Stages Of Deposition Research Articles

Fluorine-Free Plasma Polymers to Obtain Water-Repellent Cotton Fabrics: How to Control Their Durability?

The plasma polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) leads to the environmentally friendly fabrication of water-repellent coatings through a vapor-phase surface functionalization process using alternatives to the controversial perfluoroacrylate precursors. However, the durability of these coatings is their Achilles’ heel, which requires an in-depth study of the relationship between the structure and properties of these thin films in order to propose concrete solutions for the fabrication of fluorine-free water-repellent textiles. In this context, HMDSO plasma polymers have been deposited on cotton fabrics in an original reactor that allows easy tuning of temporal and spatial parameters of the glow discharge. The functionalized fabrics were characterized to gain insights into the chemical composition of the coatings, their morphology and, above all, their adhesion properties. Interestingly, the results after washing tests revealed a significant dependence of the durability of the superhydrophobic property on the elastic modulus of the deposited polymer. The formation of some radicals at the substrate–thin film interface in the early stages of deposition also correlates with some results. These relationships between the operating conditions of the plasma polymerization, the interfacial properties and the performances of the functionalized fabrics, but also the characterization methodology developed in this work, can undoubtedly serve the engineering of water-repellent fluorine-free coatings on fabrics with optimal durability.

Growth of graphene nanowalls in low-temperature plasma: Experimental insight in initial growth and importance of wall conditioning

Plasma-enabled growth of vertically aligned graphene nanowalls (CNWs) and the influence of plasma parameters are widely investigated to produce high-quality CNWs. The initial growthsteps of CNWs and the impact of the plasma chamber condition still need to be explored. This work investigatesthe initial growth steps of CNWs and the influence of plasma chamber conditions using advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The changes in substrate surfaces and CNW growth were studied in two steps: pre-treatment and plasma deposition. Angle-resolved NEXAFS observations on the samples produced during both stages suggest that growth starts horizontallyon the substrate and changes to vertical in one critical moment. Also, we observed that CNW growth occurs not only at the deposition stage but also during the pre-treatment stage, indicating the influence of the chamber wall during the growth. Switching from horizontal to vertical orientation could be explained by the surface energy disbalance during the initial growth stages. The pre-treatment and conditioning of the chamber control the oxygen presence and provide a higher amount of carbon precursor for a fast, stable and controllable growth process. These results will direct the future possibilities of upscaling plasma systems for large-scale growth of CNWs for commercial applications by considering the influence of plasma and chamber conditions.

The La Lucette Sb-Au-(W) vein-deposit (Armorican Massif, France): New time and genetic constraints to decipher the 310–295 Ma Sb-Au metallogenic peak in the Variscan Belt

In the French Armorican Massif, La Lucette is the most important late Variscan Sb deposit with an uncommon Sb-Au-(W) ore. Detailed mineralogical investigations, fluid inclusion study in gangue and ore combined with in-situ apatite LA-ICP-MS U/Pb dating were carried out to decipher the Sb-Au-W relationships, and metallogenic processes. The mineralization consists of sigmoidal quartz lenses. Four stages of ore deposition have been identified, consisting in the following mineral assemblages: i) scheelite, ii) arsenopyrite, pyrite, iii) base-metals and iv) stibnite-Au. An initial aqueous-carbonic hot-fluid (350 to 250 °C) from a metamorphic source is involved for the early scheelite to base-metals stages, and fluid/rock interaction could be responsible for the scheelite crystallization. Cooling and mixing of the initial fluid with an aqueous cold meteoric fluid (∼200 to 130 °C), are key factors for the late Sb-Au ore-deposition. P-T conditions express a shallow emplacement level (3.5 to 6 km) in a single and progressive crystallization-deformation event. No significant exhumation, and no additional magmatic source from late Variscan felsic or early Carboniferous mafic magmatic events are needed for the Sb-Au-(W) ore genesis. Structural features and new LA-ICP-MS U/Pb apatite dating associated with a regional synthesis show that all major Sb-Au mineralizations of the Armorican Massif, and most from the European Variscan Belt districts have a relatively similar genetic model. In the French Variscan massifs those deposits have been emplaced during the same mineralizing peak, which operated at around 310–295 Ma, and was controlled by the late-orogenic Variscan post-thickening tectonic event.

