Coal Geology & Exploration
Abstract
Background Helium is identified as a scarce strategic resource, having found widespread applications in high-tech fields such as high-end manufacturing, aerospace, and national defense due to its stable chemical properties and low boiling point. The Kuqa Depression in the Tarim Basin is a significant natural gas production base in China. Determining the distribution characteristics and controlling factors of helium in coal-measure natural gas in the Kuqa Depression holds great significance.Methods Using two helium resource assessment methods and geological data, this study explored the dominant factors causing helium deficiency in the coal-measure natural gas in the Kuqa Depression.Results and Conclusions The natural gas in the Kuqa Depression exhibits helium content (Volume fraction) ranging from 22×10–6 to 93×10–6 (average: 57.6×10–6), suggesting helium-deficient natural gas. Its 3He/4He ratios range from 3.33×10–8 to 11.24×10–8, indicating crust-derived helium. Helium in the natural gas originates primarily from the Jurassic coal-measure source rocks, with minimal contribution from the basement. The helium deficiency is predominantly governed by the regional structural evolution and the coupling effect of the helium- and hydrocarbon-generating intensities of coal-measure source rocks. In terms of structural evolution, differing from the discovered helium-rich gas fields, the Kuqa Depression has experienced continuous stratigraphic burial since the Himalayan, hindering the desorption and migration of helium. Regarding helium accumulation, the high hydrocarbon-generating intensity of coal-measure source rocks exerted a strong dilution effect on helium. Consequently, gas fields located in the hydrocarbon kitchen have a significantly lower helium content than those in the slope zone. The exploration of helium resources in coal-measure natural gas should focus on helium source rocks connecting the ancient basement, areas with strong regional tectonics and significant uplift of strata, and areas with weak natural gas charging and dilution. Exploration targets should be rationally selected according to helium accumulation conditions.
Keywords
helium, coal-measure natural gas, Kuqa Depression, origin of helium deficiency, charging intensity
DOI
10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.01.0080
Recommended Citation
LIU Jiarun, LIU Quanyou, LI Pengpeng,
et al.
(2025)
"Dominant factors causing helium deficiency in coal-measure natural gas in the Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin,"
Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 53:
Iss.
6, Article 9.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.01.0080
Available at:
https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol53/iss6/9
Reference
[1] ANDERSON S T. Economics,helium,and the US federal helium reserve:Summary and outlook[J]. Natural Resources Research,2018,27(4):455−477.
[2] 朱东亚,刘全有,李朋朋,等. 富氦气藏源储关系及富集机理[J]. 地质学报,2024,98(11):3182−3201.
ZHU Dongya,LIU Quanyou,LI Pengpeng,et al. Configuration relationship of source and reservoir and enrichment mechanism of helium–rich gas reservoirs[J]. Acta Geologica Sinica,2024,98(11):3182−3201.
[3] 刘祥柏,陶士振,杨岱林,等. 四川盆地大探1井富氦天然气勘探突破及成藏主控因素[J/OL]. 地学前缘,2024:1–22 [2024-10-17]. https://link.cnki.net/doi/10.13745/j.esf.sf.2024.10.17.
LIU Xiangbai,TAO Shizhen,YANG Dailin,et al. Breakthrough in exploration of helium rich natural gas in Well Datan 1 of Sichuan Basin and main control factors for reservoir formation[J/OL]. Earth Science Frontiers,2024:1–22 [2024-10-17]. https://link.cnki.net/doi/10.13745/j.esf.sf.2024.10.17.
[4] 陈践发,刘凯旋,董勍伟,等. 天然气中氦资源研究现状及我国氦资源前景[J]. 天然气地球科学,2021,32(10):1436−1449.
CHEN Jianfa,LIU Kaixuan,DONG Qingwei,et al. Research status of helium resources in natural gas and prospects of helium resources in China[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2021,32(10):1436−1449.
[5] 彭威龙,刘全有,张英,等. 中国首个特大致密砂岩型(烃类)富氦气田:鄂尔多斯盆地东胜气田特征[J]. 中国科学:地球科学,2022,52(6):1078−1085.
