UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS OF THE PERMIAN BASIN

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
PENG 4306-001
NUMERICAL RESERVOIR SIMULATION
Spring 2017
INSTRUCTOR: Abdallah Harouaka
OFFICE: IT 100
CLASS HOURS: 05:40 06:55 MW
CLASS ROOM: IT 116
OFFICE PHONE: 552-2216
E-MAIL: harouaka_a@utpb.edu
OFFICE HOURS: MWF: 10:00-12:00 (or by appointment)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Introduction to the theory and application of numerical simulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Formulation of equations and finite difference methods of approximation, models initialization,
history matching and predictions.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
PENG 3304, and/or consent of instructor.
REQUIRED COURSE TEXTBOOK:
Ertekin, T., J. Abou-Kassem and G. King: Basic Applied Reservoir Simulation, ISBN: 1-55563089-8, SPE Textbook Series/ 2001.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of numerical reservoir simulation;
starting with numerical models classification and formulation of basic equations for single-phase
flow. With the help of a commercial black oil model, students will learn how to build a
numerical model and state of the art utilization of these powerful tools.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course is a primer on numerical simulation of hydrocarbon reservoirs. On completion of the
course, students will learn to:
a. Analyze and predict reservoir performance using a commercial black oil
numerical model.
b. Recognize different types of numerical models.

c. Finite-difference approximation to linear-flow equations.

d. Initialization, history matching and prediction steps.
e. Practical aspects of reservoir simulation.
f. Comprehend the relationship between numerical reservoir simulation and
classical reservoir engineering approaches.

COURSE CONTENT:
The main topics to be covered in the course, from the textbook, include:
1. Introduction, Chapter 1
2. Basic reservoir engineering concepts & reservoir rock & fluid properties, Chapter 2
3. Basic mathematical concepts, Chapter 3
4. Basic equation for single phase flow, Chapter 4
5. Finite-difference approximation to linear-flow equations , Chapter 5
6. Well representation, Chapter 6
7. Practical aspects of reservoir simulation, Chapter 10
8. Relationship between numerical reservoir simulation and classical reservoir engineering
approaches, Chapter 11

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
1

Jan. 18

Review of the Syllabus

CH1: Reservoir Simulation

CH1: Introduction to Reservoirs

Approach

Simulation

HW1

Jan. 23

Jan. 30

Jan. 25
CH2. Rock & Fluid Properties

CH2. Reservoir Engineering

Concepts

Jan. 18

HW2
6

CH3: Basic Math. Concepts

Febr.1
CH3: Basic Math. Concepts
HW3

Febr.6

CH4: Single Phase Basic Equations

CH4: Single Phase Basic Equations

Class examples

HW4

Febr.13

10

CH5: Finite Difference

Approximation
6

Febr.20

Feb. 27

12

Mar. 6

Febr.22
1st MIDTERM

14

Mar.1
CH6: Well Representation

CH5: Finite Difference

Approximation
8

Febr.15
CH5: Finite Difference
Approximation HW5

Review session
7

Febr.8

HW6
16

CH6: Well Representation

Mar. 8
CH6: Well Representation
HW7

Mar. 13

18

Spring break
10

Mar. 20
CH10: Practical aspects of

Mar. 15
Spring break

20

Mar. 22
CH10: Practical aspects of

reservoir simulation

reservoir simulation
HW8

11

Mar. 27

22

2nd MIDTERM

Review session
12

Apr. 3

24

E100: Introduction
13

Apr. 10

Apr. 17

26

Apr. 24

28

May 1

Apr. 19
More on gridding

30

History matching
16

Apr. 12
initialization

Initialization
15

Apr. 5
E100: Introduction

Static reservoir description

14

Mar. 29

Apr. 26
History matching

32

Review session

May 3
Review session
SRTE

17

May 8
FINAL EXAM WEEK

34

May 10
FINAL EXAM WEEK

EVAUATION REQUIREMENTS:
All exams will be closed book and closed notes. A single letter-size page with formulas and
other annotations will be allowed. Course grading will be weighted as follows: homework
assignments and attendance (5%), midterm exams (2 at 30% each), final exam (35%). Any
changes will be announced in class.

