Tabassum Yasmin

Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.

University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Research theme: Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery

Theme lead: Prof. Mehran Sohrabi
Research projects:

Carbonated Water Injection

Depressurisation
CO2 Injection for EOR and Storage Purposes
CO2 Leakage Prevention Method
Fractured Reservoir
Gas Condensate Recovery
Low Salinity Water Injection Studies
Heavy Oil
Ultrasonic and Sonic Stimulation
Characterization of 3-phase flow and Water Alternating Gas (WAG) Injection
This theme, which is also known as the Centre for Enhanced Oil Recovery and CO 2 Solutions, uses IPEdesigned and built experimental micro-model facilities and modelling techniques to understand the
fundamental recovery mechanisms governing multiphase displacements in hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Techniques combine direct visualisation studies of displacements at the pore scale with core-scale studies
carried out under reservoir conditions.
Ground-breaking work in this area has demonstrated how an increase in flow rate leads to improvements in
gas-condensate relative permeability. This work is critical for reliable prediction of gas-condensate reservoir
performance. The group developed rock-type specific correlations now available in major commercial
reservoir simulators (VIP, ECLIPSE).
In the Characterization of 3-phase flow and Water Alternating Gas (WAG) Injection and Heavy Oil

Depressurisation projects, novel micromodel technology has been used to elucidate the central pore-scale
physics governing flow in porous media. The current three-phase network models are considered the most
advanced of their type, particularly for the physics of wetting films and layers (which assist in the drainage
of oil). One of the main theoretical advances is the application of thermodynamic theory to establish the
proper two- and three-phase capillary entry conditions.
Depressurisation pore-scale physics has been extensively studied experimentally and theoretically. 3D
network models for analysing pressure depletion in light and heavy oil systems have been developed, the
first to explicitly couple non-equilibrium PVT behaviour, gravitational migration of discontinuous gas
structures and viscous forces. Network modelling has also been used for to examine flow in biological
systems (flow in vascular beds). This innovative approach received a Discipline Hopping Award from MRC
and EPSRC and has highlighted a number of important new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Activities have expanded with the launch of several new JIPs and Research Council projects. The Heavy Oil
Recovery project investigates a novel method for improving the cold production of heavy oils by combining
water and CO2 injection, whilst the Carbonated Water Injection (CWI) project investigates the effect of CO 2enriched water flooding on reservoir rock and fluids as a method of oil recovery and CO 2 storage. A new
industrial project investigating hysteresis phenomena associated with reservoir re-pressurisation and a new
BBSRC grant examining blood flow in developing retinal vasculatures.
A Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept grant has recently been awarded to develop and commercialise a
patented idea for prevention of CO2 leakage from geological reservoirs, which is considered a major risk for
CO2 capture and storage.

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Experimental Studies of the Fundamentals of Enhanced Oil Recovery

Multiple full international PhD and post-doctoral positions available at Heriot-Watt in conjunction with
COPPE/UFRJ.
Note: These vacancies are only open to Brazilian nationals or foreigners who hold a permanent visa
for Brazil.
PhD studentships
Applicants are invited to apply for PhD positions at Heriot Watt, in collaboration with COPPE/UFRJ, to
study experimental Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). The positions will be hosted for four years at the Heriot
Watt Institute of Petroleum Engineering, under the supervision of Professor Mehran Sohrabi, with joint
supervision by Professor Paulo Couto at COPPE/UFRJ.
The positions will be based in the world leading experimental EOR facilities of Professor Sohrabi, studying
experimentally the theory and principles of many EOR techniques, such as water flooding, wateralternating-gas injection and carbon dioxide injection reservoir production schemes.
Students will be registered as full time students at Heriot-Watt University, and will receive a PhD degree
from Heriot-Watt when the programme is successfully completed.
Benefits of the program to the selected candidates

PhD study in world leading experimental EOR laboratory of Professor Sohrabi

CNPq (Science without Borders) scholarship in Heriot Watt with all associated benefits (dependent
on CNPq approval)
University fees in Heriot-Watt University
Attendance at two conferences annually (one national and one international)
Funds for research related costs
Approved candidates requirements

Positions only available to Brazilian nationals or foreigners with permanent visas in Brazil
MSc thesis in Engineering discipline, preferably Petroleum Engineering, ideally including an
experimental component
Proficiency in English (TOEFLS or IELTS certificates) Language of study will be English
More Information
For informal enquiries and to apply, please contact Professor Paulo Couto atpcouto@petroleo.ufrj.br and
Professor Mehran Sohrabi at mehran.sohrabi@pet.hw.ac.uk
Post-doctoral positions
Applicants are invited to apply for post-doctoral positions at Heriot-Watt, in collaboration with
COPPE/UFRJ, to study experimental Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). The positions will be hosted for two
years at the Heriot Watt Institute of Petroleum Engineering, under the supervision of Professor Mehran
Sohrabi, with joint supervision by Professor Paulo Couto at COPPE/UFRJ.
The positions will be based in the world leading experimental EOR facilities of Professor Sohrabi, studying
experimentally the theory and principles of many EOR techniques, such as water flooding, wateralternating-gas injection and carbon dioxide injection reservoir production schemes.
Successful applicants will be registered as visiting researchers at Heriot Watt University.
Benefits of the program to the selected candidates

