Abstract:

Based on the summary of deep shale gas breakthrough wells in recent years, four geological characteristics of deep shale gas are put forward. First, the basic evaluation parameters of deep and shallow shale are similar, but gas content and porosity of deep shale are generally higher than those of medium-deep shale. Second, the horizontal stress difference of deep shale is much greater than that of medium-deep shale. Third, deep shale gas in the basin is generally overpressured, and the pressure coefficient is generally between 1.9 and 2.1, while the complex structure area at the edge of the basin is normally pressured. Fourth, the positive structure is still the main factor for high yield of deep shale gas. Based on the analysis of the decline characteristics of single well production curve in Haynesville and Barnett shale gas fields and the geological characteristics of deep shale gas in Sichuan Basin, three main problems of deep shale gas, namely theoretical understanding innovation, engineering process applicability as well as cost and benefit development. The corresponding countermeasures are also pointed out.

Key words: Sichuan Basin, deep shale gas, Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation, horizontal stress difference