PETROENG 7035 - Reservoir Simulation

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

The course gives the theoretical basis and practical fundamentals for the mathematical modelling and numerical simulation of fluid flow in petroleum reservoirs. The governing laws and equations required for the modelling of single-phase and multi-phase flow in porous media, such as mass conservation, Darcy, equation of state, rock compressibility, capillary pressure and relative permeability, are reviewed. By combining these laws and equations, the corresponding partial differential equations are derived. The numerical methods for solving the governing partial differential equations are presented. A particular attention is given to the internal and external boundary conditions, and initial conditions. It is also demonstrated how numerical simulation can help us to forecast the reservoir performance in response to different field-development scenarios. The role of input data of reservoir simulators on the accuracy of prediction is another aspect which is reviewed in this course. It is also discussed how to reduce the inherent uncertainties in the input data, using inverse modelling techniques, known as history matching. Through several exercises and assignments, an overview of a commercial reservoir simulator is given.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PETROENG 7035
    Course Reservoir Simulation
    Coordinating Unit Mining and Petroleum Engineering
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Block-format course with integrated lectures, practicals (computer-based) and discussions.
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge MATHS 1011, MATHS 2106, MATHS 2107, ENG 1003 AND PETROENG 3025 (or equivalent)
    Assessment Assignments, exams, in-class activities and quizzes
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Pavel Bedrikovetski

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

     
    1 Explain the mathematical and computational concepts behind commercial reservoir simulators
    2 Explain the physical laws that govern fluid flow in porous media
    3 Formulate single-phase and multi-phase flow in petroleum reservoirs
    4 Solve the governing partial differential equations using finite difference methods and interpret the potential numerical errors
    5 Treat internal and external boundary conditions and initial conditions
    6 Explain iterative matrix solvers and Understand the fully implicit and IMPES solution strategies for solving flow equations
    7 Write a program for simple problems
    8 Use a commercial reservoir simulator for studying the reservoir performance in response to different development strategies
    9 Develop some experience with history matching a reservoir simulation model
    10 Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively in groups for the assignments

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Entry to Practice Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer. The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):  
     
    1.11.21.31.41.51.62.12.22.32.43.13.23.33.43.53.6
    B C C B C C C B B B C A C B
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-9

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    3, 4, 8, 10

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    8, 10

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1, 2, 4, 7-9

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    10

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    10
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Course lectures notes will be supplied.
    Recommended Resources

    Ertekin, T., Abou-Kassem, J.H. and King, G.R. “Basic Applied Reservoir Simulation”, SPE Textbook Series, 2001

    Aziz, A & Settari, A., "Petroleum Reservoir Simulation", Applied Science Publishers Ltd., London, 1979.

    Peaceman, D.W., "Fundamentals of Numerical Reservoir Simulation", Elsevier Scientific Publishing Co., 1977.

    Online Learning
    Any additional materials, not provided in the class notes, will be provided via MyUni and you will receive an email accordingly.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures combined with interactive sessions which solve problems using MATLAB and ECLIPSE, and also lectures are supported by several exercises and examples.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A 3-unit course requires 156 hours and possibly some additional private study time.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    6 days of lectures/labs (9am to 5pm) plus time to complete 4 assignments.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Learning activities will follow the sequence as presented in the course notes.
    Specific Course Requirements
    As this course is offered in a short course format, your complete attendance and punctuality are important for you to gain the best learning outcome.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual / Group Formative / Summative
    Due (week)*
    Hurdle criteria Learning outcomes
    Assignment#1 40 Individual Summative ~Week 10 N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
    Assignment#2 30 Group Summative ~Week 12 N 5. 8. 9. 10.
    Assignment#3 15 Individual Summative ~Week 13 N 2. 5. 8. 10.
    In-class activities & Quizzes 15 Individual Summative ~Week 9 N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
    Total 100
    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
     
    This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.
    Assessment Detail


    Submission
    Submission of Work for Assessment
    Assignments should be submitted in hardcopy with a completed copy of the assessment coversheet that is available from the school office. This should be signed to indicate you have read the above university policy statement on plagiarism, collusion and related forms of cheating.

    Extensions for Assessment Tasks
    Extensions of deadlines for assessment tasks may be allowed for reasonable causes. Such situations would include compassionate and medical grounds of the severity that would justify the awarding of a supplementary examination. Evidence for the grounds must be provided when an extension is requested. Students are required to apply for an extension to the Course Co-ordinator before the assessment task is due. Extensions will not be provided on the grounds of poor prioritising of time.

    Penalty for Late Submission of Assessment Tasks
    Assessment tasks must be submitted by the stated deadlines. There will be a penalty for late submission of assessment tasks. The submitted work will be marked ‘without prejudice’ and 10% of the obtained mark will be deducted for each working day (or part of a day) that an assessment task is late, up to a maximum penalty of 50% of the mark attained. An examiner may elect not to accept any assessment task that a student wants to submit after that task has been marked and feedback provided to the rest of the class.

    Provision of Feedback to Students
    Assignments will be returned to students within three-four weeks of their submission.
    X
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.