Fractal and Fractional

Research

20 pages, 8716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pore Fractal and Structure Analysis of Pore-Filling Chlorite in Continental Shales: A Case Study from the Qingshankou Formation in the Gulong Sag

by Yuan Kang, Rukai Zhu, Kouqi Liu, Jingya Zhang and Chang Liu

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(4), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9040266 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 112

Abstract

The successful exploration and development of shale oil in the clay-rich Gulong shale have sparked increased research into the influence of clay minerals on shale reservoirs. However, compared to chlorite in sandstones, limited studies have focused on the occurrence of chlorite in continental [...] Read more.

The successful exploration and development of shale oil in the clay-rich Gulong shale have sparked increased research into the influence of clay minerals on shale reservoirs. However, compared to chlorite in sandstones, limited studies have focused on the occurrence of chlorite in continental shales and its effects on shale reservoir properties. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of chlorite in Gulong shale samples from three wells at different diagenetic stages. Four primary chlorite occurrences are identified in the Gulong shale: Type I, which is chlorite filling dissolved pores in carbonate; Type II, which is isolated chlorite; Type III, which is chlorite filling organic matter; and Type IV, which is chlorite filling authigenic microquartz. Types I and III chlorites exhibit higher porosity, offering more storage space for shale reservoirs. Chlorites of Types I, III, and IV, filled with other substances, display higher fractal dimensions, indicating more complex pore structures. These complex pores are favorable for oil adsorption but hinder oil seepage. The processes of organic matter expulsion and dissolution, which intensify with increasing diagenesis, promote the development of Types I and III chlorites, thereby positively influencing the shale reservoir porosity of Gulong shale. This study underscores the influence of chlorite occurrences on shale reservoir properties, providing valuable insights for the future exploration and development of shale oil and gas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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23 pages, 8658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Pore Heterogeneity in Lacustrine Shale Based on MIP, LTNA, NMR, and Multifractal Characteristics: A Case Study of the Jurassic Dongyuemiao Member, China

by Xu Wu, Yifan Gu, Yuqiang Jiang, Zhanlei Wang and Yonghong Fu

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(4), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9040265 - 21 Apr 2025

Viewed by 181

Abstract

Pore structure plays a critical role in evaluating shale “sweet spots”. Compared to marine shale, lacustrine shale has more diverse lithofacies types and greater heterogeneity in pore structure due to frequently changing environmental conditions. Using methods such as mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), field [...] Read more.

Pore structure plays a critical role in evaluating shale “sweet spots”. Compared to marine shale, lacustrine shale has more diverse lithofacies types and greater heterogeneity in pore structure due to frequently changing environmental conditions. Using methods such as mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), this study investigates the micropore structures and heterogeneity of different lithofacies in the Jurassic Dongyuemiao Member lacustrine shale. Image processing and multifractal theory were employed to identify the controlling factors of pore structure heterogeneity. The key findings are as follows. (1) Based on mineral content and laminae types, the lithofacies types of Dongyuemiao lacustrine shale are classified into four types: shell–laminae mixed shale (SLMS), silty–laminae clay shale (SLCS), clast–laminae clay shale (CLCS), and clay shale (CS). (2) Based on genesis, shale reservoirs’ pore and permeability space are categorized into inorganic pores, organic pores, and micro-fractures. Inorganic pores consist of inter-particle pores and intra-particle pores. Pore size distribution curves for all four lithofacies exhibit two main peaks, with pore sizes concentrated in the ranges of 2–10 nm and 50–80 nm. Mesopores and macropores dominate, accounting for over 80% of the total pore volume. Mesopores are most developed in CLCS, representing 56.3%. (3) Quartz content is positively correlated with the multifractal dimension, while clay content shows a negative correlation. Higher quartz content, coupled with lower clay content, weakens pore structure heterogeneity. A negative correlation exists between total organic carbon (TOC) and the multifractal dimension, indicating that higher organic matter content enhances organic pore development and increases microscopic heterogeneity. (4) Porosity heterogeneity in SLMS is effectively characterized by D₀-D_max, while in the other three lithofacies, it is characterized by D_min-D₀. Permeability across all lithofacies correlates with D₀-D_max. In CS, SLMS, and SLCS, permeability is positively correlated with D₀-D_max, with higher values indicating greater permeability heterogeneity. In CLCS, permeability is negatively correlated with D₀-D_max, such that lower values reflect stronger heterogeneity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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30 pages, 9041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pore–Fracture Structure and Fractal Features of Carboniferous Taiyuan Formation Hydrocarbon Source Rocks as Investigated Using MICP, LFNMR, and FESEM

by Dun Wu, Liu Zhao, Guangqing Hu and Wenyong Zhang

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(4), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9040263 - 20 Apr 2025

Viewed by 87

Abstract

The pore structure of reservoir rocks was a crucial factor affecting hydrocarbon production. Accurately characterized the micropore structure of different types of rock reservoirs was of great significance for unconventional natural gas exploration. In this study, multiple observation methods (field emission scanning electron [...] Read more.

