download---->>>Preliminary_s...ong_shale_oil_HE Wenyuan
---RESEARCH NEWS STORY
03 August 2022
Digging a Little Deeper: New Earth Science Frontiers Study Explores the Nanoscale Properties of the Gulong Shale Oil Reservoir
A new study elucidates the role of nanoscopic spaces in the in situ accumulation of shale oil in the Gulong-Qingshankou reservoir in China
In our energy-sparse world, the demand for shale oil is high. But to effectively tap into this resource, it is necessary to understand the petrological properties of the reservoirs storing this crude oil. Now, a new study on the Daqing Oilfield in China, examines the microfabric properties that allow the shale deposits in the Gulong-Qingshankou reservoir to both generate and store shale oil in situ.
Shale oil, a type of crude oil similar to petroleum, is found between layers of organic-rich shale. It can be refined into petrol, diesel, and other products, making it a sought-after resource. The Qingshankou Formation in the Gulong Sag of the Songliao Basin in China is a large geological body of shale deposits formed at the bottom of an ancient lake. These deposits contain about 15.3 billion tons of pure shale oil. Naturally, the Gulong-Qingshankou Formation is an important national reservoir for shale oil. Recent studies have revealed interesting attributes of this massive reservoir, especially the presence of nanopores in the shale layers containing solid bitumen that has remained unmoved for centuries.
Studying the petrological characteristics of shale can uncover a lot about a reservoir’s formation, spatial and physical properties, oil content, and development value. Consequently, a new study published in Earth Science Frontiers, delves deeper into the petrological and microfabric properties of shale from the Gulong Sag to unearth evidence about the formation, reservoir space, and in situ collection of shale oil. The study was spearheaded by Dr. He Wenyuan from Daqing Oilfield Co Ltd, who says, “Nanopores in shale are considered significant spaces for shale oil accumulation. Since the shale oil in the Gulong Sag is known to have a 90% source-reservoir ratio, exploring the nanopores in this reservoir might help uncover valuable information.”
Dr. Wenyuan used electron microscopy, energy spectrum analysis, and thermal simulation to analyze the Gulong shale samples. He found that the Gulong shale is predominantly made of clay, with well-developed nanopores and nanofissures—about 10-50 nm in diameter/width. Over the years, organic matter such as degraded algal debris and kerogen (fossilized organic material), got deposited into these nanopores to form organic clay aggregates. The organic content of this clay was as high as 91.5% (>53% on average). Subsequently, this organic clay became the main source material for producing hydrocarbons, primarily liquid bitumen and shale oil.
Dr. Wenyuan’s analyses revealed that almost 87% of the original organic matter was consumed during hydrocarbon generation. What’s more, the vacant nanopores left behind by the organic matter were occupied by the liquid hydrocarbons. Given the closed shape of the nanopores and high capillary resistance, the hydrocarbons remained detained inside the rocks with hardly any movement, and eventually solidified into solid bitumen/asphalt. Thus, the Gulong shale deposits self-generated and self-stored the shale oil, which explains the region’s high source-reservoir ratio.
Despite being a preliminary study, these results help draw a clearer picture of the Gulong-Qingshankou reservoir. Talking about the possible implications of these findings, Dr. Wenyuan says, “The outcomes of this study can potentially propel the progress in exploration and development of shale oil in the region and maybe even China. But for now, future research should focus on further verifying and investigating these exploratory findings.”
Perhaps this is one of those rare occasions when “hitting rock bottom” might be a good thing!
Reference
|
Authors
Title of original paper
Journal |
He Wenyuan
Preliminary study on nanopores, nanofissures, and in situ accumulation of Gulong shale oil
Earth Science Frontiers |
|
|
|
|
DOI
Affiliations |
10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.8.32-en
Daqing Oilfield Co Ltd and Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil |
Additional information for EurekAlert
Latest Article Publication Date Yet to be published
Method of Research Imaging analysis
Subject of Research Not Applicable
COI Statement Not Available
Project Funding National Science and Technology Major Project "Main Controlling Factors of Large Lithologic Reservoir Formation and Favorable Zone Evaluation" (2017ZX05001-002)
