| Citation: | XUE Kaiwen,XU Yaohui,WANG Huijun,et al. Apparent phenomenon and origin of "oil-cracking gas" in Kelasu structural belt of Kuqa Depression[J]. Bulletin of Geological Science and Technology,2026,45(2):117-131 doi: 10.19509/j.cnki.dzkq.tb20250384 |
The Kelasu structural belt of the Kuqa Depression in the Tarim Basin hosts abundant deep to ultra-deep natural gas resources, and the reservoirs generally exhibit a high degree of thermal maturity. Natural gas from the Kela-Keshen area exhibits a characteristic "oil-cracking gas" signature on the conventional genetic diagram of ln(C2/C3) versus ln(C1/C2). However, this interpretation is inconsistent with the geological reality, as the area lacks effective Type Ⅰ-Ⅱ kerogen and oil sources, resulting in a discrepancy between the inferred gas origin and the actual geological conditions. To elucidate the apparent “oil-cracking gas” phenomenon and its genetic mechanism in this area, an in-depth investigation of the geochemical characteristics is required.
Two representative blocks along the East-West trend of the Kelasu structural belt (Bozi and Kela-Keshen) were selected as study areas. Gold-tube thermal simulation experiments, natural gas compositional analyses, and carbon isotope analysis of natural gas were conducted to systematically investigate the thermal evolution characteristics of natural gas derived from different source rocks. On the basis of the ln(C2/C3) versus ln(C1/C2) crossplot, a quantitative analytical model for mixed-source interpretation of natural gas in the Kelasu area of the Kuqa Depression was established.
Butane and pentane isomerization parameters (
Natural gas in the Kelasu area is not oil-cracking gas, but rather represents cracking products from different kerogen types at high to over-mature stages. The apparent "oil-cracking gas" characteristics displayed on classical identification plots result from the high degree of thermal evolution. The results reveal the complexity of deep natural gas genesis under high evolution conditions, and establish the quantitative analysis method of mixed source gas, which provides a theoretical basis for deep natural gas exploration in Kuqa Depression and similar high evolution basins.
| [1] |
LI J, SHE Y Q, GAO Y, et al. Natural gas industry in China: Development situation and prospect[J]. Natural Gas Industry B, 2020, 7(6): 604-613.
|
| [2] |
BEHAR F, UNGERER P, KRESSMANN S, et al. Thermal evolution of crude oils in sedimentary basins: Experimental simulation in a confined system and kinetic modeling[J]. Revue de L'Institut Franç ais Du Pétrole, 1991, 46(2): 151-181. doi: 10.2516/ogst:1991007
|
| [3] |
PRINZHOFER A A, HUC A Y. Genetic and post-genetic molecular and isotopic fractionations in natural gases[J]. Chemical Geology, 1995, 126(3/4): 281-290. doi: 10.1016/0009-2541(95)00123-9
|
| [4] |
谢增业, 李志生, 魏国齐, 等. 腐泥型干酪根热降解成气潜力及裂解气判识的实验研究[J]. 天然气地球科学, 2016, 27(6): 1057-1066. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2016.06.1057
XIE Z Y, LI Z S, WEI G Q, et al. Experimental research on the potential of sapropelic kerogen cracking gas and discrimination of oil cracking gas[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2016, 27(6): 1057-1066. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2016.06.1057
|
| [5] |
LI J, LI Z S, WANG X B, et al. New indexes and charts for genesis identification of multiple natural gases[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2017, 44(4): 535-543. doi: 10.1016/S1876-3804(17)30062-9
|
| [6] |
LIU Q Y, WU X Q, WANG X F, et al. Carbon and hydrogen isotopes of methane, ethane, and propane: A review of genetic identification of natural gas[J]. Earth-Science Reviews, 2019, 190: 247-272. doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2018.11.017
|
| [7] |
赵孟军, 卢双舫, 李剑. 库车油气系统天然气地球化学特征及气源探讨[J]. 石油勘探与开发, 2002, 29(6): 4-7. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-0747.2002.06.002
