Effect of different lithological assemblages on shale reservoir properties in the Permian Longtan Formation, southeastern Sichuan Basin: Case study of Well X1

Various types of marine-continental transitional facies are present in the gas-bearing shales of the southeastern Sichuan Basin. A review of the different lithological assemblages in these rocks is important for assessing the likely shale gas content and the development of the storage space. This study of the lithological assemblages of the Permian Longtan Formation in the southeastern Sichuan Basin at Well X1 used core observations, optical thin-section observations, Ar-ion polishing, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption tests to compare and analyze storage space types and pore structures in the shale to determine the sedimentary paleoenvironment, petromineralogy, and organic content. The marine-continental transitional facies in the study area were deposited in a warm climate that favored enrichment by organic matter. The kerogen is type II(2)-III (average vitrinite reflectance 2.66%), which is within the favorable thermal maturity range for the presence of shale gas. The lithology mainly consists of shale, siltstone, and limestone (with bioclasts), as well as a coal seam. The lithological development divides the Longtan Formation into lower (swamp), middle (tidal flat/lagoon), and upper (delta) sub-members. From lower to upper divisions, the lithofacies evolved from silty shale to clay shale and then to shale intercalated with siltstone or calcareous layers. The proportions of intergranular and dissolution pores in the clay minerals decrease gradually from lower to upper sub-members, and pore size sizes also tend to decrease. Relatively large-diameter pores and microfractures occur in the inorganic matter in the lowest sub-member. Quartz and clay are the main constituents of the shale, respectively contributing to the specific surface area and specific pore volume of the reservoir space.