Progress in shale gas exploration in China and Prospects for future development

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2020.01.004

Abstract

Abstract: Shale gas exploration and development in China has entered a golden age of rapid progress. The increasing proportion of natural gas in the energy consumption structure of the nation, and the success of commercial shale gas development in the southern Sichuan Basin, indicate that shale gas will be the most reliable succession energy source for the future in China. This paper reviews achievements in theoretical understanding and technologies related to shale gas development over the past 10 years, summarizes successful experiences in commercial shale gas development, and clarifies the prospects for, and status of, shale gas in future natural gas development in China. China's shale gas resources have enormous potential, and provide a practical base for future growth in natural gas production. The conditions for obtaining industrial shale gas resources are described as ‘2 highs’ (high gas content and high porosity), ‘2 larges’ (large thickness of intervals with high TOC and large distribution areas), ‘2 moderates’ (moderate thermal evolution and moderate burial depth), and ‘2 goods’ (good preservation conditions and good fracability). Marine shale gas in China is of the highest potential, and at present is the major objective for natural gas production growth. Exploitation of the Ordovician Wufeng Formation and Silurian Longmaxi Formation shale gas in the Sichuan Basin and its surroundings has relied on developments in six technology areas: comprehensive geological evaluation; development optimization; fast drilling of horizontal wells; volume fracturing of horizontal wells; factory-like operation, and efficient and clean production. The successful achievement of commercial development of shale gas in China can be summarized as stemming from four key factors: ① optimized horizontal section targets; ② supporting technologies for effective and fast drilling and volume fracturing stimulation; ③ geological and engineering integration, and ④ advanced organization and management. Three proposals for the future development of shale gas in China are: ① to develop key technologies and equipment for low-cost development of non-marine and deep marine shale gas; ② to enhance block-scale shale gas recovery and achieve efficient development of the entire Sichuan basin; ③ to pay attention to the influence of non-resource factors on shale gas production.

CLC Number:

Zhao Wenzhi, Jia Ailin, Wei Yunsheng, Wang Junlei, Zhu Hanqing. Progress in shale gas exploration in China and Prospects for future development[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2020, 25(1): 31-44.

References

[1] 赵文智,李建忠,杨涛,王淑芳,黄金亮. 中国南方海相页岩气成藏差异性比较与意义[J].石油勘探与开发,2016,43(4):499-510. Zhao Wenzhi, Li Jianzhong, Yang Tao, Wang Shufang, Huang Jinliang. Geological difference and its significance of marine shale gases in South China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2016,43(4):499-510.
[2] Jenkins C D, Bayer C M. Coalbed and shale-gas reservoirs[J]. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 2008,60(2):92-99.
[3] Ozkan E. The way ahead for US unconventional reservoirs[J]. The Way Ahead, 2014,10(3):37-39.
[4] 邹才能,董大忠,王玉满,李新景,黄金亮,王淑芳,等.中国页岩气特征、挑战及前景(二)[J].石油勘探与开发,2016,43(2):166-178. Zou Caineng, Dong Dazhong, Wang Yuman, Li Xinjing, Huang Jinliang, Wang Shufang, et al. Shale gas in China:characteristics, changes and prospects(Ⅱ)[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2016,43(2):166-178.
[5] 张金川,姜生玲,唐玄,张培先,唐颖,荆铁亚,等.我国页岩气富集类型及资源特点[J]. 天然气工业,2009,29(12):109-114. Zhang Jinchuan, Jiang Shengling, Tang Xuan, Zhang Peixian, Tang Ying, Jing Tieya, et al. Accumulation types and resources characteristics of shale gas in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2009,29(12):109-114.
[6] 李玉喜,聂海宽,龙鹏宇.我国富含有机质泥页岩发育特点与页岩气战略选区[J]. 2009,29(12):115-120. Li Yuxi, Nie Haikuan, Long Pengyu. Development characteristics of organic-rich shale and strategic selection of shale gas exploration in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2009, 29(12):115-120.
[7] 董大忠,王玉满,黄旭楠,张晨晨,管全中,黄金亮,等.中国页岩气地质特征、资源评价方法及关键参数[J].天然气地球科学,2016, 27(9):1583-1601. Dong Dazhong, Wang Yuman, Huang Xunan, Zhang Chenchen, Guan Quanzhong, Huang Jinliang, et al. Discussion about geological characteristics, resource evaluation methods and its key parameters of shale gas in China[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2016,27(9):1583-1601.
