Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin

Zhang Hong; Zhao Fajun; Wu Xiaolin; Qian Yu; Liu Xin

doi:doi:10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin

Zhang Hong^*

, Zhao Fajun

, Wu Xiaolin, Qian Yu, Liu Xin

Published in Earth Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 6)

Received: 16 October 2025 Accepted: 19 November 2025 Published: 27 December 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Low-mature shale (Ro = 0.5% ~ 1.0%) is an important strategic alternative in China’s oil and gas resource replenishment and production enhancement. In situ conversion technology is considered the key to efficient development. As one of the main methods of in situ conversion, in situ combustion heating technology has advantages such as low cost and high thermal efficiency. However, its combustion characteristics and pyrolysis mechanism in low-mature shale are not yet clear. This study focuses on low-mature shale from the Songliao Basin, using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), total organic carbon (TOC) testing, and one-dimensional physical simulation experiments to systematically explore its in situ combustion and pyrolysis behavior. The results show that the pyrolysis process of low-mature shale can be divided into three stages: low-temperature volatilization (<250°C), organic matter pyrolysis (250-550°C), and inorganic mineral decomposition (>550°C). The optimal temperature range for in situ combustion modification is between 450 and 500°C, where the organic matter pyrolysis conversion rate exceeds 80%, and the produced oil exhibits significant lightening characteristics. The research findings provide important theoretical support for the optimization and field application of in situ combustion technology for low-mature shale and are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of shale oil resources in China.

Published in	Earth Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16
Page(s)	282-289
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Low-mature Shale, In Situ Combustion, Pyrolysis Characteristics, Total Organic Carbon, Experimental Study

References

[1]	Zou, C., Pan, S., Jing, Z., et al. Shale Oil and Gas Revolution and Its Impact. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2020, 41(01): 1-12. HYPERLINK " https://doi.org/" https://doi.org/CNKI:SUN:SYXB.0.2020-01-001
[2]	Zou, C., Yang, Z., Cui, J., et al. Formation Mechanism, Geological Characteristics, and Development Strategy of Nonmarine Shale Oil in China. Petroleum Exploration and Development Online, 2013, 40(1): 15-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1876-3804(13)60002-6
[3]	Zhao, W., Zhu, R., Liu, W., et al. Enrichment Conditions and Distribution Characteristics of Marine Shale Oil in China. Earth Science Frontiers, 2023, 30(01): 116-127+242-259. HYPERLINK " https://doi.org/" https://doi.org/10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.8.31
[4]	Hu, S., Zhao, W., Hou, L., et al. Development Potential and Technical Countermeasures for Shale Oil in China's Continental Basins. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2020, 47(04): 819-828. HYPERLINK " https://doi.org/" https://doi.org/47(04):819-828.10.11698/PED.2020.04.19
[5]	Zhao, W., Hu, S., Hou, L. The Connotation and Strategic Position of In-situ Conversion of Shale Oil. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2018, 45(04): 537-545. HYPERLINK " https://doi.org/" https://doi.org/10.11698/PED.2018.04.01
[6]	Liu, Q. Current Status and Development Trends of Thermal Recovery Technology for Heavy Oil. Chemical Engineering Management, 2015, (35): 181. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1008-4800.2015.35.160
[7]	Sun, Y., Guo, W., Deng, S. In-situ Conversion and Drilling Extraction Technologies for Oil Shale: Current Status and Development Trends. Drilling Engineering, 2021, 48(01): 57-67. https://doi.org/10.12143/j.ztgc.2021.01.008
[8]	Sun, Y., Lapagin, F., Han, W., et al. A Method for In-situ Heating of Oil Shale. Jilin Province: CN201310078978.5, December 2, 2015.
[9]	Burnham, A. K., Singleton, M. F. High-Pressure Pyrolysis of Green River Oil Shale. ACS Publications, 1983. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-1983-0230.ch017
[10]	Lu, M., Li, X., Mi, J., et al. Simulation of Oil and Gas Production Characteristics by In-situ Heating of Typical Low-Mature Shale. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2023, 44(05): 765-777. https://doi.org/10.7623/syxb202305004
[11]	Xu, S. Theory and Experimental Research on the In-situ Thermal Triggering Method for Oil Shale. Jilin University, 2023. https://doi.org/10.27162/d.cnki.gjlin.2023.000114
[12]	Liang, K. Study on the Large-Scale Pyrolysis and Combustion Permeability of Oil Shale Based on In-situ Mining. China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), 2020. https://doi.org/10.27624/d.cnki.gzkbu.2020.000153
[13]	Wang, L., Yang, D., Kang, Z., et al. Determination of the Pyrolysis Temperature for In-situ Oil Shale Mining by Steam Injection and Feasibility Analysis. Science and Technology and Engineering, 2015, 15(29): 109-113. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1671-1815.2015.29.021
[14]	He, W., Meng, Q., Lin, T., et al. Evolution of In-situ Permeability with Temperature in the Lower-Mature Shale of the Cretaceous Nenjiang Formation in Northern Songliao Basin. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2022, 49(3): 453-464. https://doi.org/10.11698/PED.20210881
[15]	Sun, L., Liu, H., He, W., et al. Major Scientific Issues and Research Pathways for Daqing Gulong Shale Oil. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(3): 453-463. https://doi.org/10.11698/PED.2021.03.02

