Reservoir Modelling and simulation (GEO506)

In this course we consider static and dynamic reservoir simulation based on theory and practical work with industry standard commercial software (Schlumberger package including Eclipse and Petrel) and modelling approaches. Students are trained to create and apply such models, solve technical reservoir problems, assess fluid-in-place volumes, and test different engineering solutions such as well placement, injection / production schemes. The interplay of rock and fluid properties, geology, well pattern and drive mechanisms are considered for their impact on production and economics. The course offers relevant expertise for modelling petroleum production and carbon/energy storage in porous media. It is based on consistent mathematical description and implementation in commercial software. 3D grid construction and geostatistical property modelling will be explored to determine in-place volume, account for uncertainty and give input to simulation models.  The Black Oil Model and Compositional Model will be applied, and the role of important transport and storage mechanisms will be explored on simple model cases and a realistic field model case from the Norwegian Continental Shelf. 


Course description for study year 2022-2023. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

GEO506

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Content

3D grid-building and different alternatives will be explored, including the important consideration relating to fault modelling and the principle of combined horizon/fault modelling. For geostatistical property modelling, various facies modelling techniques, including object and indicator simulation, will be considered, along with stochastic petrophysical modelling techniques, Sw calculations, and uncertainty analysis. An introduction to the benefits of the workflow manager will be given, including how this tool can be used for constructing multiple realisations/scenarios for the purpose on uncertainty analysis. 

The differential equations for mass conservation in the context of subsurface multiphase flow are derived for Black Oil and compositional models. Important input parameters and functions are described, as well as grid parameters, boundary conditions and transport and storage mechanisms. We briefly outline the numerical solution procedure for the differential equations, including discretization by finite differences, linearization and the Newton-Raphson method. Continuous use of commercial simulator is considered to gain practical experience with solving reservoir technical problems. Practice and reports on simple cases is considered before working on the field case. 

Learning outcome

Knowledge:  

After completing the course, the student should know: 

  • Principles of geomodelling 
  • How to construct a geomodel 
  • The main components of a 3D grid 
  • Stochastic facies/property modelling techniques 
  • In-place volume calculations 
  • Handling uncertainties within 3D models 
  • Important considerations and limitations of geomodels 
  • Differential equations for mass conservation. 
  • Black Oil and compositional models.  
  • Assess fluids-in-place. 
  • Evaluate impact of uncertainty in key parameters. 
  • Key transport mechanisms for fluid transport and production. 
  • How to use a simulator for solving reservoir technical problems. 
  • Main steps of numerical solution of reservoir problems (discretization with finite differences, Newton-Raphson, IMPES and fully implicit, solving linear equations). 

Skills:  

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 

  • Construct a geomodel using typical field input data and calculate volumes. 
  • Prepare the model input ready for simulation. 
  • Handle uncertainties in geomodels. 
  • Perform sensitivity analyses and interpret simulation results. 
  • Describe specific porous medium flow problems consistently using mass balance equations, constraints, fluid and rock properties, boundary conditions and source terms. 
  • Implement and solve reservoir engineering problems with simulation software. 
  • Understand key features of a model and modify it for prediction, implementation of new engineering solutions or improved representation of the geology or field development. 

General competence:  

After completing the course, the student should be able to communicate: 

  • Techniques required for 3D grid building 
  • Different methods for facies and property modelling 
  • Modelling approaches in reservoir simulation. 
  • The role of mechanisms such as advective, gravity and capillary forces and fluid properties for fluid distribution and flow. 
  • Solutions for modelling specific porous media flow systems. 

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Reports and written exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Report 1 2/5 1 Month Letter grades All
Report 2 2/5 1 Month Letter grades All
Written exam 1/5 4 Hours Letter grades All

Continuous evaluation.You must pass all parts to pass the course. All parts must be assessed in order to receive a grade. There are no continuation opportunities on the reports. Students who wish to take these sections again must do so the next time the course has regular instruction. Students who fail the exam may take the re-sit exam the following semester. 

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Christopher Townsend

Course coordinator:

Pål Østebø Andersen

Study Program Director:

Lisa Jean Watson

Programme coordinator:

Karina Sanni

Head of Department:

Alejandro Escalona Varela

Method of work

lectures, group projects, simulation exercises, theoretical exercises 

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
3D Geomodelling (GEO540_1) 5
Reservoir Simulation (PET660_1) 5

Open for

Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

Form and/or discussion.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto