Doctorate at Dahai Wang: Researcher at Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, China

Dahai Wang is a researcher at Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, specializing in fine-grained sedimentary reservoir research. With a Ph.D. in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering, he has become a leading figure in petroleum exploration. His expertise lies in geological modeling, reservoir heterogeneity analysis, and the exploration of unconventional gas reservoirs, particularly in the Ordos Basin. Wang’s innovative approach integrates cutting-edge techniques in geological evaluation, enhancing the efficiency of gas field development. He is recognized for his pivotal role in developing strategies that have led to breakthroughs in reservoir characterization, fluid flow mechanisms, and hydraulic fracturing optimization. His research aims to advance understanding in both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon exploration, with a keen focus on subsalt and helium-rich gas reservoirs.

Online Profiles

ORCID Profile

Dahai Wang maintains a professional digital footprint to stay connected with the global scientific community. His ORCID profile showcases his academic contributions and ongoing research. In addition, his LinkedIn profile offers insights into his professional network and career trajectory, providing a platform to exchange ideas with peers in geological research and petroleum engineering. His online presence serves as a hub for his publications, conference presentations, and collaboration opportunities.

Education

Dahai Wang completed his Ph.D. in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering at Southwest Petroleum University in June 2020. His dissertation focused on the exploration and development of low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs, a subject central to his ongoing research. Wang also holds a postdoctoral entry certificate and other relevant academic certifications that complement his extensive knowledge of petroleum exploration, sedimentary geology, and reservoir engineering. His academic training has positioned him as a thought leader in geological research and exploration technologies, enabling him to make significant contributions to the scientific community.

Research Focus

Wang’s primary research interest is in fine-grained sedimentary reservoirs, particularly their geological modeling, fluid migration mechanisms, and their role in unconventional gas exploration. His recent work delves into subsalt reservoir evaluation, gas reservoir heterogeneity, and the development of helium-rich gas resources in the Ordos Basin. He has pioneered the use of advanced computational techniques to create more accurate reservoir models and predict fluid flow behavior in complex subsurface environments. Additionally, his research is expanding the understanding of the geological conditions necessary for helium enrichment, which is a key area of focus for future energy solutions. His work has practical implications for improving the exploration, development, and sustainability of energy resources.

Experience

Dahai Wang has held key positions in major research projects, first as an engineer at the Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, CNPC, and now as a researcher at Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute. During his tenure at CNPC, Wang led the “Demonstration Project for Large Low-Permeability Lithologic Oil and Gas Reservoirs in the Ordos Basin,” focusing on overcoming challenges in reservoir characterization and optimization of hydraulic fracturing techniques. This project led to improvements in production rates and the development of more accurate prediction models for reservoir behavior. Currently, at Sinopec, Wang is leading major science and technology projects that target subsalt reservoirs, Lower Paleozoic gas reservoirs, and helium-rich gas reservoirs. His leadership has resulted in the identification of new exploration targets and improved techniques for assessing subsalt reservoirs, significantly reducing exploration risks.

Research Timeline

  • 2021-2023: As an engineer at CNPC, Wang played a central role in developing an integrated reservoir prediction and fracturing design system. His work contributed to a 10% increase in annual production at the Changqing Oilfield, providing critical insights into reservoir characterization and optimization strategies.
  • 2023-Present: At Sinopec, Wang has spearheaded major research projects targeting the evaluation and development of subsalt Ordovician reservoirs, Lower Paleozoic gas reservoirs, and helium-rich gas accumulations. His research has led to the identification of new exploration targets with over 500 BCM of potential gas resources in the Ordos Basin and has contributed to the discovery of China’s first bauxite-hosted helium reservoir.

Awards & Honors

Wang’s groundbreaking research has earned him several prestigious awards. In 2023, he received Asia’s Outstanding Researcher Award for his contributions to the exploration of unconventional gas reservoirs. He has also been recognized with awards such as the National Scholarship and the China Scholarship Council, showcasing his academic excellence. His research has received accolades for its impact on the petroleum industry, particularly in advancing the understanding of low-permeability and subsalt reservoirs. His ability to tackle complex geological problems has earned him a reputation as an innovator in petroleum research.