The pore structure of reservoir rocks was a crucial factor affecting hydrocarbon production. Accurately characterized the micropore structure of different types of rock reservoirs was of great significance for unconventional natural gas exploration. In this study, multiple observation methods (field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LFNMR)) and physical tests (mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP)) were employed, and double logarithmic plots for fractal fitting were illustrated. The fractal dimension of 15 samples was calculated using fractal theory to systematically investigate the pore–fracture structure and fractal characteristics of hydrocarbon source rock (limestone, mudstone, and sandstone) samples from the Late Carboniferous Taiyuan Formation in the Huainan coalfield. MICP experiments revealed that sandstone reservoirs had larger and more uniformly distributed pore throats compared to mudstone and limestone, exhibiting superior connectivity and permeability. The T₂ spectrum characteristic maps obtained using LFNMR were also consistent with the pore distribution patterns derived from MICP experiments, particularly showed that sandstone types exhibited excellent signal intensity across different relaxation time periods and had a broader T₂ spectrum width, which fully indicated that sandstone types possess superior pore structures and higher connectivity. FESEM experiments demonstrated that sandstone pores were highly developed and uniform, with sandstone fractures dominated by large fractures above the micrometer scale. Meanwhile, the FESEM fractal dimension results indicated that sandstone exhibits good fractal characteristics, validating its certain oil storage capacity. Furthermore, the FESEM fractal dimension exhibited a good correlation with the porosity and permeability of the hydrocarbon source rock reservoirs, suggesting that the FESEM fractal dimension can serve as an important parameter for evaluating the physical properties of hydrocarbon source rock reservoirs. This study enriched the basic geological theories for unconventional natural gas exploration in deep coal-bearing strata in the Huainan coalfield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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28 pages, 17047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Analysis of Organic Matter Nanopore Structure in Tectonically Deformed Shales

by Mingliang Liang, Min Dong, Zongxiu Wang, Kaixun Zhang, Xiaoshi Li and Xingqiang Feng

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(4), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9040257 - 18 Apr 2025

Viewed by 217

Abstract

Fractal analysis was used to characterize the organic matter nanopore structure in tectonically deformed shales, providing insights into the heterogeneity and complexity of the pore network. Shale samples from different tectonic deformation styles (undeformed, brittle deformed, and ductile deformed) in the Lower Cambrian [...] Read more.

Fractal analysis was used to characterize the organic matter nanopore structure in tectonically deformed shales, providing insights into the heterogeneity and complexity of the pore network. Shale samples from different tectonic deformation styles (undeformed, brittle deformed, and ductile deformed) in the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in western Hunan, South China, were collected. By comprehensively applying techniques such as low-temperature gaseous (CO₂ and N₂) adsorption (LTGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ImageJ analysis, we accurately obtained key parameters of the pore structure. The results show ductile deformation reduces fractal dimension (D_M) by ~0.2 compared to brittle deformed shale, reflecting the homogenization of organic nanopore structures. Brittle deformation leads to a more complex pore network, while ductile deformation reduces the complexity of the organic nanopore structure. The fractal dimensions are affected by various factors, with micropore development being crucial for undeformed shale, clay and pore length–width ratio dominating in brittle deformed shale, and all-scale pores being key for ductile deformed shale. This study provides the first comparative analysis of fractal dimensions across undeformed, brittle deformed, and ductile deformed shales, revealing distinct pore structure modifications linked to deformation styles. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the influence mechanism of tectonic deformation on shale pore structure and fractal characteristics but also provide a theoretical basis for optimizing shale gas exploration and production strategies. These findings offer a framework for predicting gas storage and flow dynamics in tectonically complex shale reservoirs. For instance, in areas with different tectonic deformation styles, we can better evaluate the gas storage capacity and production potential of shale reservoirs according to the obtained fractal characteristics, which is of great significance for efficient shale gas development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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22 pages, 7607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Multifractal Characteristics and Detrended Cross-Correlation of Conventional Logging Data Regarding Igneous Rocks

by Shiyao Wang, Dan Mou, Xinghua Qi and Zhuwen Wang

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9030163 - 7 Mar 2025

Viewed by 410

Abstract

In the current context of the global energy landscape, China is facing a growing challenge in oil and gas exploration and development. It is difficult to evaluate the log data because of the lithological composition of igneous rocks, which displays an unparalleled degree [...] Read more.

