•  
  •  
 

Coal Geology & Exploration

Authors

ZENG Yijian, State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Exploration and Imaging, College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun 130026, China; Provincial and Ministerial Co-construction of Collaborative Innovation Center for Shale Oil & Gas Exploration and Development, Changchun 130026, China; Key Lab of Ministry of Natural Resources for Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Changchun 130026, ChinaFollow
ZHU Chaofan, State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Exploration and Imaging, College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun 130026, China; Provincial and Ministerial Co-construction of Collaborative Innovation Center for Shale Oil & Gas Exploration and Development, Changchun 130026, China; Key Lab of Ministry of Natural Resources for Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Changchun 130026, China
LI Yanwei, State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Exploration and Imaging, College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun 130026, China; Provincial and Ministerial Co-construction of Collaborative Innovation Center for Shale Oil & Gas Exploration and Development, Changchun 130026, China; Key Lab of Ministry of Natural Resources for Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Changchun 130026, China
SHUI Haoche, State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Exploration and Imaging, College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun 130026, China; Provincial and Ministerial Co-construction of Collaborative Innovation Center for Shale Oil & Gas Exploration and Development, Changchun 130026, China; Key Lab of Ministry of Natural Resources for Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Changchun 130026, China
GUO Wei, State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Exploration and Imaging, College of Construction Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of In-situ Conversion, Drilling and Exploitation Technology for Oil Shale, Changchun 130026, China; Provincial and Ministerial Co-construction of Collaborative Innovation Center for Shale Oil & Gas Exploration and Development, Changchun 130026, China; Key Lab of Ministry of Natural Resources for Drilling and Exploitation Technology in Complex Conditions, Changchun 130026, ChinaFollow

Abstract

Background A well group acts as a multi-well synergistic unit, and its configuration directly determines both the selection of optimal injection–production process and the utilization efficiency of stratigraphic conditions, ultimately affecting the overall performance of resource recovery. Methods Using numerical simulations, this study assessed the performance of autothermic pyrolysis in situ conversion (ATS) under three vertical well group configurations: one injection well and one production well (1I1P), one injection well surrounded by four production wells (1I4P), and one injection well surrounded by six production wells (1I6P). Furthermore, it revealed the synergistic mechanisms between well group configuration and energy efficiency. Results and Conclusions Considering drilling costs, ATS under the 1I4P configuration showed the highest comprehensive efficiency. During the thermal excitation phase of ATS, a gas injection rate of 400 m3/h for preheating exhibited optimal energy efficiency under consistent temperature of preheating gas and duration. During the autothermic reaction control stage, a gas injection rate of less than 200 m3/h failed to initiate the autothermic pyrolysis reaction, while an excessive rate exceeding 1000 m3/h interrupted the reaction process. Within the effective injection rate range, a gas injection rate of 400 m3/h yielded the optimal energy return ratio. The comparison of the performance of the 1I4P well pattern under varying well spacing values reveals that 25-meter spacing between the injection and production wells yielded high comprehensive energy efficiency. In this case, strata with a low oil content of 4% can be effectively developed using ATS, yielding an ideal energy ratio. Through joint optimization of well spacing and gas injection parameters, the development of field-scale oil shale through ATS yielded a peak energy return ratio of 8.85 after 3.7 years and a cumulative oil production of 10519.5 t over four years. Moreover, ATS exhibited high economic viability in terms of average operating cost per barrel while contributing to the preservation of a considerable amount of available residual heat. The findings of this study provide support for the industrial application of the in situ conversion of oil shale by offering both a theoretical basis for well group configuration design and an economic assessment framework.

Keywords

oil shale, autothermic pyrolysis in situ conversion (ATS), well group configuration, process parameter, numerical simulation, operating cost per barrel of oil

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.02.0127

Reference

[1] 孙友宏,郭威,邓孙华. 油页岩地下原位转化与钻采技术现状及发展趋势[J]. 钻探工程,2021,48(1):57−67.

SUN Youhong,GUO Wei,DENG Sunhua. The status and development trend of in–situ conversion and drilling exploitation technology for oil shale[J]. Drilling Engineering,2021,48(1):57−67.

[2] 孙友宏,郭威,李强,等. 中国油页岩原位转化技术现状与展望[J]. 石油科学通报,2023,8(4):475−490.

SUN Youhong,GUO Wei,LI Qiang,et al. Current status and prospects of oil shale in–situ conversion technology in China[J]. Petroleum Science Bulletin,2023,8(4):475−490.

[3] 刘招君,董清水,叶松青,等. 中国油页岩资源现状[J]. 吉林大学学报(地球科学版),2006,36(6):869−876.

LIU Zhaojun,DONG Qingshui,YE Songqing,et al. The situation of oil shale resources in China[J]. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition),2006,36(6):869−876.

[4] GOLUBEV N. Solid oil shale heat carrier technology for oil shale retorting[J]. Oil Shale,2003,20(3):324−332.

[5] 李年银,王元,陈飞,等. 油页岩原位转化技术发展现状及展望[J]. 特种油气藏,2022,29(3):1−8.

