Multi phase flow simulation in porous media
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters Spring
- Course code
- ENERGI365
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English. Norwegian if only Norwegian students attend.
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
Reservoir engineering is a multidisciplinary field that integrates geology, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics to understand and predict the flow of fluids in porous rocks. Reservoir simulation is one of the key tools used to maximize resource recovery of hydrocarbons or to evaluate options for underground storage of CO2 and H2. It plays a central role in reservoir characterization, production optimization, economic evaluation, data assimilation, and risk management.
This course provides students with the knowledge and practical skills to become informed and critical users of commercial reservoir simulation software. Students will be introduced to the theoretical foundations of reservoir simulation, the limitations and assumptions behind the models, and the workflow from geological modeling to simulation and output interpretation. Practical exercises with industry-standard software will be used to illustrate how simulations are set up, run, quality control, and analyze for different reservoir types and operations (oil and gas production, CO2 storage, and H2 storage).
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- will be able to explain why reservoir simulation is important and what it is used for in reservoir engineering and subsurface energy systems.
- will be able to describe the principles behind a reservoir simulator, including what it can and cannot do.
- will be able to understand the role of reservoir simulation within the broader workflow of geological modeling and reservoir management.
Skills
The student
- will be able to set up and run reservoir simulations using commercial software.
- will be able to control and adjust simulations by modifying input data and boundary conditions.
- will be able to visualize, interpret, and critically evaluate simulation results, including plots, maps, and production forecasts.
- Apply simulation tools to different types of reservoirs and operations (oil, gas, CO2, H2).
General competence
The student
- will be able to assess the strengths and limitations of reservoir simulation as a decision-making tool.
- will be able to communicate the outcomes of simulation studies to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- will be able to reflect on the role of simulation in managing uncertainty, economic evaluation, and sustainable resource use.
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
The teaching method is by lectures and laboratory exercises.
Lectures, 2 hours a week for 10 weeks.
Laboratory exercises, 4 hours for 6 weeks.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Compulsory attendance at lectures and laboratory exercises.
Laboratory reports.
Compulsory assignments are valid for 2 subsequent semesters.
Forms of Assessment
The forms of assessment are:
- Oral examination, 100 % of total grade.