In the current context of the global energy landscape, China is facing a growing challenge in oil and gas exploration and development. It is difficult to evaluate the log data because of the lithological composition of igneous rocks, which displays an unparalleled degree of complexity and unpredictability. Against this backdrop, this study deploys advanced multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) to comprehensively analyze key parameters within igneous rock logging data, including natural gamma-ray logging, resistivity logging, compensated neutron logging, and acoustic logging. The results unequivocally demonstrate that these logging data possess distinct multifractal characteristics. This multifractality serves as a powerful tool to elucidate the inherent complexity, heterogeneity, and structural and property variations in igneous rocks caused by diverse geological processes and environmental changes during their formation and evolution, which is crucial for understanding the subsurface reservoir behavior. Subsequently, through a series of rearrangement sequences and the replacement sequence on the original logging data, we identify that the probability density function and long-range correlation are the fundamental sources of the observed multifractality. These findings contribute to a deeper theoretical understanding of the data-generating mechanisms within igneous rock formations. Finally, multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-DCCA) is employed to explore the cross-correlations among different types of igneous rock logging data. We uncover correlations among different igneous rocks’ logging data. These parameters exhibit different properties. There are negative long-range correlations between natural gamma-ray logging and resistivity logging, natural gamma-ray logging and compensated neutron logging in basalt, and resistivity logging and compensated neutron logging in diabase. The logging data on other igneous rocks have long-range correlations. These correlation results are of great significance as they provide solid data support for the formulation of oil and gas exploration and development plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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19 pages, 4734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Analysis of Volcanic Rock Image Based on Difference Box-Counting Dimension and Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix: A Case Study in the Liaohe Basin, China

by Sijia Li, Zhuwen Wang and Dan Mou

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(2), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9020099 - 4 Feb 2025

Viewed by 741

Abstract

Volcanic rocks, as a widely distributed rock type on the earth, are mostly buried deep within basins, and their internal structures possess characteristics by irregularity and self-similarity. In the study of volcanic rocks, accurately identifying the lithology of volcanic rocks is significant for [...] Read more.

Volcanic rocks, as a widely distributed rock type on the earth, are mostly buried deep within basins, and their internal structures possess characteristics by irregularity and self-similarity. In the study of volcanic rocks, accurately identifying the lithology of volcanic rocks is significant for reservoir description and reservoir evaluation. The accuracy of lithology identification can improve the success rate of petroleum exploration and development as well as the safety of engineering construction. In this study, we took the electron microscope images of four types of volcanic rocks in the Liaohe Basin as the research objects and comprehensively used the differential box-counting dimension (DBC) and the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) to identify the lithology of volcanic rocks. Obtain the images of volcanic rocks in the research area and conduct preprocessing so that the images can meet the requirements of calculations. Firstly, calculate the different box-counting dimension. Divide the grayscale image into boxes of different scales and determine the differential box-counting dimension based on the variation of grayscale values within each box. The differential box-counting dimension of basalt ranges from 1.7 to 1.75, that of trachyte ranges from 1.82 to 1.87, that of gabbro ranges from 1.76 to 1.79, and that of diabase ranges from 1.78 to 1.82. Then, the gray-level co-occurrence matrix is utilized to extract four image texture features of volcanic rock images, namely contrast, energy, entropy, and variance. The recognition of four types of volcanic rock images is achieved by combining the different box-counting dimension and the gray-level co-occurrence matrix. This method has been experimentally verified by volcanic rock image samples. It has a relatively high accuracy in identifying the lithology of volcanic rocks and can effectively distinguish four different types of volcanic rocks. Compared with single-feature recognition methods, this approach significantly improves recognition accuracy, offers reliable technical support and a data basis for volcanic rock-related geological analyses, and drives the further development of volcanic rock research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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25 pages, 7489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Inter-Layer Sandstone in Marine–Continental Transitional Shale: A Case Study of the Upper Permian Longtan Formation in Southern Sichuan Basin, South China

by Jianguo Wang, Jizhen Zhang, Xiao Xiao, Ya’na Chen and Denglin Han

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9010011 - 29 Dec 2024

Viewed by 868

Abstract

With the evolution of unconventional oil and gas exploration concepts from source rocks and reservoirs to carrier beds, the inter-layer sandstone carrier bed within marine–continental transitional shale strata has emerged as a significant target for oil and gas exploration. The inter-layer sandstone is [...] Read more.

