Characterization of fractures in low‐permeability thin tight sandstones: A case study of Chang 6 Member, Yanchang Formation, western Ordos Basin

Abstract

Structural fractures are formed when the underground rock mass deforms and exceeds its own strength limit, so they represent the complex geomechanical properties of rock. Small or core‐scale fractures usually extend less than 10 m in length, which affects the productivity of tight sandstone. Therefore, core‐scale fracture is the core factor for the prediction of reservoir sweet spots. In this paper, the research on the evolution and prediction of natural fractures in tight sandstone is investigated using the core, thin section, logging materials and numerical simulation methods. The results show that a large number of vertical and horizontal sliding fractures with shearing properties are developed in the tight sandstones of the Yanchang Formation. The particle size affects the compactible space inside the reservoir, which then affects the fracture development degree. Since the superimposed thin sand bodies are formed by the frequent lateral migration of the underwater distributary channels in the study area, therefore, the natural fractures in the thin sand bodies at the edge of river channels are relatively developed. According to statistics, the vertical extension distance of fractures is usually less than 2 m. Meanwhile, the fractured zones are mainly located in the cumulative sand body thickness range of 3 ~ 10 m. Moreover, the fractured zones are generally located in the high part of the structure and its wings. Regional structure and thin sand body distribution jointly affect the evolution of fractures in tight sandstones. Through this study, we found that fractures are more developed in thin sand bodies, and the controlling factors include lithology, sedimentary microfacies, sand thickness and local structure. The comprehensive evaluation of fractures in tight sandstones with high accuracy from 1D to 3D was achieved using core observation, logging interpretation, and three‐dimensional (3D) fracture modelling.

Petroleum geology of conventional and unconventional resources: Introduction

“…According to the study by Jiang et al (2023), the controlling factors of shale gas accumulation in the Longmaxi Formation in the southern Sichuan Basin include structure, sedimentation, reservoir and fracture. Ni et al (2023) studied the evolution and prediction of natural fractures in the tight sandstone of the Yanchang Formation in the western Ordos Basin using the core, thin section, logging materials and numerical simulation methods. They introduced a comprehensive evaluation of fractures in tight sandstones with high accuracy from 1D to 3D that can provide a scientific basis for the prediction of sweet spots in low‐grade thin sand bodies in similar areas.…”