LI Nianyin,WANG Yuan,CHEN Fei,et al. Development status and prospects of in–situ conversion technology in oil shale[J]. Special Oil & Gas Reservoirs,2022,29(3):1−8.

[6] 汪友平,王益维,孟祥龙,等. 美国油页岩原位开采技术与启示[J]. 石油钻采工艺,2013,35(6):55−59.

WANG Youping,WANG Yiwei,MENG Xianglong,et al. Enlightenment of American’s oil shale in–situ retorting technology[J]. Oil Drilling & Production Technology,2013,35(6):55−59.

[7] MEIJSSEN T,EMMEN J,FOWLER T. In–situ oil shale development in Jordan through ICP technology[C]//Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. Abu Dhabi:Society of Petroleum Engineers,2014:SPE–172135–MS.

[8] Braun,R L,Burnham,A K. Mathematical model of oil generation,degradation,and expulsion[J]. Energy & Fuels,1990,4(2):132−146.

[9] KANG Zhiqin,ZHAO Yangsheng,YANG Dong. Review of oil shale in–situ conversion technology[J]. Applied Energy,2020,269:115121.

[10] KANG Zhiqin,ZHAO Yangsheng,YANG Dong,et al. A pilot investigation of pyrolysis from oil and gas extraction from oil shale by in–situ superheated steam injection[J]. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,2020,186:106785.

[11] ZHU Chaofan,GUO Wei,SUN Youhong,et al. Reaction mechanism and reservoir simulation study of the high–temperature nitrogen injection in–situ oil shale process:A case study in Songliao Basin,China[J]. Fuel,2022,316:123164.

[12] LEE S,SPEIGHT J G,LOYALKA S K. Handbook of alternative fuel technologies (2nd Edition)[M]. Boca Raton:CRC Press,2014.

[13] 郭威,孙友宏,李强,等. 油页岩局部化学反应法原位转化技术及松辽盆地先导试验工程[J]. 石油学报,2024,45(7):1104−1121.

GUO Wei,SUN Youhong,LI Qiang,et al. Oil shale in–situ conversion technology triggered by topochemical reaction method and pilot test project in Songliao Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica,2024,45(7):1104−1121.

[14] 杨秦川. 自生热法原位裂解油页岩的理论与室内实验研究[D]. 长春:吉林大学,2022.

YANG Qinchuan. Theoretical and experimental study on the autothermic pyrolysis in–situ conversion process (ATS) for oil shale exploitation[D]. Changchun:Jilin University,2022.

[15] YANG Qinchuan,GUO Wei,XU Shaotao,et al. The autothermic pyrolysis in–situ conversion process for oil shale recovery:Effect of gas injection parameters[J]. Energy,2023,283:129134.

[16] XU Shaotao,LYU Xiaoshu,SUN Youhong,et al. Optimization of temperature parameters for the autothermic pyrolysis in–situ conversion process of oil shale[J]. Energy,2023,264:126309.

[17] GUO Wei,YANG Qinchuan,DENG Sunhua,et al. Experimental study of the autothermic pyrolysis in–situ conversion process (ATS) for oil shale recovery[J]. Energy,2022,258:124878.

[18] FAN Y,DURLOFSKY L J,TCHELEPI H A. Numerical simulation of the in–situ upgrading of oil shale[J]. SPE Journal,2010,15(2):368−381.

[19] 杨立红,朱超凡,曾皓,等. 油页岩自生热原位转化直井与水平井开发效果数值模拟:以鄂尔多斯盆地旬邑地区油页岩为例[J]. 石油学报,2023,44(8):1333−1343.

YANG Lihong,ZHU Chaofan,ZENG Hao,et al. Numerical simulation analysis on the development effect of vertical well and horizontal well during oil shale autothermic pyrolysis in–situ conversion process:A case study of oil shale in Xunyi area,Ordos Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica,2023,44(8):1333−1343.

[20] 陈宇航,朱增伍,王喆,等. 鄂尔多斯盆地东南部长7油页岩时空分布及控制因素:来自沉积环境和沉积速率的制约[J]. 石油实验地质,2018,40(2):200−209.

CHEN Yuhang,ZHU Zengwu,WANG Zhe,et al. Time–space distribution of Chang 7 oil shale in southeastern Ordos Basin:Controlled by sedimentary environments and deposition rates[J]. Petroleum Geology & Experiment,2018,40(2):200−209.

[21] 马中豪,陈清石,史忠汪,等. 鄂尔多斯盆地南缘延长组长7油页岩地球化学特征及其地质意义[J]. 地质通报,2016,35(9):1550−1558.

MA Zhonghao,CHEN Qingshi,SHI Zhongwang,et al. Geochemistry of oil shale from Chang 7 reservoir of Yanchang Formation in south Ordos Basin and its geological significance[J]. Geological Bulletin of China,2016,35(9):1550−1558.

[22] 李得路. 鄂尔多斯盆地南部三叠系延长组长7油页岩地球化学特征及古沉积环境分析[D]. 西安:长安大学,2018.

LI Delu. The geochemical characteristics and paleo–environment reconstruction of Triassic Chang 7 oil shale in the south of Ordos Basin[D]. Xi’an:Chang’an University,2018.