ZHAO M J, LU S F, LI J. The geochemical features of natural gas in Kuqa Depression and the discussion on the gas source[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2002, 29(6): 4-7. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-0747.2002.06.002
|
| [8] |
贾承造, 顾家裕, 张光亚. 库车坳陷大中型气田形成的地质条件[J]. 科学通报, 2002, 47(增刊1): 49-55. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0023-074X.2002.z1.008
JIA C Z, GU J Y, ZHANG G Y. Geological conditions for the formation of large and medium-sized gas fields in Kuqa Depression[J]. Chinese Science Bulletin, 2002, 47(S1): 49-55. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0023-074X.2002.z1.008
|
| [9] |
王宁. 白云凹陷天然气成因及混源气比例定量计算[J]. 海洋地质前沿, 2024, 40(10): 71-84. doi: 10.16028/j.1009-2722.2023.271
WANG N. Origination of natural gas and quantitative calculation of mixed source gas ratio in Baiyun Sag[J]. Marine Geology Frontiers, 2024, 40(10): 71-84. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.16028/j.1009-2722.2023.271
|
| [10] |
杨海军, 张荣虎, 杨宪彰, 等. 超深层致密砂岩构造裂缝特征及其对储层的改造作用: 以塔里木盆地库车坳陷克深气田白垩系为例[J]. 天然气地球科学, 2018, 29(7): 942-950. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2018.06.018
YANG H J, ZHANG R H, YANG X Z, et al. Characteristics and reservoir improvement effect of structural fracture in ultra-deep tight sandstone reservoir: A case study of Keshen gasfield, Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2018, 29(7): 942-950. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2018.06.018
|
| [11] |
ZHANG F X, ZHANG H, YUAN F, et al. Geomechanical mechanism of hydraulic fracturing and fracability evaluation of natural fractured tight sandstone reservoir in Keshen gasfield in Tarim Basin[C]//Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. Abu Dhabi, UAE: Richardson, 2015: SPE 177457-MS.
|
| [12] |
GUO X W, LIU K Y, JIA C Z, et al. Effects of tectonic compression on petroleum accumulation in the Kelasu thrust belt of the Kuqa Sub basin, Tarim Basin, NW China[J]. Organic Geochemistry, 2016, 101: 22-37. doi: 10.1016/j.orggeochem.2016.08.008
|
| [13] |
雷刚林, 谢会文, 张敬洲, 等. 库车坳陷克拉苏构造带构造特征及天然气勘探[J]. 石油与天然气地质, 2007, 28(6): 816-820. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-9985.2007.06.017
LEI G L, XIE H W, ZHANG J Z, et al. Structural features and natural gas exploration in the Kelasu structural belt, Kuqa Depression[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 2007, 28(6): 816-820. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-9985.2007.06.017
|
| [14] |
莫涛, 何志华, 朱文慧, 等. 塔里木盆地库车坳陷克拉苏西部油气相态特征及控制因素[J]. 天然气地球科学, 2024, 35(9): 1532-1543.
MO T, HE Z H, ZHU W H, et al. The phase characteristics and controlling factors of oil and gas in the West of Kelasu structural belt in Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2024, 35(9): 1532-1543. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [15] |
张冠杰, 张滨鑫, 徐珂, 等. 塔里木盆地库车坳陷博孜区块超深层致密砂岩储层裂缝特征及其对油气产能的影响[J]. 地质科技通报, 2024, 43(2): 75-86.
ZHANG G J, ZHANG B X, XU K, et al. Fracture characteristics of ultra-deep tight sandstone reservoirs in the bozi block, Kuqa Depression of Tarim Basin, and effects on oil-gas production[J]. Bulletin of Geological Science and Technology, 2024, 43(2): 75-86. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [16] |
能源, 谢会文, 孙太荣, 等. 克拉苏构造带克深段构造特征及其石油地质意义[J]. 中国石油勘探, 2013, 18(2): 1-6.
NENG Y, XIE H W, SUN T R, et al. Structural characteristics of Keshen segmentation in Kelasu structural belt and its petroleum geological significance[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2013, 18(2): 1-6. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [17] |
张海祖, 肖中尧, 赵青, 等. 库车坳陷克拉苏构造带天然气成藏特征及控制因素[C]//2018年全国天然气学术年会论文集. 福州: 2018, 677-686.
ZHANG H Z, XIAO Z Y, ZHAO Q, et al.Natural gas accumulation characteristics and controlling factors in Kelasu structural belt of Kuqa Depression[C]//Proceedings of 2018 National Natural Gas Academic Annual Conference.Fuzhou: 2018, 677-686.
|
| [18] |
费雯丽, 郭小文. 库车坳陷克拉苏冲断带轻质原油地球化学特征及成因[J]. 地质科技情报, 2016, 35(2): 185-191.