Top-Noted Publication

Among his top publications is “Identifying the Key Control Factors of Deep Marine Shale Gas Reservoirs: A Case Study on Lower Cambrian Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks in Cen Gong, Guizhou, China,” published in Minerals in May 2025. This paper highlights the key geological factors influencing deep marine shale gas reservoirs and provides a case study of the Lower Cambrian rocks in Southern China. Wang’s research has been widely cited for its insights into shale gas properties and its contribution to optimizing shale gas exploration strategies. Another significant paper, “The Resource Potential and Development Prospect of Helium in Changqing Gas Field,” published in Geofluids in July 2022, discusses the untapped potential of helium resources in the Changqing field, marking a significant step in the exploration of rare gas resources.

Identifying the Key Control Factors of Deep Marine Shale Gas Reservoirs: A Case Study on Lower Cambrian Fine-Grained Sedimentary Rocks in Cen Gong, Guizhou, China
Published in Minerals on May 9, 2025. This article explores the key geological factors that control deep marine shale gas reservoirs, focusing on a case study of Lower Cambrian fine-grained sedimentary rocks in Cen Gong, Guizhou.
DOI: 10.3390/min15050505
Contributors: Dahai Wang, Lichi Ma, Qian Yu, Tao Zhang, Jian Bai, Chuan An, Chuntang Li, Jun Peng

Microscopic Pore Structure Characteristics and Controlling Factors of Marine Shale: A Case Study of Lower Cambrian Shales in the Southeastern Guizhou, Upper Yangtze Platform, South China
Published in Frontiers in Earth Science on April 10, 2024. This paper examines the microscopic pore structure and the controlling factors of marine shale gas reservoirs in the Southeastern Guizhou region of China.
DOI: 10.3389/feart.2024.1368326
Contributors: Ruyue Wang, Yuejiao Liu, Zhi Li, Dahai Wang, Guanping Wang, Fuqiang Lai, Zhihao Li, Jianhua He

The Resource Potential and Development Prospect of Helium in Changqing Gas Field
Published in Geofluids on July 23, 2022. This paper investigates the resource potential of helium in the Changqing Gas Field, offering insights into its future development prospects.
DOI: 10.1155/2022/9094667
Contributors: Dahai Wang, Jinbu Li, Zhanhai Yu, Ji Zhang, Lili Liu, Feng Xiao, Changan Shan

Influence of Organic Matter on Gas-Bearing Properties and Analysis of Sedimentary Mechanism of Organic Matter Enrichment: A Case Study on the Yangtze Region of Southern China During the Early Cambrian
Published in Geofluids on February 4, 2022. This article examines the role of organic matter in gas-bearing properties and analyzes the sedimentary mechanism of organic matter enrichment in the Yangtze region of southern China.
DOI: 10.1155/2022/8714919
Contributors: Qinyu Li, Kun Zhang, Lin Wei, Dahai Wang, Zhiyuan Chen, Xiangdong Yin, Fengli Han, Pei Liu, Liangyi Tang, Xuejiao Yuan

A New Method for Calculating the Cementation Exponent of Triple-Porosity Media Reservoirs
Published in Geofluids on January 10, 2022. This paper introduces a new method for calculating the cementation exponent in triple-porosity media reservoirs, a significant advancement for reservoir evaluation.
DOI: 10.1155/2022/4336067
Contributors: Dahai Wang, Jinbu Li, Lili Liu, Ji Zhang, Zhanhai Yu, Jun Peng

Determination of the Appropriate Value of m for Evaluation of Carbonate Reservoirs With Vugs and Fractures at the Well-Log Scale
Published in Petrophysics – The SPWLA Journal of Formation Evaluation and Reservoir Description on June 1, 2019. This paper presents methods for determining the appropriate value of “m” for evaluating carbonate reservoirs, focusing on those with vugs and fractures at the well-log scale.
DOI: 10.30632/pjv60n3-2019a6
Contributors: Southwest Petroleum University, Dahai Wang, Jun Peng

·  Support Vector Machine Algorithm for Automatically Identifying Depositional Microfacies Using Well Logs
Published in Sustainability on March 31, 2019. This article discusses the application of a Support Vector Machine algorithm to automatically identify depositional microfacies using well logs, offering a machine learning-based approach for geological studies.
DOI: 10.3390/su11071919
Contributors: Dahai Wang, Jun Peng, Qian Yu, Yuanyuan Chen, Hanghang Yu

Dahai Wang, Engineering, Best Researcher Award