Pore Structure Characteristics and Controlling Factors of a Tight Sandstone Reservoir in the Paleogene Shahejie Formation, Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China.

Abstract

Tight sandstone reservoirs have ultralow physical properties and strong heterogeneity, and there is a need to describe the corresponding pore structure characteristics systematically to promote research on unconventional reservoirs. The pore structure, controlled by the diagenesis and volcanic activity of the tight reservoirs in the third member of the Shahejie Formation (Es3) of the Gaoshangpu structural belt in the Nanpu Sag, is studied by high-pressure mercury injection, nuclear magnetic resonance, and constant-rate-controlled mercury porosimetry. The results show that the Es3 reservoir can be divided into three types: the pore radii of Type I reservoirs range from 120 to 180 μm, and the throat radii are larger than 1 μm, resulting in good pore connectivity; pore radii of Type II reservoirs are approximately 100 μm, and the throat radii range from 0.1 to 1 μm, resulting in moderate pore connectivity; and pore radii of Type III reservoirs are much smaller than 100 μm, and the throat radii are smaller than 0.1 μm, resulting in worst pore connectivity. The pore size of Type I reservoirs is most sensitive to compaction, and the pore connectivity is mainly controlled by carbonate cementation; the pore throat size and pore connectivity of Type II reservoirs are seriously affected by clay cementation, and pores are mainly formed by dissolution. However, the pore structure of Type III reservoirs is the worst among those investigated in this study but can be further improved by dissolution to a certain extent. Volcanic activity controls cementation and affects dissolution, thus changing the pore structure. A pore structure evolution model is established, which can provide a reference for future oil gas exploration.