Course content

Basic principles of flow in porous media and corresponding discussion of fundamental properties of the reservoir system to determine fluid distribution, static and dynamic flow properties. Determination of fundamental properties of reservoir rock system in the lab.

Topics;

• Rock properties: Sampling, sample preparation, permeability and porosity, rock types.
• Fluid properties: Density, viscosity, interfacial tension.
• Rock fluid properties: Wettability, capillary pressure, resistivity, relative permeability.
• Additional concepts: Reservoir system, transition zone, Darcy’s law, two-phase flow, EOR.

Learning outcome

Ingress: The students shall learn basic theory of important fundamental principles of flow in porous media, specifically reservoir engineering including corresponding reservoir properties and determination of main reservoir properties using core analysis.

Knowledge: The students shall understand the fundamental application of reservoir properties on one- and two-phase flow in subsurface reservoirs. They shall learn how the data is generated in the lab and corresponding shall be able to judge on applicability and error and weakness in the data when used in other reservoir engineering tools.

Skills: The students shall be able to conduct basic measurements in a core lab and conduct data analysis. They shall be able to judge the value of lab data for further use. Digital component: Use of Sendra for core analysis.

General competence: The objective of the course is to learn fundamental principles of flow in porous media, with a specific focus on reservoir engineering including laboratory techniques and understanding the source of lab data as an aid for further studies in reservoir engineering and related subjects.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, compulsory exercises and/or laboratory exercises. Lectures are held in English. Exercises can also include the use of programming tools. Course evaluation is carried out by a reference group giving students' feedbacks to the course coordinator.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Course materials

Torsæter, O. and Abtahi, M.: Experimental Reservoir Engineering. IPT, 2004.

Further references provided during the course.

Credit reductions