A method and apparatus for determining natural hydrogen generation evolution
By combining dating of target minerals and using multiple detection methods, the tectonic-thermal evolution process of natural hydrogen generation is reconstructed, solving the problem of difficulty in identifying the onset time of natural hydrogen generation and reservoir response characteristics in existing technologies, and achieving accurate evaluation of the potential of natural hydrogen resources.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511232088.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-08-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies are unable to accurately identify the onset time and continuous process of natural hydrogen generation, and cannot systematically reveal the migration and retention behavior of hydrogen in reservoirs. This results in a lack of comprehensive understanding of the entire hydrogen generation process in hydrogen source areas and reservoir response characteristics, making it difficult to provide effective support for the evaluation of natural hydrogen resource potential.
By selecting pre-set dating rule sets with different sealing temperatures to jointly date the target minerals, and combining regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics to reconstruct the tectonic-thermal evolution process, and combining the pre-set spectral detection and microthermometry of inclusion assemblages to obtain temperature and salinity data, and combining the results of rare gas isotope determination to determine the hydrogen residence time, and by combining the hydrogen generation initiation time, duration, temperature data and salinity data, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics are determined.
This improves the accuracy of identifying and quantitatively characterizing the evolutionary features of natural hydrogen generation and reservoir response characteristics, providing a reliable and systematic basis for evaluating the potential of natural hydrogen resources.
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Figure CN120721725B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This specification belongs to the field of oil and gas exploration technology, and in particular relates to a method and apparatus for determining the generation and evolution of natural hydrogen. Background Technology
[0002] At present, the evolution of natural hydrogen generation is mainly based on phenomena such as reducing processes and gas release from fault zones under the background of lithospheric evolution to infer the possible sources of natural hydrogen. Overall, it is still limited to the analysis of single path or single point information, making it difficult to accurately identify the onset time and continuous process of natural hydrogen generation, and also unable to systematically reveal the migration and retention behavior of hydrogen in reservoirs. This results in a lack of comprehensive understanding of the entire hydrogen generation process and reservoir response characteristics in the hydrogen source area under the background of tectonic-thermal evolution, making it difficult to provide effective support for the evaluation of natural hydrogen resource potential.
[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the above problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This specification provides a method and apparatus for determining the generation and evolution of natural hydrogen. By using pre-set dating rules with different enclosed temperatures to jointly date target minerals, geological age information in different temperature ranges is obtained, which helps to cover multiple temperature intervals involved in natural hydrogen generation. Combined with regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics, the tectonic-thermal evolution process is reconstructed to determine the onset time and duration of hydrogen generation, accurately identifying key periods of natural hydrogen generation. Furthermore, by using pre-set spectral detection and microthermometry of inclusion assemblages, temperature and salinity data are obtained, revealing the thermal properties and evolutionary environment of diagenetic fluids. Combined with rare gas isotope determination results of the samples, hydrogen retention time is determined, which helps to quantify the reservoir's ability to retain hydrogen. Finally, by comprehensively considering the onset time and duration of hydrogen generation, temperature data, salinity data, and hydrogen retention time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics are determined, thereby improving the identification accuracy and quantitative characterization ability of natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics, and thus providing a reliable and systematic basis for the evaluation of natural hydrogen resource potential.
[0005] This specification provides a method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation, including:
[0006] Obtain rock samples from the target natural hydrogen source area and screen out the target minerals from the rock samples;
[0007] The target minerals were subjected to joint dating using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges.
[0008] Based on the dating data of the different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area, the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area are determined.
[0009] Thin sections of inclusions from the rock sample were prepared, and the thin sections of inclusions were subjected to petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region.
[0010] Rare gas isotope analysis was performed on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source region.
[0011] Based on the hydrogen generation start time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and the reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area are determined; wherein, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and the reservoir response characteristics are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation.
[0012] In one embodiment, the step of jointly dating the target mineral using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges includes:
[0013] Based on the hydrogen formation type of the target natural hydrogen source area, determine the hydrogen generation pathway of the target natural hydrogen source area; wherein, the hydrogen generation pathway includes the water-rock reaction pathway and the deep degassing pathway;
[0014] Based on the genetic temperature range corresponding to the hydrogen generation pathway and the storage temperature of the target mineral, determine the target mineral corresponding to the storage temperature within the genetic temperature range;
[0015] The target minerals were subjected to joint dating using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges.
[0016] In one embodiment, the pre-set dating rules include: zircon U-Pb dating rules, sphene U-Pb dating rules, and amphibole dating rules. 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating rules, plagioclase 40 Ar / 39 At least one of the following: Ar dating rule, muscovite Rb-Sr dating rule, zircon fission track dating rule, zircon (U-Th) / He dating rule, apatite fission track dating rule, and apatite (U-Th) / He dating rule.
[0017] In one embodiment, determining the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source region based on dating data from the different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region includes:
[0018] Based on the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region, a thermal evolution process diagram of the target natural hydrogen source region is constructed;
[0019] The dating data of the different temperature ranges are projected onto the thermal evolution process diagram, and combined with the temperature ranges corresponding to the water-rock reaction path and the deep degassing path, the hydrogen generation start time and hydrogen generation duration of the target natural hydrogen source area are determined.
[0020] In one embodiment, the step of performing petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region includes:
[0021] Petrographic observation of the inclusion thin sections was performed to identify the morphological characteristics of the inclusions and determine the inclusion assemblages;
[0022] The inclusion body assembly is subjected to preset spectral detection to determine the main component information of the inclusion body assembly;
[0023] The type of the inclusion assembly is determined based on the main component information of the inclusion assembly;
[0024] Based on the type of inclusion combination and the freezing point and homogenization temperature obtained during microthermography, the temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region are determined.
[0025] In one embodiment, the step of performing rare gas isotope analysis on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source region includes:
[0026] The rock sample was subjected to rare gas isotope analysis to obtain rare gas concentration data and radioactive element content data.
[0027] Using a pre-defined radiogenic rare gas accumulation model, the hydrogen residence time of the target natural hydrogen source area is determined based on the concentration data of the rare gas and the content data of radioactive elements; wherein, the pre-defined radiogenic rare gas accumulation model is constructed based on the physical process of rare gas accumulation over time in the pore space of rock samples.
[0028] In one embodiment, determining the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen generation initiation time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time includes:
[0029] Based on the hydrogen generation start time and the hydrogen generation duration, a corresponding natural hydrogen generation time series segment is constructed;
[0030] The temperature data and salinity data are mapped according to the time series segments to determine the fluid thermodynamic characteristics corresponding to each time series segment;
[0031] Based on the hydrogen residence time and the fluid thermodynamic characteristics, the hydrogen retention capacity index of each reservoir section is determined.
[0032] Based on the hydrogen retention capacity index, the natural hydrogen generation evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region are determined.
[0033] This specification provides an apparatus for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation, comprising:
[0034] The sample identification module is used to collect rock samples from the target natural hydrogen source area and screen target minerals;
[0035] The information determination module is used to perform joint dating on the target minerals using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges;
[0036] The hydrogen generation time determination module is used to determine the hydrogen generation start time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area based on the dating data of the different temperature ranges and the regional structure and deposition characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0037] The data determination module is used to prepare inclusion thin sections of the rock sample, and to perform petrographic observation, preset spectral detection and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0038] The residence time determination module is used to perform rare gas isotope analysis on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0039] The evolution characteristic determination module is used to determine the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen generation start time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time; wherein, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation.
[0040] This specification also provides an electronic device, including a processor and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor, when executing the instructions, implements a method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation.
[0041] This specification also provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, implement a method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation.
[0042] Based on the method for determining the generation and evolution of natural hydrogen provided in this specification, rock samples from a target natural hydrogen source area are obtained, and target minerals are screened from the rock samples. The target minerals are then jointly dated using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges. Based on the dating data for different temperature ranges, and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area, the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area are determined. Inclusion thin sections of the rock samples are prepared, and the inclusion thin sections are subjected to petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source area. Rare gas isotope determination is performed on the rock samples to determine the hydrogen retention time of the target natural hydrogen source area. Based on the hydrogen generation initiation time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen retention time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area are determined. These characteristics are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation. By using pre-set dating rules with different enclosed temperatures to jointly date target minerals, geological age information across different temperature ranges can be obtained, helping to cover multiple temperature intervals involved in natural hydrogen generation. Combining regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics, the tectonic-thermal evolution process can be reconstructed, determining the onset and duration of hydrogen generation, accurately identifying key periods of natural hydrogen generation. Furthermore, by using pre-set spectral detection and microthermometry of inclusion assemblages to obtain temperature and salinity data, the thermal properties and evolutionary environment of diagenetic fluids can be revealed. Combined with rare gas isotope measurements of rock samples, hydrogen retention time can be determined, helping to quantify the reservoir's ability to retain hydrogen. Finally, by integrating the onset and duration of hydrogen generation, temperature data, salinity data, and hydrogen retention time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics can be determined, thereby improving the accuracy and quantitative characterization of the identification of natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics, and providing a reliable and systematic basis for evaluating the potential of natural hydrogen resources. Attached Figure Description
[0043] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0044] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation, provided in one embodiment of this specification.
[0045] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the electronic device structure provided in one embodiment of this specification;
[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structural composition of a device for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen generation, provided in one embodiment of this specification.
[0047] Figure 4 This specification provides a zircon CL image, U-Pb age concordance diagram, and weighted average age diagram as an embodiment of the present specification.