FEI W L, GUO X W. Geochemical characteristics and genesis of light oil in Kelasu thrust belt of Kuqa Depression[J]. Geological Science and Technology Information, 2016, 35(2): 185-191. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [19] |
冯松宝, 徐文明, 顿亚鹏. 库车坳陷克拉苏构造带超高压大气田储层流体包裹体特征及成藏信息[J]. 石油实验地质, 2014, 36(2): 211-217. doi: 10.11781/sysydz201402211
FENG S B, XU W M, DUN Y P. Fluid inclusion characteristics of reservoirs in Kelasu tectonic zone of Kuqa Depression and its accumulation information[J]. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 2014, 36(2): 211-217. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.11781/sysydz201402211
|
| [20] |
PETERS K E. Guidelines for evaluating petroleum source rock using programmed pyrolysis[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 1986, 70(3): 318-329.
|
| [21] |
LIU J L, YANG X Z, LIU K Y, et al. Differential hydrocarbon generation and evolution of typical terrestrial gas-prone source rocks: An example from the Kuqa foreland basin, NW China[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2023, 152: 106225. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2023.106225
|
| [22] |
CHEN J, ZHAO C. Criteria for evaluating the hydrocarbon generating potential of organic matter in coal measures[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 1997, 24: 1-5.
|
| [23] |
BURNHA J J S A A K. Evaluation of a simple model of vitrinite reflectance based on chemical kinetics (1)[J]. AAPG Bulletin, 1990, 74(10): 1559-1570. doi: 10.1306/0c9b251f-1710-11d7-8645000102c1865d
|
| [24] |
WANG Q T, LU H, GREENWOOD P, et al. Gas evolution during kerogen pyrolysis of Estonian kukersite shale in confined gold tube system[J]. Organic Geochemistry, 2013, 65: 74-82. doi: 10.1016/j.orggeochem.2013.10.006
|
| [25] |
WANG Q T, LU H, SHEN C C, et al. Impact of inorganically bound sulfur on late shale gas generation[J]. Energy & Fuels, 2014, 28(2): 785-793. doi: 10.1021/ef401468w
|
| [26] |
GAI H F, TIAN H, XIAO X M. Late gas generation potential for different types of shale source rocks: Implications from pyrolysis experiments[J]. International Journal of Coal Geology, 2018, 193: 16-29. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2018.04.009
|
| [27] |
MENG Q, WANG X F, SHI B G, et al. The 13C-depleted methane in terrigenous shale gas: A case study in the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2022, 141: 105688. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105688
|
| [28] |
宋岩, 徐永昌. 天然气成因类型及其鉴别[J]. 石油勘探与开发, 2005, 32(4): 24-29. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-0747.2005.04.004
SONG Y, XU Y C. Origin and identification of natural gases[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2005, 32(4): 24-29. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1000-0747.2005.04.004
|
| [29] |
戴金星. 天然气中烷烃气碳同位素研究的意义[J]. 天然气工业, 2011, 31(12): 1-6.
DAI J X. Significance of the study on carbon isotopes of alkane gases[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2011, 31(12): 1-6. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [30] |
孟强, 史江龙, 赵恒, 等. 鄂尔多斯盆地中东部奥陶系马家沟组米探1井天然气成因与来源[J]. 天然气地球科学, 2023, 34(10): 1696-1709.
MENG Q, SHI J L, ZHAO H, et al. Genesis and source of natural gas in Well Mitan-1 of Ordovician Majiagou Formation, middle-eastern Ordos Basin, China[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2023, 34(10): 1696-1709. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [31] |
戴金星. 各类天然气的成因鉴别[J]. 中国海上油气, 1992, 4(1): 11-19.
DAI J X. Identification of various genetic natural gases[J]. China Offshore Oil and Gas, 1992, 4(1): 11-19. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [32] |
WANG X F, LI X F, WANG X Z, et al. Carbon isotopic fractionation by desorption of shale gases[J]. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2015, 60: 79-86. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2014.11.003
|
| [33] |
WHITICAR M J. Carbon and hydrogen isotope systematics of bacterial formation and oxidation of methane[J]. Chemical Geology, 1999, 161(1/2/3): 291-314. doi: 10.1016/s0009-2541(99)00092-3
|
| [34] |
MILKOV A V, ETIOPE G. Revised genetic diagrams for natural gases based on a global dataset of >
|
| [35] |
李剑, 王晓波, 侯连华, 等. 四川盆地页岩气地球化学特征及资源潜力[J]. 天然气地球科学, 2021, 32(8): 1093-1106.