[8] 林腊梅,张金川,唐玄,荆铁亚,朱亮亮.中国陆相页岩气的形成条件[J]. 天然气工业,2013,33(1):35-40. Lin Lamei, Zhang Jinchuan, Tang Xuan, Jing Tieya, Zhu Liangliang. Conditions of continental shale gas accumulation in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2013,33(1):35-40.
[9] 何发岐,朱彤.陆相页岩气突破和建产的有利目标——以四川盆地下侏罗统为例[J].石油实验地质,2012,34(3):246-251. He Faqi, Zhu Tong. Favorable targets of breakthrough and built-up of shale gas in continental facies in Lower Jurassic, Sichuan Basin[J]. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 2012, 34(3):246-251.
[10] 马永生,蔡勋育,赵培荣.中国页岩气勘探开发理论认识与实践[J]. 石油勘探与开发,2018,45(4):561-574. Ma Yongsheng, Cai Xunyu, Zhao Peirong. China's shale gas exploration and development:understanding and practice[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2018,45(4):561-574.
[11] 王香增,高胜利,高潮.鄂尔多斯盆地南部中生界陆相页岩气地质特征[J].石油勘探与开发,2014,41(3):294-304. Wang Xiangzeng, Gao Shengli, Gao Chao. Geological features of Mesozoic continental shale gas in south of Ordos Basin, NW China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2014, 41(3):294-304.
[12] 张大伟.《页岩气发展规划(2011-2015年)》解读[J].天然气工业,2012,32(4):6-10. Zhang Dawei. Important measures for promoting the shale gas exploration and development in China:an explanation of the shale gas development programming from 2011 to 2015[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2012,32(4):6-10.
[13] 邹才能,张国生,杨智,陶士振,侯连华,朱如凯,等.非常规油气概念、特征、潜力及技术——兼论非常规油气地质学[J].石油勘探与开发,2013,40(4):385-399. Zou Caineng, Zhang Guosheng, Yang Zhi, Tao Shizhen, Hou Lianhua, Zhu Rukai, et al. Geological concepts, characteristics, resource potential and key techniques of unconventional hydrocarbon:on unconventional petroleum geology[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2013,40(4):385-399.
[14] 王志刚.涪陵页岩气勘探开发重大突破与启示[J]. 石油与天然气地质,2015,36(1):1-6. Wang Zhigang. Breakthrough of Fuling shale gas exploration and development and its inspiration[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 2015,36(1):1-6.
[15] 郭旭升.涪陵页岩气田的发现与勘探认识[J]. 中国石油勘探,2016, 21(3):24-37. Guo Xusheng. Discovery and exploration of Fuling shale gas field[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2016,21(3):24-37.
[16] 董大忠,王玉满,李新景,邹才能,管全中,张晨晨,等.中国页岩气勘探开发新突破及发展前景思考[J].天然气工业,2016,36(1):19-32. Dong Dazhong, Wang Yuman, Li Xinjing, Zou Caineng, Guan Quanzhong, Zhang Chenchen, et al. Breakthrough and prospect of shale gas exploration and development in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2016,36(1):19-32.
[17] 马新华,谢军.川南地区页岩气勘探开发进展及发展前景[J]. 石油勘探与开发,2018,45(1):161-169. Ma Xinhua, Xie Jun. The progress and prospects of shale gas exploration and exploitation in southern Sichuan Basin, NW China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2018,45(1):161-169.
[18] Loucks R G, Reed R M, Ruppel S C, Jarvie D M. Morphology, genesis, and distribution of nanometer-scale pores in siliceous mudstones of the Mississippian Barnett shale[J]. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 2009,79(12):848-861.
[19] Loucks R G, Reed R M, Ruppel S C, Hammes U. Spectrum of pore types and networks in mudrocks and a descriptive classification for matrix-related mudrock pores[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 2012,96(6):1071-1098.
[20] Mastalerz M, Schimmelmann A, Drobniak A, Chen Yanyan. Porosity of Devonian and Mississippian new albany shale across a maturation gradient:insights from organic petrology, gas adsorption, and mercury intrusion[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 2013, 97(10):1621-1643.
[21] 高凤琳,宋岩,梁志凯,李卓,原园,张瀛涵,等. 陆相页岩有机质孔隙发育特征及成因——以松辽盆地长岭断陷沙河子组页岩为例[J]. 石油学报,2019,40(9):1030-1044. Gao Fenglin, Song Yan, Liang Zhikai, Li Zhuo, Yuan Yuan, Zhang Yinghan, et al. Development characteristics of organic pore in the continental shale and its genetic mechanism:a case study of Shahezi Formation shale in the Changling fault depression of Song liao Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2019,40(9):1030-1044.
