PCB/PAB3053

RESERVOIR MODELLING AND SIMULATION

SEPT 2013


Dr. Mohammed Abdalla Ayoub
Introduction to Reservoir Simulation
Petroleum Engineering Department (GPED)

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI PETRONAS
About the Course
Learning Objectives and outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. To organize the workflow for reservoir simulator.
2. To apply basic equations of fluid flow in porous media to
various type of reservoir simulator.
3. To apply finite different schemes and matrix solver in a Black
Oil Simulator.
4. To perform simulation study using a commercial simulator.



In details
At the end of this course you :
Be able to describe what is meant by a simulation model, saying what
analytical models and numerical models are.
Be familiar with what specifically a reservoir simulation model is.
Be able to describe the simplifications and issues that arise in going from the
description of a real reservoir to a reservoir simulation model.
Be able to describe why and in what circumstances simple or complex
reservoir models are required to model reservoir processes.
Be able to list what input data is required and where this may be found.
Be able to describe several examples of typical outputs of reservoir
simulations and say how these are of use in reservoir development.
Know the meaning of all the highlighted terms or terms referred to history
matching, black oil model, transmissibility, pseudo relative permeability etc.
Course objectives
And finally (the ultimate goals) you will be able:
To build a model of the reservoir and to examine its performance in terms of
production and pressure.
To predict future performance
To find ways to increase ultimate recovery or to recover the hydrocarbons more
economically (profitability).
Weekly Timetable
Class
Lab
Tutorial
Subject Synopses
Students are introduced to:
Basic equations of fluid in porous media for single and multiphase flow
in 1, 2 and 3 dimensional Cartesian and polar coordinate systems.
Various FiniteDifferenceApproximations to obtain an algebraic system
of equations.
Different solution procedures including direct and iterative methods.
The IMPES solution procedure.
An introduction to compositional simulation and EOS.
Upscaling and pseudo functions concepts.
The students will perform different simulation run to study the relation
between input parameters on simulation results.

Course Outcomes
Identify the different steps (workflow) for developing a
reservoir simulator
Recognize the basic equations of fluid flow in porous media and
their application in different types of reservoir simulators
Apply different schemes of finite difference approximation for
different grid type and different BCs and the different
solution procedure
Identify the data needed for simulation study and explain the
relationship between simulation parameters and simulator
performance
Course Outline
Week1 Date Chapter Remarks
1 23/9/2013 Introduction & fundamental (2 hours)
2 30/9/2013 Basic equations (5 hours)
5 17/10/2013 Finite Difference Approximation (6 hours)
Mid -Semester Break (7 10 November)
10 11/11/2013 Matrix Solvers (2 hours) TEST 1 (week 9)
11 18/11/2013 Black Oil Simulation (6 hours) Project
12 9/12/2013 Solution Methods (3 hours)
13 19/12/2013 Compositional simulation (2 hours)
16 26/12/2013 Pseudo Functions and Upscaling (1 hour) TEST2 (week16)
Study Week (28 Dec-01Jan 2014)
The Final examination is comprehensive
Course Policy
Course instructor: Dr. Mohammed Abdalla Ayoub, abdalla.ayoub@petronas.com.my,
x7086
(the E-learning usage will be the medium and it is encouraged to communicate through it
as much as possible)
Punctuality:
Class : Do not be later than the lecturer
Assignments: due date and time are strictly enforced. Submissions are to be made via E-
Learning , and deadlines will be according to E-Learning time. Advisable to submit earlier and
just 30 minutes or less before deadline.
Quizzes will be unannounced but some will be online through e-learning (maximum
trials of two will be given to each student in a predefined period)
Attendance will be recorded and barring of students from the final exam for attendance
of less than 90% will be enforced. Tutorials when scheduled are included in the teaching
hours.
E-Learning: It is the students responsibility to refer to E-Learning daily for any
instruction that may be given outside the class

