Fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs, Heshui area, Ordos Basin

Tight sandstone reservoirs, characterized by low porosity and permeability, have long posed significant challenges for oil and gas exploration and development. This study focuses on the reservoirs in the Chang 6–Chang 8 section of the Yanchang Formation, located in the Heshui area of the Ordos Basin...

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Main Authors: Liu Shu, Wang Meng, Cheng Yulin, Yu Xinan, Duan Xingming, Kang Zhe, Xiong Yixue
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: De Gruyter 2025-04-01
Series:Open Geosciences
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2025-0791
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author Liu Shu
Wang Meng
Cheng Yulin
Yu Xinan
Duan Xingming
Kang Zhe
Xiong Yixue
author_facet Liu Shu
Wang Meng
Cheng Yulin
Yu Xinan
Duan Xingming
Kang Zhe
Xiong Yixue
author_sort Liu Shu
collection DOAJ
description Tight sandstone reservoirs, characterized by low porosity and permeability, have long posed significant challenges for oil and gas exploration and development. This study focuses on the reservoirs in the Chang 6–Chang 8 section of the Yanchang Formation, located in the Heshui area of the Ordos Basin. These reservoirs, with their complex pore structures and diverse genesis, represent typical examples of tight sandstone reservoirs. The primary aim of this study is to systematically investigate the pore structures of these reservoirs, elucidating the mechanisms that govern permeability and thereby providing a scientific basis and technical support for the efficient development of tight sandstone oil and gas resources. Utilizing high-pressure mercury injection and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, the study emphasizes the crucial role of pore fractal properties in controlling reservoir permeability. The results indicate that the complexity of pore structures directly influences both permeability and mobile fluid saturation. Specifically, smaller pores exhibit lower fractal dimensions, while larger pores show higher fractal dimensions, with significant impacts on both permeability and mobile fluid saturation. Additionally, the study examines the effects of different sedimentary facies and diagenetic stages on the pore structures of sandstone reservoirs. The findings reveal distinct evolutionary patterns of pore structures across various depositional environments within the braided river delta system. Furthermore, diagenetic processes and cementation play essential roles in shaping the diversity of pore structures in these reservoirs. In conclusion, this study offers new insights into the relationship between pore structure and permeability in tight sandstone reservoirs, providing valuable theoretical guidance for the exploration and development of oil and gas resources.
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spelling doaj-art-9b07476f7aab4ec0b55c2f83a61ca1f62025-08-20T02:27:09ZengDe GruyterOpen Geosciences2391-54472025-04-01171657710.1515/geo-2025-0791Fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs, Heshui area, Ordos BasinLiu Shu0Wang Meng1Cheng Yulin2Yu Xinan3Duan Xingming4Kang Zhe5Xiong Yixue6School of Petroleum Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, ChinaSchool of Petroleum Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, ChinaPetroleum Industry Press Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100000, ChinaSchool of Petroleum Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, ChinaSchool of Petroleum Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, ChinaNo. 2 Oil Production Plant, Changqing Oilfield Company, CNPC, Qingyang, 745000, ChinaSchool of Petroleum Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, ChinaTight sandstone reservoirs, characterized by low porosity and permeability, have long posed significant challenges for oil and gas exploration and development. This study focuses on the reservoirs in the Chang 6–Chang 8 section of the Yanchang Formation, located in the Heshui area of the Ordos Basin. These reservoirs, with their complex pore structures and diverse genesis, represent typical examples of tight sandstone reservoirs. The primary aim of this study is to systematically investigate the pore structures of these reservoirs, elucidating the mechanisms that govern permeability and thereby providing a scientific basis and technical support for the efficient development of tight sandstone oil and gas resources. Utilizing high-pressure mercury injection and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, the study emphasizes the crucial role of pore fractal properties in controlling reservoir permeability. The results indicate that the complexity of pore structures directly influences both permeability and mobile fluid saturation. Specifically, smaller pores exhibit lower fractal dimensions, while larger pores show higher fractal dimensions, with significant impacts on both permeability and mobile fluid saturation. Additionally, the study examines the effects of different sedimentary facies and diagenetic stages on the pore structures of sandstone reservoirs. The findings reveal distinct evolutionary patterns of pore structures across various depositional environments within the braided river delta system. Furthermore, diagenetic processes and cementation play essential roles in shaping the diversity of pore structures in these reservoirs. In conclusion, this study offers new insights into the relationship between pore structure and permeability in tight sandstone reservoirs, providing valuable theoretical guidance for the exploration and development of oil and gas resources.https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2025-0791tight sandstone reservoirpore-throat structurefractal characteristicssedimentary processesdiagenetic processes
spellingShingle Liu Shu
Wang Meng
Cheng Yulin
Yu Xinan
Duan Xingming
Kang Zhe
Xiong Yixue
Fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs, Heshui area, Ordos Basin
Open Geosciences
tight sandstone reservoir
pore-throat structure
fractal characteristics
sedimentary processes
diagenetic processes
title Fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs, Heshui area, Ordos Basin
title_full Fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs, Heshui area, Ordos Basin
title_fullStr Fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs, Heshui area, Ordos Basin
title_full_unstemmed Fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs, Heshui area, Ordos Basin
title_short Fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs, Heshui area, Ordos Basin
title_sort fractal insights into permeability control by pore structure in tight sandstone reservoirs heshui area ordos basin
topic tight sandstone reservoir
pore-throat structure
fractal characteristics
sedimentary processes
diagenetic processes
url https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2025-0791
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