Fundamentals of Reservoir Physics

Course Objective: The course aims to provide a fundamental introduction to reservoir physics and a solid academic foundation for understanding multiphase flow in porous media. Students will gain an overview of opportunities within the study direction "reservoir and geoenergy," with a particular focus on low-emission technology in petroleum production, energy storage, geothermal energy, and CO2 storage.

Content: The course provides an introduction to general reservoir physics, emphasizing the physical processes underlying oil/gas production, CO2 storage, geothermal extraction, and energy storage. Basic parameters and equations covered include porosity, absolute and relative permeability, saturation, wettability, capillary pressure, fluid dynamics, fluid mixing, and well technology. Technologies for reducing the carbon footprint in petroleum production, such as hydrogen and CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), are introduced.

Upon completing the course, students will have the following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

• can explain central topics in reservoir physics
• can describe properties of porous media and geological formations/reservoirs
• can describe multiphase flow in porous media
• can explain parameters such as porosity, permeability, pressure, temperature, capillary pressure, miscibility, relative permeability, and wettability
• can explain the principles of well drilling

Skills:

The student

• can use equations and measurements that describe multiphase flow in porous media
• can contribute to the implementation of low-emission technology

General Competence:

The student

• can give short presentations on relevant topics
• can participate in academic discussions on energy transition