Oil & Gas Geology ›› 2024, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (6): 1567-1576.doi: 10.11743/ogg20240605

• Petroleum Geology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Breakthroughs and key technology in deep coalbed methane exploration in the Daniudi gas field in the Ordos Basin

Faqi HE1,2(), Tao LEI1,2, Rong QI1,2(), Bingwei XU1,2, Xiaohui LI1,2, Ru ZHANG1,2   

  1. 1.North China Petroleum Bureau,SINOPEC,Zhengzhou,Henan 450006,China
    2.Key Laboratory of Deep CBM Exploration and Production Technology,SINOPEC,Zhengzhou,Henan 450006,China
  • Received:2024-10-20 Revised:2024-11-21 Online:2024-12-30 Published:2024-12-31
  • Contact: Rong QI E-mail:hefq.hbsj@sinopec.com;qirong.hbsj@sinopec.com

Abstract:

The Ordos Basin is recognized as the most significant region for the development of the Carboniferous-Permian coal seams in China. In recent years, constant breakthroughs have been achieved in coalbed methane (CBM) exploration at depths exceeding 2 000 m along the eastern margin of this basin, establishing deep CBM as the most promising target for the additions to reserves from reserve growth of CBM. In this study, we perform systematic tests and analysis of well Yangmei-1HF in the Daniudi gas field of the northern Ordos Basin, which produces high-yield industrial gas flow at a depth of 2 800 m. Accordingly, we explore the geology of the Upper Paleozoic gas reservoirs in the gas field and analyze the quality, gas-bearing properties, and physical properties of coals in the Taiyuan Formation within the gas field. Furthermore, the geologic factors governing the high production of deep CBM are explored and the key technology for achieving high CBM production is determined as hydraulic fracturing-induced regional fracture network characterized by high proppant loading and the effective propping of induced fractures’ distal ends. This technology can be used to create regional fracture networks. The results indicate that the No. 8 coal seam of the Taiyuan Formation and the No. 5 coal seam of the Shanxi Formation in the Upper Paleozoic exhibit favorable geologic conditions for CBM exploitation, including stable continuous distribution, considerable thickness, high thermal maturity, and abundant free gas, which distinguish them from the occurrence and production characteristics of shallow CBM. Major factors contributing to the deep CBM enrichment in the Daniudi gas field include the high thermal maturity of coals and effective sealing capacities provided by the overlying limestone and mudstone roofs. It can be inferred that China boasts abundant CBM resources at depths exceeding 2 000 m, which hold considerable potential for exploration and exploitation, representing a new target for natural gas resources in China with significant development prospects.

Key words: accumulation condition, resource potential, deep coalbed methane (CBM), Taiyuan Formation, Carboniferous, Daniudi gas field, Ordos Basin

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