Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

Advertisement

Scientific Reports
  • View all journals
  • Search
  • My Account Login
  • Content Explore content
  • About the journal
  • Publish with us
  • Sign up for alerts
  • RSS feed
  1. nature
  2. scientific reports
  3. articles
  4. article
An integrated method for permeability prediction and fluid identification in tight sandstone reservoirs using geological-prior-guided attention networks: a case study of the X Block, Chang 8 member, Jiyuan oilfield
Download PDF
Download PDF
  • Article
  • Open access
  • Published: 06 April 2026

An integrated method for permeability prediction and fluid identification in tight sandstone reservoirs using geological-prior-guided attention networks: a case study of the X Block, Chang 8 member, Jiyuan oilfield

  • Xinyu Li1,2,
  • Yuming Liu1,2,
  • Bingbing Zhang1,2,
  • Jingjing Luo1,2,
  • Hengzhi Liu1,2 &
  • …
  • Qi Chen1,2 

Scientific Reports , Article number:  (2026) Cite this article

  • 267 Accesses

  • Metrics details

We are providing an unedited version of this manuscript to give early access to its findings. Before final publication, the manuscript will undergo further editing. Please note there may be errors present which affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply.

Subjects

  • Energy science and technology
  • Solid Earth sciences

Abstract

Permeability prediction and sweet-spot identification in tight sandstone reservoirs are challenging because of complex pore–throat structures and strong heterogeneity. This study uses data from 12 cored wells in the Chang 8 Member, Jiyuan Oilfield (western Ordos Basin) to develop a permeability-driven integrated workflow for reservoir evaluation. We first build an SE-ResNet18 model with one-dimensional convolution and residual learning to capture vertical continuity in well logs, achieving R² = 0.86 and RMSE = 0.287 mD for permeability regression. We then design a well-log-based sweet-spot index (Issp) and embed it as a geological prior through an attention-gating mechanism to form a knowledge-guided model (KG-SE-ResNet18). This knowledge guidance improves reservoir-type classification accuracy from 86.95% to 89.28%. Overall, the proposed framework enhances both prediction accuracy and geological consistency, providing a practical approach for fine-scale reservoir evaluation and well-placement optimization in tight sandstones.

Similar content being viewed by others

Quantitative classification evaluation model for tight sandstone reservoirs based on machine learning

Article Open access 05 September 2024

Optimizing acidizing design and effectiveness assessment with machine learning for predicting post-acidizing permeability

Article Open access 22 July 2023

Pore connectivity evaluation and seepage characteristic of ultra deep carbonate reservoirs of permian Qixia formation in NW Sichuan basin

Article Open access 22 July 2025

Data availability

For confidentiality reasons, some of the data in the article cannot be publicly displayed. If you have data-related questions, you are welcome to contact me by email.

References

  1. Du, J. et al. Exploration and development challenges and technological countermeasures for tight sandstone gas reservoirs in Ordos basin margin: A case study of Linxing-Shenfu Gas Field. Nat. Gas Ind. 42(1), 114–124 (2022).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Zou, C. et al. Geological concepts, characteristics, resource potential and key techniques of unconventional hydrocarbon: On unconventional petroleum geology. Pet. Explor. Dev. 40(4), 385–399 (2013).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Clarkson, C. R., Wood, J. M., Burgis, S. E., Aquino, S. D. & Mclean, D. J. Nanopore-structure analysis and permeability predictions for a tight gas siltstone reservoir by use of low-pressure adsorption and mercury-intrusion techniques. SPE Reserv. Eval. Eng. 15(06), 648–661 (2012).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Zou, C. et al. Progress in China’s unconventional oil & gas exploration and development and theoretical technologies. Acta Geol. Sin. - Engl. Ed. 89(3), 979–1007 (2015).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Gu, Y., Zhang, D. & Bao, Z. A new data-driven predictor, PSO-XGBoost, used for permeability of tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study of member of Chang 4 + 5, western Jiyuan Oilfield, Ordos Basin. J. Petroleum Sci. Eng. 199, 108219 (2021a).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Huang, X., Li, T., Wang, X., Fu, J. & Qu, X. Distribution characteristics and influencing factors of movable fluid in tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study of the Chang 8 oil layer in the Yanchang Formation, Jiyuan Oilfield, Ordos Basin. Acta Pet. Sin. 40(05), 557–567 (2019).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Lu, P., Wang, H., Gao, C., Li, H. & Yang, M. Research progress on permeability prediction techniques for tight sandstone reservoirs. Prog. Geophys. 37(06), 2428–2438 (2022).

