Predicting the maximum depth of hydrocarbon resources in deep-ultradeep layers based on the theory of the Whole Petroleum System

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2025.03.009

Abstract

Abstract: Deep-ultradeep layers have become a key focus of petroleum exploration and research both domestically and internationally due to their abundant hydrocarbon resources. Revealing the maximum depth of deep-ultradeep oil and gas reservoirs has important practical significance for evaluating deep hydrocarbon resources, deploying ultradeep drilling, and understanding exploration risks. In this paper, a method and process for predicting the maximum depth of deep-ultradeep oil and gas reservoirs based on the theoretical of the Whole Petroleum System (WPS) was proposed. This method can quantitatively predict the maximum depth of conventional, tight, and shale oil and gas reservoirs in petroliferous basins. This article uses discovered oil and gas reservoirs and drilling data as examples to predict the maximum depth of hydrocarbon reservoirs in petroliferous basins such as Tarim, Junggar, Sichuan, Ordos, Songliao, and Bohai Bay in China. The results show that the maximum depths of conventional, tight, and shale oil and gas reservoirs in China’s six major petroliferous basins are usually between 800-4400m, 5050-7990m, and 5400-9300m. The maximum depth of oil and gas reservoirs in petroliferous basins increases with the decrease of geothermal gradient, improvement of organic matter types, and the enhancement of reservoir oil affinity. With the improvement of drilling technology and prediction level, the field of discovering hydrocarbon resources will continue to expand. Additionally, tectonic movements can also change the maximum depth of hydrocarbon reservoirs under actual geological conditions. The maximum depth of ultradeep oil and gas reservoirs in Cambrian-Ordovician carbonate of Tarim Basin were predicted to be more than 9500±50m and 10500±100m according to the results of actual shallow-medium-deep oil and gas drilling.

Key words: Natural resources, Fossil energy, Whole Petroleum System, Deep-ultradeep layers, Hydrocarbon accumulation depth limit, Lower limit of hydrocarbon exploration, Oil and gas resources, Conventional and unconventional oil and gas

CLC Number:

Pang Xiongqi, Li Caijun, Jia Chengzao, Chen Yuxuan, Li Maowen, Jiang Lin, Xiao Huiyi, Jiang Fujie, Cao Peng, Chen Dongxia, Xu Zhi, Lin Huixi, Hu Tao, Zheng Dingye, Wang Lei. Predicting the maximum depth of hydrocarbon resources in deep-ultradeep layers based on the theory of the Whole Petroleum System[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2025, 30(3): 122-135.

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