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Post-doctoral study in world leading experimental EOR laboratory of Professor Sohrabi

CNPq (Science without Borders) scholarship in Heriot-Watt with all associated benefits (dependent
on CNPq approval)
University fees in Heriot Watt University
Attendance at two conferences annually (one national and one international)
Funds for research related costs
Top-up scholarship offered by BG Group
Approved candidates requirements

Positions only available to Brazilian nationals or foreigners with permanent visas in Brazil
PhD thesis in an Engineering discipline, preferably Petroleum Engineering, including an
experimental component
Proficiency in English (TOEFLS or IELTS certificates) Language of study will be English
More Information
For informal enquiries and to apply, please contact Professor Paulo Couto atpcouto@petroleo.ufrj.br and
Professor Mehran Sohrabi at mehran.sohrabi@pet.hw.ac.uk

Avoiding asphaltene problems: an integrated experimental and modelling approach

This research proposal is submitted by the combined international research expertise of laboratories/research
teams from Heriot-Watt University, Technical University of Crete and Schlumberger.
The proposed collaborative integrated experimental and modelling research programme aims to address flow
assurance challenges associated with asphaltene precipitation and deposition with particular emphasis to
EOR applications.
It is widely believed that asphaltene is becoming a very challenging and important flow assurance issue,
considering the increase in deepwater exploration/production applications as well as the significant increase
in EOR projects, in particular CO2-EOR.
Furthermore, recent development in understanding the nature of asphaltene, the testing facilities/procedures,
and in the precipitation preventive techniques warrant a new look at this old problem (Hammami and
Ratulowski, 2007).
The proposed programme is oriented towards a better understanding of asphaltene formation/deposition in
reservoir, wellbore/tubing, pipelines and process facilities.
It is also proposed to investigate some of the challenges associated with sampling reservoir oils, such as the
effect of mud filtrate contamination as well as the reversibility of asphaltene flocculation and re-dissolution,
asphaltene deposition in reservoir rock, etc.
A novel setup is proposed to investigate the effect of shear rate on asphaltene deposition, in conjunction to
the conventional core flooding approach. It is envisaged to conduct full fluid analysis on test samples to
maximise the information available for efficient and reliable thermodynamic modelling which is also part of
this research proposal.
Scope
The actual scope of the project will be finalised based on the number of sponsors and their priorities.
Specific topics for investigation

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Effect of mud filtrate contamination on the reservoir oil's asphaltene test results
Reversibility of asphaltene formation
Critical evaluation of asphaltene testing techniques
Exhaustive reservoir fluid characterisation on 2-3 samples
Investigating asphaltene precipitation/deposition in reservoir, wellbore and pipelines with particular
emphasis to CO2-EOR processes
Evaluating the performance of asphaltene inhibitors
Developing a predictive model based on the newly acquired knowledge on asphaltene's structure
Generating experimental data on the effect of shear rate on asphaltene deposition, using a new
experimental setup. The aim is developing a framework for numerical modelling.
Management and reporting
A Technical Steering Committee comprising of principal investigators and sponsors representatives will
meet every six months to review progress, objectives and the future work programme.
Results will be reported in bi-annual reports submitted to sponsors prior to Steering Committee meetings.
Project cost and duration
The proposed annual contribution is 45k per sponsor based on 6 sponsors supporting the project for a 3year duration.
It is suggested to start the project in June 2014 or as soon as 3 sponsors have confirmed their support. In the
latter case, the project scope will be revised based on priorities of the project sponsors.
Contact
For further details and/or full proposal please contact:
Prof Bahman Tohidi
Institute of Petroleum Engineering
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
EH14 4AS, UK
Tel: +44 (0)131 451 3672
Fax: +44 (0)131 451 3127
Email: Bahman.Tohidi@pet.hw.ac.uk
Research Gateway profile: Bahman Tohidi Kalorazi

Hydrate safety margin monitoring and early detection systems

Executive summary
The two main objectives of this research proposal are:

developing methods/devices for determining the concentration of hydrate inhibitors and hydrate
safety margin, and
developing techniques for detecting early signs of hydrate formation.
The first is to ensure that the system is adequately inhibited against hydrate formation and for optimising
inhibitor injection rates, whereas the second is to develop an early detection/warning system if hydrates start
to form (prior to hydrate build up and pipeline blockage)
The initial objective was based on downstream sampling and monitoring with the ultimate objective of
online monitoring and early warning systems against risks associated with hydrate formation.

