Effects of diagenesis on natural fractures in tight oil reservoirs: A case study of the Permian Lucaogou Formation in Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China

Abstract

Compared with conventional reservoirs, tight reservoirs experience more intense diagenesis; thus, their properties are extremely poor. Nevertheless, natural fractures with high‐strength can appear in these reservoirs and could play an essential role in the accumulation and production of tight oil. In this study, we focused on the effects of different diagenetic processes in the formation and transformation of natural fractures to determine the effects of natural fractures on tight reservoirs. Various observation techniques and analysis methods were applied (i.e., observations of cores, cast thin sections, scanning electron microscopy; field emission scanning electron microscopy; and X‐ray diffraction analysis). We clarified characteristics of the fractures and distribution patterns based on core descriptions and microscopic observations and explained the diagenetic stage and evolution sequence of reservoirs. Past studies regarding carbon and oxygen isotope analysis and basin simulation were considered. This study also reviewed the fracture formation time, source of fracture fillings, and oil charging time. We obtained insight into the coupling relationship of fracture states, diagenetic sequences, hydrocarbon charging, and, in particular, the controlling effect of diagenesis on natural fractures. The results revealed that formation, preservation, and destruction of natural fractures in tight reservoirs were closely related to diagenesis. Compaction and cementation in the reservoirs decreased the porosity and altered the petrophysical properties of the reservoir. They also provided favorable conditions for the development of tectonic fractures, while dissolution did not. The influences of dissolution and cementation on natural fractures depended on the duration for which these processes were active. Compaction and cementation formed related types of diagenetic fractures, while dissolution increased the effectiveness of natural fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of diagenesis on the formation, controlling effects, and effectiveness of natural fractures, as well as the effects of natural fractures on tight reservoirs through geological history. This study is expected to provide guidance for future exploration and development of tight oil and gas with similar geological origins.

Diagenesis and Its Impact on the Reservoir Quality of Continental Shales: A Case Study of the Lower Jurassic Da’anzhai Member of the Ziliujing Formation in the Sichuan Basin, China

“…e strong compaction effect makes the water flow out of the mud and also causes the microaggregation of different components of the mud, the aggregation of flake minerals and the weakly oriented laminate arrangement, forming bedding fractures; during the subperiod B and later stages of middle diagenetic rocks, transformed into dissolution, forming parallel gaps with a certain opening, which prepares space for the accumulation and storage of free gas and absorbed gas, and it is also an important type of fracture developed in the rock. e occurrence of bedding fractures is parallel or approximately parallel to the interface of the laminae, and the bedding fractures are also clearly developed in the thin shale interval with dense laminae, reflecting that the degree of development of bedding fractures in shale is closely related to the laminae [33][34][35][36]. e openings of bedding fractures usually vary greatly.…”