Application of Cross model for granular flow and impact analysis using three-dimensional B-spline material point method

Granular flow and impact, such as landslides and debris flows, are typical problems involving large deformations of non-Newtonian free surfaces, which are of great interest in geological engineering and also pose challenges for traditional mesh-based numerical methods. As an enhancement of the traditional Material Point Method (MPM), the B-Spline Material Point Method (BSMPM) can not only effectively reduce mesh-crossing and quadrature errors, but also facilitate the tracking and capturing of free surfaces and contact interfaces. In this paper, the non-Newtonian general Cross model, the rheological parameters of which are determined by the Bingham model and the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion, is introduced into the three-dimensional BSMPM (3D BSMPM) for simulating granular flow and impact problems. Interparticle effects of granular materials are represented by artificial damping forces. Dynamic simulations are carried out on the collapse of sand column and glass beads, the flow of bentonite suspensions, and the impact between granular mass and elastic obstacles. The overall evolution of granular flow and impact behavior are presented and compared with existing experimental and/or original MPM results. It is found that the proposed method well reproduces the overall process of granular flow and impact behavior, including its various stages of formation, acceleration, deceleration, and deposition, as well as the impact pressure. The results show that the granular flow and impact behavior can be well represented by the proposed 3D BSMPM with the Cross rheological model, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method in simulating complicated environmental fluid dynamics.

Synthesis and Characterization of Amorphous Selenium, Cadmium and Silver Selenide Thin Films on Polyamide-6

Increasing photon absorption by capturing light is an important way to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. In this regard, the small optical band gap (Eg) and high absorption coefficient of Se-containing thin nanofilms make them ideal for next generation photovoltaic devices based on selenides. Amorphous selenium was introduced into polyamide-6 (PA 6) via a chemical synthesis in a bath and the influence of the products of its reaction with Cd2+ and Ag+ ions on the film phase composition, topographic and optical properties were evaluated. AFM data have revealed that the surface roughness of the a-Se/PA 6 composite noticeably increases compared to that of unreacted PA 6. However, at later stages of film deposition, the roughness decreases, and the thin film becomes smoother and uniform. The incorporation of solid inorganic nanoparticles into flexible polyamide network causes chain stretching, which has been confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy data. The data of X-ray diffraction analysis, depending on the stage of synthesis, showed the crystalline composition of the film with peaks of Se8, CdSe, Ag2Se and Ag, which may explain the observed optical properties. The optical properties of the composites indicate a shift in the band gap from 4.46 eV for PA 6 to 2.23–1.64 eV upon the stepwise deposition of amorphous Se, CdSe and Ag2Se. Eg is conveniently located in the visible region of solar energy, making the obtained nanofilms ideal for solar energy harvesting.

Numerical Simulation of the Carbon Deposition Mechanism of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Based on Total Harmonic Distortion Analysis

Identifying the corresponding degradation mechanisms at the early stage of operation is important for the long-term stable operation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). This paper uses total harmonic distortion analysis (THDA) to identify the anode carbon deposition mechanism in the early stage of SOFC operation with carbon-containing fuels. An accelerated calculation model for the electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) and a total harmonic distortion calculation model were constructed to study the carbon deposition mechanism and carbon removal strategy of SOFC anodes based on a one-dimensional transient elementary reaction kinetic model of an SOFC fueled by a CH4/H2O mixture. It is shown that the THDA calculation model can identify the primary stages of carbon deposition on SOFC anodes at specific frequencies. The THDA profiles at frequencies greater than 2 kHz contain essentially the same key information as at lower frequencies, suggesting that THDA can significantly reduce the test time for identifying performance degradation in the early stages of SOFC operation compared to EIS. Using a mixture of hydrogen and water vapor to remove the solid carbon generated by the cell anode and restore it to its initial performance, the THDA computational model can successfully respond to this process.

Identification of the influential DEM contact law parameters on powder bed quality and flow in additive manufacturing configurations

The main objective of the present manuscript is to implement DEM simulations of powder spreading in an Additive Manufacturing process. A numerical sensitivity analysis is carried out in order to identify the contact law parameters that impact most on powder bed quality. Tested parameters are surface energy, as well as sliding, rolling and restitution coefficients. It is seen that effective surface energy between powder particles is a key parameter to assess bed-forming ability, but that it is also necessary to consider rolling and sliding frictions for an accurate modeling of the spreading phenomena. In addition, our simulations allow a better understanding of the size segregation issues during the feeding and deposition stages. Finally, we describe the effect of the contact law parameters on the heap profile. We identify various powder flow zones within the heap, and show that heap profile can be a predictor of powder bed quality.

