Pore‐throat structure characteristics and fluid mobility analysis of tight sandstone reservoirs in Shaximiao Formation, Central Sichuan

Abstract

The pore‐throat structure and fluid mobility are the key factors of tight sandstone reservoir classification and evaluation. Taking the Jurassic Shaximiao Formation tight sandstone reservoir in Central Sichuan Basin as an example, 19 samples were analysed by casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, high‐pressure mercury injection and nuclear magnetic resonance to clarify the pore‐throat structure, the fluid motility and its controlling factors. The results show that the pore type of Shaximiao Formation tight sandstone reservoir consist of intergranular pores, dissolved pores and a few microfractures. Based on the feature of capillary pressure curve, the pore‐throat structure was classified into three types, corresponding to different movable fluid characteristics. The Type I has large pore and throat radius, good pore‐throat connectivity, small fractal dimension, weak reservoir heterogeneity and strong fluid motility. The distribution range of pore‐throat radius is mainly from 0.3 to 1.1 μm and the average movable fluid porosity (MFP) and movable fluid saturation (MFS) are 6.04% and 49.93%. The Type II has poor pore‐throat sorting, weak fluid motility and the distribution range of pore‐throat radius is 0.01–0.03 μm and 0.2–0.8 μm. The average MFP and MFS of Type II are 1.13% and 14.3%. The Type III has the smallest pore‐throat radius and the largest fractal dimension, corresponding to the most complex pore‐throat structure, which lead to the worst fluid mobility. The average MFP and MFS are 0.49% and 12.76%. The fluid mobility of the tight sandstone reservoir is affected by physical properties and pore‐throat structure. The reservoirs with large pore‐throat size, good connectivity between pore and throat, and low heterogeneity have higher MFP and saturation. Moreover, the mineral compositions have different effects on fluid mobility of the tight sandstone. The feldspar positively affects fluid mobility, while the clay minerals negatively affect fluid mobility.