Hydrocarbon enrichment mechanism of Duvernay marine shale in the Western Canada Basin

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2023.9.36

Abstract

Abstract:

The Duvernay shale in the Upper Devonian is a formation of shale rich in oil and gas, created during the peak transgression period in the Western Canada Basin. This study aims to elucidate the factors influencing hydrocarbon enrichment in the Duvernay shale through the analysis of sedimentary elements, fluid distribution, reservoir quality, and drivers of organic matter enrichment. Utilizing data from cores, well logging, thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, 3D pore reconstruction, and organic geochemistry, this research examines the geological context to determine that oil and gas accumulation in the Duvernay shale is governed by the sedimentary conditions of siliceous shale, organic matter thermal maturity, reservoir quality, and stable structural settings. The Duvernay Formation, situated in a deep-water shelf environment during the Late Devonian, comprises primarily marl, mudstone, and shale lithologies. it is observed that Type II and III marine organic matters are abundant in the Duvernay shale through the identification of ten lithofacies, with siliceous shale being predominant. These organic materials exhibit moderate thermal maturity, falling within the condensate to wet gas stage, leading to a high condensate to gas ratio. Oil and gas are predominantly found in siliceous shale with organic pores created by clay-grade minerals, showcasing organic and intra-granular pore types. The shale possesses high effective porosity, with well-connected and horizontally distributed pores that display vertical connectivity characteristics. Diagenesis enhances the physical properties of the shale reservoir, while natural fractures boost permeability. Ultimately, the preservation of Duvernay shale oil is heavily dependent on a stable structural setting.

Key words: Western Canada Basin, Duvernay shale, lithofacies, thermal maturity of organic matter, hydrocarbon enrichment mechanism

CLC Number:

DOU Lirong, HUANG Wensong, KONG Xiangwen, WANG Ping, ZHAO Zibin. Hydrocarbon enrichment mechanism of Duvernay marine shale in the Western Canada Basin[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2024, 31(4): 191-205.

Figures/Tables 12

Fig.1 Geological map of the Western Canada Basin and the subdivision scheme of the Duvernay shale

Fig.2 A lithology correlation section in the Simonette block of the Western Canada Basin (The section position is shown in Fig.1a)

Fig.3 Core pictures of different types of Duvernay shales. a—Laminar siliceous shale; b—Biofossil rich shale; c—Shale with trace fossil; d—Calcareous gravel shale.

Fig.4 Electron scanning electron microscope photos of Duvernay shales. a—Quartz grains encased in illite; b—Intercalation of illite and illimolite; c—Dispersed organic matter enclosed in authigenic pyrite; d—Organic matter embedded between authigenic calcite and clay minerals; Q—Quartz; F—Feldspar; K—Kerogen; Op—Organic particles; Ca—Calcite; Py—Pyrite; Si—Authigenic quartz; Cl—Clay minerals; Fd—Ferroan dolomite.

Fig.5 Correlation between quartz content and organic carbon content (a) and bulk density (b) of various lithofacies of shales in Simonette block

Fig.6 Organic types of Duvernay shale

Fig.7 Map of oil and gas characteristics of Duvernay shale. a—Gas-oil ratio distribution map of Duvernay shale in the Western Canada Basin; b—Zoning of condensate oil content in the Simonette block; c—Relationship between hydrogen index and condensate oil content.

Fig.8 Characteristics of organic pore of Duvernay shale reservoir. a—Well 11-8, 3822 m in the Simonette area; b—Well 6-9, 3427.37 m in the Simonette area;c—Well 11-34, 3959.03 m in the Pinto area; d—Well 11-05, 3405 m in the Willesdon Green area.

Fig.9 3D FIB-SEM photos of Duvernay shale reservoir. red—isolated pores; blue—connected pores; green—organic matter. a—Well 6-9, 3432.59 m; b—Well 11-8, 3810.35 m; c—Well 11-34, 3945.27 m; d—Well 13-5, 3122.72 m.

Fig.10 Correlation between physical properties and hydrocarbon content of Duvernay shale reservoir

Fig.11 Organic pore characteristics under different degrees of thermal evolution in Duvernay shale reservoirs

Fig.12 Development and brittleness characteristics of microfractures at different scales in Duvernay shale reservoirs

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