    Google Scholar 

  8. Ren, D., Zhou, D., Liu, D., Tian, J. & Zhang, L. Formation mechanism of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation tight sandstone reservoir in Ordos Basin—Take Chang 6 reservoir in Jiyuan oil field as an example. J. Petrol. Sci. Eng. 178, 497–505 (2019).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Yang, H., Li, S. & Liu, X. Characteristics and resource potential of tight oil and shale oil in the Ordos Basin. Acta Pet. Sin. 34(01), 1–11 (2013).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Camilo, G. et al. Multiphysics assessment of Mexico City soils: Structure and thixotropy. J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 151(11), 04025091 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  11. Timur, A. Pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance studies of porosity, movable fluid, and permeability of sandstones. J. Petrol. Technol. 21 (6), 775–786 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Zhang, R., Chen, X., Sun, X., Xiao, L. & Liao, G. Two-dimensional NMR characterization of gas-water distribution in tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study from the Ordos Basin, China. Frontiers of Earth Science 13, 1619197 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  13. Zheng, Y., Xu, J., Liu, H., Sun, Z. & Zhang, Z. Permeability evaluation method based on while-drilling NMR logging and its application: A case study of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Bohai Jinzhou Oilfield. China Offshore Oil Gas. 31 (02), 69–75 (2019).

    Google Scholar 

  14. Fang, Z. J., Ba, J., Guo, Q. & Xiong, F. S. Shear-wave velocity prediction of tight reservoirs based on poroelasticity theory: A comparative study of deep neural network and rock physics model. Geoenergy Sci. Eng. 240, 213028 (2024a).

    Google Scholar 

  15. Chen, L., Liu, X., Zhou, H., Lyu, F. & Zhang, H. Carbonate reservoirs characterization based on frequency Bayesian principal component analysis. Geoenergy Science and Engineering 246, 213615 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  16. Eftekhari, S. H., Memariani, M., Maleki, Z., Aleali, M. & Kianoush, P. Hydraulic flow unit and rock types of the Asmari Formation, an application of flow zone index and fuzzy C-means clustering methods. Sci. Rep. 14, 5003 (2024).

    Google Scholar 

  17. Jiao, C. & Xu, Z. Permeability prediction method based on flow unit index. Well Logging Technol. 30 (04), 317–319 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Mohammadi, M., Niri, E. M., Bahroudi, A. & Chehrazi, A. Enhancing formation resistivity factor estimation in carbonate reservoirs using electrical zone indicator and multi-resolution graph-based clustering methods. Sci. Rep. 15, 30823 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  19. Xu, Z., Zeng, H., Hu, S., Lin, C. & Wu, X. Application of seismic sedimentology in sedimentary structure and reservoir prediction of the Lower Cambrian in Gucheng area, Tarim Basin. Lithologic Reservoirs. 37 (02), 153–165 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  20. Zhao, T. et al. Permeability logging evaluation of tight sandstone reservoirs in lake-delta environments based on intelligent flow unit classification. Pet. Geophys. Prospect. 64(02), 388–396 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  21. Al-Mudhafar, W. J. Integrating Electrofacies and Well Logging Data Into Regression and Machine Learning Approaches for Improved Permeability Estimation in a Carbonate Reservoir In a Giant Southern Iraqi Oil Field. Paper presented at the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, USA, May 2020. OTC-30763-MS. (2020).

  22. Al-Mudhafar, W. J. & Wood, D. A. Tree-Based Ensemble Algorithms for Lithofacies Classification and Permeability Prediction in Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoirs. Paper presented at the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, USA, May 2022. OTC-31780-MS. (2022).

  23. Anifowose, F., Abdulraheem, A. & Al-Shuhail, A. A parametric study of machine learning techniques in petroleum reservoir permeability prediction by integrating seismic attributes and wireline data. J. Petrol. Sci. Eng. 176, 762–774 (2019).

    Google Scholar 

  24. Gu, Y., Zhang, D., Bao, Z. & Cui, G. Permeability prediction using gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT): A case study of the tight sandstone reservoirs in the Chang 4 + 5 sections of the western part of Jiyuan Oilfield. Prog. Geophys. 36(02), 585–594 (2021c).