[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of LA-ICP-Q-MS sphene U-Pb age analysis results provided in one embodiment of this specification;
[0049] Figure 6 This specification provides an embodiment of the amphibole. 40 Ar / 39 Ar age spectrum and amphibole 36 Ar / 40 Ar- 39 Ar / 40 Ar inverse isochron diagram;
[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of plagioclase Sm-Nd isochrons provided in one embodiment of this specification;
[0051] Figure 8 This specification provides a biotite as one embodiment. 40 Ar / 39 Ar age spectrum, isochron and inverse isochron age diagram;
[0052] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the Rb-Sr isochron age of muscovite and some laser ablation sites provided in one embodiment of this specification;
[0053] Figure 10 This specification provides an embodiment of plagioclase. 40 Ar / 39 Schematic diagram of Ar age spectrum and inverse isochron;
[0054] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal history simulation path of apatite, zircon (U-Th) / He provided in one embodiment of this specification;
[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the binomial peak fitting results and thermal history simulation results of apatite and zircon fission track ages provided in one embodiment of this specification;
[0056] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of fluid inclusion petrographic observation, homogenization temperature, freezing point temperature, and host mineral dating by laser Raman spectroscopy, provided as an embodiment of this specification.
[0057] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural-thermal evolution of a natural hydrogen source region and the reconstruction of the hydrogen generation process, provided in one embodiment of this specification. Detailed Implementation
[0058] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this specification, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this specification.
[0059] Naturally formed and stored hydrogen in geological formations is considered one of the most environmentally friendly and clean energy sources, and is of great significance for global energy transition and addressing climate change. Currently, it is generally believed that hydrogen in the Earth's crust may originate from abiotic factors such as water-rock reactions, deep degassing, and the radioactive decomposition of water, as well as biogenic factors such as the decomposition of organic matter and microbial activity. Among these, the former two are considered to be the main pathways for large-scale production of natural hydrogen in the Earth's crust. Water-rock reactions are one of the most important pathways for the production of natural hydrogen in the Earth's crust. The basic principle is that variable-valence elements in ultramafic rocks (such as peridotite and serpentinite) undergo redox reactions with water, where low-valence metal elements are often typical reducing agents. Temperature is a key factor controlling the efficiency of hydrogen production from water-rock reactions. Studies suggest that water-rock reactions are more likely to produce hydrogen only when the ultramafic rock mass is between 75℃ and 315℃. Below 75℃, the water-rock reaction almost stops, and above 315℃, the reaction generates other minerals, causing a significant decrease in hydrogen production. The degassing of hydrogen from deep Earth is a complex process, currently viewed in two main ways: one is the release of hydrogen accumulated in the deep interior, and the other is the release of hydrogen from fluids and certain minerals in the crust or upper mantle to the shallower layers. Both theories suggest the primary material basis comes from deep fluids, i.e., fluids that can flow in the middle and lower crust, mantle, and core. This process involves the decomposition of water molecules under high temperature and pressure conditions, and the dehydration reaction of certain hydrogen-containing minerals (such as hydrous minerals) under geological processes, thus producing hydrogen. Therefore, the reaction temperature is typically between 400℃ and 1000℃. In summary, scholars have made general summaries of the main geological origins of natural hydrogen, but the process of hydrogen production, its onset and termination times, and its transport and accumulation mechanisms within geological bodies remain unclear. Reconstructing the tectonic-thermal evolution of natural hydrogen source regions, detailing the timing, phases, and temperature and pressure environments of deep fluid activity, and revealing the hydrogen generation process and hydrogen capture and retention times in natural hydrogen source regions are of great significance for the evaluation and selection of natural hydrogen resource potential.
[0060] To address the root causes of the aforementioned problems, this specification employs a pre-set dating rule set with different enclosed temperatures to jointly date target minerals, obtaining geological age information across various temperature ranges. This helps cover multiple temperature intervals involved in natural hydrogen generation. By combining regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics, the tectonic-thermal evolution process is reconstructed, determining the onset and duration of hydrogen generation, accurately identifying key periods in natural hydrogen generation. Furthermore, through pre-set spectral detection and microthermometry of inclusion assemblages, temperature and salinity data are obtained, revealing the thermodynamic properties and evolutionary environment of diagenetic fluids. Combined with rare gas isotope measurements of rock samples, hydrogen retention time is determined, quantifying the reservoir's ability to retain hydrogen. Finally, by integrating the onset and duration of hydrogen generation, temperature data, salinity data, and hydrogen retention time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics are determined, thereby improving the accuracy and quantitative characterization of these characteristics. This provides a reliable and systematic basis for evaluating the potential of natural hydrogen resources.
[0061] See Figure 1 As shown in the embodiments of this specification, a method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation is provided, wherein the method is specifically applied to the server side. In specific implementation, the method may include the following:
[0062] S101: Obtain rock samples from the target natural hydrogen source area and screen out target minerals from the rock samples;
[0063] S102: The target minerals are subjected to joint dating using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges;
[0064] S103: Based on the dating data of the different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area, determine the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area;
[0065] S104: Prepare inclusion thin sections of the rock sample, and perform petrographic observation, preset spectral detection and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source area;
[0066] S105: Perform rare gas isotope analysis on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source region;
[0067] S106: Based on the hydrogen generation start time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time, determine the generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of natural hydrogen in the target natural hydrogen source area; wherein, the generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of natural hydrogen are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation.
[0068] The rock samples mentioned above can be igneous rocks, serpentinite rocks, and clastic rocks obtained at different depths of the target well, used to cover different genetic backgrounds and burial environments of the natural hydrogen source area.
[0069] The target minerals mentioned above can refer to minerals with clear closed temperature characteristics that can be used for thermochronological dating. They are often used to reconstruct the tectonic-thermal evolution process of natural hydrogen source regions, such as zircon, apatite, sphene, plagioclase, mica, and amphibole.
[0070] The aforementioned pre-set dating rules may refer to radiometric dating methods selected for different target minerals, which have known closed temperature ranges and can provide thermal evolution age information covering the high-temperature to low-temperature range.
[0071] The aforementioned dating data can refer to the geological age information obtained by measuring the target mineral according to the pre-set dating rules. It is usually in millions of years (Ma) and reflects the cooling history of the target mineral since it reached a specific sealing temperature, thereby characterizing the thermal evolution stage related to the generation of natural hydrogen. Specifically, it can include data forms such as single grain age, average age, and age distribution spectrum.
[0072] The regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the aforementioned target natural hydrogen source area can refer to geological background information closely related to the hydrogen generation and retention process. Specifically, this includes tectonic unit division, fault system distribution, fold style, lithological assemblage, sedimentary facies type, sedimentary thickness, sedimentary rate and its evolutionary history, etc., which are used to help determine the geological period, genetic environment and geological conditions that control hydrogen transport, accumulation and retention.
[0073] The aforementioned hydrogen generation start time can refer to the time node when the thermodynamic and geological conditions for hydrogen generation first exist in the natural hydrogen source area. It is usually inferred based on the high closure temperature dating results of the selected target mineral, combined with the initiation period of regional tectonic changes and diagenetic fluid activity, and is used to define the geological history stage at which natural hydrogen began to form.
[0074] The aforementioned hydrogen generation duration can refer to the time range during which natural hydrogen is continuously generated in the target natural hydrogen source area under effective hydrogen generation conditions. It is usually calculated by combining the dating data of multiple target minerals with different sealing temperatures and the continuity analysis of the tectonic-thermal evolution stage, reflecting the complete time span of the natural hydrogen formation process.
[0075] The aforementioned inclusion thin sections can refer to polished thin sections of target rock samples prepared with appropriate thickness for conducting fluid inclusion-related experimental analysis. These sections contain primary or secondary inclusions in the host mineral and have good light transmittance and microscopic observation conditions.
[0076] The aforementioned petrographic observation can refer to the microscopic analysis of inclusion thin sections under a polarizing microscope to identify the morphology, size, phase combination, spatial distribution, and genetic relationship of the inclusions with the host mineral, and to determine whether the inclusions are primary, secondary, or inherited types.
[0077] The aforementioned preset spectral detection can refer to laser Raman spectroscopy analysis of fluid inclusions to identify the specific components of the gas and liquid phases in the inclusions, such as H2, CH4, CO2, N2, etc., thereby determining the diagenetic fluid properties of the inclusions, assisting in the identification of the phase combination and capture environment of the inclusions, and helping to accurately classify the inclusion combination and identify the presence of hydrogen inclusions.
[0078] The aforementioned microthermometry refers to heating and cooling experiments on fluid inclusions, observing the gas-liquid phase changes within the inclusions under a microscope, and recording their homogenization temperature and freezing point temperature. The homogenization temperature is the temperature at which the gas and liquid phases of the inclusion completely transform into a single phase, used to invert the capture temperature of the diagenetic fluid. The freezing point temperature is the temperature at which ice crystals first appear or completely melt during the cooling process of the inclusion, used to estimate the salinity of the diagenetic fluid. Combining these two measurements can reveal the temperature and pressure environment and compositional characteristics during the formation of the inclusions, providing constraints for the analysis of hydrogen generation and migration.
[0079] The aforementioned hydrogen residence time can refer to the result of rare gas isotope determination, using radiogenic rare gases (such as... 4 He 21 Ne、 40 The accumulation degree of Ar and other rare gas elements in rock pores or minerals, combined with the content of radioactive parent elements (such as U, Th, K, etc.), is used to invert the time scale of hydrogen's continuous sequestration in natural reservoirs through a pre-set rare gas accumulation model. This usually reflects the residence time of hydrogen from its generation to its dissipation or loss, and can be used to quantify the reservoir's sequestration capacity and hydrogen preservation stability.
[0080] The aforementioned characteristics of the formation and evolution of natural hydrogen can refer to the starting time, duration, genetic path, and the regularity and stage division of the evolution of natural hydrogen with tectonic-thermal processes during geological history.
[0081] The aforementioned reservoir response characteristics can include the reservoir's ability to capture hydrogen, storage duration, fluid modification degree, and preservation stability at different tectonic-thermal evolution stages.
[0082] In some embodiments, obtaining rock samples from the target natural hydrogen source area and screening target minerals from the rock samples may specifically include:
[0083] Based on the geological background information of the target natural hydrogen source area, typical borehole cores covering the fault zone, uplift zone, and magma intrusion zone were selected; representative rock samples were collected at different burial depths, including ultramafic igneous rocks, serpentinite, and diagenetic clastic rocks; thin sections and microscopic observation were performed on the rock samples to identify euhedral or subhedral target mineral grains; further qualitative and quantitative analysis of the minerals in the samples was conducted using electron probe microanalysis or Raman spectroscopy to screen out target minerals with closed temperature characteristics suitable for thermochronological analysis.
