Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.5
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
The Exploration and Development of Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources, 2nd Edition
applsci-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

The Exploration and Development of Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2025 | Viewed by 4045

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Guoheng Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
2. Key Laboratory of Deep Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: unconventional resources; silicon enrichment; oil-gas accumulation; palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jianhua Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
2. Key Laboratory of Deep Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: unconventional resources; basin research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Xiaolong Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
2. Key Laboratory of Deep Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: CO2 geological storage; reservoir geology; fluid–rock interaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yuqi Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
2. Key Laboratory of Deep Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
Interests: modeling and characterization of subsurface reservoirs; diagenesis analysis and simulation; digital rock physics; shale gas and oil
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is the second volume of the previously successful Special Issue "The Exploration and Development of Unconventional (Mainly Shale) Hydrocarbon Resources" (Link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/processes/special_issues/760MCZ74Y9).

The exploration and development of hydrocarbons (gas and oil) in unconventional reservoirs have attracted a great deal of attention due to the vast potential in these areas. Over the past two decades, the production of hydrocarbons from reservoirs with disparate depositional environments has rapidly increased in many countries (e.g., North America and China) due to the application of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. However, there are still many scientific issues that are implicated in the sustainable development of hydrocarbon resources, including the hydrocarbon accumulation mechanisms and models, hydrocarbon occurrence state, and hydrocarbon loss mechanism.

Therefore, we announce a Special Issue on “The Exploration and Development of Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources” in order to present up-to-date advances in the theories and methodologies that are related to accumulation mechanisms for unconventional reservoirs. This Special Issue will mainly focus on the underlying scientific issues that are related to the accumulation and depletion of hydrocarbon mechanisms in shale reservoirs, in an attempt to improve our fundamental understanding of these processes for the high single-well productivity and low-cost sustainable development of hydrocarbon.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Processes.

Dr. Guoheng Liu
Dr. Jianhua Zhao
Dr. Xiaolong Sun
Dr. Yuqi Wu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • genesis and evolution of gas/oil and multiscale pores
  • genetic and distribution patterns of fractures
  • geological controls on reservoirs quality
  • hydrocarbon accumulation/depletion mechanisms
  • petrophysical characterization of formations
  • fluid flow and fluid&ndash
  • shale interactions