    Google Scholar 

  25. Li, P. et al. A new machine learning-based prediction approach for the fracability of deep reservoirs. Nat. Resour. Res. 34(5), 2599–2626 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Wu, S., Zhao, Q., Yang, H., Wang, S. & Li, Y. Combining acoustic emission and unsupervised machine learning to investigate microscopic fracturing in tight reservoir rock. Eng. Geol. 347, 107939 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Zanganeh Kamali, M. et al. Permeability prediction of heterogeneous carbonate gas condensate reservoirs applying group method of data handling. Mar. Pet. Geol. 139, 105597 (2022).

    Google Scholar 

  28. Akande, K. O., Owolabi, T. O., Olatunji, S. O. & Abdulraheem, A. A. A hybrid particle swarm optimization and support vector regression model for modelling permeability prediction of hydrocarbon reservoir. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 150, 43–53 (2017).

    Google Scholar 

  29. Chen, Z., Zhang, J., Zhang, D. & Kou, Z. Enhanced permeability prediction in porous media using particle swarm optimization with multi-source integration. Artificial Intelligence in Geosciences 5, 100090 (2024).

    Google Scholar 

  30. Feng, Z., Zhang, C. & Li, B. MFAC parameter optimization based on an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. Control Eng. 28 (04), 766–773 (2021).

    Google Scholar 

  31. Fang, Z. J., Ba, J., Carcione, J. M., Xiong, F. S. & Gao, L. Permeability prediction using logging data from tight reservoirs based on deep neural networks. J. Appl. Geophys. 229, 105501 (2024b).

    Google Scholar 

  32. Fang, Z. J. et al. Deep neural networks for estimating S-wave velocity in tight sandstone reservoirs from log data. Geophysics 91, WA35–WA46 (2026).

    Google Scholar 

  33. Li, B., Liu, K., Gu, J. & Zhang, E. A review of convolutional neural network research. Comput. Era. 04, 8–12 (2021). 17.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Liu, L., Zhang, Q. & Wei, Y. MMF-MCP: A deep transfer learning model based on multimodal information fusion for molecular feature extraction and carcinogenicity prediction. J. Chem. Inf. Model. 65(5), 1636–1647 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  35. Zhang, Q., Sheng, J., Zhang, Q. & Li, J. Optimizing deep learning with improved Harris Hawks optimization for Alzheimer’s disease detection. Artif. Intell. Rev. 58, 10301 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  36. Yu, X. et al. DASNet: A convolutional neural network with SE attention mechanism for ccRCC tumor grading. Interdisciplinary Sciences: Computational Life Sciences 18, 60–76 (2026).

    Google Scholar 

  37. Zhou, M., Fu, H., Zhao, Y. & Gao, W. A rock joint roughness coefficient determination method incorporating the SE-Net attention mechanism and CNN. Environ. Earth Sci. 84, 411 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  38. Gu, Y., Zhang, D. & Bao, Z. Lithology identification of tight sandstone reservoirs using hybrid model CRBM-PSO-XGBoost. Oil & Gas Geology 42(05), 1210–1222 (2021b).

    Google Scholar 

  39. Gong, L. et al. Editorial: Distribution and development of faults and fractures in shales. Minerals 15 (11), 1154 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  40. Nan, H., Cai, L., Ye, S., Wang, Y. & Zhang, C. Coupling relationship between densification and gas accumulation of Shaximiao Formation reservoirs in western Sichuan Depression. Xinjiang Pet. Geol. 39(04), 439–445 (2018).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Shen, J. Reservoir evaluation of Chang 4 + 5 member in western Jiyuan Oilfield, Ordos Basin (Master’s thesis). China University of Petroleum, Beijing. (2018).

  42. Su, X. et al. Multi-scale characterization and control factors of bedding-parallel fractures in continental shale reservoirs: Insights from the Qingshankou Formation, Songliao Basin, China. Mar. Pet. Geol. 182, 107580 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  43. Su, X. et al. The comprehensive control of mechanical stratigraphy and faults on fracture distribution in continental shale reservoirs. Results Eng. 29, 109319 (2026).

    Google Scholar 

  44. Zhai, L. Sedimentary microfacies and single sand body study of Chang 4 + 5 member in western Jiyuan Oilfield (Master’s thesis). China University of Petroleum, Beijing. (2018).

  45. Lv, H., Qian, Q., Pan, J. & Jiang, S. Application of multi-strategy controlled rime algorithm in path planning for delivery robots. Biomimetics 10 (7), 476 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  46. Khassaf, A. K. et al. Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Enhanced Permeability Prediction in Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoirs. Paper presented at the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, USA, May 2025. OTC-35892-MS. (2025).