[0084] By combining geological background conditions to select representative rock samples of different depths and lithological types, and by using multiple methods to screen target minerals suitable for thermochronological analysis, the key thermal history information of the natural hydrogen source area was accurately extracted.
[0085] In some embodiments, while performing rare gas isotope determination on the rock sample, rare gas isotope determination can also be performed on the natural gas sample collected from the target natural hydrogen source area. The hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source area can be determined by combining the isotope determination results of the two types of samples.
[0086] Based on the above embodiments, by using pre-set dating rule sets with different closure temperatures to jointly date target minerals, geological age information in different temperature ranges can be obtained, which helps to cover multiple temperature ranges involved in natural hydrogen generation. By combining regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics, the tectonic-thermal evolution process can be reconstructed to determine the onset time and duration of hydrogen generation, which can accurately identify the key periods of natural hydrogen generation. Furthermore, by using pre-set spectral detection and microthermometry of inclusion assemblages to obtain temperature and salinity data, the thermal properties and evolutionary environment of diagenetic fluids can be revealed. Combined with the rare gas isotope determination results of rock samples, the hydrogen retention time can be determined, which helps to quantify the reservoir's ability to retain hydrogen. Finally, by comprehensively considering the onset time and duration of hydrogen generation, temperature data, salinity data, and hydrogen retention time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics can be determined, thereby improving the identification accuracy and quantitative characterization ability of natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics, and thus providing a reliable and systematic basis for the evaluation of natural hydrogen resource potential.
[0087] In some embodiments, the method involves jointly dating the target minerals using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges. In specific implementations, the method may further include the following:
[0088] S1: Determine the hydrogen generation pathway of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen formation type of the target natural hydrogen source area; wherein, the hydrogen generation pathway includes the water-rock reaction pathway and the deep degassing pathway;
[0089] S2: Based on the genetic temperature range corresponding to the hydrogen generation path and the storage temperature of the target mineral, determine the target mineral corresponding to the storage temperature within the genetic temperature range;
[0090] S3: The target minerals are subjected to joint dating using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges.
[0091] The aforementioned hydrogen origin types can refer to the main geological mechanisms that lead to hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area, including but not limited to water-rock reaction origin types and deep degassing origin types.
[0092] The above-mentioned water-rock reaction genesis type refers to the process in which hydrogen gas is released due to the redox reaction between ultramafic rocks and fluids in the strata.
[0093] The aforementioned deep degassing genesis type refers to the process in which hydrogen-containing minerals in the crust or mantle fluids are heated and decompose, releasing hydrogen gas which then migrates to the shallow layers along channels.
[0094] Specifically, firstly, the hydrogen genesis type of the target natural hydrogen source region is determined, and the hydrogen generation pathway of the natural hydrogen is identified accordingly, including water-rock reaction pathways or deep degassing pathways; then, the genetic temperature range corresponding to the hydrogen generation pathway is obtained by combining geological literature or measured data; further, multiple target minerals sorted from rock samples are identified, and the storage temperature of each target mineral is obtained; subsequently, target minerals with storage temperatures within the genetic temperature range are selected as objects to be dated, and their corresponding preset dating rules are matched for each target mineral; finally, the target minerals are dated separately using the matched dating rules to form a dating data set for the corresponding temperature range, and by integrating the dating results of multiple storage temperature ranges, a joint dating analysis of the time-temperature evolution of the target natural hydrogen source region within the target temperature range is completed.
[0095] In some embodiments, if the closure temperature of the target mineral is not within the genetic temperature range corresponding to the hydrogen generation pathway, the specific implementation may include:
[0096] The alternative mineral with the closure temperature closest to the genetic temperature range was selected as the target mineral for dating.
[0097] Alternatively, multiple target minerals containing information on multiple thermal events can be collected and jointly dated using corresponding preset dating rules for each target mineral, thereby constructing a thermal evolution time-temperature curve of the target natural hydrogen source region and extrapolating the dating results within the genetic temperature range.
[0098] Alternatively, samples may be collected from adjacent structural sites or strata in the target natural hydrogen source region to obtain target minerals whose sealing temperature is within the genetic temperature range for dating.
[0099] Alternatively, if none of the above conditions are met, the causal temperature range is marked as a dating blank zone, and a thermal evolution model is constructed based on regional burial history, tectonic evolution history, and thermophysical parameters to indirectly estimate the dating data.
[0100] Based on the above embodiments, by introducing a multi-path compensation strategy in the case of mismatched target mineral closure temperatures, not only is the dating coverage within the genetic temperature range improved, but the accuracy of identifying the natural hydrogen generation period is also enhanced, ensuring the continuity and integrity of the reconstruction of the tectonic-thermal evolution process, and providing a more robust time constraint for the analysis of the natural hydrogen genesis mechanism and the evaluation of resource potential.
[0101] In some embodiments, when the target mineral does not have a corresponding dating rule in the preset dating rules, the following methods can be used to resolve the issue, which may include the following specific implementations:
[0102] If the target mineral cannot be dated, alternative minerals with similar thermal stability and geological significance (such as minerals from the same diagenetic period or thermal event) can be selected and dated to indirectly obtain time information for that temperature range.
[0103] If the content of the target mineral in the sample is too low or the condition is not suitable for dating, the sample can be physically or chemically treated to extract or enrich the mineral components that can be dated, and then existing dating rules can be used.
[0104] In addition to existing pre-defined dating rules, other supplementary rules (such as electron spin resonance dating and thermoluminescence dating) can be introduced to accommodate mineral types that cannot be covered by conventional methods. When dating data for a particular mineral is indeed unavailable, information such as inclusions, mineral metasomatic relationships, and thermal metamorphic reaction characteristics can be used to infer the possible evolutionary time points corresponding to that temperature range from the geological background.
[0105] Based on the above embodiments, it is ensured that even if a certain mineral is not explicitly covered in the preset year rules, the time information of that temperature range can still be obtained, thus guaranteeing the continuity and integrity of the natural hydrogen evolution process.
[0106] In some embodiments, the preset dating rules include: zircon U-Pb dating rules, sphene U-Pb dating rules, and amphibole dating rules. 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating rules, plagioclase 40 Ar / 39At least one of the following: Ar dating rule, muscovite Rb-Sr dating rule, zircon fission track dating rule, zircon (U-Th) / He dating rule, apatite fission track dating rule, and apatite (U-Th) / He dating rule.
[0107] In some embodiments, the method for determining the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source region based on dating data from different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region may further include the following:
[0108] S1: Based on the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region, construct a thermal evolution process diagram of the target natural hydrogen source region;
[0109] S2: Project the dating data of the different temperature ranges onto the thermal evolution process diagram, and combine the temperature ranges corresponding to the water-rock reaction path and the deep degassing path to determine the hydrogen generation start time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0110] Specifically, the tectonic unit division, lithological assemblage, erosion information, and sedimentary cover thickness of the target natural hydrogen source area are obtained, and thermal conductivity, heat generation rate, and heat capacity parameter models are established based on this information. Based on the above thermal property parameters and regional burial history data, geothermal gradient backpropagation or thermal simulation methods are used to construct a time-temperature thermal evolution process diagram with geological time as the abscissa and evolution temperature as the ordinate, representing the temperature change trend of the rock strata over time.
[0111] Multiple dating data obtained from target minerals with different closure temperature characteristics are used as constraint points in the thermal evolution process diagram. These points are marked on the geological age positions corresponding to the horizontal axis of the diagram, and their corresponding closure temperatures are used as the vertical axis positions, thus forming several dating anchor points. The thermal evolution curve is fitted or corrected based on the dating anchor points to make it more consistent with the thermal event information reflected by the measured data.
[0112] Furthermore, by combining the genetic temperature ranges corresponding to the water-rock reaction path and the deep degassing path in the hydrogen generation pathway, the time point when the thermal evolution curve first enters the corresponding temperature range is identified in the thermal evolution process diagram and defined as the hydrogen generation initiation time. Simultaneously, the length of time the thermal evolution curve remains within this temperature range is identified and defined as the hydrogen generation duration. With the introduction of dating anchors and the dynamic adjustment of the thermal evolution curve, the original heating rate, annealing inflection point position, and high-temperature stage width in the thermal evolution diagram may all change, thus more realistically reflecting the tectonic-thermal evolution process of the target natural hydrogen source region.
[0113] In some embodiments, the method of performing petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region may further include the following:
[0114] S1: Perform petrographic observation on the thin sections of the inclusions to identify the morphological characteristics of the inclusions and determine the inclusion assemblages;
[0115] S2: Perform preset spectral detection on the inclusion assembly to determine the main component information of the inclusion assembly;
[0116] S3: Determine the type of the inclusion assembly based on the main component information of the inclusion assembly;
[0117] S4: Based on the type of inclusion combination and the freezing point temperature and homogenization temperature obtained during microthermography, determine the temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region.
[0118] Specifically, petrographic observation of inclusion thin sections is performed using a polarizing microscope to identify the distribution and morphological characteristics of inclusions within the host mineral, such as euhedral shape, fracture development, and leakage. Based on the degree of sealing, phase combination, and spatial arrangement of inclusions, they are classified into primary inclusion assemblages, secondary inclusion assemblages, or suspected inclusion assemblages. For each type of inclusion assemblage, pre-defined spectral detection methods such as Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, or ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy are used to identify the main fluid phase components within the inclusions. Based on this component information, combined with thermodynamic phase diagrams or literature standards, the inclusion assembly type (e.g., water-salt inclusions, water-gas two-phase inclusions, gas-bearing inclusions, oil-bearing inclusions, etc.) is determined. Furthermore, a hot-stage microscope is used to perform microscopic heating and cooling experiments on the inclusions, recording the freezing point temperature and homogenization temperature. Combined with the inclusion assembly type, temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region are obtained.