With the evolution of unconventional oil and gas exploration concepts from source rocks and reservoirs to carrier beds, the inter-layer sandstone carrier bed within marine–continental transitional shale strata has emerged as a significant target for oil and gas exploration. The inter-layer sandstone is closely associated with the source rock and differs from conventional tight sandstone in terms of sedimentary environment, matrix composition, and the characteristics of reservoir microscopic pore development. Preliminary exploration achievements display that the inter-layer sandstone is plentiful in gas content and holds promising prospects for exploration and development. Consequently, it is essential to investigate the gas-rich accumulation theory specific to the inter-layer sandstone reservoir in transitional facies. Pore development characteristics and heterogeneity are crucial aspects of oil and gas accumulation research, as they influence reservoir seepage performance and capacity. This paper employs total organic carbon analysis, X-ray diffraction, rock thin section examination, field emission scanning electron microscopy, physical analysis, high-pressure mercury intrusion analysis, gas adsorption experiments, and fractal theory to explore the reservoir development characteristics of the sandstone samples from the Upper Permian marine–continental transitional facies Longtan Formation in the southern Sichuan Basin. It also attempts to combine high-pressure mercury intrusion analysis and gas adsorption experiments to describe the structural and fractal characteristics of pores at different scales in a segmented manner. The findings reveal that the sandstone type of the Longtan Formation is mainly lithic sandstone. The pore size distribution of the sandstone primarily falls below 30 nm and above 1000 nm, with the main pore types being inter-granular pores and micro-fractures in clay minerals. The pore volume and specific surface area are largely attributed to the micropores and mesopores of clay minerals. The pore morphology is complex, exhibiting strong heterogeneity, predominantly characterized by slit-like and ink bottle-like features. Notably, there are discernible differences in reservoir structural characteristics and homogeneity between muddy sandstone and non-muddy sandstone. The pore morphology is complex, exhibiting strong heterogeneity, predominantly characterized by slit-like and ink bottle-like features. Notably, there are discernible differences in reservoir structural characteristics and homogeneity between muddy sandstone and non-muddy sandstone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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18 pages, 4434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Characteristics of Pore Structure of Longmaxi Shales with Different Burial Depths in Southern Sichuan and Its Geological Significance

by Manping Yang, Yanyan Pan, Hongye Feng, Qiang Yan, Yanjun Lu, Wanxin Wang, Yu Qi and Hongjian Zhu

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9010002 - 24 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 766

Abstract

Burial depth can significantly impact the pore structure characteristics of shale. The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in the Weiyuan block of the Sichuan Basin is a marine formation that we studied for deep shale gas exploration. We used two groups of Longmaxi samples, [...] Read more.

Burial depth can significantly impact the pore structure characteristics of shale. The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale in the Weiyuan block of the Sichuan Basin is a marine formation that we studied for deep shale gas exploration. We used two groups of Longmaxi samples, outcrop shale and middle-deep shale, to investigate the pore structure fractal features at varying burial depths using a combination of mineralogy, organic geochemistry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and low-temperature gas (CO₂, N₂) adsorption. The V-S fractal model was used to determine the fractal dimension (Dc) of micropores, and the FHH fractal model was used to determine the fractal dimension (D_N) of mesopores. The findings indicate that the pore morphology of organic matter becomes irregular and more broken as the burial depth increases, as does the content and maturity of organic matter. The pore size of organic matter gradually decreases, the SSA (BET, DR) and PV (BJH, DA) of shale pores increase, the pore structure becomes more complex, and the average shale pore size decreases. According to this study, the organic matter content and its maturity show an increasing trend as burial depth increases. Meanwhile, the organic matter’s pore morphology tends to be irregular, and fracture rates rise, which causes the organic matter’s pore size to gradually decrease. In addition, the SSA (comprising the values assessed by BET and DR techniques) and PV (evaluated by BJH and DA methods) of shale pores grew, suggesting that the pore structure became more complex. Correspondingly, the average pore size of the shale decreased. The fractal dimensions of the micropores (D_C), mesoporous surface (D_N1), and mesoporous structure (D_N2) of outcrop shale are 2.6728~2.7245, 2.5612~2.5838, and 2.7911~2.8042, respectively. The mean values are 2.6987, 2.5725, and 2.7977, respectively. The D_C, D_N1, and D_N2 of middle-deep shale are 2.6221~2.7510, 2.6085~2.6390, and 2.8140~2.8357, respectively, and the mean values are 2.7050, 2.6243, and 2.8277, respectively. As the fractal dimension grows, the shale’s pore structure becomes more intricate, and the heterogeneity increases as the buried depth increases. The fractal dimension has a positive association with the pore structure parameters (SSA, PV), TOC, and R_o and a negative association with the mineral component (quartz, feldspar, clay mineral) contents. Minerals like quartz, feldspar, and clay will slow down the expansion of pores, but when SSA and PV increase, the pore heterogeneity will be greater and the pore structure more complex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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20 pages, 22977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introducing an Enhanced Cumulative Size Distribution Model to Unearth the Origins of Macropore Heterogeneity of the Chang-7 Shale Oil Reservoirs in the Ordos Basin

by Ziyi Wang, Lin Dong, Zhijun Jin, Xubin Wang, Jinhua Fu, Xianyang Liu and Rukai Zhu

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(12), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8120732 - 13 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 735

Abstract

Characterizing the fractal nature of shale pores is critical for understanding their heterogeneity, which significantly impacts hydrocarbon mobility. A critical technique in this analysis involves the digital evaluation of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. While the cumulative size distribution model is a viable [...] Read more.