[22] Ross D J K, Bustin R M. Shale gas potential of the Lower Jurassic Gordondale Member, northeastern British Colunbia, Canada[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 2007,55(1):51-75.
[23] 赵文智,王兆云,王红军,李永新,胡国艺,赵长毅.再论有机质"接力成气"的内涵与意义[J]. 石油勘探与开发,2011,38(2):129-135. Zhao Wenzhi, Wang Zhaoyun, Wang Hongjun, Li Yongxin, Hu Guoyi, Zhao Changyi. Further discussion on the connotation and significance of the natural gas relaying generation model from organic materials[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2011,38(2):129-135.
[24] 罗小平,吴飘,赵建红,杨宁.富有机质泥页岩有机质孔隙研究进展[J].成都理工大学学报:自然科学版,2015,42(1):50-59. Luo Xiaoping, Wu Piao, Zhao Jianhong, Yang Ning. Study advances on organic pores in organic matter-rich mud shale[J]. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology:Science & Technology Edition, 2015,42(1):50-59.
[25] Curis M E, Cardott B J, Sondergeld C H, Rai C S. Development of organic porosity in the Woodford shale with increasing thermal maturity[J]. International Journal of Coal Geology, 2012,103:26-31.
[26] Jarvie D M. Unconventional shale-gas systems:the Mississippian Barnett shale of north-central Texas as one model for thermogenic shale gas assessment[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 2007, 91(4):475-499.
[27] 朱汉卿,贾爱林,位云生,贾成业,金亦秋.低压气体吸附实验在页岩孔隙结构表征中的应用[J].东北石油大学学报,2017,41(6):36-47. Zhu Hanqing, Jia Ailin, Wei Yunsheng, Jia Chengye, Jin Yiqiu. Application of low-pressure gas adsorption experiment to characterizing pore structure of the shale[J]. Journal of Northeast Petroleum University, 2017,41(6):36-47.
[28] 孙健博,孙兵华,赵谦平,姜呈馥,刘刚,尹锦涛,等. 鄂尔多斯盆地富县地区延长组7湖相页岩油地质特征及勘探潜力评价[J].中国石油勘探,2018,23(6):29-37. Sun Jianbo, Sun Binghua, Zhao Qianping, Jiang Chengfu, Liu Gang, Yin Jintao, et al. Geological characteristics and exploration potential evaluation of Chang 7 lacustrine shale oil in Yanchang Formation, Fuxian area, Ordos Basin[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2018,23(6):29-37.
[29] 郭旭升,胡东风,魏志红,李宇平,魏祥峰. 涪陵页岩气田的发现与勘探认识[J]. 中国石油勘探,2016,21(3):24-37. Guo Xusheng, Hu Dongfeng, Wei Zhihong, Li Yuping, Wei Xiangfeng. Discovery and exploration of Fuling shale gas field[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2016,21(3):24-37.
[30] 武恒志,熊亮,葛忠伟,史洪亮,王同,樊莉.四川盆地威远地区页岩气优质储层精细刻画与靶窗优选[J].天然气工业,2019,39(3):11-20. Wu Hengzhi, Xiong Liang, Ge Zhongwei, Shi Hongliang, Wang Tong, Fan Li. Fine characterization and target window optimization of high-quality shale gas reservoirs in the Weiyuan area, Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2019, 39(3):11-20.
[31] Reed R M, Loucks R, Milliken K L. Heterogeneity of shape and microscale spatial distribution in organic-matter-hosted pores of gas shales[C]. AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Abstract. Long Beach:CA,2012:22-24.
[32]朱汉卿,贾爱林,位云生,贾成业,袁贺,刘畅. 蜀南地区富有机质页岩孔隙结构及超临界甲烷吸附能力[J]. 石油学报,2018,39(4):391-401. Zhu Hanqing, Jia Ailin, Wei Yunsheng, Jia Chengye, Yuan He, Liu Chang. Pore structure and supercritical methane adsorption capacity of organic-rich shales in southern Sichuan Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2018,39(4):391-401.