[0119] By identifying and classifying inclusion assemblages of different genetic types, and combining them with preset spectral detection and microthermometry analysis, the sealing temperature and diagenetic environment salinity during hydrothermal activity in the target natural hydrogen source area can be accurately obtained, reflecting the hydrothermal genetic conditions and evolution process. Furthermore, by identifying hydrogen generation pathways, the properties of the thermal fluids during hydrogen generation can be revealed, which helps to clarify the coupling relationship between hydrogen activity and reservoir evolution, thereby enhancing the comprehensive analytical capability of the natural hydrogen generation and evolution mechanism.
[0120] In some embodiments, the method of determining the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source region by performing rare gas isotope analysis on the rock sample may further include the following:
[0121] S1: The rock sample is subjected to rare gas isotope analysis to obtain rare gas concentration data and radioactive element content data;
[0122] S2: Using a preset radiogenic rare gas accumulation model, the hydrogen residence time of the target natural hydrogen source area is determined based on the concentration data of the rare gas and the content data of radioactive elements; wherein, the preset radiogenic rare gas accumulation model is constructed based on the physical process of rare gas accumulation over time in the pore space of rock samples.
[0123] Specifically, the rock sample is subjected to gas release treatment using laser ablation or vacuum heating. The concentration data of rare gas isotopes such as He, Ne, Ar, and Kr in the released gas are obtained by quantitative determination using mass spectrometry. Simultaneously, the content data of radioactive elements such as U, Th, and K in the sample are determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). A pre-defined radiogenic rare gas accumulation model is used. This model is based on the rate of decay of elements such as U, Th, and K to produce rare gases such as He and Ar, and considers factors such as diffusion loss, pore volume, and mineral lattice structure to construct a curve of rare gas accumulation over time in a closed system. The actual measured rare gas concentration is substituted into the model and fitted with the theoretical accumulation curve to obtain the optimal fitting time, which is determined as the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source area. The pre-defined radiogenic rare gas accumulation model is based on the continuous decay of radioactive elements (such as uranium, thorium, and potassium) in the rock to release rare gases (such as...). 4 He 40 Ar) is constructed through a process.
[0124] By jointly measuring the concentration of rare gases and the content of radioactive elements in rock samples, and using a pre-set radiogenic rare gas accumulation model, the retention time scale of natural hydrogen in reservoirs can be effectively estimated. This helps to assess the reservoir's storage capacity and the temporal characteristics of hydrogen fluid activity, thereby enhancing the scientific basis for the safety assessment and development feasibility of natural hydrogen resources.
[0125] In some embodiments, the method for determining the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen generation initiation time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time may further include the following:
[0126] S1: Construct a corresponding natural hydrogen generation time series segment based on the hydrogen generation start time and the hydrogen generation duration;
[0127] S2: Map the temperature data and salinity data according to the time series segments to determine the fluid thermodynamic characteristics corresponding to each time series segment;
[0128] S3: Determine the hydrogen retention capacity index for each reservoir section based on the hydrogen residence time and the fluid thermodynamic characteristics;
[0129] S4: Based on the hydrogen retention capacity index, determine the natural hydrogen generation evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0130] Specifically, a time series segment for natural hydrogen generation is constructed based on the aforementioned hydrogen generation initiation time and duration. Temperature and salinity data obtained through inclusion microthermography and spectral detection are matched and mapped with each time series segment according to the diagenetic stage of fluid inclusions to obtain a set of fluid thermodynamic characteristic parameters corresponding to each stage. Furthermore, the set of fluid thermodynamic characteristic parameters is coupled with the hydrogen retention time obtained from rare gas measurements. A hydrogen retention capacity index is constructed based on rock permeability, porosity, and the degree of influence of thermal evolution, representing the reservoir's ability to retain hydrogen within a specific period after generation. Finally, based on the differences in hydrogen retention capacity indices at different times and in different structural locations, the natural hydrogen generation time series pattern and reservoir response characteristic index curves are extracted.
[0131] By introducing a joint analysis of hydrogen residence time and thermodynamic characteristics, a hydrogen retention capacity index is constructed, which can quantitatively reflect the differences in the response of hydrogen sequestration to different time periods and structural locations. This helps to improve the ability to continuously analyze the evolution of natural hydrogen generation and the systematic assessment of reservoir preservation potential, and provides a basis for zoning optimization for the exploration and deployment of natural hydrogen resources.
[0132] As can be seen from the above, the embodiment of this specification provides a method for determining the generation and evolution of natural hydrogen, which involves obtaining rock samples from a target natural hydrogen source area and screening target minerals from the rock samples; performing joint dating on the target minerals using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges; determining the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area based on the dating data of different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area; preparing inclusion thin sections of the rock samples and performing petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source area; performing rare gas isotope determination on the rock samples to determine the hydrogen residence time of the target natural hydrogen source area; and determining the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen generation initiation time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time; wherein, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation. By using pre-set dating rules with different enclosed temperatures to jointly date target minerals, geological age information across different temperature ranges can be obtained, helping to cover multiple temperature intervals involved in natural hydrogen generation. Combining regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics, the tectonic-thermal evolution process can be reconstructed, determining the onset and duration of hydrogen generation, accurately identifying key periods of natural hydrogen generation. Furthermore, by using pre-set spectral detection and microthermometry of inclusion assemblages to obtain temperature and salinity data, the thermal properties and evolutionary environment of diagenetic fluids can be revealed. Combined with rare gas isotope measurements of rock samples, hydrogen retention time can be determined, helping to quantify the reservoir's ability to retain hydrogen. Finally, by integrating the onset and duration of hydrogen generation, temperature data, salinity data, and hydrogen retention time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics can be determined, thereby improving the accuracy and quantitative characterization of the identification of natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics, and providing a reliable and systematic basis for evaluating the potential of natural hydrogen resources.
[0133] See Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments of this specification, a specific electronic device is also provided, wherein the electronic device includes a network communication port 201, a processor 202 and a memory 203, and the above structures are connected by internal cables so that the various structures can perform specific data interaction.
[0134] Specifically, the network communication port 201 can be used to acquire rock samples from the target natural hydrogen source area and screen out target minerals from the rock samples.
[0135] The processor 202 is specifically used to perform joint dating of the target minerals using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges; based on the dating data of different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area, determine the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area; prepare inclusion thin sections of the rock sample, and perform petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source area; perform rare gas isotope determination on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time of the target natural hydrogen source area; and determine the natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen generation initiation time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time; wherein, the natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation.
[0136] The memory 203 can be used to store the corresponding instruction program.
[0137] Based on the above method, the relevant structural performance of electronic devices can be effectively utilized to improve the data processing speed of electronic devices and efficiently realize a method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen generation.
[0138] In this embodiment, the network communication port 201 can be a virtual port bound to different communication protocols, thereby enabling the sending or receiving of different data. For example, the network communication port can be a port responsible for web data communication, a port responsible for FTP data communication, or a port responsible for email data communication. Furthermore, the network communication port can also be a physical communication interface or communication chip. For example, it can be a wireless mobile network communication chip, such as GSM or CDMA; it can also be a Wi-Fi chip; or it can be a Bluetooth chip.
[0139] In this embodiment, the processor 202 can be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, the processor can take the form of a microprocessor or processor and a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program code (e.g., software or firmware) executable by the (micro)processor, logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers, etc. This specification is not limiting.
[0140] In this embodiment, the memory 203 may include a hierarchy. In a digital system, anything that can store binary data can be a memory. In an integrated circuit, a circuit with storage function but no physical form is also called a memory, such as RAM, FIFO, etc. In a system, a storage device with a physical form is also called a memory, such as a memory stick, TF card, etc.
[0141] This specification also provides a computer-readable storage medium based on the above-described method for determining the generation and evolution of natural hydrogen. The method involves acquiring rock samples from a target natural hydrogen source region and screening target minerals from these samples; performing joint dating on the target minerals using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges; determining the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source region based on the dating data for different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region; preparing inclusion thin sections of the rock samples and performing petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature and salinity data for the target natural hydrogen source region; performing rare gas isotope determination on the rock samples to determine the hydrogen retention time in the target natural hydrogen source region; and determining the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region based on the hydrogen generation initiation time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen retention time. The generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation.
[0142] In this embodiment, the storage medium includes, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Cache, Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or Memory Card. The memory can be used to store computer program instructions. The network communication unit can be an interface configured according to standards specified in the communication protocol for network connection communication.
[0143] In this embodiment, the specific functions and effects implemented by the program instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium can be explained in comparison with other embodiments, and will not be repeated here.
[0144] See Figure 3 At the software level, embodiments of this specification also provide a device for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation, which may specifically include the following structural modules:
[0145] The sample identification module 301 is used to collect rock samples from the target natural hydrogen source area and screen target minerals;
[0146] The information determination module 302 is used to perform joint dating on the target minerals using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges;
[0147] The hydrogen generation time determination module 303 is used to determine the hydrogen generation start time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area based on the dating data of the different temperature ranges and the regional structure and deposition characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0148] The data determination module 304 is used to prepare inclusion thin sections of the rock sample, and to perform petrographic observation, preset spectral detection and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature data and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0149] The residence time determination module 305 is used to perform rare gas isotope analysis on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time of the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0150] The evolution characteristic determination module 306 is used to determine the generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of natural hydrogen in the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen generation start time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time; wherein, the generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of natural hydrogen are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation.
[0151] In some embodiments, the information determination module 302, in specific implementation, determines the hydrogen generation path of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen formation type of the target natural hydrogen source area; wherein, the hydrogen generation path includes a water-rock reaction path and a deep degassing path; based on the formation temperature range corresponding to the hydrogen generation path and the storage temperature of the target mineral, it determines the target mineral corresponding to the storage temperature within the formation temperature range; and performs joint dating on the target mineral using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges.
