Types and Characteristics of the Lower Silurian Shale Gas Reservoirs in and Around the Sichuan Basin

Abstract

Abstract This study analyzed the characteristics and types of the Lower Silurian shale gas reservoirs in and around Sichuan Basin through field observations, slices, Ar‐ion‐beam milling, scanning electron microscopy, and x‐ray diffraction analysis of 25 black shale outcrops and samples. Two main types of shale gas reservoirs were determined, i.e., fractures and pores. Fractures were classified into five categories, i.e., giant, large, medium, small, and micro, according to the features of the shale gas reservoirs, effect of fracture on gas accumulation, and fracture nature. Pore types include organic matter pores, mineral pores (mineral surface, intraparticle, interparticle, and corrosional pore), and nanofractures. The various fracture types, fracture scales, pore types, and pore sizes exert different controls over the gas storage and production capacity. Pores serve as a reservoir for gas storage and, the gas storage capacity can be determined using pores; fractures serve as pathways for gas migration, and gas production capacity can be determined using them.