Differential precipitation mechanism of cement and its impact on reservoir quality in tight sandstone: A case study from the Jurassic Shaximiao formation in the central Sichuan Basin, SW China

Permeability heterogeneity of tight sandstone reservoir is mainly determined by the types and quantities of different cements and dissolution processes that occur during the burial. The thin section description, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), cathodoluminescence imaging (CL), computed tomography (CT) scans, mercury intrusion tests, electron probe analysis, fluid inclusions and isotopic analysis were used to determine genetic mechanism and its impact on reservoir quality of differential cement combinations in Shaximiao Formation tight sandstone in the Central Sichuan Basin, China. Diagenetic minerals in the Shaximiao Formation (J(2)s) sandstone comprise calcite, laumontite, chlorite and dissolution. The pore space of J(2)s sandstone mainly comprises primary pores and secondary pores formed after mineral dissolution. The reservoir sandstones can be divided into six types according to different combinations of the laumontite, chlorite and calcite. Authigenic chlorite coating of J(2)s sandstones occurred via chloritization of smectite during eodiagenesis. Laumontite cements derived from transformation of volcanic rock fragments, were precipitated in a strong alkaline environment with high pH value (9.5-12) and abundant Ca2+, Si4+, Al3+ during eodiagenesis. The delta C-13 and delta O-18 isotopic values and petrological characteristics indicate that calcite cement was related to feldspar dissolution and decarboxylation of organic matter. The different cement combinations were determined mainly by the sedimentary facies and subsequent diagenetic environment evolution. Laumontite precipitation needs a stronger alkaline diagenetic environment than that for chlorite and calcite. The early chlorite coating provided sufficient remaining pore-space for pore-filling laumontite and calcite precipitation. The presence of pore-filling laumontite decreased space for calcite precipitation. However, laumontite is more readily soluble than calcite. The different cement combinations have distinct residual pore space combinations meaning that some intervals of rock have sufficient permeability to act as viable reservoir rock whilst other combinations do not.

Automated summary

The permeability heterogeneity of tight sandstone reservoir is primarily influenced by the types and quantities of various cements and dissolution processes that occur during burial. This study used multiple analytical techniques to investigate the genetic mechanisms and impact of differential cement combinations in the Shaximiao Formation tight sandstone in the Central Sichuan Basin, China. The findings emphasize the importance of sedimentary facies and subsequent diagenetic environment evolution in determining the different cement combinations and resulting reservoir quality.