[0152] In some embodiments, the preset dating rules include: zircon U-Pb dating rules, sphene U-Pb dating rules, and amphibole dating rules. 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating rules, plagioclase 40 Ar / 39 At least one of the following: Ar dating rule, muscovite Rb-Sr dating rule, zircon fission track dating rule, zircon (U-Th) / He dating rule, apatite fission track dating rule, and apatite (U-Th) / He dating rule.
[0153] In some embodiments, the hydrogen generation time determination module 303, in its specific implementation, constructs a thermal evolution process diagram of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area; projects the dating data of the different temperature ranges onto the thermal evolution process diagram, and combines the temperature ranges corresponding to the water-rock reaction path and the deep degassing path to determine the hydrogen generation start time and hydrogen generation duration of the target natural hydrogen source area.
[0154] In some embodiments, the data determination module 304, in its specific implementation, performs petrographic observation on the inclusion thin section to identify the morphological characteristics of the inclusions and determine the inclusion assemblage; performs preset spectral detection on the inclusion assemblage to determine the main component information of the inclusion assemblage; determines the inclusion assemblage type based on the main component information of the inclusion assemblage; and determines the temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region based on the inclusion assemblage type and the freezing point temperature and homogenization temperature obtained during microthermometry.
[0155] In some embodiments, the aforementioned residence time determination module 305, in specific implementation, performs rare gas isotope analysis on the rock sample to obtain rare gas concentration data and radioactive element content data; using a preset radiogenic rare gas accumulation model, the hydrogen residence time of the target natural hydrogen source area is determined based on the rare gas concentration data and radioactive element content data; wherein, the preset radiogenic rare gas accumulation model is constructed based on the physical process of rare gas accumulation over time in the pore space of the rock sample.
[0156] In some embodiments, the evolution characteristic determination module 306, in specific implementation, constructs a corresponding natural hydrogen generation time series segment based on the hydrogen generation start time and the hydrogen generation duration; maps the temperature data and salinity data according to the time series segment to determine the fluid thermodynamic characteristics corresponding to each time series segment; determines the hydrogen retention capacity index of each reservoir segment based on the hydrogen residence time and the fluid thermodynamic characteristics; and determines the natural hydrogen generation evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen retention capacity index.
[0157] It should be noted that the units, devices, or modules described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer chips or physical entities, or by products with certain functions. For ease of description, the above devices are described by dividing them into various modules according to their functions. Of course, in implementing this specification, the functions of each module can be implemented in the same software and / or hardware, or modules that implement the same function can be implemented by a combination of sub-modules or sub-units, etc. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the devices or units shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.
[0158] As can be seen from the above, the device for determining the natural hydrogen generation and evolution provided in the embodiments of this specification, by selecting a set of preset dating rules with different sealing temperatures to jointly date the target minerals, obtains geological age information in different temperature ranges, which helps to cover multiple temperature ranges involved in natural hydrogen generation; combined with regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics, it reconstructs the tectonic-thermal evolution process, determines the start time and duration of hydrogen generation, and can accurately identify the key periods of natural hydrogen generation; furthermore, by using preset spectral detection and microthermometry of inclusion assemblages to obtain temperature and salinity data, it can reveal the thermal properties and evolutionary environment of diagenetic fluids, and then combine the results of rare gas isotope determination of rock samples to determine the hydrogen retention time, which helps to quantify the reservoir's ability to retain hydrogen; finally, by comprehensively considering the above-mentioned start time and duration of hydrogen generation, temperature data, salinity data, and hydrogen retention time, it determines the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics, thereby improving the identification accuracy and quantitative characterization ability of natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics, and thus providing a reliable and systematic basis for the evaluation of natural hydrogen resource potential.
[0159] In a specific scenario example, the method and apparatus for determining the natural hydrogen generation and evolution provided in this specification can be applied. First, by using pre-set dating rules with different enclosed temperatures to jointly date target minerals, geological age information within different temperature ranges is obtained, helping to cover multiple temperature intervals involved in natural hydrogen generation. Combining regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics, the tectonic-thermal evolution process is reconstructed to determine the onset and duration of hydrogen generation, accurately identifying key periods of natural hydrogen generation. Furthermore, by using pre-set spectral detection and microthermometry of inclusion assemblages, temperature and salinity data are obtained, revealing the thermodynamic properties and evolutionary environment of diagenetic fluids. Combined with rare gas isotope measurements of rock samples, hydrogen retention time is determined, helping to quantify the reservoir's ability to retain hydrogen. Finally, by comprehensively considering the onset and duration of hydrogen generation, temperature data, salinity data, and hydrogen retention time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics are determined, thereby improving the accuracy and quantitative characterization of the identification of natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics, and thus providing a reliable and systematic basis for evaluating the potential of natural hydrogen resources. The specific implementation process may include the following:
[0160] S1: Select areas with a certain number of wells and a certain potential for hydrogen generation as target natural hydrogen source areas. Collect igneous rock, serpentinite, and clastic rock samples from different depths of wells in the area for mineral screening and inclusion thin section preparation. The main minerals screened are zircon, apatite, sphene, plagioclase, mica, and amphibole, to provide basic samples for subsequent joint dating and determination of inclusion thermal fluid parameters.
[0161] In some embodiments, areas with hydrogen generation potential can be identified through geological surveys and previous research findings, and drilling operations can be prioritized accordingly. During drilling, hydrogen content detection and preliminary genetic analysis are conducted on the obtained gas and core samples. If abnormal hydrogen enrichment is found, further systematic geological surveys and sample collection can be carried out to confirm the hydrogen source mechanism and assess resource potential. The main objective of this step is to obtain rock samples covering different depths and lithological units, laying the sample foundation for subsequent joint dating analysis and thermal history reconstruction of multiple target minerals.
[0162] S2: Obtain regional tectonic information, lithological assemblage characteristics, and sedimentary evolution data of the target natural hydrogen source area. Combine this with hydrogen stable isotope analysis results to determine the hydrogen genesis type of the target natural hydrogen source area. Based on the hydrogen genesis type, identify the hydrogen generation pathway of the target natural hydrogen source area and match target minerals and their pre-defined dating rules applicable to water-rock reaction pathways or deep degassing pathways. Dating rules corresponding to water-rock reaction pathways may include muscovite Rb-Sr dating rules, plagioclase... 40 Ar / 39Ar dating rules, zircon fission track dating rules, zircon (U-Th) / He dating rules, apatite fission track dating rules, and apatite (U-Th) / He dating rules. Dating rules corresponding to deep degassing paths may include zircon U-Pb dating rules, sphene U-Pb dating rules, and amphibole dating rules. 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating rule, plagioclase Sm-Nd dating rule, amphibole Kr-Ar dating rule, and biotite 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating rules. If the target natural hydrogen source region contains multiple hydrogen generation pathways, the above dating rules can be applied in combination to conduct joint dating.
[0163] In some embodiments, the formation modes of natural hydrogen are generally considered to fall into two main categories: abiotic and biogenic. Abiotic formation primarily includes mechanisms such as water-rock reaction, deep Earth degassing, and radiation decomposition of water; biogenic formation involves processes such as organic matter pyrolysis and microbial metabolism. Through systematic geological background investigation and determination of the stable isotopic composition of hydrogen, the dominant hydrogen formation mechanism can be identified. Based on this, dating mineral types and dating techniques matching the genetic pathway can be selected, enabling targeted design for subsequent joint dating and thermal evolution analysis.
[0164] S3: Based on the genetic temperature range corresponding to the hydrogen generation pathway, target minerals with matching closed temperature characteristics are screened, and dating data for different time temperature ranges are obtained using corresponding preset dating rules. For example, zircon and sphene U-Pb dating can be used to reconstruct the evolution process in the 600–900℃ range; amphibole... 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating is used in the 500–600℃ range; plagioclase Sm-Nd dating is used in the 450–550℃ range; amphibole Kr-Ar dating is used in the 400–550℃ range; biotite 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating is used in the 300–400℃ range; Rb-Sr dating of muscovite is used in the 250–350℃ range; plagioclase 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating is used in the 200–300℃ range; zircon fission track dating is used in the 210–240℃ range; zircon (U-Th) / He dating is used in the 170–200℃ range; apatite fission track dating is used in the 110–120℃ range; and apatite (U-Th) / He dating is used in the 75–90℃ range, thus achieving coverage of the genetic temperature range.
[0165] In some embodiments, the dating method for reconstructing the time spent at 600–900°C in the natural hydrogen source region is zircon and sphene U-Pb in-situ micro-area dating. First, the sorted zircon and sphene are ultrasonically cleaned. Then, the mineral particles and standards are embedded in epoxy resin and polished to expose the crystal core. The mineral target is ablated by a 193 nm laser (beam spot 5–30 μm). The released aerosol is introduced into a high-resolution ICP-MS via helium carrier gas to simultaneously detect Pb isotopes (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb) and U / Th isotopes (238U, 232Th). The experiment requires strict correction for the interference of 204Hg on 204Pb, and the 204Pb is subtracted from ordinary lead or the isochron method is used. Finally, the concordia age is calculated through the 207Pb / 205U-206Pb / 238U concordia diagram.
[0166] Different minerals 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating is applicable to different temperatures, plagioclase 40 Ar / 39 The sealing temperature for Ar dating is 200~300 ℃, the sealing temperature for biotite 40Ar / 39Ar is 300~400 ℃, and the sealing temperature for amphibole is... 40 Ar / 39 The sealing temperature of Ar is 500~600 ℃. Minerals 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating experiments primarily rely on a laser ablation multi-collector rare gas mass spectrometry system. First, selected feldspar, amphibole, and biotite mineral particles, along with standards, are embedded in an epoxy resin target and polished and carbonized. The samples are then irradiated with neutrons from a nuclear reactor, converting 39K into a dating tracer. 39 Ar. In the experiment, the sample target was placed in an ultra-high vacuum chamber, and a 193nm ultraviolet laser (beam spot adjustable from 5-50μm, energy 2-5mJ / pulse) was used to ablate the mineral micro-regions. The released gas was loaded into a purification system with high-purity helium and purified sequentially through an activated carbon trap (to remove H2O / CO2), a Zr-Al getter (to remove reactive gases), and a cryogenic cold trap (to separate Ar). The purified gas entered a multi-collector rare gas mass spectrometer, where it was separated and detected simultaneously by a magnetic field. 36 Ar (Atmospheric Background Correction) 37 Ar (calcium interference correction) 39 Ar (potassium content) and 40 Ar (radiogenic argon). The micro-region age is obtained after calculating the neutron flux parameters.