PENG Weilong,LIU Quanyou,ZHANG Ying,et al. The first extra–large helium–rich gas field identified in a tight sandstone of the Dongsheng gas field,Ordos Basin,China[J]. Science China:Earth Sciences,2022,52(6):1078−1085.
[6] 秦胜飞,窦立荣,陶刚,等. 氦气富集理论及富氦资源勘探思路[J]. 石油勘探与开发,2024,51(5):1160−1174.
QIN Shengfei,DOU Lirong,TAO Gang,et al. Helium enrichment theory and exploration ideas for helium–rich gas reservoirs[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development,2024,51(5):1160−1174.
[7] 陶小晚,李建忠,赵力彬,等. 我国氦气资源现状及首个特大型富氦储量的发现:和田河气田[J]. 地球科学,2019,44(3):1024−1041.
TAO Xiaowan,LI Jianzhong,ZHAO Libin,et al. Helium resources and discovery of first supergiant helium reserve in China:Hetianhe gas field[J]. Earth Science,2019,44(3):1024−1041.
[8] 张朝鲲,弓明月,田伟,等. 塔里木盆地雅克拉地区氦气资源评价与成藏模式[J]. 天然气地球科学,2023,34(11):1993−2008.
ZHANG Chaokun,GONG Mingyue,TIAN Wei,et al. Helium resource evaluation and enrichment model in Yakela area,Tarim Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2023,34(11):1993−2008.
[9] 张海祖,刘佳润,张文,等. 塔里木盆地哈得逊地区氦气分布特征及成藏模式[J]. 天然气地球科学,2025,36(3):444−454.
ZHANG Haizu,LIU Jiarun,ZHANG Wen,et al. Helium distribution characteristics and accumulation pattern in Hadexun area,Tarim Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2025,36(3):444−454.
[10] 王清华,杨海军,杨威. 塔里木盆地库车坳陷超深层碎屑岩油气地质研究新进展和下步勘探方向[J]. 石油勘探与开发,2025,52(1):1−14.
WANG Qinghua,YANG Haijun,YANG Wei. New progress and future exploration direction in oil and gas geological research of ultra–deep clastic rocks in the Kuqa depression,Tarim Basin,NW China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development,2025,52(1):1−14.
[11] 秦胜飞,李济远,王佳美,等. 中国含油气盆地富氦天然气藏氦气富集模式[J]. 天然气工业,2022,42(7):125−134.
QIN Shengfei,LI Jiyuan,WANG Jiamei,et al. Helium enrichment model of helium–rich gas reservoirs in petroliferous basins in China[J]. Natural Gas Industry,2022,42(7):125−134.
[12] 陶士振,吴义平,陶小晚,等. 氦气地质理论认识、资源勘查评价与全产业链一体化评价关键技术[J]. 地学前缘,2024,31(1):351−367.
TAO Shizhen,WU Yiping,TAO Xiaowan,et al. Helium:Accumulation model,resource exploration and evaluation,and integrative evaluation of the entire industrial chain[J]. Earth Science Frontiers,2024,31(1):351−367.
[13] 李玉宏,李济远,周俊林,等. 国内外氦气资源勘探开发现状及其对中国的启示[J]. 西北地质,2022,55(3):233−240.
LI Yuhong,LI Jiyuan,ZHOU Junlin,et al. Exploration and development status of world helium resources and its implications for China[J]. Northwestern Geology,2022,55(3):233−240.
[14] BROWN A. Origin of helium and nitrogen in the Panhandle–Hugoton field of Texas,Oklahoma,and Kansas,United States[J]. AAPG Bulletin,2019,103(2):369−403.
[15] 张文,李玉宏,王利,等. 渭河盆地氦气成藏条件分析及资源量预测[J]. 天然气地球科学,2018,29(2):236−244.
ZHANG Wen,LI Yuhong,WANG Li,et al. The analysis of helium accumulation conditions and prediction of helium resource in Weihe Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2018,29(2):236−244.