Teaching Mode
Syllabus and outcomes are attached
There will a lot of discussion and group work. Reading
assignment materials will be considered part of the
classes and can be included in the test and/or final
examination.
Fundamental classes will concentrate more on developing
strong background about simulation concepts. Many
assessments will be considered including pop-quizzes,
assignments and presentations.
Final Exam 40%

Course work 60%
Assessment
Courseworks Grade Distribution
Item Number Marks
Assignments 4 8
Quizzes 5-6 9
Test 1 1 15
Test 2 1 15
project 2 10
Others (observations, innovations etc.) Unspecified 3
Total 60
Outline
About this class

Brief introduction about reservoir modeling and simulation.
1- Reasons to perform reservoir modeling.
2- Types of Computer Modeling
3- Simulation approaches.
4- Types of Numerical Models.
5- Modeling Concepts
6- Reservoir Simulation Steps.
Historical Developments (about the progress in reservoir simulation from the beginning to current practices).
Reservoir models used: history of simulation
Reservoir simulator classifications
Why it is accepted?.
Introduction To Commercial Reservoir Simulators


Introduction
Reservoir modeling
It exists within the context of the reservoir management function. Although not
universally adopted, reservoir management is often defined as the allocation of
resources to optimize hydrocarbon recovery from a reservoir while minimizing capital
investments and operating expenses
The primary objective in a reservoir management study is to determine the optimum
conditions needed to maximize the economic recovery of hydrocarbons from a
prudently operated field
Reservoir modeling is the most sophisticated methodology available for achieving the
primary reservoir management objective.
Introduction, cont,
Reasons to perform a model study:

from a commercial perspective, is the ability to generate cash flow
predictions.

From two perspectives:
1- corporate impacts
Cash Flow Prediction
Need Economic Forecast of Hydrocarbon Price
2-Reservoir Management
Maximize the economic recovery of hydrocarbon.
Minimize the operation expenses

History Matching
Prediction
Geological Model
Reservoir Simulation Model
Reduce Operation Expenses
Increase Recovery
Introduction, cont,
Prediction of Future performance
Introduction, cont,
Need Data !
John, R. Fanchi Principles of Applied Reservoir Simulator
Available Data

Not Enough Data:
Analogy with other
reservoirs
Correlation
Assumption
Integrated Model
Introduction, cont,
Gridding
Honor geology
Preserve numerical accuracy
Be easy to generate
Gurpinar, 2001
Wolfsteiner et al., 2002
Prevost 2003
Khalid Aziz, Petroleum reservoir simulation
Introduction, cont,
Reservoir Sampling and Scales
Soft Data: Seismic Data related to interpretation
Hard Data: Core and well log measurements
Conceptual scales:
Giga scale Include information associated with geophysical techniques,
such as reservoir architecture
Mega scale Deals with reservoir characterization and it includes well
logging, well testing and 3D seismic analysis
Macro scale Core analysis and fluid property analysis
Micro scale Includes pore scale data obtained from techniques such as thin
section analysis and measurement of grain size distribution
Introduction, cont,
Upscaling
There are many techniques and levels, which are available for
upscaling purpose. Make sure to select the best and Optimum
level of and techniques to minimize the associated errors
21
Gurpinar, 2001
Khalid Aziz, Petroleum reservoir simulation
Summary
To summarize the need for reservoir simulation :
To obtain accurate performance predictions for a hydrocarbon reservoir under
different operating conditions.
In a hydrocarbon-recovery project (which may involve a capital investment of
hundreds of millions of dollars), the risk associated with the selected development
plan must be assessed and minimized.
Factors contributing to the risk:
1. The complexity of the reservoir because of heterogeneous and anisotropic rock
properties;
2. Regional variations of fluid properties and relative permeability characteristics;
3. The complexity of the hydrocarbon- recovery mechanisms; and
4. The applicability of other predictive methods with limitations that may make them
inappropriate (can be controlled through proper use of sound engineering practices
and judicious use of reservoir simulation).
Reservoir Modeling
What is Reservoir modeling:

