): 155-175.

DOI: 10.1306/09170404042

[18] Zeng X L, Liu S G, Huang W M, Zhang C J. Comparison of Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale of Sichuan Basin in China and Carboniferous Barnett Formation shale of Fort Worth Basin in United States. Geological Bulletin of China, 2011, 30(2/3)：372-384.

DOI: 10.2523/iptc-14487-ms