[16] 惠洁,康锐,赵伟波,等. 鄂尔多斯盆地氦气特征及生成潜力[J]. 天然气地球科学,2024,35(9):1688−1698.
HUI Jie,KANG Rui,ZHAO Weibo,et al. Helium characteristics and potential in the Ordos Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2024,35(9):1688−1698.
[17] 王清华,徐振平,张荣虎,等. 塔里木盆地油气勘探新领域、新类型及资源潜力[J]. 石油学报,2024,45(1):15−32.
WANG Qinghua,XU Zhenping,ZHANG Ronghu,et al. New fields,new types of hydrocarbon explorations and their resource potentials in Tarim Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica,2024,45(1):15−32.
[18] 杨海军,李勇,唐雁刚,等. 塔里木盆地克深气田成藏条件及勘探开发关键技术[J]. 石油学报,2021,42(3):399−414.
YANG Haijun,LI Yong,TANG Yangang,et al. Accumulation conditions,key exploration and development technologies for Keshen gas field in Tarim Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica,2021,42(3):399−414.
[19] 刘恣君,范坤宇,涂国煜,等. 塔里木盆地库车坳陷克拉苏构造带西部盐相关构造变形[J]. 天然气地球科学,2024,35(6):988−999.
LIU Zijun,FAN Kunyu,TU Guoyu,et al. Deformation characteristics of salt tectonics in the western part of the Kelasu structural belt in the Kuqa depression,Tarim Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2024,35(6):988−999.
[20] DING Xiujian,GAO Tianze,YANG Xianzhang,et al. Geochemical characteristics and development model of the coal–measure source rock in the Kuqa depression of Tarim Basin[J]. Processes,2023,11(6):1777.
[21] YANG Haijun,LI Pengpeng,ZHANG Haizu,et al. Helium geochemical characteristics and favorable zones in the Tarim Basin:Implications for helium exploration[J]. Processes,2024,12(7):1469.
[22] WANG Xiaobo,CHEN Jianfa,LI Zhisheng,et al. Rare gases geochemical characteristics and gas source correlation for Dabei gas field in Kuche depression,Tarim Basin[J]. Energy Exploration & Exploitation,2016,34(1):113−128.
[23] WANG Xiaobo,WEI Guoqi,LI Jian,et al. Geochemical characteristics and origins of noble gases of the Kela 2 gas field in the Tarim Basin,China[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology,2018,89:155−163.
[24] WANG Xiaobo,ZOU Caineng,LI Jian,et al. Comparison on rare gas geochemical characteristics and gas originations of Kuche and southwestern depressions in Tarim Basin,China[J]. Geofluids,2019,2019(1):1985216.
[25] BALLENTINE C J,LOLLAR B S. Regional groundwater focusing of nitrogen and noble gases into the Hugoton–Panhandle giant gas field,USA[J]. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta,2002,66(14):2483−2497.
[26] WANG Xiaofeng,LIU Wenhui,LI Xiaobin,et al. Radiogenic helium concentration and isotope variations in crustal gas pools from Sichuan Basin,China[J]. Applied Geochemistry,2020,117:104586.
[27] 张晓宝,周飞,曹占元,等. 柴达木盆地东坪氦工业气田发现及氦气来源和勘探前景[J]. 天然气地球科学,2020,31(11):1585−1592.
ZHANG Xiaobao,ZHOU Fei,CAO Zhanyuan,et al. Finding of the Dongping economic helium gas field in the Qaidam Basin,and helium source and exploration prospect[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2020,31(11):1585−1592.
[28] 高宇,刘全有,吴小奇,等. 鄂尔多斯盆地东胜与大牛地气田壳源氦气成藏差异性[J]. 天然气地球科学,2023,34(10):1790−1800.
GAO Yu,LIU Quanyou,WU Xiaoqi,et al. Research on the difference of crustal helium accumulation in Dongsheng and Daniudi gas fields,Ordos Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2023,34(10):1790−1800.
[29] 陈耿荣,李靖,孙东,等. 四川盆地安岳气田贫氦原因探究[J/OL]. 地学前缘,2024:1–18 [2024-12-03]. https://link.cnki.net/doi/10.13745/j.esf.sf.2024.11.9.