It is the application of a computer simulation system to the description of fluid
flow in a reservoir.
The computer simulation system is usually just one or more computer
programs.
To minimize confusion, the computer simulation system is called the
reservoir simulator, and the input data set is called the reservoir model.
Reservoir simulation combines physics, mathematics, numerical analysis,
reservoir engineering, and computer programming (engineering experience
and practice) to develop a tool for predicting hydrocarbon-reservoir
performance under various operating conditions.
Reservoir Simulator
Reservoir simulators are computer programs that solve the equations for heat
and mass flow in porous media, subject to appropriate initial and boundary
conditions.
The number and type of equations to be solved depends on:
geological characteristics of the reservoir (single or double porosity),
characteristics of the oil, and
oil recovery process to be modeled.
Types of Computer Modeling
The reservoir
model
Fluid flow Equation within the reservoir. the reservoir is
modeled by subdividing the reservoir volume into an array, or
grid, of smaller volume elements, which called: gridblock, cell,
or node.
The well model
Fluid flow that represents the extraction of fluids from the
reservoir or the injection of fluids into the reservoir
The well bore
mode
Fluid flow from the sand face to the surface

The surface model
constraints associated with surface facilities, such as platform
and separator limitations
Simulation Approaches
Broadly classified, there are two simulation approaches we can take:
analytical (Physical) and numerical (mathematical).

The analytical approach, as is the case in classical well test analysis, involves a great
deal of assumptionsin essence, it renders an exact solution to an approximate problem.

The numerical approach, on the other hand, attempts to solve the more realistic
problem with less stringent assumptionsin other words, it provides an
approximate solution to an exact problem.
Types of Numerical Models
Black oil
Compositional
Chemical flood
Thermal
Dual porosity (fracture)
Gas model (gas gathering system)
Types of Numerical Models, cont,
Black oil model
Depletion
Water Injection
o Component: oil water gas
o Phase: Oil water gas
Gas injection to increase or maintain reservoir pressure
Miscible flooding as the injection gas goes into solution with oil
Carbon dioxide flooding, with the gas soluble in both oil and water
Thick reservoirs with a compositional gradient caused by gravity
Reservoirs with fluid compositions near the bubblepoint
High-pressure, high temperature reservoirs
Natural-fracture reservoir modeling.
o Component: C1,C2, .So2,H2S,N2,..
o Phase: Oil water gas
Polymer and surfactant injection
o Component: Water oil surfactant alcohol
o Phase: Aqueous oleic micro-emulsion
Compositional model
Chemical model
Modeling Concepts
1. Developing study objectives
2. Develop or select an appropriate simulator
3. Review, collect and estimate appropriate data.
4. Make preliminary runs to establish model parameters and limitations.
5. Match available history.
6. Predict performance under different operating scenarios.
7. Analyze results and prepare a report.
8. Plan additional work.
Reservoir Simulation Steps
Essential steps in a simulator are:
1. Read input data (include reservoir description)
2. Initialize
3. Start timestep calculations
linearize equation,
start iteration loop (Newtonian iterations),
solve linear equations by direct or iterative methods,
test for convergence, and
repeat iterations if necessary.
4. Print and plot results at appropriate times
5. End if specified constraints are violated
6. Increment time and go to step 3 if end is not reached
7. End when run complete
Reservoir Simulation Steps, cont,
Or simply the Method can be repeated as:
dividing the reservoir into a number of blocks
Basic data is provided for each block
Wells are positioned within the arrangement of blocks
The required offtake rate is specified as a function of time
The appropriate equations are solved to give the pressure and saturations for each block as well as
the production of each phase from each well
Historical Developments
Evolution of reservoir engineering and reservoir simulation is outlined
in this section. The comments that follow are divided into three
categories:

Traditional Reservoir Engineering (1930 -)
Early Reservoir Simulation (1955 1970)
Modern Reservoir Simulation (1970 onward)
Traditional Reservoir Engineering (1930 -)