LI J, WANG X B, HOU L H, et al. Geochemical characteristics and resource potential of shale gas in Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2021, 32(8): 1093-1106. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [36] |
王鹏, 沈忠民, 何崇康, 等. 天然气中丁烷地球化学特征及应用[J]. 天然气地球科学, 2017, 28(4): 529-538. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2017.01.014
WANG P, SHEN Z M, HE C K, et al. The geochemical characteristics of butane and its application[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2017, 28(4): 529-538. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2017.01.014
|
| [37] |
QIN S F, HUANG C H, ZHANG B J, et al. Relationships of the iC4/nC4 and iC5/nC5 ratios with maturity of coal-derived gases of Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Central Sichuan Basin, SW China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2019, 46(3): 496-503. doi: 10.1016/S1876-3804(19)60030-3
|
| [38] |
戴金星, 于聪, 黄士鹏, 等. 中国大气田的地质和地球化学若干特征[J]. 石油勘探与开发, 2014, 41(1): 1-13. doi: 10.11698/PED.2014.01.01
DAI J X, YU C, HUANG S P, et al. Geological and geochemical characteristics of large gas fields in China[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2014, 41(1): 1-13. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.11698/PED.2014.01.01
|
| [39] |
谢增业, 魏国齐, 李剑, 等. 四川盆地川中隆起带震旦系−二叠系天然气地球化学特征及成藏模式[J]. 中国石油勘探, 2021, 26(6): 50-67.
XIE Z Y, WEI G Q, LI J, et al. Geochemical characteristics and accumulation pattern of gas reservoirs of the Sinian-Permian in Central Sichuan uplift zone, Sichuan Basin[J]. China Petroleum Exploration, 2021, 26(6): 50-67. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [40] |
戴金星, 夏新宇, 秦胜飞, 等. 中国有机烷烃气碳同位素系列倒转的成因[J]. 石油与天然气地质, 2003, 24(1): 1-6. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-9985.2003.01.001
DAI J X, XIA X Y, QIN S F, et al. Causation of partly reversed orders of δ13 C in biogenic alkane gas in China[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 2003, 24(1): 1-6. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-9985.2003.01.001
|
| [41] |
刚文哲, 高岗, 郝石生, 等. 论乙烷碳同位素在天然气成因类型研究中的应用[J]. 石油实验地质, 1997, 19(2): 164-167.
GANG W Z, GAO G, HAO S S, et al. Carbon isotope of ethane applied in the analyses of genetic types of natural gas[J]. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 1997, 19(2): 164-167. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [42] |
包建平, 朱翠山, 张秋茶, 等. 塔里木盆地库车坳陷不同构造单元天然气地球化学特征[J]. 石油与天然气地质, 2007, 28(5): 664-668. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-9985.2007.05.018
BAO J P, ZHU C S, ZHANG Q C, et al. Geochemical characteristics of natural gas from different structural units of the Kuqa Depression, the Tarim Basin[J]. Oil & Gas Geology, 2007, 28(5): 664-668. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0253-9985.2007.05.018
|
| [43] |
TILLEY B, MUEHLENBACHS K. Isotope reversals and universal stages and trends of gas maturation in sealed, self-contained petroleum systems[J]. Chemical Geology, 2013, 339: 194-204. doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.08.002
|
| [44] |
XIA X Y, CHEN J, BRAUN R, et al. Isotopic reversals with respect to maturity trends due to mixing of primary and secondary products in source rocks[J]. Chemical Geology, 2013, 339: 205-212. doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.07.025
|
| [45] |
杨学文, 王清华, 李勇, 等. 库车前陆冲断带博孜−大北万亿方大气区的形成机制[J]. 地学前缘, 2022, 29(6): 175-187. doi: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.8.18
YANG X W, WANG Q H, LI Y, et al. Formation mechanism of the Bozi-Dabei trillion cubic natural gas field, Kuqa foreland thrust belt[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2022, 29(6): 175-187. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.8.18
|
| [46] |
鲁雪松, 刘可禹, 卓勤功, 等. 库车克拉2气田多期油气充注的古流体证据[J]. 石油勘探与开发, 2012, 39(5): 537-544.