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Hong, Z., Fajun, Z., Xiaolin, W., Yu, Q., Xin, L. (2025). Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin. Earth Sciences, 14(6), 282-289. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Hong, Z.; Fajun, Z.; Xiaolin, W.; Yu, Q.; Xin, L. Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin. Earth Sci. 2025, 14(6), 282-289. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hong Z, Fajun Z, Xiaolin W, Yu Q, Xin L. Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin. Earth Sci. 2025;14(6):282-289. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16,
  author = {Zhang Hong and Zhao Fajun and Wu Xiaolin and Qian Yu and Liu Xin},
  title = {Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin},
  journal = {Earth Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {6},
  pages = {282-289},
  doi = {10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.earth.20251406.16},
  abstract = {Low-mature shale (Ro = 0.5% ~ 1.0%) is an important strategic alternative in China’s oil and gas resource replenishment and production enhancement. In situ conversion technology is considered the key to efficient development. As one of the main methods of in situ conversion, in situ combustion heating technology has advantages such as low cost and high thermal efficiency. However, its combustion characteristics and pyrolysis mechanism in low-mature shale are not yet clear. This study focuses on low-mature shale from the Songliao Basin, using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), total organic carbon (TOC) testing, and one-dimensional physical simulation experiments to systematically explore its in situ combustion and pyrolysis behavior. The results show that the pyrolysis process of low-mature shale can be divided into three stages: low-temperature volatilization (550°C). The optimal temperature range for in situ combustion modification is between 450 and 500°C, where the organic matter pyrolysis conversion rate exceeds 80%, and the produced oil exhibits significant lightening characteristics. The research findings provide important theoretical support for the optimization and field application of in situ combustion technology for low-mature shale and are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of shale oil resources in China.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin
AU  - Zhang Hong
AU  - Zhao Fajun
AU  - Wu Xiaolin
AU  - Qian Yu
AU  - Liu Xin
Y1  - 2025/12/27
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16
T2  - Earth Sciences
JF  - Earth Sciences
JO  - Earth Sciences
SP  - 282
EP  - 289
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5982
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16
AB  - Low-mature shale (Ro = 0.5% ~ 1.0%) is an important strategic alternative in China’s oil and gas resource replenishment and production enhancement. In situ conversion technology is considered the key to efficient development. As one of the main methods of in situ conversion, in situ combustion heating technology has advantages such as low cost and high thermal efficiency. However, its combustion characteristics and pyrolysis mechanism in low-mature shale are not yet clear. This study focuses on low-mature shale from the Songliao Basin, using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), total organic carbon (TOC) testing, and one-dimensional physical simulation experiments to systematically explore its in situ combustion and pyrolysis behavior. The results show that the pyrolysis process of low-mature shale can be divided into three stages: low-temperature volatilization (550°C). The optimal temperature range for in situ combustion modification is between 450 and 500°C, where the organic matter pyrolysis conversion rate exceeds 80%, and the produced oil exhibits significant lightening characteristics. The research findings provide important theoretical support for the optimization and field application of in situ combustion technology for low-mature shale and are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of shale oil resources in China.
VL  - 14
IS  - 6
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Zhang Hong