[23] 段立志,马中豪,杜武刚,等. 鄂尔多斯盆地南缘彬县–旬邑地区三叠系延长组长7油页岩地质特征[J]. 陕西地质,2022,40(1):18−22.

DUAN Lizhi,MA Zhonghao,DU Wugang,et al. Geology of shale oil occurring in Chang 7 of the Triassic Yanchang Formation in Binxian–Yijun area at the south margin of the Ordos Basin[J]. Geology of Shaanxi,2022,40(1):18−22.

[24] 郭旭升,李王鹏,申宝剑,等. 中国石化探区和邻区油页岩原位开采选区评价[J]. 油气藏评价与开发,2025,15(1):1−10.

GUO Xusheng,LI Wangpeng,SHEN Baojian,et al. Selection evaluation of in–situ exploitation of oil shale in Sinopec exploration areas and adjacent areas[J]. Petroleum Reservoir Evaluation and Development,2025,15(1):1−10.

[25] 马中豪,陈清石,赵平甲,等. 彬县–旬邑地区油页岩开采地质条件分析[J]. 陕西地质,2016,34(2):27−31.

MA Zhonghao,CHEN Qingshi,ZHAO Pingjia,et al. Mining geological conditions of oil shale in Binxian–Xunyi area[J]. Geology of Shaanxi,2016,34(2):27−31.

[26] 李彦伟,朱超凡,曾壹坚,等. 层理特征对油页岩水力压裂裂缝扩展规律影响的数值模拟研究[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2023,51(11):44−54.

LI Yanwei,ZHU Chaofan,ZENG Yijian,et al. Numerical simulations of the effects of bedding planes on hydraulic fracture propagation law in oil shale[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2023,51(11):44−54.

[27] BRAUN R L,BURNHAM A K. PMOD:A flexible model of oil and gas generation,cracking,and expulsion[J]. Organic Geochemistry,1992,19(1/2/3):161−172.

[28] PEI Shufeng,WANG Yanyong,ZHANG Liang,et al. An innovative nitrogen injection assisted in–situ conversion process for oil shale recovery:Mechanism and reservoir simulation study[J]. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,2018,171:507−515.

[29] 董光顺,朱超凡,厉家宗,等. 黄陵矿区富油煤对流加热原位转化开发效果数值模拟[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2023,51(4):57−67.

DONG Guangshun,ZHU Chaofan,LI Jiazong,et al. Numerical simulation on development effect of tar–rich coal through in–situ conversion by convective heating in Huangling mining area[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2023,51(4):57−67.

[30] LEE K J,FINSTERLE S,MORIDIS G J. Analyzing the impact of reaction models on the production of hydrocarbons from thermally upgraded oil shale[J]. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,2018,168:448−464.

[31] LI Hangyu,VINK J C,ALPAK F O. An efficient multiscale method for the simulation of in–situ conversion processes[J]. SPE Journal,2015,20(3):579−593.

[32] 董光顺. 油页岩自生热原位转化高效优化调控研究[D]. 长春:吉林大学,2024.

DONG Guangshun. Research on the optimization and regulation of oil shale autogenous thermal in–situ transformation with high efficiency[D]. Changchun:Jilin University,2024.

[33] ZHU Bin,GUO Wei,SUN Youhong,et al. In–situ field experiment study of thermal expansion and asphaltene blockage effects in Fuyu oil shale[J]. Energy & Fuels,2025,39(2):1166−1180.

[34] 刘显阳,周新平,李建霆,等. 页岩油不同开发阶段流体特征及其启示:以鄂尔多斯盆地庆城油田长7段页岩油为例[J/OL]. 天然气地球科学,2025:1–18 [2025-06-12].

LIU Xianyang,ZHOU Xinping,LI Jianting,et al. Fluid characteristics of shale oil at different development stages and their implications:A case study of Chang 7 Member shale oil in Qingcheng oilfield,Ordos Basin[J/OL]. Natural Gas Geoscience,2025:1–18 [2025-06-12].

[35] 冯鑫霓,黄亮,徐侦耀,等. 不同类型干酪根热解特性及微观机理分子动力学模拟[J/OL]. 成都理工大学学报(自然科学版),2025:1–14 [2025-03-12].

FENG Xinni,HUANG Liang,XU Zhenyao,et al. Molecular dynamics simulation of pyrolysis of different types of kerogen:Characteristics and microscopic mechanisms[J/OL]. Journal of Chengdu University of Technology (Science & Technology Edition),2025:1–14 [2025-03-12].

[36] 厉家宗. 旬邑油页岩自生热法原位转化技术适应性及开发效果研究[D]. 长春:吉林大学,2024.

LI Jiazong. Study on adaptability and development effect of autothermic in–situ conversion for Xunyi oil shale[D]. Changchun:Jilin University,2024.

[37] 李津津. 超高压注气压缩机的研制[J]. 石油和化工设备,2024,27(2):14−19.

LI Jinjin. Development of ultra-high pressure gas injection compressor[J]. Petroleum and Chemical Equipment,2024,27(2):14−19.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.