Logging evaluation of deep multi-type unconventional gas reservoirs in the Songliao basin, northeast China: Implications from continental scientific drilling

Multi-type unconventional gas-bearing reservoirs with different lithologies and gas accumulation potential occur in the deep part of the Songliao basin. However, the reservoirs are non-homogeneous, the gas components differ substantially, and not all types of gas-bearing reservoirs have been identified or evaluated. The International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) is used as an example to conduct qualitative and quantitative evaluations of deep multi-type unconventional gas-bearing reservoirs using conventional and specialized logging data. The core test data are used to determine the physical properties. The porosity and permeability are compared and analyzed using different methods and models. The results show that the reservoirs have low to ultra-low porosity and ultra-low permeability. Based on the comparison of the rock mechanical parameters and mineral composition, brittleness evaluation parameters are proposed for different types of deep reservoirs in the study region. The mineral brittleness index is highly consistent with the brittleness index based on rock mechanics. An identification method for deep multi-type gas-bearing reservoir and a classification approach for different gas properties are established based on the logging response and parameter interpretation. The methane gas reservoirs have low density (DEN) and low compensated neutron logging (CNL) values and high acoustic (AC) time difference and high resistivity (RT) values. The CO₂ gas reservoirs have lower RT values and higher CNL values than the hydrocarbon gas reservoirs. The comprehensive analysis of deep gas source rock conditions and of the source-reservoir relationship provides insights for the evaluation of deep multi-type unconventional gas reservoirs. The discovery of high hydrogen content is of significant importance for developing new areas for deep natural gas exploration.