Training Course on Fractured and Unconventional Reservoir Modelling

Course Title: Training Course on Fractured and Unconventional Reservoir Modelling

Executive Summary

This intensive two-week course provides a comprehensive understanding of fractured and unconventional reservoir modelling techniques. Participants will delve into the complexities of these reservoirs, learning how to characterize, model, and simulate their behavior. The course covers a range of topics, including fracture network characterization, geomechanical modelling, multi-phase flow simulation, and production forecasting. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, participants will gain practical experience in applying these techniques to real-world reservoir problems. This course is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to optimize production and enhance recovery from fractured and unconventional reservoirs. It balances theoretical foundations with practical application, ensuring participants can immediately apply their new skills.

Introduction

Fractured and unconventional reservoirs represent a significant portion of global hydrocarbon resources. However, their complex geological characteristics and flow behavior present unique challenges for reservoir engineers and geoscientists. Effective reservoir modelling is crucial for understanding and predicting the performance of these reservoirs, optimizing production strategies, and maximizing recovery. This training course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques involved in modelling fractured and unconventional reservoirs. The course will cover various aspects of reservoir characterization, fracture network modelling, geomechanical effects, multi-phase flow simulation, and production forecasting. Participants will learn how to integrate geological, geophysical, and engineering data to create realistic reservoir models and use these models to evaluate different development scenarios. The course will also emphasize the importance of uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis in reservoir modelling.

Course Outcomes

• Understand the fundamental principles of fractured and unconventional reservoir characterization.
• Develop skills in building and calibrating fracture network models.
• Learn how to incorporate geomechanical effects into reservoir simulations.
• Gain proficiency in simulating multi-phase flow in fractured and unconventional reservoirs.
• Master techniques for history matching and production forecasting.
• Understand the impact of hydraulic fracturing on reservoir performance.
• Apply reservoir modelling techniques to optimize well placement and production strategies.

Training Methodologies

• Interactive lectures and discussions.
• Hands-on exercises using industry-standard software.
• Case study analysis of real-world reservoir examples.
• Group projects focused on practical problem-solving.
• Software demonstrations and tutorials.
• Q&A sessions with experienced reservoir modelling experts.
• Individual coaching and feedback on modelling projects.

Benefits to Participants

• Enhanced knowledge and skills in fractured and unconventional reservoir modelling.
• Improved ability to characterize and model complex reservoir systems.
• Increased confidence in using reservoir modelling software.
• Greater understanding of the impact of reservoir properties on production performance.
• Improved ability to optimize well placement and production strategies.
• Enhanced career opportunities in the oil and gas industry.
• Access to a network of reservoir modelling experts.

Benefits to Sending Organization

• Improved reservoir management and production optimization.
• Enhanced ability to predict reservoir performance and make informed decisions.
• Reduced risk associated with reservoir development projects.
• Increased efficiency in reservoir modelling workflows.
• Improved communication and collaboration between geoscientists and engineers.
• Greater return on investment in reservoir development projects.
• Development of in-house expertise in fractured and unconventional reservoir modelling.

Target Participants

• Reservoir Engineers
• Geoscientists
• Petroleum Engineers
• Production Engineers
• Simulation Engineers
• Geomodellers
• Team Leads and Asset Managers

WEEK 1: Fundamentals of Fractured and Unconventional Reservoirs

Module 1: Introduction to Fractured and Unconventional Reservoirs

1. Overview of fractured and unconventional reservoirs.
2. Geological characteristics of tight gas, shale gas, and shale oil reservoirs.
3. Petrophysical properties and their impact on reservoir performance.
4. Challenges in characterizing and modelling these reservoirs.
5. Importance of integrating geological, geophysical, and engineering data.
6. Review of case studies of successful fractured and unconventional reservoir developments.
7. Introduction to the course software and data sets.

Module 2: Fracture Characterization and Modelling

1. Fracture identification and characterization techniques (core, image logs, seismic).
2. Fracture network properties (density, orientation, aperture, connectivity).
3. Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modelling techniques.
4. Upscaling fracture properties for reservoir simulation.
5. Integrating fracture data into reservoir models.
6. Geomechanical controls on fracture development and propagation.
7. Hands-on exercise: Building a DFN model.