Organic matter enrichment mechanism in saline lacustrine basins: A review

Organic‐rich shale in saline lacustrine basins holds significant importance as a source rock for conventional hydrocarbon exploration and has emerged as a prominent target for unconventional hydrocarbon exploration and development in recent years. Based on saline lacustrine basins, this paper provides a summary of the organic matter enrichment mechanisms in saline lacustrine basins, considering sedimentary characteristics, biological activities, factors for the organic matter enrichment and consumption, and hydrocarbon generation. The implications for these factors are discussed in relation to the distribution prediction of high‐quality lacustrine shale district settings and the exploration and development of shale oil. Saline lacustrine basins undergo distinct evolutionary stages, each corresponding to different sedimentary stages involving carbonate minerals, sulphate minerals, and alkaline minerals. Moreover, these basins exhibit diverse biological types and experience extensive biological activities. The prosperity of organisms and the accumulation of sedimentary organic matter are ensured by halophilic organisms. Organic matter enrichment in saline lacustrine basins is influenced by two main aspects: the primary productivity of organic matter, which is promoted by the proliferation of halophilic organisms, and the efficient preservation of organic matter facilitated by the strong reducing environment resulting from promoted water salinity stratification. The organic matter consumption in saline lacustrine basins involves bacterial sulphate reduction (BSR) in the early stages, thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR) in the late stages, and dilution of salt minerals with higher depositional rates. of the presence of salt beds and saline minerals positively influences hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in organic‐rich shale within saline lacustrine deposition. Consequently, continental saline lacustrine basins in China offer favourable conditions for the formation of organic‐rich shale and present broad prospects for the exploration of shale oil and gas resources.

A Review of the Potential of Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea Canaliculata) as a Raw Material for Aquaculture Feed

This review offers a overview of the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) as a potential raw material for aquaculture feed. The taxonomy, anatomy, habitat, life cycle, nutritional composition, and utilization prospects of this freshwater snail species are discussed. The golden apple snail's features, including its conical shell, distinct coloration, and unique respiratory system comprising gills and a lung, contribute to its adaptability and mobility in diverse environments. Its life cycle encompasses egg deposition, hatching, and subsequent growth stages, with reproductive maturity and lifespan influenced by environmental factors. With its significant calcium content and variable protein levels, the golden apple snail holds nutritional value. Consequently, it has gained attention as a promising ingredient for aquaculture feed due to its protein-rich meat

Alternations of open and closed lakes in the Lower Aptian Codó Formation (Parnaíba Basin, Brazil)

Lakes can be classified as open, semi-closed, and closed based on the balance between accommodation space and sediment–water fill. Different lake types can coexist in adjacent basins and rapidly change throughout time from one type to another. Understanding the processes that result from shifts in a lake's hydrological properties can be challenging, as well as characterizing its sedimentary products. The Aptian Codó Formation, in the Parnaíba Basin, north–northeast Brazil, contains in its record a complex facies succession deposited in a continental lacustrine system. In order to better understand the depositional aspects of different lake types, we characterized the lower portion of the Codó Formation using a multi-proxy approach. We combined litho- and microfacies analysis, ichnology, bulk chemical data, mineralogy, isotopic geochemistry, and organic matter analysis in the recently drilled, fully recovered borehole, 2-CO-1-MA. We defined eight lithofacies: bioturbated siltstones, dark gray mudstones, laminites, stratiform and domal stromatolites, heterolites rich in ostracods and organic muddy, and anhydrite and gypsum rocks. The isotopic data and the palynofacies analysis pointed out the existence of restricted conditions (TOC up to 19.6 wt%) with intermittent connections with seawater. Integrating all techniques, we interpreted five depositional stages: expanded lake, brackish ephemeral lake, perennial shallow lake, evaporitic sabkha, and stratified lake. These stages were influenced by the relation between inflow and evaporation rate, which were the main controls on sedimentation in the lacustrine-sabkha system studied. Our findings provide a detailed description and interpretation of the paleoenvironmental conditions related to the alternation from open to closed lakes, combining sedimentological, geochemical, and palynological characteristics of an inland lake system.