[33] 端祥刚,胡志明,高树生,沈瑞,刘华勋,常进,等.页岩高压等温吸附曲线及气井生产动态特征实验[J].石油勘探与开发,2018, 45(1):119-127. Duan Xianggang, Hu Zhiming, Gao Shusheng, Shen Rui, Liu Huaxun, Chang Jin, et al. Shale high pressure isothermal adsorption curve and the production dynamic experiments of gas well[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2018, 45(1):119-127.
[34] 赵文智,王兆云,张水昌,王红军,赵长毅,胡国义.有机质"接力成气"模式的提出及其在勘探中的意义[J].石油勘探与开发,2005,32(2):1-7. Zhao Wenzhi, Wang Zhaoyun, Zhang Shuichang, Wang Hongjun, Zhao Changyi, Hu Guoyi. Successive generation of natural gas from organic materials and its significance in future exploration[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2005,32(2):1-7.
[35] 贾爱林,位云生,金亦秋.中国海相页岩气开发评价关键技术进展[J]. 石油勘探与开发,2016,43(6):949-955. Jia Ailin, Wei Yunsheng, Jin Yiqiu. Progress in key technologies for evaluating marine shale gas development in China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2016,43(6):949-955.
[36] 谢军,赵圣贤,石学文,张鉴.四川盆地页岩气水平井高产的地质主控因素[J].天然气工业,2017,37(7):1-12. Xie Jun, Zhao Shengxian, Shi Xuewen, Zhang Jian. Main geological factors controlling high production of horizontal shale gas wells in the Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2017, 37(7):1-12.
[37] Miller C, Waters G, Rylander E. Evaluation of production log data from horizontal wells drilled in organic shales[C]. SPE-144326-MS presented at the SPE North American Unconventional Gas Conference and Exhibition, Texas, USA, 14-16 June 2011:1-21.
[38] 位云生,王军磊,齐亚东,金亦秋.页岩气井网井距优化[J].天然气工业,2018,38(4):129-137. Wei Yunsheng, Wang Junlei, Qi Yadong, Jin Yiqiu. Optimization of shale gas well pattern and spacing[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2018,38(4):129-137.
[39] 贾爱林,位云生,刘成,王军磊,齐亚东,贾成业,等.页岩气压裂水平井控压生产动态预测模型及其应用[J].天然气工业,2019, 39(6):71-80. Jia Ailin, Wei Yunsheng, Liu Cheng, Wang Junlei, Qi Yadong, Jia Chengye, et al. A dynamic prediction model of pressure control production performance of shale gas fractured horizontal wells and its application[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2019,39(6):71-80.
[40] 焦方正.非常规油气之"非常规"再认识[J].石油勘探与开发,2019, 46(5):803-810. Jiao Fangzheng. Re-recognition of "unconventional" in unconventional oil and gas[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2019,46(5):803-810.
[41] 熊小林.威远页岩气井EUR主控因素量化评价研究[J].中国石油勘探,2019,24(4):532-538. Xiong Xiaolin. Quantitative evaluation of controlling factors on EUR of shale gas wells in Weiyuan block[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2019,24(4):532-538.
[42] 钟城,秦启荣,胡东风,周吉羚,黄为.川东南丁山地区五峰组-龙马溪组页岩气藏"六性"特征[J].油气地质与采收率,2019, 26(2):14-23. Zhong Cheng,Qin Qirong,Hu Dongfeng,Zhou Jiling,Huang Wei. Experimental study on "six properties" of shale gas reservoirs in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in Dingshan area,southeastern Sichuan Basin[J].Petroleum Geology and Recovery Efficiency, 2019,26(2):14-23.
[43] 梁兴,徐进宾,刘成,焦亚军,舒红林,陈安环,等.昭通国家级页岩气示范区水平井地质工程一体化导向技术应用[J].中国石油勘探,2019,24(2):226-232. Liang Xing, Xu Jinbin, Liu Cheng, Jiao Yajun, Shu Honglin, Chen Anhuan, et al. Geosteering technology based on geological and engineering integration for horizontal wells in Zhaotong National Shale Gas Demonstration Zone[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2019,24(2):226-232.
[44] 习传学,高东伟,陈新安,王海涛. 涪陵页岩气田西南区块压裂改造工艺现场试验[J].特种油气藏,2018,25(1):155-159. Xi Chuanxue, Gao Dongwei, Chen Xinan, Wang Haitao. Field test of fracturing technology in the southwest section of Fuling shale gas field[J]. Special Oil & Gas Reservoirs, 2018,25(1):155-159.