[0167] The sealing temperature for plagioclase Sm-Nd is 450–550℃. The experiments primarily employed laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) combined with isochronous dating for age calculation. Specifically, a 193 nm laser (beam spot 20–60 μm, energy 2–4 J / cm²) was used. 2Mineral particles on an epoxy resin target are ablated, and the aerosol is introduced into a high-resolution MC-ICP-MS (such as NuPlasma II) via a helium carrier gas; simultaneous detection is performed using a Faraday cup. 143 Nd, 144 Nd, 147 Sm、 149 Sm isotopes (quality resolution >8000), rigorously calibrated 144 Sm to 144 Nd isotopic interference and Eu 2+ right 149 Sm's double charge interference; utilizing micro-points 147 Sm / 144 Nd- 143 Nd / 144 Age is calculated using the slope of the Nd isochron.
[0168] The sealing temperature for amphibole Kr-Ar was 400–550 °C. Experiments were performed using a laser ablation rare gas mass spectrometry (LA-NGMS) system, focusing on Kr isotopes and their radiogenic origins. 40 Simultaneous detection of Ar. Single particles >200 μm were selected from the screened amphibole particles, cleaned with HCl, gold-plated, and then encapsulated with standards and irradiated. A 213 nm laser ablation process was used. The released gas underwent three-stage purification: an activated carbon trap (to remove volatile impurities), a titanium sublimation pump (to remove reactive gases), and a liquid helium cold trap (to separate Ar / Kr). Simultaneous detection was performed by a high-sensitivity multi-collector mass spectrometer. 40 Ar (calculation of radiation age) 83 Kr (Cosmic Origin Exposure Age), through... 84 Kr subtracting atmospheric Kr background, 42 Ar correction of calcium interference was used to obtain the micro-region age.
[0169] The sealing temperature for Rb-Sr ablation of muscovite was 250–350 °C. The experiment employed a laser ablation system coupled with a multiple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MMS). High-purity helium was used as the carrier gas during ablation, and argon was used as the mixed gas. The sample was then introduced for ICP-MS analysis. The reactive gas N₂O was used to suppress interference from elements with the same charge-to-mass ratio and reacted with Rb⁺ to generate SrO⁺ ions, but did not react with Rb⁺. Standard samples were used for... 87 Rb / 86 Sr and 87 Sr / 86 Sr was fractionated for correction. Each analysis consisted of 30 s background acquisition, 120 s sample ablation, and 30 s rinsing. The residence time was 50 ms, used to analyze the mass and mass shift isotopes of Sr. 86 Sr、 87 Sr and 88 Sr, 86 Sr16O, 87Sr16O and 88 Sr16O) and 85 Rb. Typical laser settings for sample analysis included a spot size of 110 μm, approximately 3.5 J / cm², and 8 Hz pulse repetition. Sample isotope data were plotted and calculated using IsoplotR software (Vermeesch, 2018) for inverse isochronous plotting.
[0170] The annealing temperature for zircon fission tracks is 210–240 °C, and for apatite fission tracks it is 110–120 °C. For the fission track experiment, zircon and apatite particles are fixed and polished using transparent PTFE sheets and epoxy resin, respectively, to expose the cross-sections of the mineral particles. Zircon particle slices are etched in a KOH + NaOH melt at 225 °C for more than 8 hours to produce spontaneous tracks; apatite particle slices are etched with HNO3 solution at (21±0.5) °C for (20±1) s to etch spontaneous tracks onto the particle surface. Then, using a Zeiss Axio Imager M2m optical microscope, single apatite and zircon particles of suitable size, with uniform track distribution and clean surfaces are selected for statistical analysis of parameters such as the number of spontaneous tracks, counted area, and closed track length Dpar. Finally, uranium content was determined in the fission track counting regions of zircon and apatite using LA-ICP-MS, and calibration parameters and sample ages were calculated using the IsoplotR program. The fission track ages were obtained using the IUGS-recommended zeta(ζ) calibration method.
[0171] The sealing temperature for zircon (U-Th) / He is 170–200 °C, and for apatite (U-Th) / He, it is 75–90 °C. For the (U-Th) / He experiment, uniformly sized, well-formed, and inclusion-free particles were selected from the sorted zircon and apatite grains. Their length, width, height, and cone length were photographed and measured to calculate the α calibration factor (Ft). Zircon was placed in niobium capsules, and apatite in platinum capsules. The He content in the minerals was then tested using an Alphachron MK II helium extraction analyzer. The mineral particles after He content testing were dissolved in solutions of known concentrations of 230Th and 235U, and the U and Th concentrations of the mineral particles were measured using ICP-MS. Finally, IsoplotR was used to calculate and correct the (U-Th) / He age of the mineral particles.
[0172] S4: The dating data obtained based on the above joint dating is organized into a time-temperature dataset, and combined with the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area, a time-temperature thermal evolution process map is constructed; the dating data of different closed temperature ranges are projected onto the thermal evolution process map, and combined with the genetic temperature ranges of different hydrogen generation paths, the time point when the thermal evolution curve first enters the genetic temperature range is identified to determine the hydrogen generation start time; the time period when the thermal evolution curve is continuously in the genetic temperature range is identified to determine the hydrogen generation duration.
[0173] S5: Identify and classify inclusion assemblages on the prepared inclusion sections. First, petrographic observation is conducted to identify the morphological characteristics of the inclusions and determine their assembly types. Then, laser Raman spectroscopy is used to obtain information on the main components of the inclusions, and combined with microthermometry data (including freezing point temperature and homogenization temperature), temperature and salinity data for various inclusion assemblages are determined. During the testing process, the laser Raman spectrometer is pre-calibrated using a single-crystal silicon standard sample. Temperature measurements are performed using a hot and cold stage to obtain the bubble disappearance temperature and bubble initiation temperature, which are used as the homogenization temperature and freezing point temperature, respectively.
[0174] In some embodiments, petrographic observation of inclusions involves using a polarizing / fluorescence microscope to observe the occurrence of the host mineral and the characteristics of the inclusions, broadly distinguishing the diagenetic sequence and the generational relationship of the inclusions. Laser Raman spectroscopy is performed using a laser Raman spectrometer. Before conducting laser Raman spectroscopy on the fluid inclusions, the spectrometer is calibrated using a single-crystal silicon standard to ensure the accuracy of the sample test. Temperature testing uses a hot-cold stage. The initial heating rate is 10–15 °C / min, decreasing to 3–5 °C / min when bubbles rapidly agitate within the inclusions, and then decreasing to 1 °C / min when the inclusions are nearly homogenized. The temperature at which the bubbles disappear is the homogenization temperature. Cooling is first performed naturally to room temperature, then at a rate of 10–15 °C / min to -90 °C until the bubbles disappear. The temperature is then increased to -30 °C at a rate of 15 °C / min, and finally increased at a rate of 1–2 °C / min until the bubbles suddenly reappear; this temperature is the freezing point.
[0175] S6: Rare gas isotope method (including) 4 He and 40 Ar dating, 4 He / 20The relationship between Ne and R / Ra is an important tool for determining the source of natural gas and the residence time of hydrogen in reservoirs. This method is based on the physical principle that radiogenic rare gases accumulate linearly over time in the pore space of closed reservoirs. In practice, high-precision rare gas isotope mass spectrometry analysis and accompanying rock geochemical tests are performed on natural gas samples or fresh core samples from the surrounding rock collected from the reservoir. The residence time of hydrogen is then calculated using a pre-set model. Because rare gases are chemically inert, their elemental and isotopic compositions are largely unaffected by chemical reactions and biological processes, being controlled only by physical processes such as adsorption, desorption, dissolution, precipitation, diffusion, and mixing. Therefore, this method is widely used in geoscience research, including identifying the source of underground fluids and tracing their migration processes.
[0176] In some embodiments, rare gas isotope analysis samples are mainly divided into three categories: single minerals and water in rock samples. Different single minerals have different crystal structures, thus their ability to preserve rare gases varies. For basic and ultrabasic rocks, due to their dense structure, whole-rock samples can also be used for rare gas isotope composition analysis. The sampling method mainly uses the copper tube collection method. This method places the copper tube in an aluminum groove track, with both ends pressed tightly with specially designed metal planes. This sealing method results in extremely low leakage of the copper tube, minimizing air infiltration and sample contamination. During gas sample collection, it is important to ensure that the gas collected in the sampler and the gas source gas reach a dynamic equilibrium to prevent rare gas isotope fractionation. During sample storage, prolonged storage should be avoided to prevent atmospheric contamination. After sample collection, rare gas mass spectrometry and quadrupole mass spectrometry are mainly used for analysis and testing, ultimately obtaining information such as the isotopic composition, content, and ratio of each rare gas. Finally, it is assumed that the reservoir is a closed system (without significant inflow / outflow), and that radiogenic rare gases accumulate linearly over time in the pore space. The accumulation rate depends on the radioactive element content (U, Th, K) of the source rock and the reservoir rock volume / porosity.
[0177] S7: Based on the hydrogen generation start time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time, determine the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and the reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area, thereby assessing the effectiveness of the natural hydrogen source and providing a thermodynamic basis for the dynamic evaluation of the resource potential of the hydrogen source area.
[0178] Based on the above embodiments, by combining multiple geochronological methods, the tectonic-thermal evolution process is reconstructed. Combined with fluid inclusion analysis, the deep fluid activity and temperature and pressure characteristics of the natural hydrogen source area are characterized. The combination of "dating" and "temperature" accurately reveals the start and end time of hydrogen generation in the hydrogen source area and the hydrogen generation process, as well as the hydrogen capture and retention time in adjacent reservoirs. Ultimately, this lays a scientific foundation for the evaluation of natural hydrogen resource potential and strategic site selection.