Characterizing the fractal nature of shale pores is critical for understanding their heterogeneity, which significantly impacts hydrocarbon mobility. A critical technique in this analysis involves the digital evaluation of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. While the cumulative size distribution model is a viable method in SEM fractal analysis, its accurate application necessitates exhaustive microimaging of entire sample cross-sections, rendering it impractical. To address this challenge, we propose an innovative approach that develops a universal equation for this model, along with numerical solving methods. This approach expands the model’s applicability, enabling accurate fractal analysis of entire samples using only randomly selected microscopic fields. It enhances the existing framework for fractal modeling and potentially serves as a valuable tool for studying fractal structures. Using this method, we investigated the fractal characteristics of various macropore types across different lithological units in the Chang-7 shale of the Ordos Basin. Our findings indicate that macropore heterogeneity is influenced by variations in pore type composition, their response under compaction, and organic acid dissolution, all of which are driven by differences in lithology. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms driving macropore heterogeneity from the perspective of lithological and pore-type variations, potentially yielding valuable implications for the exploration and development of Chang-7 shale oil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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24 pages, 4310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Characteristics of Pore Throat and Throat of Tight Sandstone Sweet Spot: A Case Study in the East China Sea Basin

by Wenguang Wang, Chengyan Lin and Xianguo Zhang

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(12), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8120684 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 749

Abstract

The study of the fractal characteristics of the pore throat radius (PTR) and throat radius of sweet spots is crucial for the exploration and development of tight gas sandstone. This study used conventional core analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and [...] Read more.

The study of the fractal characteristics of the pore throat radius (PTR) and throat radius of sweet spots is crucial for the exploration and development of tight gas sandstone. This study used conventional core analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and constant-rate mercury injection experiment (CRMI), high-pressure mercury injection experiment (HPMI), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to investigate the fractal characteristics of the PTR and throat radius of the tight sandstone sweet spots of the Huagang Formation in the central uplift belt of the East China Sea Basin. Based on conventional core analysis and SEM, the main pore types of the tight sandstone samples in the Huagang Formation were determined to be intergranular dissolved pore, intragranular dissolved pore, intergranular pore, and moldic pore. HPMI and NMR techniques were used to evaluate the full-size PTR distribution of type I (TI), type II (TII), and type III (TIII) sweet spots. Based on fractal theory, CRMI was used to calculate the fractal dimension of the PTR and throat radius of three types of sweet spots, and the relationship between the fractal dimensions and pore throat structure parameters and mineral composition were investigated. The results showed that the full-size PTR distribution curve exhibited bimodal or unimodal characteristics. The peak values of the PTR distribution of the TI, TII, and TIII sweet spots were mainly concentrated at 0.002–22.5 μm, 0.001–2.5 μm, and 0.0004–0.9 μm, respectively. The fractal dimensions of the PTR and throat radius were calculated. The average throat radius fractal dimensions of the TI, TIII, and TIII sweet spots were 2.925, 2.875, and 2.786, respectively. The average PTR fractal dimensions of the TI, TII, and TIII sweet spots were 2.677, 2.684, and 2.702, respectively. The throat radius fractal dimension of the TI, TII, and TIII sweet spots was positively correlated with mercury saturation, average throat radius, feldspar content, and clay mineral content and negatively correlated with displacement pressure, quartz content, and carbonate cement content. The PTR fractal dimension of the TI, TII, and TIII sweet spots was positively correlated with displacement pressure, quartz content, and carbonate cement content and negatively correlated with feldspar content. The throat size of the TI sweet spot was large, and the heterogeneity of the throat was strong. The PTR heterogeneity of the TI sweet spot was lower than that of the TII and TIII sweet spots. The findings of this study can provide important guidance for the exploration and development of tight gas sandstone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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19 pages, 7766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pore Space Characteristics and Migration Changes in Hydrocarbons in Shale Reservoir

by Yiqian Qu, Siqi Ouyang, Jianwen Gao, Jian Shi, Yiying Wu, Yuting Cheng, Zhen Zhou, Zhou Lyu, Wei Sun and Hanning Wu

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(10), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8100588 - 4 Oct 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1375

Abstract

The pore structure and mineral characteristics affect the accumulation and migration of hydrocarbons in shale, which determines the production capacity of shale oil. In this study, shale samples from the Chang 7 member of the Ordos Basin in China were selected to investigate [...] Read more.