Symptom aggravation after withdrawal of metal chelating agent therapy in patients with Wilson's disease.

To study the aggravation of clinical symptoms after discontinuation of metal chelating agent therapy in Wilson's disease (WD) patients, analyze the causes of aggravation, and observe the prognosis. 40 WD patients (cerebral type 30 cases and hepatic type 10 cases) who stopped using metal chelating agent were selected, 40 WD patients with normal therapy, and 10 normal control cases were selected. All patients underwent neurological symptom evaluation using modified Young scale, Child-Pugh liver function grading, metal metabolism, and disease typing. Magnetic sensitivity imaging (SWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRS) were performed. According to the imaging results, WD patients were divided into metal deposition stage, fiber damage stage, and neuron necrosis stage. All patients were treated with metal chelating agent for 6 months. The score of modified Young scale in drug withdrawal group was lower than that in normal treatment group before drug withdrawal (p=.032). The score of modified Young scale was higher after drug withdrawal than before (p=.011). The number of Child-Pugh B-grade patients after drug withdrawal was more than that before drug withdrawal and in normal treatment group. The proportion of patients in the stage of neuronal necrosis after drug withdrawal (25%) was higher than that before drug withdrawal (10%) (p=.025). After drug withdrawal, urine copper was significantly higher than that before drug withdrawal and in the normal treatment group (p=.032, .039). After the withdrawal group resumed metal chelating agent treatment, 34.2% of neurological symptoms worsened. WD patients showed neurological symptoms aggravation and increased liver injury after metal chelating agent withdrawal. Increased metal deposition and new nerve injury occurred in the brain. After re-treatment, the aggravated neurological symptoms of WD patients are difficult to reverse.

Oxidation behaviors of Hongqian heavy crude oil characterized by TG-DSC-FTIR-MS within full temperature regions

To better understand in-situ combustion (ISC) theory and reveal the oxidation behavior and mechanism of Hongqian (HQ) heavy crude oil, the thermo-oxidative characteristics and kinetics of HQ heavy oil were studied under air conditions using TG-DSC-FTIR-MS technique. According to the TG/DTG-DSC curves, the oxidation reactions of HQ heavy oil can be divided into low temperature oxidation (LTO), fuel deposition (FD) and high temperature combustion (HTC) stages. The reaction mechanism for each reaction interval was comprehensively analyzed by online FTIR and MS analysis. In FTIR spectra, H2O, hydrocarbon, CO2, CO, –COOH, and aromatic ring were observed during the oxidation process, which are used to explain the occurrence of the possible decomposition/isomerization of hydroperoxides in the later stage of LTO and the important role of light hydrocarbons evaporation, thermal oxidative cracking and polycondensation for coke formation at FD stage, coke combustion at HTC stage, as well as the possible hysteresis of dehydrogenation and aromatization at FD and HTC stages. The strong variation of activation energy with conversion degree confirms the complex oxidation reactions. MS analysis of H2, CH4, H2O, CO, O2, and CO2 produced during oxidation process helps to verify these reaction mechanisms; and provide more information about the in-situ H2 generation and the conditions where H2 generation may occur as well as the generation of CO and its possible reaction mechanism in LTO reactions. These obtained data aid in a deeper insight into crude oil oxidation mechanism and provide reference for establishing accurate reaction scheme and reaction kinetic model for the precise simulation of ISC processes.

Nucleation of Co and Ru Precursors on Silicon with Different Surface Terminations: Impact on Nucleation Delay.