  47. Xian, H. et al. Research on hydraulic fracture cross-layer propagation and bedding plane activation in artificial layered rock fracturing: Insight from physical experiments. Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 59, 837–853 (2026).

    Google Scholar 

  48. Xiao, G., Ou, J., Liu, G., Tu, R. & Zhang, R. Constructing regional precise tropospheric delay model based on improved BP neural network. Chin. J. Geophys. 61 (08), 3139–3148 (2018).

    Google Scholar 

  49. Zhang, H., Cai, X., Ni, P. & Zhang, J. Prediction of coalbed methane content based on composite logging parameters and PCA-BP neural network. J. Appl. Geophys. 236, 105681 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  50. Hu, X., Leng, W., Xiao, K., Sun, J. & Zhang, G. Research on reservoir identification of gas hydrates with well logging data based on machine learning in marine areas: A case study from IODP Expedition 311. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 13 (7), 1208 (2025).

    Google Scholar 

  51. Al-Mudhafar, W. J. Integrating Bayesian Model Averaging for Uncertainty Reduction in Permeability Modeling. Paper presented at the Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, USA, May 2015. OTC-25646-MS. (2015).

Download references

Funding

This research was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 42172154; No. 42472205).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China

    Xinyu Li, Yuming Liu, Bingbing Zhang, Jingjing Luo, Hengzhi Liu & Qi Chen

  2. College of Geosciences, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, 102249, China

    Xinyu Li, Yuming Liu, Bingbing Zhang, Jingjing Luo, Hengzhi Liu & Qi Chen

Authors
  1. Xinyu Li
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yuming Liu
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Bingbing Zhang
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jingjing Luo
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hengzhi Liu
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Qi Chen
    View author publications

    Search author on:PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

**[Xinyu Li]: ** Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing—original draft, Writing—review and editing; **[Yuming Liu]: ** Writing -review & editing; **[BingBing Zhang]: ** Formal analysis; **[JingJing Luo]: ** Investigation; **[Hengzhi Liu]: ** data curation; **[Qi Chen]: ** Validation, Visualization. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yuming Liu.

Ethics declarations

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, which permits any non-commercial use, sharing, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if you modified the licensed material. You do not have permission under this licence to share adapted material derived from this article or parts of it. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Li, X., Liu, Y., Zhang, B. et al. An integrated method for permeability prediction and fluid identification in tight sandstone reservoirs using geological-prior-guided attention networks: a case study of the X Block, Chang 8 member, Jiyuan oilfield. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-47298-9

Download citation

  • Received: 25 January 2026

  • Accepted: 31 March 2026

  • Published: 06 April 2026

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-47298-9

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Keywords

  • Ordos basin
  • Tight sandstone reservoir
  • Permeability prediction
  • Well logging sweet spot comprehensive index
  • SE-ResNet18
  • Knowledge-enhanced attention network
Download PDF

Advertisement

Explore content

  • Research articles
  • News & Comment
  • Collections
  • Subjects
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on X
  • Sign up for alerts
  • RSS feed

About the journal

  • About Scientific Reports
  • Contact
  • Journal policies
  • Guide to referees
  • Calls for Papers
  • Editor's Choice
  • Journal highlights
  • Open Access Fees and Funding

Publish with us

  • For authors
  • Language editing services
  • Open access funding
  • Submit manuscript

Search

Advanced search

Quick links

  • Explore articles by subject
  • Find a job
  • Guide to authors
  • Editorial policies

Scientific Reports (Sci Rep)

ISSN 2045-2322 (online)

nature.com footer links

About Nature Portfolio

  • About us
  • Press releases
  • Press office
  • Contact us

Discover content

  • Journals A-Z
  • Articles by subject
  • protocols.io
  • Nature Index

Publishing policies

  • Nature portfolio policies
  • Open access

Author & Researcher services

  • Reprints & permissions
  • Research data
  • Language editing
  • Scientific editing
  • Nature Masterclasses
  • Research Solutions

Libraries & institutions

  • Librarian service & tools
  • Librarian portal
  • Open research
  • Recommend to library

Advertising & partnerships

  • Advertising
  • Partnerships & Services
  • Media kits
  • Branded content

Professional development

  • Nature Awards
  • Nature Careers
  • Nature Conferences

Regional websites

  • Nature Africa
  • Nature China
  • Nature India
  • Nature Japan
  • Nature Middle East
  • Privacy Policy
  • Use of cookies
  • Legal notice
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Your US state privacy rights
Springer Nature

© 2026 Springer Nature Limited

Nature Briefing

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. Sign up for Nature Briefing