LU X S, LIU K Y, ZHUO Q G, et al. Palaeo-fluid evidence for the multi-stage hydrocarbon charges in Kela-2 gas field, Kuqa Foreland Basin, Tarim Basin[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2012, 39(5): 537-544. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [47] |
马玉杰, 卓勤功, 杨宪彰, 等. 库车坳陷克拉苏构造带油气动态成藏过程及其勘探启示[J]. 石油实验地质, 2013, 35(3): 249-254.
MA Y J, ZHUO Q G, YANG X Z, et al. Petroleum dynamic accumulation process and its implications in Kelasu structural belt, Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin[J]. Petroleum Geology & Experiment, 2013, 35(3): 249-254. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [48] |
王民, 黄靖轩, 卢双舫, 等. 我国不同原油裂解成气动力学研究[J]. 海相油气地质, 2017, 22(2): 8-16. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-9854.2017.02.002
WANG M, HUANG J X, LU S F, et al. Kinetic features of gas oil cracking for the different types of crude oil in China[J]. Marine Origin Petroleum Geology, 2017, 22(2): 8-16. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-9854.2017.02.002
|
| [49] |
杨海军, 李勇, 唐雁刚, 等. 塔里木盆地克深气田成藏条件及勘探开发关键技术[J]. 石油学报, 2021, 42(3): 399-414.
YANG H J, LI Y, TANG Y G, et al. Accumulation conditions, key exploration and development technologies for Keshen gas field in Tarim Basin[J]. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2021, 42(3): 399-414. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [50] |
陈中红. 原油裂解成气研究进展[J]. 山东科技大学学报(自然科学版), 2012, 31(3): 22-31.
CHEN Z H. Research progress of oil cracking into gas[J]. Journal of Shandong University of Science and Technology (Natural Science), 2012, 31(3): 22-31. (in Chinese with English abstract
|
| [51] |
王顺玉, 戴鸿鸣, 王海清. 混源天然气定量计算方法: 以川西地区白马庙气田为例[J]. 天然气地球科学, 2003, 14(5): 351-353. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-1926.2003.05.004
WANG S Y, DAI H M, WANG H Q. Method of quantity calculation of mixed-source natural gas: Study of Baimamiao gas field of West in Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2003, 14(5): 351-353. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-1926.2003.05.004
|
| [52] |
邓剑, 马健飞, 申宝剑, 等. 川东北须家河组天然气成因及混源比例差异[J]. 天然气地球科学, 2025, 36(6): 1100-1114. doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2025.03.016
DENG J, MA J F, SHEN B J, et al. Genetic origins and mixing ratios of natural gas from the Xujiahe Formation in Northeast Sichuan Basin[J]. Natural Gas Geoscience, 2025, 36(6): 1100-1114. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.11764/j.issn.1672-1926.2025.03.016
|
| [53] |
LI E T, PAN C C, YU S, et al. Hydrocarbon generation from coal, extracted coal and bitumen rich coal in confined pyrolysis experiments[J]. Organic Geochemistry, 2013, 64: 58-75. doi: 10.1016/j.orggeochem.2013.09.004
|
| [54] |
XU H, DING X H, LUO Z J, et al. Confined pyrolysis for simulating hydrocarbon generation from Jurassic coaly source rocks in the Junggar Basin, Northwest China[J]. Energy & Fuels, 2017, 31(1): 73-94. doi: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.6b01143
|
| [55] |
曹自成, 云露, 平宏伟, 等. 塔里木盆地顺北地区奥陶系天然气地球化学与成因[J]. 地质科技通报, 2025, 44(5): 40-52. doi: 10.19509/j.cnki.dzkq.tb20240099
CAO Z C, YUN L, PING H W, et al. Geochemistry and origin of Ordovician natural gas in Shunbei area of Tarim Basin[J]. Bulletin of Geological Science and Technology, 2025, 44(5): 40-52. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.19509/j.cnki.dzkq.tb20240099
|
| [56] |
罗明霞, 曹自成, 徐勤琪, 等. 塔里木盆地塔河油田塔深5井震旦系原油地球化学特征及地质意义[J]. 地质科技通报, 2024, 43(1): 135-149. doi: 10.19509/j.cnki.dzkq.tb20230194
LUO M X, CAO Z C, XU Q Q, et al. Geochemical characteristics and geological significance of Sinian crude oil from Well Tashen 5, Tahe Oilfield, Tarim Basin[J]. Bulletin of Geological Science and Technology, 2024, 43(1): 135-149. (in Chinese with English abstract doi: 10.19509/j.cnki.dzkq.tb20230194
|