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 8798 KiB  
Article
Characteristics and Origin of Natural Gas in Yongfeng Sub-Sag of Bogda Mountain Front Belt
by Xiangcan Sun, Yi Chen, Xingui Zhou, Zhongkai Bai, Yukun Du, Lei Wen and Kun Yuan
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 9085; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14199085 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 351
Abstract
By systematically analyzing the natural gas composition, carbon isotopes, and source rock characteristics in the Yongfeng sub-sag of the Bogda Mountain front belt, natural gas characteristics were determined, and the genetic types and sources of natural gas were investigated. The research results indicate [...] Read more.
By systematically analyzing the natural gas composition, carbon isotopes, and source rock characteristics in the Yongfeng sub-sag of the Bogda Mountain front belt, natural gas characteristics were determined, and the genetic types and sources of natural gas were investigated. The research results indicate that methane is the main component of natural gas in the Yongfeng sub-sag, with low levels of heavy hydrocarbons and a high drying coefficient. These characteristics make it dry gas, which refers to natural gas with a methane content of over 95%. The ethane carbon isotope δ13C2 of natural gas is −28.5‰ and belongs to oil type gas. The methane carbon isotope δ13C1 of natural gas is −58.6‰~−59.4‰, has a relatively depleted methane carbon isotope value, shows significant differences from the surrounding natural gas methane carbon isotope, and belongs to the category of biogenic gas. The Permian Lucaogou Formation is the main source rock in the study area, with good organic matter abundance. The microscopic components of kerogen are mainly composed of sapropelic formations and the organic matter type is I–II1. The source rock has a high maturity and has reached the mature stage, mainly consisting of oil and wet gas. The ethane carbon isotope of natural gas in the Yongfeng sub-sag shows as oil type gas, which is consistent with the kerogen type of the Lucaogou Formation source rocks, indicating that the natural gas mainly comes from the Lucaogou Formation source rocks. Based on comprehensive data and information on natural gas composition, carbon isotopes, and burial history of the source rocks, it is believed that some of the crude oil generated from the Lucaogou Formation in the early stage underwent biodegradation due to tectonic uplift, resulting in biogenic methane and the formation of crude oil biodegraded gas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Exploration and Development of Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6037 KiB  
Article
Characteristics and Genesis of Pore–Fracture System in Alkaline Lake Shale, Junggar Basin, China
by Yifan Jiao, Xianglu Tang, Wenjun He, Liliang Huang, Zhenxue Jiang, Leilei Yang and Caihua Lin
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5239; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125239 - 17 Jun 2024
Viewed by 660
Abstract
Unconventional oil and gas resources are indispensable, and shale oil is one of them. The Junggar Basin is a typical superposition oil and gas basin in China, with reserves of 100 million tons in many areas and various types of oil and gas [...] Read more.
Unconventional oil and gas resources are indispensable, and shale oil is one of them. The Junggar Basin is a typical superposition oil and gas basin in China, with reserves of 100 million tons in many areas and various types of oil and gas reservoirs. The Permian Fengcheng Formation in Mahu Sag has great potential for oil generation, making the study of the Fengcheng Formation reservoir in Mahu Sag particularly important. Based on previous studies, the core sample from well Maye-1 is divided into four lithologies according to mineral composition: felsic shale, dolomitic felsic shale, clay-bearing felsic shale, and siltstone interlayers. Through core observation and description, it is found that the macroscopic porosity of each lithology is well-developed, with felsic shale exhibiting the highest macroscopic fracture density, followed by siltstone interlayers, and clay-bearing felsic shale showing the least development. Argon ion polishing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques show that the siltstone interlayer pore development is the best, with pore sizes ranging from 100 to 4000 nm. The fracture development of dolomitic felsic shale is the most significant, with fractures contributing up to 80.14%. The porosity of clay-bearing felsic shale is only 1.12%. The development of pores and fractures in the study area is related to sedimentary tectonic factors and diagenesis. It mainly exhibits three types of subfacies deposits, namely semi-deep lake subfacies, shallow lake subfacies, and lakeshore lake subfacies, predominantly composed of felsic shale. Strong tectonic movements contribute to the formation of macroscopic fractures. Diagenesis plays a crucial role in the formation of microscopic pores. The Fengcheng Formation is primarily influenced by compaction, pressure dissolution, dissolution, and metasomatism. These various diagenetic processes collectively promote the formation of pores, ultimately leading to the development of a multi-scale porosity system in the Fengcheng Formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Exploration and Development of Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 17533 KiB  
Article
An Analysis of Silurian Paleo–Tethys Hydrocarbon Source Rock Characteristics in North Africa, the Middle East, and South China
by Enze Xu, Yaning Wang, Shangfeng Zhang, Rui Zhu, Jianhao Liang, Rui Han, Gaoyang Gong, Min Xu and Xin Cheng
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020663 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1343
Abstract
In this study, we elucidate the genesis and distribution patterns of Silurian hot shale hydrocarbon source rocks by utilizing a comparative analysis of the evolutionary characteristics of plate tectonic activity in the Paleo–Tethys Ocean and the sedimentary filling characteristics of key basins in [...] Read more.
In this study, we elucidate the genesis and distribution patterns of Silurian hot shale hydrocarbon source rocks by utilizing a comparative analysis of the evolutionary characteristics of plate tectonic activity in the Paleo–Tethys Ocean and the sedimentary filling characteristics of key basins in North Africa, the Middle East, and South China. We propose an explanation for the sedimentary genesis of world-class Silurian hydrocarbon source rocks in the Paleozoic craton basin of the ancient Tethys tectonic domain. This is achieved by scrutinizing the plate tectonic activity and evolution of the ancient Tethys Ocean and combining these findings with the paleotectonic sedimentation background of North Africa, the Middle East, and South China. Additionally, we compare Silurian hydrocarbon source rocks from these regions. The deep-water stagnant environment of the land shelf favors the preservation of organic matter, thereby forming high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks. Conversely, the shallow-water body of the land shelf is more turbulent, thus resulting in the poorer preservation of organic matter and, consequently, lower-quality hydrocarbon source rocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Exploration and Development of Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 17822 KiB  
Article
Diagenesis of the Permian Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, China
by Bin Bai, Jiwei Liang, Chaocheng Dai, Wenjun He, Ying Bai, Xiaobin Chang, Meng Zheng, Hanlin Li and Hao Zong
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13186; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413186 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1085
Abstract
The Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu sag of the Junggar Basin was primarily composed of detritus, pyroclastic material, carbonates, and evaporites. In order to establish the diagenesis pathways of the Fengcheng Formation, some methods of polarized light microscope, SEM, CL, EPMA, LR, and [...] Read more.
The Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu sag of the Junggar Basin was primarily composed of detritus, pyroclastic material, carbonates, and evaporites. In order to establish the diagenesis pathways of the Fengcheng Formation, some methods of polarized light microscope, SEM, CL, EPMA, LR, and fluid inclusion analysis were applied to discuss the diagenesis process. The results showed the following: (a) The formation of an alkaline lake was the result of the influence of a high concentration of sodium-rich sources, and it led to the preservation of alkaline minerals in the stratum. (b) After the sediments were buried, three mineral assemblages were formed in the Fengcheng Formation, which are carbonate mineral assemblages (i.e., calcite + ferreous dolomite), reedmergnerite and carbonate mineral assemblages (i.e., reedmergnerite + calcite + ferreous dolomite), and reedmergnerite and alkaline mineral assemblages (i.e., reedmergnerite + shortite + trona), respectively. (c) According to the homogenization temperature of reedmergnerite primary fluid inclusions, the alkaline diagenesis of Fengcheng Formation was divided into an early stage (≤100 °C) and a middle stage (>100 °C), respectively. The earlier stage is marked by the formation of ferrous saddle dolomite, quartz dissolution, and the agglutination of laumontite. These processes occurred under normal burial conditions. The latter is marked by the reedmergnerite’s appearance, which is correlated with the deep hydrothermal activity controlled by faults. (d) Based on sedimentary and diagenetic factors, including climate, provenance, diagenetic surroundings, and the action of subsurface fluid, the alkaline deposition-diagenesis model for shale series in four stages of the Fengcheng Formation was established. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Exploration and Development of Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop