Heterogeneity and anisotropy of tight conglomerates: Mechanisms and implications
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Abstract
Tight conglomerate reservoirs pose challenges to development due to their strong heterogeneity and anisotropy, while existing characterization technologies have limitations such as cumbersome sample preparation and low efficiency. Additionally, the microscale coupling mechanism among pores, elements, and components remains unclear. To address these issues, this study aims to reveal the controlling mechanisms of such reservoir features and establish an integrated characterization system. This system couples macrolens infrared thermal imaging, umbrella deconstruction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy, and adopts eight-directional physical slicing to systematically characterize the pores, elements, and components of tight conglomerate reservoirs. Results indicate that pores are more developed in specific directions. Characteristic elements exhibit distinct directional enrichment and depletion: Some elements reach high contents in certain directions, while others drop to very low levels. Mineral contents show angle-dependent variations; for example, the proportion of weakly weathered feldspar increases significantly with increasing angle. All these features are synergistically controlled by the original sedimentary fabric and late-stage diagenesis. This work enriches the microscopic characterization theory of tight reservoirs, provides microscopic evidence for identifying favorable reservoir zones, and offers direct technical support for optimizing wellbore deployment and avoiding high-risk fracturing areas in engineering practice.
Document Type: Original article
Cited as: Zhou, B., Du, S., Wei, Y., Zong, Z., Duan, X., Wang, Y. Heterogeneity and anisotropy of tight conglomerates: Mechanisms and implications. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2025, 18(1): 7-20. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2025.10.02
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2025.10.02
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