Reservoir characteristics and control mechanism of resistivity low-contrast oil pays in Chang 8 tight sandstone of Longdong West area, Ordos Basin

Log interpretation and evaluation of tight sandstone reservoir in Chang 8 Member of Longdong West area, Ordos Basin, China, are facing great challenges due to the co-development of normal oil pay and resistivity low-contrast oil pay. To better guide the exploration and development of oil resources in this area, the reservoir characteristics and control mechanism of resistivity low-contrast oil pay were studied. Firstly, the reservoirs were divided into resistivity low-contrast oil pay (RLP) and normal oil pay (NP) based on the relative value of the apparent resistivity increase rate. Then, the difference of reservoir characteristics between RLP and NP is analyzed by comparing a series of experimental data and real logging data in those two reservoir types. Finally, the control mechanism of RLP was studied from reservoir micro-factors and regional macro-factors, respectively. It is found that the chlorite and illite are the most abundant clay minerals in RLP and NP, respectively. Compared with NP reservoir, the average porosity of RLP is better, but the pore space is mainly composed of micropores, which lead to smaller average pore throat radius and poor pore structure. The high irreducible water saturation and high formation water salinity reduced the reservoir resistivity from micro-aspect. Besides, the difference of hydrocarbon expulsion capacity of source rock and the regional difference of formation water salinity controlled the distribution of RLP and NP. Comprehensive consideration of the reservoir micro-factors and regional macro-factors is important to carry out effective logging interpretation and evaluation.

Automated summary

Research on the reservoir characteristics of resistivity low-contrast oil and normal oil pay in tight sandstone reservoirs revealed differences in clay minerals, porosity, and pore structure, providing insights into the factors influencing these variations.