The pore structure and mineral characteristics affect the accumulation and migration of hydrocarbons in shale, which determines the production capacity of shale oil. In this study, shale samples from the Chang 7 member of the Ordos Basin in China were selected to investigate the pore space characteristics, the effect of hydrocarbon accumulation on pore heterogeneity, and the hydrocarbon migration changes based on fractal theory, and a series of experiments were conducted involving X-ray diffraction (XRD), total organic carbon (TOC), Soxhlet extraction, and low-temperature nitrogen (N₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) adsorption. Then, the factors affecting extraction efficiency in shale pores were discussed. The interparticle pores contributed most to the accumulation of shale oil, and the organic matter (OM) pores contributed positively to the adsorption of hydrocarbons. The accumulation of hydrocarbons in the pore space did not increase the heterogeneity of the shale pore structure. The contents, states, and positions of hydrocarbons changed during the extraction process. Hydrocarbons were redistributed on the pore surface after Soxhlet extraction, and the heterogeneity of hydrocarbon adsorption and pore surface roughness were improved. Some heavy hydrocarbons and adsorbed components were pyrolyzed, resulting in the gradual escape of the adsorbed layer in the large pores. However, the free oil in the small pores diffused to the large pores and reaggregated on the surface, restoring a stable adsorption layer. The extraction rate was closely related to the pore throat structure and the wettability of mineral surfaces. The configuration between pores and throats had a crucial influence on the extraction rate. A high proportion of meso-pores, which effectively connect micro- and macro-pores, had a higher diffusion efficiency and a higher extraction rate. The OM pores with high energy adsorption were located in the micro-pores, and the shale oil existed in a dissolved state with high mobile capacity. The wettability of mineral surfaces affected the adsorption behavior during extraction, and strong oil wetting promoted hydrocarbon re-adsorption in clay minerals, so that the volume of micro-pores was smaller after extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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27 pages, 9970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Controlling Differences in Morphology and Fractal Characteristics of Organic Pores of Longmaxi Shale in Southern Sichuan Basin, China

by Yuanlin Wang, Denglin Han, Wei Lin, Yunqian Jia, Jizhen Zhang, Chenchen Wang and Binyu Ma

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(10), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8100555 - 25 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1439

Abstract

Shale gas is a prospective cleaner energy resource and the exploration and development of shale gas has made breakthroughs in many countries. Structure deformation is one of the main controlling factors of shale gas accumulation and enrichment in complex tectonic areas in southern [...] Read more.

Shale gas is a prospective cleaner energy resource and the exploration and development of shale gas has made breakthroughs in many countries. Structure deformation is one of the main controlling factors of shale gas accumulation and enrichment in complex tectonic areas in southern China. In order to estimate the shale gas capacity of structurally deformed shale reservoirs, it is necessary to understand the systematic evolution of organic pores in the process of structural deformation. In particular, as the main storage space of high-over-mature marine shale reservoirs, the organic matter pore system directly affects the occurrence and migration of shale gas; however, there is a lack of systematic research on the fractal characteristics and deformation mechanism of organic pores under the background of different tectonic stresses. Therefore, to clarify the above issues, modular automated processing system (MAPS) scanning, low-pressure gas adsorption, quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning (QEMSCAN), and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) were performed and interpreted with fractal and morphology analyses to investigate the deformation mechanisms and structure of organic pores from different tectonic units in Silurian Longmaxi shale. Results showed that in stress concentration areas such as around veins or high-angle fractures, the organic pore length-width ratio and the fractal dimension are higher, indicating that the pore is more obviously modified by stress. Under different tectonic backgrounds, the shale reservoir in Weiyuan suffered severe denudation and stronger tectonic compression during burial, which means that the organic pores are dominated by long strip pores and slit-shaped pores with high fractal dimension, while the pressure coefficient in Luzhou is high and the structural compression is weak, resulting in suborbicular pores and ink bottle pores with low fractal dimension. The porosity and permeability of different forms of organic pores are also obviously different; the connectivity of honeycomb pores with the smallest fractal dimension is the worst, that of suborbicular organic pores is medium, and that of long strip organic pores with the highest fractal dimension is the best. This study provides more mechanism discussion and case analysis for the microscopic heterogeneity of organic pores in shale reservoirs and also provides a new analysis perspective for the mechanism of shale gas productivity differences in different stress–strain environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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32 pages, 17354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Logging Evaluation of Irreducible Water Saturation: Fractal Theory and Data-Driven Approach—Case Study of Complex Porous Carbonate Reservoirs in Mishrif Formation

by Jianhong Guo, Zhansong Zhang, Xin Nie, Qing Zhao and Hengyang Lv

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(8), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8080487 - 19 Aug 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1687

Abstract

Evaluating irreducible water saturation is crucial for estimating reservoir capacity and developing effective extraction strategies. Traditional methods for predicting irreducible water saturation are limited by their reliance on specific logging data, which affects accuracy and applicability. This study introduces a predictive method based [...] Read more.

