Experimental Reservoir Physics

Level of Study

Master

Teaching semester

Spring

Objectives and Content

Objectives and content

The aim of the course is to know experimental methods in reservoir technology and to independently perform experiments to measure parameters that are important during production of hydrocarbons and storage of greenhouse gases. During laboratory exercises the student perform core analysis to measure porosity, permeability, fluid displacement and storage, capillary pressure, relative permeability and wettability preference of the porous media.

Numerical simulation of experimental data will be performed for history maching and estimation of parameters. Knowledge of experimental methods of multiphase flow in porous rocks is important for CO2 storage and to reduce carbon footprint in underground energy production within oil and gas production, hydrate utilization, geothermal heat and to limit chemical and radioactive contamination.

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

• has knowledge of various experimental methods in reservoir physics.
• know fundamental properties of reservoir rocks and fluids.
• can explain different parameters and their influence on fluid flow, production and storage in porous rocks
• has knowledge of using experimental data in numerical simulations.

Skills

The student

• can measure the properties of porous rocks related to energy production and storage.
• can perform experiments to determine the production and storage capacity of core samples.
• can interpret experiments with multi-phase flow in porous rocks.
• can perform core analysis without supervision.
• can use experimental data in a numerical simulator for history maching and estimating parameters.

General competence

The student

• includes HSE in laboratory work and has expertise in personal protective equipment and can safely handle chemicals and equipment.
• can manage and analyze experimentally measured data for core analysis.
• can write a scientific report.

Required Previous Knowledge

PTEK211

Recommended Previous Knowledge

None

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

PTEK214: 10 ECTS

Access to the Course

Access to the course requires admission to a programme of study at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching method is by lectures and laboratory exercises.

Lectures, 2 hours a week for 10 weeks
Laboratory exercises, 4-8 hours for 4 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:

Laboratory reports, 50 % of total grade
Oral Examination, 50 % of total grade.

Examination Support Material

None

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Assessment Semester

Spring

Reading List

The reading list will be available within December 1st for spring semester

Course Evaluation

The course will be avaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department.