Dense sandstone reservoirs, as one of the important unconventional oil and gas resources currently, exhibit particularly prominent heterogeneity characteristics, which have a profound impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of oil and gas exploration and development. This paper systematically reviews various evaluation methods for the heterogeneity of dense sandstone reservoirs. Specifically, it includes characterization methods for intra-layer heterogeneity, comparative analysis of inter-layer heterogeneity, spatial distribution patterns of planar heterogeneity, and fine delineation techniques for microscopic heterogeneity. These evaluation methods provide powerful tools for us to comprehensively understand the complexity of dense sandstone reservoirs. At the same time, this paper also delves into the various factors that influence reservoir heterogeneity, such as depositional environment, diagenesis, tectonic movements, and how these factors work together to shape the heterogeneous characteristics of dense sandstone reservoirs. Finally, this paper looks ahead to the future directions of research on the heterogeneity of dense sandstone reservoirs, aiming to provide more solid theoretical support and practical guidance for the precise evaluation and efficient development of dense sandstone reservoirs.

Mengyao Ran, Ziyi Wang, Jianyu Yang, Kaiwen Nan. A Review of Evaluation Methods for Heterogeneity in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs. Academic Journal of Architecture and Geotechnical Engineering (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 1: 23-28. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJAGE.2025.070104.

[1] Yuan Hongqi, Deng Xinyu, Du Huiyao, et al. Characterization methods for the heterogeneity of outcrop tight sandstone reservoirs in the Shanxi Formation, Permian, Liujiang Basin [J]. Petroleum and Natural Gas Geology, 2023, 44(02): 468-479.

[2] Zhang Qian. Quantitative characterization of strong heterogeneity in tight sandstone reservoirs in the Shan 234-Shan 235 wellblock [D]. Northwest University, 2019.

[3] Tian Jingchun, Liu Weiwei, Wang Feng, et al. Heterogeneity characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs in the Upper Paleozoic of the Gaoqiao area, Ordos Basin [J]. Petroleum and Natural Gas Geology, 2014, 35(02): 183-189.

[4] Bai Yunyun, Shi Yangyang. Heterogeneity characteristics of tight gas reservoirs in the He-8 upper submember of the Su 48 block, Sulige Gas Field [J]. Journal of Yulin University, 2022, 32(06): 12-17.

[5] Yue Liang, Meng Qingqiang, Liu Ziliang, et al. Physical properties and heterogeneity characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study of the sixth member of the Xujiahe Formation in the Guang'an area, central Sichuan Basin [J]. Petroleum and Natural Gas Geology, 2022, 43(03): 597-609.

[6] Lv Tianxue, Zhang Guoyi. Research on quantitative characterization methods for micro-pore heterogeneity in tight sandstone gas reservoirs [C]. Exploration and Development Research Institute, Jilin Oilfield Company, 2020: 6.

[7] Long Shengfang, Wang Yushan, Li Guoliang, et al. Heterogeneity characteristics of tight reservoirs in the lower submember of He-8 in the Su 49 block, Sulige Gas Field [J]. Lithologic Reservoirs, 2021, 33(02): 59-69.

[8] Ma Liyuan, Hu Caizhi, Qiu Guiqiang, et al. Reservoir heterogeneity and structural patterns of the Chang 8 member in the Zhenjing area, Ordos Basin [J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2020, 38(05): 1088-1098. 

[9] He Tuoping. Evaluation of reservoir heterogeneity in the Chang 63 tight sandstone of the Huaqing area [D]. Xi'an Shiyou University, 2020.

[10] Chen Chaobing, Chen Xinjing, Wang Chao, et al. Analysis of factors influencing the heterogeneity of tight sandstone reservoirs [J]. Groundwater, 2020, 42(05): 152-154.