Computations with slide rules and mechanical calculators
Representation of reservoir by a single block
One-dimensional analytical solutions for linear two-phase flow and
radial single phase flow
Early Reservoir Simulation (1955 - 1970)

Simulation took months to years for one reservoir
Key word driven interfaces
Difficult work flows integrating maps and nodal analysis
Expert users and long time frames
Not applicable for most assets and real time reservoir management
Applied to top 5% of all assets or less
Assets with long lead times before development
Larger assets and most assets had good permeability
Good economics with or without simulation
Modern Reservoir Simulation (1970 - )

High level of confidence and high cost
Large number of blocks with local grid refinement and irregular shape
Efficient methods for solving nonlinear equations
Robust methods for solving large systems of linear equations
Multi-component fluid description
Improvements in the understanding of complicated processes
Use of graphics and workstations
Availability of supercomputers
Improvements in handling of wells
Today!!!
And today:
Models constructed in minutes to hours to days by everyday engineers
Modern interfaces greatly facilitate work flows
Mapping and nodal analysis seamlessly integrated
Real time reservoir management possible
Smaller offshore and tight reservoirs are the norm
Require optimal development to be economic

Analogy - Well Productivity
- Recovery Factors
- Reservoir Data

Experimental - Measure the reservoir characteristics in
the laboratory models
- Scale these results to the entire
hydrocarbon accumulations

Mathematical - Basic conservation laws and
constitutive equations
- Material Balance (continuity equation)
- Equation of motion (momentum
equation)
- material balance + decline curve+
statistical approaches+ analytical
methods (pressure-transient and
BuckleyLeverett methods)
- Finite Element
- Finite Difference
Reservoir Models Used: History of
Simulation
Reservoir simulator classifications
can be classified in different approaches based on:

1. Type of reservoir fluids being studied (include gas, black oil, and compositional
simulators) and the recovery processes being modeled (include conventional recovery
(black oil), miscible displacement, thermal recovery, and chemical flood simulators).

2. The number of dimensions (1D, 2D, and 3D), the number of phases (single-phase, two-
phase, and three-phase), and the coordinate system used in the model (rectangular,
cylindrical, and spherical).

3. Rock structure or response (ordinary, dual porosity/permeability, and coupled
hydraulic/thermal fracturing and flow).
RECOVERY PROCESS
PRIMARY
1- Gas Cap Expansion
2- Solution gas drive
3- Rock expansion
4- Water drive
5- Gravity drainage
SECONDARY
1- Water flood
2- Pressure maintenance
ENHANCED
Miscible:
1- Hydrocarbon flood
2- Co
2
flood
3- Alcohol flood
4- Enriched gas drive
5- Vaporizing gas drive
Thermal:
1- Steam injection
2- In-situ combustion
3- Wellbore heating
4- hot water injection
Chemical:
1- Alkaline
2- Surfactant
3- Polymer
4- Foam
Why it is accepted???
The widespread acceptance of reservoir simulation can be attributed to
the advances in:
A. computing facilities
B. mathematical modeling
C. numerical methods
D. solver techniques, and
E. visualization tools
Introduction To Commercial Reservoir
Simulators
ECLIPSE
GPRS
SENSOR
NEXUS
UTCHEM
Boast 3
COMET3

Objective
Accuracy
Time
Limitations
User friendly
Easy to integrate

Eclipse reservoir simulator
Commercial reservoir simulator for over 25 years

Black-oil
Compositional
Thermal
Streamline


Eclipse reservoir simulator
Local Grid Refinement
Gas Lift Optimization
Gas Field Operations
Gas Calorific Value-Based
Control
Geomechanics
Coalbed Methane
Networks
Reservoir Coupling
Flux Boundary
Environmental Traces
Open-ECLIPSE Developer's Kit
Pseudo-Compositional
EOR Foam
EOR Polymer
EOR Solvent
EOR Surfactant
Wellbore Friction
Multisegmented Wells
Unencoded Gradients
Parallel ECLIPSE