CHEN Gengrong,LI Jing,SUN Dong,et al. Cause of helium–poor in Anyue gas field,Sichuan Basin[J/OL]. Earth Science Frontiers,2024:1–18 [2024-12-03]. https://link.cnki.net/doi/10.13745/j.esf.sf.2024.11.9.
[30] 李朋朋,刘全有,朱东亚,等. 含油气盆地氦气分布特征与成藏机制[J]. 中国科学:地球科学,2024,54(10):3195−3218.
LI Pengpeng,LIU Quanyou,ZHU Dongya,et al. Distributions and accumulation mechanisms of helium in petroliferous basins[J]. Science China:Earth Sciences,2024,54(10):3195−3218.
[31] LIU Quanyou,JIN Zhijun,CHEN Jianfa,et al. Origin of nitrogen molecules in natural gas and implications for the high risk of N2 exploration in Tarim Basin,NW China[J]. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,2012,81:112−121.
[32] 杨学文,王清华,李勇,等. 库车前陆冲断带博孜–大北万亿方大气区的形成机制[J]. 地学前缘,2022,29(6):175−187.
YANG Xuewen,WANG Qinghua,LI Yong,et al. Formation mechanism of the Bozi–Dabei trillion cubic natural gas field,Kuqa foreland thrust belt[J]. Earth Science Frontiers,2022,29(6):175−187.
[33] 刘祥柏,陶士振,杨秀春,等. 鄂尔多斯盆地东缘煤系富氦资源的发现及其资源潜力与勘探开发对策[J]. 油气与新能源,2024,36(4):38−48.
LIU Xiangbai,TAO Shizhen,YANG Xiuchun,et al. Discovery of helium–rich resources in coal seams of the eastern margin of Ordos Basin and its resource potential as well as exploration & development strategies[J]. Petroleum and New Energy,2024,36(4):38−48.
[34] 秦胜飞,赵姿卓,吴伟,等. 煤层气与页岩气含氦性及氦气富集条件[J]. 天然气地球科学,2024,35(5):890−901.
QIN Shengfei,ZHAO Zizhuo,WU Wei,et al. Helium content and helium enrichment conditions of coalbed methane and shale gas[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2024,35(5):890−901.
[35] 姜尧发,代世峰,王西勃,等. 山东济宁高硫煤与低硫煤煤层剖面地球化学特征研究[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2011,23(4):1−10.
JIANG Yaofa,DAI Shifeng,WANG Xibo,et al. Geochemical characteristic study on high and low sulfur coal seam sections in Jining,Shandong[J]. Coal Geology of China,2011,23(4):1−10.
[36] 邹建华,刘东,田和明,等. 内蒙古阿刀亥矿晚古生代煤的微量元素和稀土元素地球化学特征[J]. 煤炭学报,2013,38(6):1012−1018.
ZOU Jianhua,LIU Dong,TIAN Heming,et al. Geochemistry of trace and rare earth elements in the Late Paleozoic Coal from Adaohai Mine,Inner Mongolia[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2013,38(6):1012−1018.
[37] WANG Juan,SHAO Longyi,WANG Xuetian. The coal–forming environment at the end of the Late Permian and its control on trace elements:The Upper Xuanwei Formation in eastern Yunnan,China[J]. Processes,2023,11(10):2936.
[38] YE Ziyi,LI Baoqing,CAO Jialiang. Enrichment characteristics and genesis mechanism of critical elements (Nb–Ta–Zr–Hf–REE–Y) in coals:A case study of Late Permian coalfield in northeastern Guizhou,China[J]. Frontiers in Earth Science,2024,12:1520502.
[39] WANG Yang,HUANG Manli,ZHU Yanming,et al. Mineralogy,geochemistry and enrichment mechanism of critical elements (Li and Zr–Nb–Hf–Ta–REY) in the coals from western Guizhou Province,China:Source and sedimentary environment[J]. Ore Geology Reviews,2025,176:106402.