Grading scale:
A
B+
B
C+

90 100%
85 89%
80 84%
75 79%

C
D+
D
F

70 74%
65 69%
60 64%
less than 60%

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance is expected at all classes. Make-up exams may be given only for documented
medical reasons, emergencies, or University sponsored activities. Advance notice must be given
for absence due to University sponsored activities.

POLICY ON SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY:

The integrity of a university degree depends on the integrity of the work done for that degree by
each student. The University expects a student to maintain a high standard of individual honor in
all scholastic work (Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents).
Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the
submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another
person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student, or the attempt to commit such
acts. Detailed information on scholastic dishonesty along with disciplinary procedures is outlined
in the Handbook of Operation Procedures, Part 5, Section 1, and the Student Guide.
Unless otherwise stated, all work submitted for grading is to be an individual effort. Assignments
to be completed as a team or group effort will be so stated.

OTHER POLICIES:
1. Please excuse yourself from the classroom if you need to use a cell phone or texting
devise.
2. Classroom behavior should not interfere with the instructors ability to conduct the class
or the ability of other students to learn from the instructional program (Code of Student Life).
Unacceptable or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Students engaging in unacceptable
behavior may be instructed to leave the classroom. Inappropriate behavior may result in
disciplinary action or referral to the Universitys Behavioral Intervention Team. This prohibition

applies to all instructional forums, including electronic, classroom, labs, discussion groups, field
trips, etc.
DISABILITIES:
Any student who feels that he or she may require assistance for any type of physical or learning
disability should consult with the instructor as soon as possible. To request academic
accommodations for a disability contact Efren Castro, Director of the PASS office in the Mesa
Building Room 1160, 432-552-2631 or email castro_e@utpb.edu. Students are required to
provide documentation of disability to PASS Office prior to receiving accommodations.

ABET Student Outcomes

a. Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to solve reservoir
engineering problems and derive the diffusivity equation. [ABET Criterion (a)]
b. Students will have the ability to analyze and predict reservoir performance using the
material balance approach and pertinent equations. [ABET Criterion (b)]
c. Students will be able to understand the principles, basic tools and concepts of reservoir
engineering. Through group homeworks, students will be able to function properly and
work in a team [ABET Criterion (d)]
d. Students will be able to solve examples and problems when predicting reservoir
performance and natural water influx in reservoirs. They will be able to identify,
formulate, and solve engineering problems and typical examples such as gas and/or water
coning. [ABET Criterion (e)]
e. Students will be able to understand their professional and ethical responsibility, when
producing hydrocarbons along with brackish reservoir water, to preserve the community
and the environment and understand the impact of reservoir engineering on Texas, the
nation and worldwide. [ABET Criterion (f)]
f. Students will be able to recognize the limitation of the existing technology and logistics
and how to modify their design to meet the standards. They will be able to communicate
effectively with others from different fields such as geologists, geophysicists, etc. to
achieve the optimum design for their reservoir engineering program. [ABET Criterion
(g)]
g. This course is a primer on a major aspect of Petroleum Engineering: Reservoir
Engineering and the students will gain the ability to use the up-to-date techniques, skills,
and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. [ABET Criterion (k)]
RELATION OF COURSE TO PROGRAM OUTCOMES
a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic
constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, health and safety,
manufacturability, and sustainability
d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

g) An ability to communicate effectively.
h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global,
economic, environmental, and societal context.
i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning.
j) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for
engineering practice.

IMPORTANT DATES:
First day of classes:
Last day to drop without
creating an academic record:
Exam 1:
Spring Break:
Exam 2:
Last day drop/withdraw:
Final exam week:

Jan. 17
Febr. 1
Febr. 22
Mar. 13-17
Mar. 29
Mar. 31
May 8-11