The Effect of High-Geothermal Field on the Diagenesis and Pore Evolution of Sandstone Reservoirs in Baiyun Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin

Abstract

Abstract Oil and gas exploration in the deep-water areas have become a global hot spot. The deep-water area of the Baiyun sag in the Pearl River Mouth Basin is an important exploration target. The area is a typical deep-water hot basin of a wide range of geothermal gradients. Data from a single borehole shows a geothermal gradient from 4.0 to 6.64°C/100m. High geothermal field has an important control on the reservoir diagenesis, pore evolution and porosity-permeability trends. We analyzed sandstone samples from the ZhuJiang and ZhuHai Group, which were buried in the depth range between 500- and 4000m, and display similar composition and textures. The samples can provide insights into the evolution of reservoir diagenetic features under progressive burial process. We also analyzed sandstone samples frome EnPing Group. In general, the petrological composition was the main controlling factor of reservoir quality. The high geothermal field led to a rapid decrease in the porosity and permeability of deeply buried sandstones. Howerver, the EnPing Group, which has a deeper burial depth, shows good reservoir quality. Compared with the ZhuJiang Group and the ZhuHai Group sandstone, the EnPing Group sandstone is dominantly coarse sandstone with more quartz grains, minor feldspars and rock fragments. The EnPing Group is dominated by primary pores, which has a better porosity-permeability relationship than other groups. The deep-water of the Baiyun sag still has potential for exploration. In particular, EnPing Group sandstone reservoir may become a desirable goal in deep and ultra-deep exploration.