[45] 位云生,齐亚东,贾成业,金亦秋,袁贺.四川盆地威远区块典型平台页岩气水平井动态特征及开发建议[J].天然气工业,2019, 39(1):81-86. Wei Yunsheng, Qi Yadong, Jia Chengye, Jin Yiqiu, Yuan He. Production performance and development measures for typical platform horizontal wells in the Weiyuan shale gas field, Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2019,39(1):81-86.
[46] 潘继平.非常规天然气资源开发政策困境及对策建议[J].石油科技论坛,2019,38(1):1-7. Pan Jiping. Policy dilemma of unconventional natural gas resources development and suggestions on Countermeasures[J]. Oil Forum, 2019,38(1):1-7.
[47] 康玉柱.中国非常规油气勘探重大进展和资源潜力[J].石油科技论坛,2018,37(4):1-7. Kang Yuzhu. Significant exploration progress and resource potential of unconventional oil and gas in China[J]. Oil Forum, 2018,37(4):1-7.
[48] 侯启军,何海清,李建忠,杨涛.中国石油天然气股份有限公司近期油气勘探进展及前景展望[J].中国石油勘探,2018,23(1):1-13. Hou Qijun, He Haiqing, Li Jianzhong, Yang Tao. Recent progress and prospect of oil and gas exploration by PetroChina Company Limited[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2018,23(1):1-13.
[49] 金之钧,蔡勋育,刘金连,张宇,程喆.中国石油化工股份有限公司近期勘探进展与资源发展战略[J].中国石油勘探,2018,23(1): 14-25. Jin Zhijun, Cai Xunyu, Liu Jinlian, Zhang Yu, Cheng Zhe. The recent exploration progress and resource development strategy of China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2018,23(1):14-25.
[50] 位云生,贾爱林,何东博,王军磊,韩品龙,金亦秋.中国页岩气与致密气开发特征与开发技术异同[J].天然气工业,2017, 37(11):43-52. Wei Yunsheng, Jia Ailin, He Dongbo, Wang Junlei, Han Pinlong, Jin Yiqiu. Comparative analysis of development characteristics and technologies between shale gas and tight gas in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2017,37(11):43-52.
[51] 刘乃震,高远文,王延瑞,黄志强,高玮,王西贵,等.提高四川盆地页岩气开发效益的工程方案[J].天然气工业,2019,39(5):93-98. Liu Naizhen, Gao Yuanwen, Wang Yanrui, Huang Zhiqiang, Gao Wei, Wang Xigui, et al. An engineering scheme of improving shale gas development benefit in the Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Indutry, 2019,39(5):93-98.
[52] 谢军.长宁-威远国家级页岩气示范区建设实践与成效[J]. 天然气工业,2018,38(2):1-7. Xie Jun. Practices and achievements of the Changning-Weiyuan shale gas national demostration project construction[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2018,38(2):1-7.
[53] 谢军,鲜成钢,吴建发,赵春段.长宁国家级页岩气示范区地质工程一体化最优化关键要素实践与认识[J].中国石油勘探,2019, 24(2):174-185. Xie Jun, Xian Chenggang, Wu Jianfa, Zhao Chunduan. Optimal key elements of geoengineering intergration in Changning national shale gas demonstration zone[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2019,24(2):174-185.
[54] 李国欣,王峰,皮学军,刘合.非常规油气藏地质工程一体化数据优化应用的思考与建议[J].中国石油勘探,2019,24(2):147-152. Li Guoxin, Wang Feng, Pi Xuejun, Liu He. Optimized application of geology-engineering integration data of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2019,24(2):147-152.
[55] 刘乃震,王国勇,熊小林.地质工程一体化技术在威远页岩气高效开发中的实践与展望[J].中国石油勘探,2018,23(2):59-68. Liu Naizhen, Wang Guoyong, Xiong Xiaolin. Practice and prospect of geology-engineering integration technology in the efficient development of shale gas in Weiyuan block[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2018,23(2):59-68.
[56] 刘合,孟思炜,苏健,张广明,陈琳.对中国页岩气压裂工程技术发展和工程管理的思考与建议[J].天然气工业,2019,39(4):1-7. Liu He, Meng Siwei, Su Jian, Zhang Guangming, Chen Lin. Reflections and suggestions on the development and engineering management of shale gas fracturing technology in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2019,39(4):1-7.
[57] 贾爱林.中国天然气开发技术进展及展望[J].天然气工业,2018, 38(4):77-86. Jia Ailin. Progress and prospects of natural gas development technologies in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2018,38(4): 77-86.