[0179] In some embodiments, taking the above-mentioned craton and the North China Craton Basin as examples, the following steps are included:
[0180] S1: Collect fresh igneous, serpentinite, and clastic rock samples from outcrops and downholes in the natural hydrogen source area of the northern North China Craton. Screen for minerals such as zircon, apatite, sphene, plagioclase, mica, and amphibole, and prepare fluid inclusion thin sections for subsequent experiments. Collect natural gas samples from the reservoir.
[0181] S2: A combination of zircon U-Pb, sphene U-Pb, and amphibole from high to low temperatures. 40 Ar / 39 Ar, plagioclase Sm-Nd, amphibole Kr-Ar, biotite 40 Ar / 39 Ar, muscovite Rb-Sr dating, plagioclase 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating, zircon fission track, zircon (U-Th) / He, apatite fission track, and apatite (U-Th) / He combined dating methods were used. Based on the relationship between the closure temperature of minerals and their corresponding cooling ages, as described in the invention above, dating tests were performed on the corresponding minerals to reconstruct the tectonic-thermal evolution of the natural hydrogen source region in the northern North China Craton. The study shows that the natural hydrogen source region rapidly cooled from a high temperature exceeding 900 °C to 250 °C between 135.0 and 123.5 Ma, with an average cooling rate of 88.46 °C / Ma. This period represents a rapid cooling, crystallization, and consolidation process of the intrusive magma in the natural hydrogen source region. Around 123.5 Ma, the cooling rate changed significantly, shifting from rapid cooling to slow cooling, indicating that the intrusive body and the surrounding rocks reached thermal equilibrium. After diagenesis, the natural hydrogen source region underwent slow and complex uplift and erosion, which can be divided into three stages: ① 123.5~56.0 Ma, the temperature of the natural hydrogen source region dropped from 250℃ to 200℃, with an average cooling rate of about 0.74℃ / Ma and an average uplift rate of 29.6 m / Ma; ② 56.0~35.0 Ma, the temperature of the natural hydrogen source region dropped from 200℃ to 55℃, with an average cooling rate of about 6.90℃ / Ma and an average uplift rate of 276.0 m / Ma. Between 123.5 and 110.0 Ma, the natural hydrogen source region cooled relatively quickly, decreasing from 250°C to around 230°C, with an average cooling rate of 1.48°C / Ma. This may indicate the transitional stage after the natural hydrogen source region cooled and solidified, reaching thermal equilibrium with the surrounding rocks. Since 35.0 Ma, the temperature has dropped to the current surface temperature, with an average cooling rate of approximately 1.10°C / Ma and an uplift rate of 40.0 m / Ma.
[0182] In some embodiments, see Figure 4As shown, in-situ U-Pb dating analysis of 11 zircon samples (numbers ① to ⑪) yielded ages ranging from 222±4 Ma to 232±5 Ma. Each crystal exhibited a distinct rhythmic zoning structure, indicating good crystallization characteristics and preservation properties. Figure 4 Figure a shows the elliptic plot with equal error. The U-Pb isotope data of the sample are generally concentrated. The fitted concordance age is 225±2 Ma, the MSWD value is 1.8, and n=11. Figure 4 Figure b shows the weighted average age statistics of the same batch of samples, with a weighted average age of 227±2 Ma and an MSWD of 1.4, further verifying the reliability of the dating results. The above analysis results provide a quantitative basis for dating the key tectonic-thermal evolution stages of natural hydrogen source regions, and can be used to define the spatiotemporal relationship between specific thermal events or rock evolution processes and the origin of natural hydrogen.
[0183] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 As shown, by conducting U-Pb isotope dating on zircon samples, the evolution characteristics of multiple thermal events of the target geological body are further revealed. Figure 5 The image above shows typical zircon cathodoluminescence images, their measurement points, and corresponding dating results. The samples show a distinct core-shell structure and complex zonation, reflecting that they have undergone multiple stages of diagenesis or metamorphism. Figure 5 China A and Figure 5 C represents the Tera-Wasserburg isochron diagrams of two zircon groups, where... Figure 5 The ages of the intersection points of the nonlinear lines obtained from the nine measuring points in the middle A were 98±14 Ma and 4005±260 Ma (MSWD=0.42). Figure 5 The intersecting ages of the eight measuring points in the middle C were 932±12 Ma and 4289±140 Ma (MSWD=1.03), indicating that the sample may have a combination of ancient core and late recrystallization or thermal disturbance. Figure 5 China B and Figure 5 The weighted average ages of the two groups of samples, given by D, are 987±7 Ma and 932±8 Ma, respectively. The relatively small MSWD values indicate reliable dating results. These dating results suggest that the samples experienced at least two significant thermal events, providing a crucial timescale for reconstructing the tectonic-thermal evolution history of the study area and its spatiotemporal coupling with hydrogen genesis.
[0184] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 As shown, the amphibole sample XC8-3-5 was subjected to... 40 Ar / 39 Ar step heating dating experiment was conducted to obtain the age evolution characteristics during the gas release process. Figure 6 In the middle, the horizontal axis is39 The percentage of cumulative Ar release is plotted on the vertical axis, representing the surface age (Ma) at each heating step. The results show that the release plateau of this sample covers 32.3% of the surface area. 39 The Ar release amount corresponds to a weighted average age of 161±2 Ma, with an MSWD of 2.1, indicating good statistical consistency. This result suggests that the amphibole sample experienced a significant thermal event around 161 Ma. The existence of the release plateau further validates the representativeness of this thermal event in the thermal evolution process, providing crucial temporal constraints for reconstructing the Mesozoic thermotectonic background and natural hydrogen activity window of the study area.
[0185] In some embodiments, see Figure 7 As shown, by performing rock samples... 147 Sm– 143 Nd isotope isotime dating, construction 147 Sm / 143 Nd and 144 Nd / 143 The isochron relationship of Nd, the fitting results show that the isochron age of this sample is 389.6±9.1 Ma, and the corresponding initial isotope ratio is ( 143 Nd / 144 Nd)0 = 0.51221 ± 0.000012, MSWD value is 21, indicating that the sample has experienced a significant magmatic or hydrothermal event.
[0186] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 As shown, sample HN21-20 was subjected to... 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating analysis. Figure 8 The left side of the middle section shows the age gradient obtained by the step heating and gas release method. The sample is in... 39 A consistent age signal was observed on the plateau segment where the cumulative Ar release was 63.16%, with a plateau age of 217.92 ± 0.63 Ma and MSWD = 0.98, indicating that the measured age has good internal consistency. Figure 8 The right side of the middle plot shows the isochrones. Regression results indicate the isochron age is 215.90 ± 2.28 Ma, with an initial... 40 Ar / 36 The Ar value of 540.4 ± 247.8 further validates the age of the thermal event in the sample. This result provides a temporal constraint on the Late Triassic hydrothermal activity in the natural hydrogen source region.
[0187] In some embodiments, see Figure 9 As shown, Rb–Sr isotope isochron dating was performed on the sample. The left side of the figure shows... 87 Rb / 86 Sr and87 Sr / 86 The isochronous relationship of Sr, with a fitted age of 72±17 Ma, corresponds to the initial... 87 Sr / 86 The Sr ratio is 0.7060±0.0020, MSWD=1.9, and n=58, indicating good data fitting quality. The right side of the figure shows a microstructure photograph of the corresponding thin section, revealing the relationship between the deformation zone and the vein, verifying that the Sr isotopic age reflects the mineralization stage after the hydrothermal event. The integration of these multiple dating methods helps identify natural hydrogen activity windows under different thermal evolution stages.
[0188] In some embodiments, see Figure 10 As shown in the figure, the plagioclase of FK-S and DB-4 are displayed. 39 The age spectra and isochron plots of Ar released by stepwise heating yielded plateau ages of 135±1 Ma and 140.4±0.9 Ma, and isochron ages of 130.7±5.3 Ma and 140.8±3.4 Ma, respectively. The release temperature ranges were 900–1450°C and 920–1400°C, respectively. 39 The Ar content all exceeded 80%, indicating that the samples have good gas release consistency and reliability, and can be used to accurately determine the occurrence time of thermal events.
[0189] In some embodiments, see Figure 11 As shown in the figure, the U–Th / He thermal history inversion results are presented, including the temperature-time evolution path and corresponding normalized radius diffusion curves for the closure temperature range below approximately 200°C. The model ages of the zircon and apatite samples are 55.3 Ma and 34.4 Ma, respectively, consistent with the measured ages, and the goodness of fit (GOF) is high, reflecting that the samples underwent a significant rapid cooling process during this period, which is important evidence for revealing the regional thermal evolution process.
[0190] In some embodiments, see Figure 12As shown in the figure, the simulated thermal history paths, apatite fission track (AFT) length and frequency distribution, apatite / zircon U–Th / He (AHe / ZHe) ages, and their normalized diffusion profiles for the HJP and FT samples are presented. The thermal history simulation results reveal that both samples experienced a significant late-stage rapid uplift and cooling process, with the optimal path indicating a rapid temperature decrease during 60–20 Ma. AHe, ZHe, and AFT dating and length distributions show good consistency, with AHe ages of 25.8 ± 1.4 Ma and 23.3 ± 1.2 Ma, and AFT ages of 21.0 ± 4.5 Ma and 17.1 ± 10.4 Ma, respectively. The corresponding GOF values are all high (>0.8), indicating that the thermal events recorded by these samples are reliable and helpful in reconstructing the regional near-surface thermal evolution history.