Evaluating irreducible water saturation is crucial for estimating reservoir capacity and developing effective extraction strategies. Traditional methods for predicting irreducible water saturation are limited by their reliance on specific logging data, which affects accuracy and applicability. This study introduces a predictive method based on fractal theory and deep learning for assessing irreducible water saturation in complex carbonate reservoirs. Utilizing the Mishrif Formation of the Halfaya oilfield as a case study, a new evaluation model was developed using the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) fractal permeability model and validated with surface NMR and mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) data. The relationship between the logarithm mean of the transverse relaxation time (T_2lm) and physical properties was explored through fractal theory and the Thomeer Function. This relationship was integrated with conventional logging curves and an advanced deep learning algorithm to construct a T_2lm prediction model, offering a robust data foundation for irreducible water saturation evaluation. The results show that the new method is applicable to wells with and without specialized NMR logging data. For the Mishrif Formation, the predicted irreducible water saturation achieved a coefficient of determination of 0.943 compared to core results, with a mean absolute error of 2.37% and a mean relative error of 8.46%. Despite introducing additional errors with inverted T_2lm curves, it remains within acceptable limits. Compared to traditional methods, this approach provides enhanced predictive accuracy and broader applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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24 pages, 9384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Dimension Analysis of Pore Throat Structure in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of Huagang Formation: Jiaxing Area of East China Sea Basin

by Wenguang Wang, Chengyan Lin and Xianguo Zhang

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(7), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8070374 - 26 Jun 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1602

Abstract

The reservoir quality of tight sandstone is usually affected by pore throat structures, and understanding pore throat structures and their fractal characteristics is crucial for the exploration and development of tight sandstone gas. In this study, fractal dimensions of pore throat structures and [...] Read more.

The reservoir quality of tight sandstone is usually affected by pore throat structures, and understanding pore throat structures and their fractal characteristics is crucial for the exploration and development of tight sandstone gas. In this study, fractal dimensions of pore throat structures and the effect of diagenesis on the fractal dimension of tight sandstone sweet spot in Huagang Formation, Jiaxing area, East China Sea Basin were studied by means of thin sections, scanning electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope quantitative mineral evaluation, and high pressure mercury injection experiments. The results show that the total fractal dimension ranges of type I, type II, and type III sweet spots were 2.62–2.87, 2.22–2.56, and 2.71–2.77, respectively. The negative correlation between total fractal dimensions, porosity, and permeability of type I sweet spots was different from those of type II and type III sweet spots. The negative correlation between total fractal dimensions of type II and type III sweet spots and maximum mercury saturation, average pore throat radius, and skewness were significant, whereas the correlation between total fractal dimensions of type I sweet spots, and maximum mercury saturation, average pore throat radius and skewness were not significant. The positive correlation between the total fractal dimensions of type II and type III sweet spots and the relative sorting coefficient, displacement pressure, and efficiency of mercury withdrawal were significant, whereas the correlation between the total fractal dimension of type I sweet spots and relative sorting coefficients, displacement pressures and efficiency of mercury withdrawal were not significant. The effect of diagenesis on fractal dimensions was investigated. Compaction reduced the pore space of tight sandstone and increased fractal dimensions. Quartz cementation and calcite cementation blocked pores and throats, reduced pore space, and increased fractal dimensions. Chlorite coat can inhibit compaction, protect pore throat structures, and maintain fractal dimensions. Most clay minerals filled primary pores and secondary pores and increased fractal dimensions. Dissolution increased the pore space of tight sandstone and decreased the fractal dimensions of the pore throat structures. The pore throat structures of type I sweet spots were mainly composed of macropores, mesopores, transitional pores, and micropores, and the fractal dimension of type I sweet spots was chiefly controlled by chlorite coat formation, dissolution, and a small amount of compaction. This study provides a reference for pore throat structure and fractal dimension analysis of tight sandstone sweet spots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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19 pages, 3621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pore Structure Characterization and Fractal Characteristics of Tight Limestone Based on Low-Temperature Nitrogen Adsorption and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

by Wei Lin, Xinli Zhao, Mingtao Li and Yan Zhuang

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(7), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8070371 - 25 Jun 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1731

Abstract

Pore structure characterization and fractal analysis have great significance for understanding and evaluating tight limestone reservoirs. In this work, the pore structure of tight limestone, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA), and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are characterized, and the fractal dimension of the [...] Read more.

Pore structure characterization and fractal analysis have great significance for understanding and evaluating tight limestone reservoirs. In this work, the pore structure of tight limestone, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA), and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are characterized, and the fractal dimension of the pore structure of tight limestone is discussed based on LTNA and NMR data. The results indicate that the pores of tight limestone have H3 and H4 types, the pore size distribution (PSD) of the H3 type is a wave distribution ranging from 2 to 10 nm, and the PSD of the H4 type is a unimodal distribution ranging from 2 to 10 nm. The transverse relaxation time (T₂) spectrum of tight limestone shows a single peak (DF), double peak (SF), and triple peak (TF), and the ranges for the T₂ spectra for micropores, mesopores, and macropores are 0.1 to 10 ms, 10 to 100 ms, and greater than 100 ms, respectively. The LTNA fractal dimension of tight limestone (D_L) ranges between 2.4446 and 2.7688, with an average of 2.5729, and the NMR fractal dimensions of micropores (D_NMR1), mesopores (D_NMR2), and macropores (D_NMR3) are distributed between 0.3744 and 1.1293, 2.4263 and 2.9395, and 2.6582 and 2.9989, respectively. Moreover, there is a negative correlation between D_L and average pore radius, a positive correlation between D_L and specific surface area, and a positive correlation between D_NMR2 and D_NMR3 and micropore content, while D_NMR2 and D_NMR3 are negatively correlated with the content of mesopores and macropores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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19 pages, 7496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Characterization of the Pore-Throat Structure in Tight Sandstone Based on Low-Temperature Nitrogen Gas Adsorption and High-Pressure Mercury Injection