Module 3: Geomechanics in Fractured Reservoirs

1. Fundamentals of rock mechanics and stress analysis.
2. Impact of in-situ stress on fracture permeability and flow.
3. Geomechanical modelling techniques for fractured reservoirs.
4. Coupled fluid flow and geomechanical simulations.
5. Wellbore stability analysis in fractured formations.
6. Hydraulic fracturing and its impact on reservoir geomechanics.
7. Case study: Geomechanical modelling of a hydraulically fractured reservoir.

Module 4: Petrophysical Evaluation of Unconventional Reservoirs

1. Core analysis techniques for unconventional reservoirs.
2. Log interpretation in shales and tight formations.
3. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) determination and its significance.
4. Clay mineralogy and its impact on reservoir properties.
5. Shale gas storage mechanisms (adsorption, free gas, dissolved gas).
6. Permeability measurement techniques for ultra-low permeability rocks.
7. Practical exercise: Petrophysical evaluation of a shale gas well.

Module 5: Multi-Phase Flow in Fractured Media

1. Fundamentals of multi-phase flow in porous media.
2. Relative permeability and capillary pressure concepts.
3. Fracture-matrix interaction and transfer functions.
4. Dual porosity and dual permeability models.
5. Modelling gas-water and oil-water flow in fractured reservoirs.
6. Numerical simulation of multi-phase flow in fractured media.
7. Introduction to advanced simulation techniques (e.g., embedded discrete fractures).

WEEK 2: Advanced Modelling and Production Optimization

Module 6: History Matching and Production Forecasting

1. History matching techniques for fractured and unconventional reservoirs.
2. Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis.
3. Production data analysis and decline curve analysis.
4. Reservoir model calibration using production data.
5. Predicting future reservoir performance using simulation models.
6. Evaluating different development scenarios and production strategies.
7. Hands-on exercise: History matching a fractured reservoir model.

Module 7: Hydraulic Fracturing Modelling

1. Hydraulic fracturing design principles.
2. Modelling fracture propagation and proppant transport.
3. Impact of hydraulic fracturing on reservoir permeability and production.
4. Integrating hydraulic fracturing models with reservoir simulation.
5. Optimizing hydraulic fracturing parameters (stage spacing, proppant concentration).
6. Microseismic monitoring and its role in hydraulic fracture evaluation.
7. Case study: Modelling a hydraulically fractured shale gas well.

Module 8: Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Techniques in Fractured Reservoirs

1. Overview of EOR methods applicable to fractured reservoirs.
2. Waterflooding and its challenges in fractured media.
3. Chemical EOR techniques (polymer flooding, surfactant flooding).
4. Gas injection EOR (CO2, N2) in fractured reservoirs.
5. Modelling EOR processes in fractured reservoirs.
6. Screening criteria for EOR application in fractured reservoirs.
7. Discussion of EOR potential in specific fractured reservoir case studies.

Module 9: Production Optimization Strategies

1. Well placement optimization in fractured and unconventional reservoirs.
2. Well spacing and drainage area considerations.
3. Artificial lift techniques for low-pressure reservoirs.
4. Rate management strategies for maximizing oil and gas recovery.
5. Managing water production and disposal.
6. Real-time production optimization using data analytics.
7. Group project: Developing a production optimization plan for a given reservoir.

Module 10: Advanced Topics and Future Trends

1. Uncertainty quantification and risk assessment in reservoir modelling.
2. Machine learning applications in reservoir characterization and prediction.
3. Digital oilfield technologies and their impact on reservoir management.
4. Geothermal energy production from fractured reservoirs.
5. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in depleted reservoirs.
6. Emerging trends in fractured and unconventional reservoir development.
7. Course summary and Q&A session with instructors.

Action Plan for Implementation

1. Conduct a thorough assessment of current reservoir modelling practices within the organization.
2. Identify specific areas where the newly acquired skills can be applied to improve reservoir management.
3. Develop a plan to integrate new modelling techniques into existing workflows.
4. Share the knowledge gained with colleagues through internal training sessions and presentations.
5. Implement a pilot project to test the effectiveness of the new modelling techniques.
6. Monitor and evaluate the results of the pilot project and make necessary adjustments.
7. Continuously seek opportunities to expand knowledge and skills in reservoir modelling through ongoing training and research.