Comprehensive characterization of shale gas reservoirs: A case study from Fuling shale gas field

The comprehensive characterization of shale gas reservoirs is considered as a key technology in shale gas exploration and development. It forms the basis of gas potential evaluation and is an important reference for formulating engineering technology evolution during the process of shale gas exploration and development. Compared with other countries, shale gas exploration and development in China started relatively late. Large-scale commercial development has not officially launched until the discovery of industrial gas flow of JY1 at the end of 2012. In contrast with shale gas development in North America, the geological and surface conditions are more complex in the south of China. Thus, there is limited experience for comprehensive reservoir characterization of shale gas in China. Based on the different analyses between shale gas and conventional gas reservoirs observed during four years of field practice in the Fuling shale gas field, we established a parameter system including aspects of the sedimentary environment, hydrocarbon generation potential, reservoir quality, compressibility and gas-bearing properties to identify the specific characteristics or technical means for shale gas reservoir description. Further, research suggested the typical geological characteristics of the high gas-bearing interval of Wufeng-Longmaxi formations that provide guidance for shale gas exploration and development in similar areas.