by Taping He, Yaoqi Zhou, Zhaobing Chen, Zhenwei Zhang, Huanyu Xie, Yuehan Shang and Gaixia Cui

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(6), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8060356 - 14 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

The pore-throat structure is a critical factor in the study of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, drawing particular attention from petroleum geologists, and it is of paramount significance to analyze to enhance oil and gas production. In tight sandstone, which serves as a [...] Read more.

The pore-throat structure is a critical factor in the study of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs, drawing particular attention from petroleum geologists, and it is of paramount significance to analyze to enhance oil and gas production. In tight sandstone, which serves as a significant hydrocarbon reservoir, the internal pore-throat structure plays a decisive role in the storage and migration of fluids such as water, gases, and hydrocarbons. This paper employs casting thin section (CTS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), high-pressure mercury injection (HPMI), and low-temperature nitrogen gas adsorption (LT−N₂−GA) experimental tests to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the characteristics of the pore-throat structure in tight sandstone. The results indicate that the pore types in tight sandstone include intergranular residual pores, dissolution pores, intercrystalline pores, and microfractures, while the throat types encompass sheet-shaped, curved-sheet-shaped, and tubular throats. Analysis of the physical and structural parameters from 13 HPMI and 5 LT−N₂−GA samples reveals a bimodal distribution of pore-throat radii. The complexity of the pore-throat structure is identified as a primary controlling factor for reservoir permeability. The fractal dimension (D) exhibits an average value of 2.45, displaying a negative correlation with porosity (R² = 0.22), permeability (R² = 0.65), the pore-throat diameter (R² = 0.58), and maximum mercury saturation (R² = 0.86) and a positive correlation with threshold pressure (R² = 0.56), median saturation pressure (R² = 0.49), BET specific surface area (R² = 0.51), and BJH total pore volume (R² = 0.14). As D increases, reservoir pores tend to decrease in size, leading to reduced flow and deteriorated physical properties, indicative of a more complex pore-throat structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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28 pages, 13316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pore Fractal Characteristics between Marine and Marine–Continental Transitional Black Shales: A Case Study of Niutitang Formation and Longtan Formation

by Shitan Ning, Peng Xia, Fang Hao, Jinqiang Tian, Yong Fu and Ke Wang

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050288 - 13 May 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

Marine shales from the Niutitang Formation and marine–continental transitional shales from the Longtan Formation are two sets of extremely important hydrocarbon source rocks in South China. In order to quantitatively compare the pore complexity characteristics between marine and marine–continental transitional shales, the shale [...] Read more.

Marine shales from the Niutitang Formation and marine–continental transitional shales from the Longtan Formation are two sets of extremely important hydrocarbon source rocks in South China. In order to quantitatively compare the pore complexity characteristics between marine and marine–continental transitional shales, the shale and kerogen of the Niutitang Formation and the Longtan Formation are taken as our research subjects. Based on organic petrology, geochemistry, and low-temperature gas adsorption analyses, the fractal dimension of their pores is calculated by the Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) and Sierpinski models, and the influences of total organic carbon (TOC), vitrinite reflectance (R_o), and mineral composition on the pore fractals of the shale and kerogen are discussed. Our results show the following: (1) Marine shale predominantly has wedge-shaped and slit pores, while marine–continental transitional shale has inkpot-shaped and slit pores. (2) Cylindrical pores are common in organic matter of both shale types, with marine shale having a greater gas storage space (CRV) from organic matter pores, while marine–continental transitional shale relies more on inorganic pores, especially interlayer clay mineral pores, for gas storage due to their large specific surface area and high adsorption capacity (CRA). (3) The fractal characteristics of marine and marine–continental transitional shale pores are influenced differently. In marine shale, TOC positively correlates with fractal dimensions, while in marine–continental shale, R_o and clay minerals have a stronger influence. R_o is the primary factor affecting organic matter pore complexity. (4) Our two pore fractal models show that the complexity of the shale in the Longtan Formation surpasses that of the shale in the Niutitang Formation, and type I kerogen has more complex organic matter pores than type III, aiding in evaluating pore connectivity and flow effectiveness in shale reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

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