In the heart of China’s energy sector, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of shale oil flow patterns, with significant implications for the industry’s future. Led by LI Meng from Sinopec Petroleum Engineering Design Co., Ltd., a team of researchers has developed a novel model that could revolutionize the way we approach shale oil extraction.
Shale oil reservoirs, with their complex characteristics, have long posed challenges to energy companies. “Previous studies often focused on individual aspects, leading to an incomplete picture,” explains LI Meng. “Our research aims to bridge this gap by exploring the coupling mechanism of different factors affecting shale oil flow patterns.”
The team’s innovative model integrates vertical heterogeneity and stress sensitivity of shale formations, as well as the adsorption-desorption effects of shale oil. This comprehensive approach allows for a more accurate characterization of oil flow patterns in these complex reservoirs. By applying this model to the Paleogene Kong-2 member shale in the Cangdong Sag, the researchers revealed significant differences in oil production among different lithofacies, paving the way for more effective development strategies.
The findings are profound. Neglecting vertical heterogeneity and adsorption-desorption effects can significantly distort simulation results, leading to inaccurate production predictions. The study demonstrated that well-developed laminated structures enhance shale oil recovery, with free oil migrating through laminated channels and adsorbed oil benefiting from accelerated desorption. Moreover, the strong stress sensitivity of shale layers was found to enhance oil recovery, while that of sand layers exerted adverse effects.
These insights are crucial for the energy sector. As WANG Wendong, a co-author from the Sinopec Key Laboratory of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage, notes, “Understanding these mechanisms allows us to optimize our strategies for shale oil extraction, ultimately enhancing recovery and improving commercial outcomes.”
The research, published in the journal “Petroleum Geology and Development” (Youqicang pingjia yu kaifa), provides a robust framework for future developments in the field. By accurately simulating the physical process of oil flowing from the shale matrix to hydraulic fractures, the model offers a powerful tool for development planning and optimization.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research stands as a testament to the power of innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. It not only advances our scientific understanding but also opens new avenues for commercial success, shaping the future of shale oil extraction in meaningful and impactful ways.