PETROENG 7057 - Reservoir, Resources & Reserves

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course comprises 2 components; Reservoir Geology and Resources & Reserves. This course provides participants with a working knowledge of the main techniques (qualitative and quantitative), used by Reservoir (Development and Production) geologists to evaluate subsurface properties of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Geological controls on well log signatures, porosity, permeability, relative permeability, and capillarity are discussed. Case histories review conventional methods of determination of net pay and demonstrate some improved techniques using data from core, sidewall core, cuttings, conventional plug measurements (porosity and permeability) in conjunction with capillary pressure data. The course focus will be on conceptual understanding and practical applications using case studies and hands-on exercises. This course also explains strength and weaknesses of various reserves estimating methodologies, including differences between resources and reserves and differences between reserve estimates used for regulatory reporting and those used for business decision making. Exploration and development views are covered, as are deterministic and probabilistic methods, with the aim of gaining a thorough understanding of various reserves levels and their equivalence in both systems, in terms of proved, proved plus probable, and proved plus probably plus possible. Alternative estimation methods, such as volumetrics, material balance and decline curve analysis. An appreciation will be gained of data limitations and uncertainty and how this is reflected in final volumes and hence risk.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PETROENG 7057
    Course Reservoir, Resources & Reserves
    Coordinating Unit Australian School of Petroleum & Energy Resources
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Intensive - 49 hrs over 8 days
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Restrictions Available to MPetrolEng students only (who started program prior to 2015)
    Course Description This course comprises 2 components; Reservoir Geology and Resources & Reserves.

    This course provides participants with a working knowledge of the main techniques (qualitative and quantitative), used by Reservoir (Development and Production) geologists to evaluate subsurface properties of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Geological controls on well log signatures, porosity, permeability, relative permeability, and capillarity are discussed. Case histories review conventional methods of determination of net pay and demonstrate some improved techniques using data from core, sidewall core, cuttings, conventional plug measurements (porosity and permeability) in conjunction with capillary pressure data. The course focus will be on conceptual understanding and practical applications using case studies and hands-on exercises.

    This course also explains strength and weaknesses of various reserves estimating methodologies, including differences between resources and reserves and differences between reserve estimates used for regulatory reporting and those used for business decision making. Exploration and development views are covered, as are deterministic and probabilistic methods, with the aim of gaining a thorough understanding of various reserves levels and their equivalence in both systems, in terms of proved, proved plus probable, and proved plus probably plus possible. Alternative estimation methods, such as volumetrics, material balance and decline curve analysis. An appreciation will be gained of data limitations and uncertainty and how this is reflected in final volumes and hence risk.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor John Kaldi

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 To become familiar with the integration of basic petrographic, wireline and capillary pressure data to evaluate reservoir rock quality, pay vs. non-pay,
    2 To differentiate between reservoir fluid contacts (eg Oil / Water contacts) and Free Water Level (FWL),
    3 To understand expected fluid saturations at different levels of the reservoir, and determine thickness of the transition zone.
    4 To evaluate seal capacity (thickness of hydrocarbon column a seal can hold before it leaks
    5 Learn to use 2-way capillary pressure analyses to approximate recovery efficiency during primary or secondary recovery,
    6 To become familiar with resources and reserves terminology and methodologies, which have now been internationally standardised
    7 To understand the importance of uncertainty in reserves estimation and to become familiar with various estimation techniques to quantify uncertainty; to address uncertainty, probabilistic methods (as distinct from deterministic methods) are now generally advocated and these are being taught
    8 To appreciate the importance of good reserves management for optimising the value of petroleum developments and how such management (or the lack of good management) may impact companies commercially
    9 To have hands-on experience in using @Risk in dealing with statistics, distributions and probabilistic reserves calculations; some exercises will be conducted in groups, which are subsequently disseminated to the entire class, similar to work situations in the industry
    10 To appreciate that resource and reserves estimates utilise data from all subsurface disciplines, requiring close cooperation among disciplines
    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)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 7, 8
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4,10
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6, 10
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 8, 10
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-10
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-10
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-10
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    Determination of Oil and Gas Reserves, Petroleum Society, Monograph No 1, Second Edition, 2004, Virginia MacKay
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures supported by problem-solving tutorials and exercises, extending material covered in lectures.
    Workload

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

    This is an intensive 8 day course and it is highly recommended that students attend all portions.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Development Geology Section:

    Day 1
    Introduction to Reservoir Geology
    Capillary Pressure Principles

    Day 2
    Evaluating caprock and intra-formational seals
    Evaluating Fault Seals

    Day 3
    Pore Level Reservoir Properties
    Deterministic Reserves Estimation

    Day 4
    Carbon Capture & Storage
    Net Pay: A Geological Perspective

    Each day: Exercises & Discussion

    Resources & Reserves Section:

    Day 1
    1. Introduction
    2. Resources and Reserves Examples
    3. Reserves Methodology
    4. Probability Concepts
    Exercises

    Day 2
    5. Reserves and Production Statistics
    6. Data and Data Sources
    7. Volumetrics and Recovery
    8. Probability Distributions
    Exercises

    Day 3
    9. Probabilistic Reserves Estimation
    10. Reserves Calculation and Simulation
    11. Reserves Uncertainty and Metrics
    12. Resources and Reserves Management
    Exercises

    Day 4
    13. Case History I: Dai Hung Field, Vietnam
    14. Case History II: North Rankin Field, North West Shelf
    15. Case History III: North West Shelf Fields
    16. Case History IV: Puffin Field, Timor Sea
    Quiz
    Exercises
  • 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
    Development Geology Section:
    Class Exercises: 40%
    Class Participation: 10%
    Final Exam: 50%

    Resources and Reserves Section:
    Quiz: 10%
    Class Exercises/ Assignments: 40%
    Final Exam: 50%
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission
    To be detailed at commencement of class
    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

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    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.

    Communication
    It is important that all students maintain active communication channels throughout the year. The primary communication channels to students in this course are as follows.

    MyUni: Students should regularly check the MyUni website (http://myuni.adelaide.edu.au/).

    Email: Each student should regularly check his or her University-provided email account (firstname.lastname@student.adelaide.edu.au) for information from members of the academic staff concerning course work matters and other announcements as they arise. Make sure you clean up your Inbox regularly as if it is full you will not receive our email! We will regard an email message being sent to your student email address or an announcement posted on the MyUni site as our having communicated with each member of the class. Not reading one’s University provided email or MyUni announcements will not be a valid excuse for missing important deadlines etc.
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