[40] 张文斌,何碧,陶刚,等. 黔北新仁地区上二叠统龙潭组煤质地球化学特征及聚煤规律[J]. 西北地质,2020,53(4):51−65.
ZHANG Wenbin,HE Bi,TAO Gang,et al. Geochemical characteristics and accumulation rules of coal in the Upper Permian Longtan Formation of Xinren area,north Guizhou[J]. Northwestern Geology,2020,53(4):51−65.
[41] 段云江,黄少英,罗彩明,等. 塔里木盆地库车前陆冲断带多滑脱层构造变形特征[J]. 天然气地球科学,2024,35(9):1544−1556.
DUAN Yunjiang,HUANG Shaoying,LUO Caiming,et al. Tectonic deformation characteristics of multi–detachment beds in Kuqa foreland thrust belt,Tarim Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2024,35(9):1544−1556.
[42] 张宝收,张本健,汪华,等. 四川盆地金秋气田:一个典型以中生界沉积岩为氦源岩的含氦–富氦气田[J]. 石油与天然气地质,2024,45(1):185−199.
ZHANG Baoshou,ZHANG Benjian,WANG Hua,et al. The Jinqiu gas field in the Sichuan Basin:A typical helium–bearing to helium–rich gas field with the Mesozoic sedimentary rocks as helium source rocks[J]. Oil & Gas Geology,2024,45(1):185−199.
[43] 秦胜飞,周国晓,李济远,等. 氦气与氮气富集耦合作用及其重要意义[J]. 天然气地球科学,2023,34(11):1981−1992.
QIN Shengfei,ZHOU Guoxiao,LI Jiyuan,et al. The coupling effect of helium and nitrogen enrichment and its significance[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2023,34(11):1981−1992.
[44] NI Yunyan,DAI Jinxing,TAO Shizhen,et al. Helium signatures of gases from the Sichuan Basin,China[J]. Organic Geochemistry,2014,74:33−43.
[45] LIU Quanyou,JIN Zhijun,LI Huili,et al. Geochemistry characteristics and genetic types of natural gas in central part of the Tarim Basin,NW China[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology,2018,89:91−105.
[46] LIU Quanyou,WU Xiaoqi,JIA Huichong,et al. Geochemical characteristics of helium in natural gas from the Daniudi gas field,Ordos Basin,Central China[J]. Frontiers in Earth Science,2022,10:823308.
[47] 高山林,张仲培,刘士林,等. 塔里木克拉通北部沙雅隆起古元古代A型花岗岩的发现及其构造意义[J]. 岩石学报,2018,34(7):2017−2029.
GAO Shanlin,ZHANG Zhongpei,LIU Shilin,et al. The discovery and tectonic significance of Paleoproterozoic A–type granite in Shaya uplift of the north Tarim Craton[J]. Acta Petrologica Sinica,2018,34(7):2017−2029.
[48] ZHU Guangyou,LI Tingting,ZHAO Kun,et al. Mo isotope records from Lower Cambrian black shales,northwestern Tarim Basin (China):Implications for the early Cambrian ocean[J]. Geological Society of America Bulletin,2022,134(1/2):3−14.
[49] 李玉宏,张文,王利,等. 亨利定律与壳源氦气弱源成藏:以渭河盆地为例[J]. 天然气地球科学,2017,28(4):495−501.
LI Yuhong,ZHANG Wen,WANG Li,et al. Henry’s Law and accumulation of crust–derived helium:A case from Weihe Basin,China[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2017,28(4):495−501.
[50] 秦胜飞,李济远,梁传国,等. 中国中西部富氦气藏氦气富集机理:古老地层水脱氦富集[J]. 天然气地球科学,2022,33(8):1203−1217.
QIN Shengfei,LI Jiyuan,LIANG Chuanguo,et al. Helium enrichment mechanism of helium rich gas reservoirs in Central and Western China:Degassing and accumulation from old formation water[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2022,33(8):1203−1217.
