Weihe Well 1, the first helium exclusive exploration well in China implemented by Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum and Gas Group, was successfully drilled in Huazhou District, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province recently, marking an important step in helium resource exploration in Weihe Basin.
It is reported that helium in Weihe Basin was first discovered in Weishen 13 Well in the 1970s when Chinese researchers were conducting oil and gas exploration in Fenwei Basin. Sun Qibang once said to Outlook that the completion of the first water soluble helium extraction test station for geothermal wells in the Weihe Basin marks a breakthrough in the evaluation and extraction technology of water soluble helium resources in China. It is of strategic and practical significance to promote the industrialization and large-scale extraction of high level water soluble helium resources in the Weihe Basin and solve the problem of national helium resource scarcity and strategic guarantee.
In July 2018, Yanchang Petroleum&Gas Group won the first helium exploration right in China and began to implement the geothermal water and helium survey project in Huazhou Huayin area, Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. According to the overall arrangement, Yanchang Petroleum&Gas Group plans to invest nearly 100 million yuan in the deployment of two-dimensional seismic survey, drilling and related test research of several helium exploration wells, and construction of ground supporting facilities. At present, the 2D seismic survey project has been successfully completed, the favorable structural traps for helium gas accumulation in the western area of the mining right scope have been drawn, and the optimal well location in the block has been selected.
“Well Wei He 1″ was supported by the Geological Exploration Fund of the Natural Resources Department of Shaanxi Province, and was constructed by Yanchang Petroleum Drilling Company. It drilled more than 4000 meters. The main task is to carry out logging and logging method tests for downhole helium identification, take all formation parameters accurately, study helium reservoir formation mode, implement favorable traps and helium resources, further optimize favorable target areas for helium, and strive to achieve breakthrough in helium resource prospecting in the Weihe Basin.
Next, the gas group will implement the important deployment of energy resources made in the report of the Twentieth National Congress of the Communist Party of China, adhere to the principle of stability and progress in stability, increase the investment in helium exploration, and carefully study and judge key technical indicators such as drilling, logging and testing in strict accordance with relevant industry standards to ensure that all parameters are not misjudged or omitted, and truly and objectively reflect the reservoir resources; Actively carry out pilot experiments on helium production, build a basic theoretical research system for helium accumulation, promote the large-scale development and comprehensive utilization of regional helium resources, and contribute gas power to ensure the strategic safety of national helium resources.
In November 2022, Sinopec’s first helium purification project in Southwest China will be put into operation in Chongqing. Liu Huabin, the project leader, said that the first phase of the Helium Purification Project of Fuling LNG Plant will produce 20 tons of high-purity helium annually. After the completion of the second phase of the planned project, the output will be further expanded, which is of great strategic significance for increasing the proportion of domestic helium and ensuring the safety of national helium use.
Since then, Yanchang Petroleum, Sinopec, PetroChina, etc. have all joined the army of helium localization, contributing petrochemical power to ensure the safety of national helium use.
Post time: Nov-24-2022