Northeast Petroleum University Key Laboratory of Improving Oil and Gas Recovery, Ministry of Education, Daqing, China;State Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, China;Exploration and Development Research Institute, Daqing Oilfield Limited Company, Daqing, China

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0002-7523-2853
Zhao Fajun

Northeast Petroleum University Key Laboratory of Improving Oil and Gas Recovery, Ministry of Education, Daqing, China

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2780-0537
Wu Xiaolin

State Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, China;Daqing Oilfield Limited Company, Daqing, China

Contact Email
Qian Yu

Exploration and Development Research Institute, Daqing Oilfield Limited Company, Daqing, China

Contact Email
Liu Xin

State Key Laboratory of Continental Shale Oil, Daqing, China;Exploration and Development Research Institute, Daqing Oilfield Limited Company, Daqing, China

Contact Email

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Hong, Z., Fajun, Z., Xiaolin, W., Yu, Q., Xin, L. (2025). Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin. Earth Sciences, 14(6), 282-289. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Hong, Z.; Fajun, Z.; Xiaolin, W.; Yu, Q.; Xin, L. Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin. Earth Sci. 2025, 14(6), 282-289. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hong Z, Fajun Z, Xiaolin W, Yu Q, Xin L. Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin. Earth Sci. 2025;14(6):282-289. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16,
  author = {Zhang Hong and Zhao Fajun and Wu Xiaolin and Qian Yu and Liu Xin},
  title = {Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin},
  journal = {Earth Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {6},
  pages = {282-289},
  doi = {10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.earth.20251406.16},
  abstract = {Low-mature shale (Ro = 0.5% ~ 1.0%) is an important strategic alternative in China’s oil and gas resource replenishment and production enhancement. In situ conversion technology is considered the key to efficient development. As one of the main methods of in situ conversion, in situ combustion heating technology has advantages such as low cost and high thermal efficiency. However, its combustion characteristics and pyrolysis mechanism in low-mature shale are not yet clear. This study focuses on low-mature shale from the Songliao Basin, using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), total organic carbon (TOC) testing, and one-dimensional physical simulation experiments to systematically explore its in situ combustion and pyrolysis behavior. The results show that the pyrolysis process of low-mature shale can be divided into three stages: low-temperature volatilization (550°C). The optimal temperature range for in situ combustion modification is between 450 and 500°C, where the organic matter pyrolysis conversion rate exceeds 80%, and the produced oil exhibits significant lightening characteristics. The research findings provide important theoretical support for the optimization and field application of in situ combustion technology for low-mature shale and are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of shale oil resources in China.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Experimental Study on In-Situ Combustion and Pyrolysis Characteristics of Low-Mature Shale -- A Case Study of the Songliao Basin
AU  - Zhang Hong
AU  - Zhao Fajun
AU  - Wu Xiaolin
AU  - Qian Yu
AU  - Liu Xin
Y1  - 2025/12/27
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16
T2  - Earth Sciences
JF  - Earth Sciences
JO  - Earth Sciences
SP  - 282
EP  - 289
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5982
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20251406.16
AB  - Low-mature shale (Ro = 0.5% ~ 1.0%) is an important strategic alternative in China’s oil and gas resource replenishment and production enhancement. In situ conversion technology is considered the key to efficient development. As one of the main methods of in situ conversion, in situ combustion heating technology has advantages such as low cost and high thermal efficiency. However, its combustion characteristics and pyrolysis mechanism in low-mature shale are not yet clear. This study focuses on low-mature shale from the Songliao Basin, using thermogravimetric analysis (TG), total organic carbon (TOC) testing, and one-dimensional physical simulation experiments to systematically explore its in situ combustion and pyrolysis behavior. The results show that the pyrolysis process of low-mature shale can be divided into three stages: low-temperature volatilization (550°C). The optimal temperature range for in situ combustion modification is between 450 and 500°C, where the organic matter pyrolysis conversion rate exceeds 80%, and the produced oil exhibits significant lightening characteristics. The research findings provide important theoretical support for the optimization and field application of in situ combustion technology for low-mature shale and are of great significance for promoting the sustainable development of shale oil resources in China.
VL  - 14
IS  - 6
ER  -

Copy | Download