[51] 杨海军,石万忠,杜浩,等. 库车坳陷博孜–大北地区油气充注期次、成熟度及其对构造圈闭形成时序的指示[J]. 石油学报,2024,45(10):1480−1491.
YANG Haijun,SHI Wanzhong,DU Hao,et al. Hydrocarbon charging periods and maturities in Bozi–Dabei area of Kuqa depression and their indications to the structural trap sequence[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica,2024,45(10):1480−1491.
[52] 张文,陈文,李玉宏,等. 国内外典型富氦气藏稀有气体地球化学特征及对氦气成藏过程的示踪意义[J]. 天然气地球科学,2024,35(6):1099−1112.
ZHANG Wen,CHEN Wen,LI Yuhong,et al. Geochemical characteristics of noble gases in typical helium–rich gas reservoirs and the significance for tracing helium enrichment process[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2024,35(6):1099−1112.
[53] LYU Jiahao,LIU Quanyou,LI Pengpeng,et al. Distribution and enrichment mechanism of helium in the Hetianhe gas field,Tarim Basin,Northwest China[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology,2025,173:107285.
[54] 张文. 关中和柴北缘地区战略性氦气资源成藏机理研究[D]. 北京:中国矿业大学(北京),2019.
ZHANG Wen. Accumulation mechanism of helium,a strategic resource,in Guanzhong and north Qaidam Basin[D]. Beijing:China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing),2019.
[55] 谢菁,陈建洲,李青,等. 柴达木盆地北缘富氦天然气分布与成藏模式[J]. 天然气地球科学,2023,34(3):486−495.
XIE Jing,CHEN Jianzhou,LI Qing,et al. Helium accumulation model in the northern margin of Qaidam Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2023,34(3):486−495.
[56] 丁振刚,刘成林,范立勇,等. 斜坡–沉积源岩型氦气富集模式:以鄂尔多斯盆地神木气田为例[J]. 石油实验地质,2024,46(6):1177−1186.
DING Zhengang,LIU Chenglin,FAN Liyong,et al. Slope–sedimentary source rock–type helium enrichment model:A case study of Shenmu gas field,Ordos Basin[J]. Petroleum Geology & Experiment,2024,46(6):1177−1186.
[57] 秦胜飞,陶刚,罗鑫,等. 氦气富集与天然气成藏差异、勘探误区[J]. 天然气工业,2023,43(12):138−151.
QIN Shengfei,TAO Gang,LUO Xin,et al. Difference between helium enrichment and natural gas accumulation and misunderstandings in helium exploration[J]. Natural Gas Industry,2023,43(12):138−151.
[58] HE Daxiang,CHEN Jianfa,ZHANG Chen,et al. Compositions of non–hydrocarbon and noble gases in natural gas samples from Tarim Basin,China[J]. Geochemical Journal,2015,49(3):271−282.
[59] 刘全有,戴金星,金之钧,等. 塔里木盆地前陆区和台盆区天然气的地球化学特征及成因[J]. 地质学报,2009,83(1):107−114.
LIU Quanyou,DAI Jinxing,JIN Zhijun,et al. Geochemistry and genesis of natural gas in the foreland and platform of the Tarim Basin[J]. Acta Geologica Sinica,2009,83(1):107−114.
[60] 何大祥,唐友军,胡锦杰,等. 塔里木盆地天然气中稀有气体地球化学特征[J]. 石油与天然气地质,2020,41(4):755−762.
HE Daxiang,TANG Youjun,HU Jinjie,et al. Geochemical characteristics of noble gases in natural gases from the Tarim Basin[J]. Oil & Gas Geology,2020,41(4):755−762.
[61] 杜治利,王飞宇,张水昌,等. 库车坳陷中生界气源灶生气强度演化特征[J]. 地球化学,2006,35(4):419−431.
DU Zhili,WANG Feiyu,ZHANG Shuichang,et al. Gas generation history of Mesozoic hydrocarbon kitchen in Kuqa depression,Tarim Basin[J]. Geochimica,2006,35(4):419−431.
Included in
Earth Sciences Commons, Mining Engineering Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Sustainability Commons