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 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
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
Exam
Reports and oral exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Report 1 | 2/10 | 3 Weeks | Letter grades | All |
Report 2 | 5/10 | 2 Months | Letter grades | All |
Oral exam | 3/10 | 30 Minutes | Letter grades | All |
This course has a continuous assessment containing two reports and one oral exam.There is no continuation opportunity in this course. Students who fail or wish to improve their grade must re-take one or both of the assessment parts the next time the course has regular instruction.
Coursework requirements
Course teacher(s)
Course teacher:
Christopher TownsendCourse coordinator:
Pål Østebø AndersenStudy Program Director:
Lisa Jean WatsonStudy Adviser:
Karina SanniHead of Department:
Alejandro Escalona VarelaMethod of work
Lectures, group projects, simulation exercises, theoretical exercises
The course includes an introduction to an industrial software being taught at the beginning of the semester or the end of the foregoing semester. Participation of this is not mandatory but highly recommended to better be able to successfully complete the assessments.
Overlapping courses
Course | Reduction (SP) |
---|---|
3D Geomodelling (GEO540_1) | 5 |
Reservoir Simulation (PET660_1) | 5 |