Early transition metals ruthenium (Ru) and cobalt (Co) are of high interest as replacements for Cu in next-generation interconnects. Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) is used to deposit metal thin films in high-aspect-ratio structures of vias and trenches in nanoelectronic devices. At the initial stage of deposition, the surface reactions between the precursors and the starting substrate are vital to understand the nucleation of the film and optimize the deposition process by minimizing the so-called nucleation delay in which film growth is only observed after tens to hundreds of ALD cycles. The reported nucleation delay of Ru ranges from 10 ALD cycles to 500 ALD cycles, and the growth-per-cycle (GPC) varies from report to report. No systematic studies on nucleation delay of Co PE-ALD are found in the literature. In this study, we use first principles density functional theory (DFT) simulations to investigate the reactions between precursors RuCp2 and CoCp2 with Si substrates that have different surface terminations to reveal the atomic-scale reaction mechanism at the initial stages of metal nucleation. The substrates include (1) H:Si(100), (2) NHx-terminated Si(100), and (3) H:SiNx/Si(100). The ligand exchange reaction via H transfer to form CpH on H:Si(100), NHx-terminated Si(100), and H:SiNx/Si(100) surfaces is simulated and shows that pretreatment with N2/H2 plasma to yield an NHx-terminated Si surface from H:Si(100) can promote the ligand exchange reaction to eliminate the Cp ligand for CoCp2. Our DFT results show that the surface reactivity of CoCp2 is highly dependent on substrate surface terminations, which explains why the reported nucleation delay and GPC vary from report to report. This difference in reactivity at different surface terminations may be useful for selective deposition. For Ru deposition, RuCp2 is not a useful precursor, showing highly endothermic ligand elimination reactions on all studied terminations.

Sequence Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, and Reservoir Characteristics of the Middle Cretaceous Mishrif Formation, South Iraq

The Cenomanian–Early Turonian Mishrif Formation is a great contributor to oil production in Iraq. Integrating petrographic, mineralogical, and wireline logging data from 52 wells, this study provides an improved understanding of the sequence stratigraphy, depositional evolution, and reservoir characteristics of the Mishrif Formation in the Mesopotamian Basin, south Iraq. Five types of facies associations are classified: lagoon, shoal, rudist bioherm, shallow marine, and deep marine. Such a classification allows convenient differentiation and interpretation of wireline logs. A sequence stratigraphic framework including five third-order sequences (Mhf 1 to Mhf 5) for the Mishrif Formation is established mainly using wireline logging data of close-distance wells, with the aid of cores and thin sections. Two end-member depositional evolution stages are recognized, from clinoform-like progradational shoal complexes in Mhf 1 within a shallow marine environment, to tidal channels in Mhf 2–3 within a lagoon environment. For Mhf 4–5, abrupt changes in facies associations from north to south indicate the development of an intra-shelf basin where organic-rich mudstones directly overlie the shallow marine grainstone shoals and lagoonal wackestones. Reservoir characteristics and compartmentalization are directly controlled by the sequence stratigraphic framework. Sequence boundaries are featured by wackestones and mudstones overprinted by cementation; they are regionally correlatable and work as regional barriers. Shoal complexes in Mhf 1 and tidal channels in Mhf 2–3 are the main reservoir units. Mudstones and wackestones are intra-reservoir baffles and become more frequently developed towards the south, reflecting the increasing water depth towards south. The characterization of the tidal channels, clinoform-like shoals, and intrashelf basinal deposits in the current study could benefit later development of the Mishrif Formation.

Characterizing large rockfalls using their seismic signature: A case study of Hongya rockfall

A preliminary, yet timely characterization of rockfall hazards is essential for effective emergency response and mitigation measures. Such characterization is, however, particularly challenging for events occurring on high-mountain slopes in remote locations, for which precursory information remains often undetected. Large rockfalls are known to produce seismic signatures that, if properly interpreted, provide key information on the magnitude and destructiveness of the event. To achieve this, we establish a seismic signal-based assessment scheme and demonstrate its capability by taking a large event – the 5 April 2021 Hongya rockfall (Sichuan, China) – as a case study. First, we show how a rockfall can be distinguished from an earthquake and a rockslide by analyzing its seismic signatures. Then, we demonstrate how the kurtosis-based method can be used to rapidly detect the initiation of a rockfall and determine the seismic wave velocity accordingly, as well as how the arrival-time-based location method can be used to locate the event. The rockfall volume can be estimated from the magnitude of radiated seismic energy. Furthermore, we characterize the different phases in seismograms and link them to the typical stages of rockfall, i.e., precursory small rockfalls, impact and fragmentation, sliding and entrainment, and gravity deposition stages. Finally, a discussion and suggestions are provided for further improving the robustness of the assessment scheme. Our results show that the seismic signal-based scheme presented in this study is suitable for characterizing large rockfalls and has the potential for rapid and effective emergency management.