[0191] S3: By integrating high, medium, and low temperature thermochronological data of the natural hydrogen source area in the northern margin of the North China Craton, the tectonic-thermal evolution process of the study area was reconstructed, revealing the start and end times and durations of hydrogen generation from multiple stages and sources, including water-rock reactions and deep degassing. The study shows that the natural hydrogen source area was in the deep degassing temperature range from 135.0 to 132.5 Ma, during which deep fluids carried generated hydrogen into the shallow reservoirs. From 130.0 to 45.5 Ma, the natural hydrogen source area was in the water-rock reaction hydrogen generation stage. The temperature at 130.0 Ma was 350℃, marking the start of serpentinization and the beginning of hydrogen generation. The temperature at 45.5 Ma was 80℃, marking the end of serpentinization and the end of hydrogen generation, at which point the natural hydrogen reservoir transitioned to a preservation stage.
[0192] S4: Petrographic observation, laser Raman spectroscopy analysis, homogenization temperature testing, and freezing point temperature testing were performed on thin sections of inclusions in igneous rock samples and reservoir vein samples. During petrographic observation of inclusions, the host mineral composition was first determined, and the mineral characteristics and chronological relationships were preliminarily determined through replacement or intercalation relationships. Next, inclusion assemblages (FIAs) containing both hydrogen-bearing inclusions and gas-liquid two-phase brine inclusions were searched for. Gas-liquid two-phase brine inclusions were then identified and labeled. If the inclusion composition could not be determined, quantitative-to-semi-quantitative identification was performed using laser Raman spectroscopy. Subsequently, homogenization temperature and freezing point temperature tests were performed on the labeled FIAs to obtain information such as their capture temperature and salinity.
[0193] In some embodiments, see Figure 13As shown, the figure includes micrographs of fluid inclusions, histograms of homogenization temperature and composition, thin section photographs of the sample, and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating. Microscopic observation and analysis of fluid inclusions indicate frequent fluid activity in this region, with multiple injection phases. U-Pb dating results show an average age of 44.1 ± 1.5 Ma. Combined with temperature and mineral composition variations, this reveals a high degree of coupling between the fluid events and regional tectonic activity.
[0194] S5: Rare gas isotope analysis of reservoir samples and fresh reservoir surrounding rock samples ( 4 He and 40 Ar dating, 4 He / 20 The relationship between Ne and R / Ra was tested, and the source and residence time of natural gas were calculated using the model.
[0195] S6: Information on the timing, phases, temperature, and salinity of deep fluid activity obtained from fluid inclusion recovery was projected onto the natural hydrogen source region of the northern margin of the North China Craton. Combined with rare gas isotope simulation results, the activity range of hydrogen and the capture and retention times of hydrogen in adjacent reservoirs were clarified. The study shows that during the crystallization-consolidation stage of the emplaced magma at 135.0–132.5 Ma, the natural hydrogen source region rapidly cooled to 400 °C, at which point deep degassing and hydrogen generation ended. From 131.5–123.5 Ma, the hydrogen source region continued to cool rapidly to 250 °C, which is within the temperature range for hydrogen generation through water-rock reaction, and hydrogen generation continued in the study area. From 123.5–45.0 Ma, a relatively slow cooling stage began, and water-rock reaction continued. From 45.0 Ma to the present, the temperature of the natural hydrogen source region has slowly cooled from 75 °C to the surface temperature, the structure has stabilized, and hydrogen generation has completely ended.
[0196] In some embodiments, see Figure 14 As shown, by employing multiple mineral dating methods (such as fission track dating of zircon, sphene, plagioclase, amphibole, biotite, muscovite, zircon, and apatite, and (U-Th) / He dating) to obtain time points covering different closure temperatures, the evolution of the two main hydrogen generation pathways—deep degassing and serpentinization—was reconstructed. Deep degassing began around 220 Ma, accompanied by high-temperature conditions (>600℃), followed by a gradual temperature decrease, entering the serpentinization stage (approximately 450–300℃), and gradually entering a cooling stage after 100 Ma. The right side of the figure indicates the serpentinization reaction range, duration, and termination time, and also indicates the distribution of the closure temperatures and dating points of relevant minerals in the temperature-time diagram, providing multi-source dating constraints and a time-temperature analysis framework for the natural hydrogen genesis process and reservoir evolution characteristics.
[0197] While this specification provides the steps of operation for the methods described in the embodiments or flowcharts, more or fewer steps may be included based on conventional or non-inventive means. The order of steps listed in the embodiments is merely one possible order of execution among many steps and does not represent the only possible order. In actual device or client product execution, the methods shown in the embodiments or drawings may be executed sequentially or in parallel (e.g., in a parallel processor or multi-threaded processing environment, or even a distributed data processing environment). The terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, product, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, product, or apparatus. Without further limitations, the presence of other identical or equivalent elements in a process, method, product, or apparatus that includes said elements is not excluded. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used to denote names and do not indicate any particular order.
[0198] Those skilled in the art will also know that, besides implementing the controller using purely computer-readable program code, the same functions can be achieved by logically programming the method steps, making the controller function as logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and embedded microcontrollers. Therefore, such a controller can be considered a hardware component, and the devices within it used to implement various functions can also be considered structures within that hardware component. Alternatively, the devices used to implement various functions can be considered as both software modules implementing the method and structures within a hardware component.
[0199] As can be seen from the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that this specification can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of this specification can essentially be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, mobile terminal, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments of this specification.
[0200] Although this specification has been described by way of examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this specification, and it is intended that the appended claims cover such variations and modifications without departing from the spirit of this specification.
Claims
1. A method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation, characterized in that, include: Obtain rock samples from the target natural hydrogen source area and screen out the target minerals from the rock samples; Based on the hydrogen formation type of the target natural hydrogen source area, determine the hydrogen generation pathway of the target natural hydrogen source area; wherein, the hydrogen generation pathway includes the water-rock reaction pathway and the deep degassing pathway; Based on the genetic temperature range corresponding to the hydrogen generation pathway and the storage temperature of the target mineral, determine the target mineral corresponding to the storage temperature within the genetic temperature range; The target minerals were subjected to joint dating using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges. Based on the dating data of the different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area, the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area are determined. Thin sections of inclusions from the rock sample were prepared, and the thin sections of inclusions were subjected to petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region. Rare gas isotope analysis was performed on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source region. Based on the hydrogen generation start time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and the reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area are determined; wherein, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and the reservoir response characteristics are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-defined dating rules include: zircon U-Pb dating rules, sphene U-Pb dating rules, and amphibole dating rules. 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating rules, plagioclase 40 Ar / 39 At least one of the following: Ar dating rule, muscovite Rb-Sr dating rule, zircon fission track dating rule, zircon (U-Th) / He dating rule, apatite fission track dating rule, and apatite (U-Th) / He dating rule.
3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the hydrogen generation initiation time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area based on the dating data of the different temperature ranges and the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area includes: Based on the regional tectonic and sedimentary characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region, a thermal evolution process diagram of the target natural hydrogen source region is constructed; The dating data of the different temperature ranges are projected onto the thermal evolution process diagram, and combined with the temperature ranges corresponding to the water-rock reaction path and the deep degassing path, the hydrogen generation start time and hydrogen generation duration of the target natural hydrogen source area are determined.
4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The process of performing petrographic observation, preset spectral detection, and microthermometry on the thin sections of the inclusions to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region includes: Petrographic observation of the inclusion thin sections was performed to identify the morphological characteristics of the inclusions and determine the inclusion assemblages; The inclusion body assembly is subjected to preset spectral detection to determine the main component information of the inclusion body assembly; The type of the inclusion assembly is determined based on the main component information of the inclusion assembly; Based on the type of inclusion combination and the freezing point and homogenization temperature obtained during microthermography, the temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source region are determined.
5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of performing rare gas isotope analysis on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source region includes: The rock sample was subjected to rare gas isotope analysis to obtain rare gas concentration data and radioactive element content data. Using a pre-defined radiogenic rare gas accumulation model, the hydrogen residence time of the target natural hydrogen source area is determined based on the concentration data of the rare gas and the content data of radioactive elements; wherein, the pre-defined radiogenic rare gas accumulation model is constructed based on the physical process of rare gas accumulation over time in the pore space of rock samples.
6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The determination of the natural hydrogen generation and evolution characteristics and reservoir response properties of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen generation initiation time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time includes: Based on the hydrogen generation start time and the hydrogen generation duration, a corresponding natural hydrogen generation time series segment is constructed; The temperature data and salinity data are mapped according to the time series segments to determine the fluid thermodynamic characteristics corresponding to each time series segment; Based on the hydrogen residence time and the fluid thermodynamic characteristics, the hydrogen retention capacity index of each reservoir section is determined. Based on the hydrogen retention capacity index, the natural hydrogen generation evolution characteristics and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source region are determined.
7. A device for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen formation, characterized in that, include: The sample identification module is used to collect rock samples from the target natural hydrogen source area and screen target minerals; The information determination module is used to determine the hydrogen generation path of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen formation type of the target natural hydrogen source area; wherein, the hydrogen generation path includes the water-rock reaction path and the deep degassing path; Based on the genetic temperature range corresponding to the hydrogen generation pathway and the storage temperature of the target mineral, determine the target mineral corresponding to the storage temperature within the genetic temperature range; The target minerals were subjected to joint dating using corresponding preset dating rules to obtain dating data covering different temperature ranges. The hydrogen generation time determination module is used to determine the hydrogen generation start time and duration of hydrogen generation in the target natural hydrogen source area based on the dating data of the different temperature ranges and the regional structure and deposition characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area. The data determination module is used to prepare inclusion thin sections of the rock sample, and to perform petrographic observation, preset spectral detection and microthermometry on the inclusion thin sections to obtain temperature and salinity data of the target natural hydrogen source area. The residence time determination module is used to perform rare gas isotope analysis on the rock sample to determine the hydrogen residence time in the target natural hydrogen source area. The evolution characteristic determination module is used to determine the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics of the target natural hydrogen source area based on the hydrogen generation start time, the hydrogen generation duration, the temperature data, the salinity data, and the hydrogen residence time; wherein, the generation and evolution characteristics of natural hydrogen and reservoir response characteristics are used for natural hydrogen resource potential evaluation.
8. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor, when executing the instructions, implements the steps of the method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen generation as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.
9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method for determining the evolution of natural hydrogen generation as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.
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