Sedimentary records in dry karstic valleys: The case of Mambaí, central Brazil

Karstic areas in Central Brazil show significant depositional and erosive facies placed within abandoned dry valley-systems and associated with fluviokarstic dynamics. These valleys have distinct depositional characteristics that offer sedimentary records of both past climatic events in the region and its current fluviokarstic system. The purpose of this paper is to point out and characterize such sedimentary packages, protected by dry valleys that were deposited up until the fluviokarstic transition, thus enabling the correlation of such sediments to past climatic events. The study is based on a combination of geomorphic and sedimentological analyses through the employment of multiple techniques, such as mineralogy, geochronology, stable isotopes, and granulometry, to the analysis of our case studies. These are the three dry valleys around the Ventura, Pedras and Extrema rivers, which in turn comprise the River Vermelho Basin, northeastern Goiás State. Our results suggest that the valleys contain fluvial deposits remnant from the transition of superficial fluvial flow to the underground karstic system. Records provide a general view of the depositional stages placed before and up until the period of fluvial capture in terms of their morphology, dynamics, and sediment architecture. OSL ages indicate that fluviokarstic processes had been in operation since 23 Ka, when the oldest river capture was found to have occurred. Depositions occurred in a reasonably continuous manner, mainly during the last 3.5 Ka, and concentrated around relatively dry and wet events, exhibiting typical depositional gaps in fluvial environments. Consequently, no relationship between the depositions and paleoclimatic events were observed for the analyzed fluviokarstic system.

Characteristics and Geological Significance of High-Frequency Cycles in Salinized Lake Basins: The Paleogene Kumugeliemu Group in the Xinhe Area, Northern Tarim Basin

Salinized lake basins have distinctive sedimentary response characteristics, similar to marine shallow-water carbonate platforms. High-frequency cycles can also be used to reveal more sedimentological information, such as relative lake-level fluctuations, lithofacies sequence combinations, and paleogeographic evolution. In this article, a comprehensive study on the stratigraphic shelf delineation and high-frequency cycles of the Paleozoic Kumugeliemu Group in Xinhe area, northern Tarim Basin, was performed using drilling cores, logging curves, and seismic analyses. As a result of the study, the following data were obtained: the three sets of marker beds in the Kumugeliemu Group in the study area could be divided into a bottom sandstone component (E1-2 km1), a lower gypsum mudstone component (E1-2 km2), a salt rock component (E1-2 km3), and an upper gypsum mudstone component (E1-2 km4) by petrology vertical overlay combination and isochronous tracking correlation, which constituted two third-order cycles (ESQ1, ESQ2). They were further divided into seven fourth-order cycles (Esq1–Esq7). Due to the droughty and saline lacustrine depositional system background, the internal rock fabric changed frequently and showed a periodic vertical overlay pattern. Stratified gypsum salt, gypsum mud (sand) rock, and gypsum rock were used as the cycle interface. A single cycle was mainly characterized by an upward shallower depositional sequence of rapid lake transgression followed by a slow lake regression, composed of massive sandstone–lamellar mudstone–lime dolomite–gypsum rock, massive sandstone–lamellar mudstone–gypsum rock (gypsum salt), massive sandstone–massive gypsum mud (sand) rock–gypsum rock, and other cycle structure types. The complete sedimentary cycle was superposed by a single cycle and compared by the inter-well thickness difference, indicating that the study area had a paleogeomorphology pattern of “West-Low–East-High”. The thickness of the cycles decreased gradually from bottom to top vertically, and five sedimentary stages were determined, i.e., freshwater, brackish, brackish water, salt lake, and semi-saltwater, reflecting the evolutionary process of increasing salinity, lake basin filling, and gradual salinization and shrinkage.

Sedimentary control on diagenetic paths of dolomite reservoirs in a volcanic setting: A case study of the Permian Chihsia Formation in the Sichuan Basin, China

The formation mechanisms of multi-stage dolomites and hydrocarbon reservoirs associated with volcanic activity are complex. This study investigated the Permian Chihsia Formation in the Sichuan Basin, China, which is the location of recent discoveries of giant natural gas reserves. We undertook a petrological and geochemical study, including trace element and C–O–Sr isotopic analysis. The quality of the dolomite reservoirs associated with volcanic activity was controlled by different diagenetic pathways associated with the sediment types and fault systems. Outcrop, core, and thin-section observations identified three types of replacement dolomite: very finely to finely crystalline dolomite (Rd1), medium crystalline patchy dolomite (Rd2), and coarsely to medium crystalline dolomite (Rd3). The tidal flat sediments only experienced limited seepage reflux dolomitization, which resulted in the formation of the dense very finely to finely crystalline dolomite (Rd1). The bioclastic grain shoal sediments deposited in a high-energy shallow-water environment contain abundant intergranular and dissolution pores, and vugs, which allowed convection of seawater and dolomitization during the initial phases of volcanic activity of the late early Permian. Subsequently, the bioclastic grain shoal sediments were mostly replaced by coarsely to medium crystalline dolomite (Rd3), which formed the highest-quality reservoirs in the study area. In addition, the incompletely dolomitized medium crystalline patchy dolomite (Rd2) was formed due to the low original porosity of micritic, peloidal, grain shoal sediments during a transgression in the middle and late depositional stages. During the peak of volcanism at the end-Guadalupian, deep faults allowed seawater to mix with ascending hydrothermal fluids, which resulted in the precipitation of dolomite cement in pores near the fault fracture zones, which blocked the pores. Therefore, these high-energy shoal sediments deposited in the slope break zone far from strike-slip faults have a relatively high porosity. Our results provide new insights into the origin of dolomite reservoirs formed in association with a volcanic setting, and are applicable to deep dolomite reservoirs worldwide.

Gas channel delineation utilizing a neural network and 3D seismic attributes: Simian Field, offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

Depositional architecture and hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir detection are considered the main challenges in the Nile Delta Basin, predominantly in the slope area. Channel fill deposits are very complicated because they are vertically stacked and pass through different depositional stages, forming complex depositional patterns. In the current study, an artificial neural network was used to detect gas and water-bearing reservoirs inside the complex depositional pattern and their spatial dimensions. Modern seismic reservoir characterization attribute analysis provides a good outcome in detecting reservoir fluids by mixing fluid-sensitive attributes with the well outcomes. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms for rock property prediction are considered to be a new emerging trend. The ANN algorithm has an advantage over other seismic reservoir delineation techniques because it has a good capability for building a nonlinear relationship between seismic data and petrophysical logs.Hence, it can be utilized to spatially anticipate reservoir fluids with a rational degree of accuracy. A back-error propagation algorithm, a supervised neural network method, was implemented on the Simian Field to anticipate the fluid-bearing reservoirs from the seismic-derived amplitudes. The ANN method showed unique results in the case study area by discriminating the gas-bearing intervals from the water-bearing intervals, although combining the assembly of the seismic attributes to supervise fluid classification. The method will help in the development plans of the field and track the volume of water and gas.

High pressure air injection in ultra-low permeability reservoirs: Effects of physical and chemical reactions on oil recovery

This research aims to investigate the effects of physical and chemical reactions on oil recovery during high-pressure air injection (HPAI) in ultra-low permeability reservoirs. The oxidation reaction characteristics of dead oil were investigated using thermal analysis experiments and oxidation tube experiments. Additionally, pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) analysis was employed to simulate the physical and chemical reactions between air and live oil under formation conditions. The results indicated that the fuel deposition (FD) stage exhibited less prominence in light oil due to its lower content of resins and asphaltenes. Additionally, the presence of cuttings impeded the volatilization of lighter components during low-temperature oxidation (LTO) stage, effectively storing fuel required for subsequent high-temperature oxidation (HTO) stage, consequently facilitating a direct transition from LTO to HTO. Notably, the debris derived from the ultra-low permeability reservoirs possesses an enlarged specific surface area, facilitating enhanced contact between the oil and oxygen. This heightened contact effectively reduces the activation energy required for the LTO stage by an appreciable 22.9 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the PVT experiments reveals a quadratic relationship between pressure and viscosity, while a cubic relationship exists between pressure and the expansion rate of crude oil. Moreover, the thermal effects of oxidation reactions and the dissolution of the gas phase have been found to exert a more substantial influence on reducing oil viscosity, in contrast to the oxygen addition reaction and the extraction of lighter components, which have a minor influence on increasing oil viscosity. Lastly, in the context of developing HPAI techniques for ultra-low permeability reservoirs, optimizing the gas injection rate emerges as a viable strategy to effectively enhance oil recovery, provided that the occurrence of gas channeling is effectively mitigated.