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

In the first three phases of this project we investigated a number of techniques. After extensive experimental
work and consultation with the project sponsors, we have identified a number of techniques for monitoring
and early warning systems
Prototypes for these techniques have been constructed and tested in the sponsors' laboratories as well as
several field trials around the world
A hydrate safety margin monitoring technique (HydraCHEK) based on measuring conductivity and acoustic
velocity in an aqueous sample has been commercialised. The implementation of the technique in a North
Sea field has resulted in significant savings in inhibitor costs, reducing product contamination and associated
removal costs, extending the life of the reservoir and recovery factor.
An online HydraCHEK system is being developed through an ITF project by Hydrafact and in collaboration
with Secauto.
Objectives
The main objectives of Phase 4 of the project can be summarised as:

Developing integrated hydrate monitoring-early detection systems

Integrating the developed techniques with existing field facilities and technologies
Developing techniques for online detection of initial signs of hydrate formation
Further development or field trail/deployment of the previously developed techniques
The above topics are discussed in some details in the enclosed proposal.
Benefit/objectives

Minimising gas hydrate blockage risks

Optimising hydrate inhibitor injection rates, resulting in extending the field life, improved
economics and minimising potential environmental impacts
Minimising the risks associated with potential human error and/or mechanical failure of inhibitor
injection pumps
Giving more time for remedial action by detecting signs of initial hydrate formation(i.e., an early
warning system)
Outline budget
The total cost of this two year project is estimated at 375 k. The proposed annual contribution is37.5 k
per sponsor. Invoicing can be timed to match sponsor financial year planning. The project was launched in
September 2013
Contact
For further details and/or full proposal please contact:
Prof Bahman Tohidi
Institute of Petroleum Engineering
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
EH14 4AS, UK
Tel: +44 (0)131 451 3672
Fax: +44 (0)131 451 3127
Email: Bahman.Tohidi@pet.hw.ac.uk
Research Gateway profile: Bahman Tohidi Kalorazi

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Behaviour and Modelling of Faults/Fractures/Fluids System (BMFFFS)

Introduction

The BMFFFS Project (Behaviour and Modelling of Faults/Fractures/Fluids Systems) is one of a set of six
research projects concerned with the theme of "Structurally Complex Reservoirs". This large, themed
programme of research - involving projects conducted by a number of international research groups- was
brokered by the Industry Technology Facilitator on behalf of its member companies. The BMFFFS Project
began in Q2 of 2002 and will be completed in early 2005. The research team working on BMFFFS consists
of scientists and engineers based at Heriot-Watt, Leeds, Texas A&M and Kent Universities.
The goal of BMFFFS is:
To make a step-change in the way that faults are considered in exploration and production strategies, by

Collating and consolidating the present understanding of fault architectures and properties

Developing new simulation approaches for calculating single- and multi-phase fluid flow in
these complex regions, including a consideration of coupled geomechanical effects

Formulating a new geomechanical understanding of the faulting process, from the grain-scale to
the development of fault arrays

Advancing our knowledge, and database, of fault-rock petrophysical properties

Creating and applying new workflows for incorporating these results into reservoir-scale
analysis

The concept underpinning BMFFFS is that a consideration of the flow effects of faulting needs to be added
to the normal analysis approach. Knowledge about the distribution of faults, and fault properties, can be
obtained from several sources. Using appropriate simulation tools, the flow effects of faults can be
determined for situations relevant to reservoir production processes, or to the faulting process itself. A key
challenge is to develop practical ways to use this knowledge within industry workflows.

Reservoir Management is dependent on Flow Simulations, as well as other aspects not illustrated here. In
complex reservoirs, Flow Simulation requires acknowledgement of two major elements. One element is the
Background Geology, which is the focus of typical reservoir characterisation. The other element, and the
focus of this project, is the role of Faults. The diagram illustrates the several ways by which we might
predict or analyse the flow effects of faults.

Centre for Enhanced Oil Recovery and CO2 Solutions

The Centre for Enhanced Hydrocarbon Recovery and CO 2 Solutions (formerly the Hydrocarbon Recovery
Mechanisms project) has been investigating various hydrocarbon recovery mechanisms to improve the
current understanding of the pertinent processes and produce information required for the efficient planning

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

and management of field production. Unique laboratory core test facilities, high pressure flow visualisation
in micromodels, mechanistic and numerical modelling of flow through porous media are used to achieve
research objectives.
High pressure flow visualisation at the pore level is performed in three high pressure micromodel rigs
resulting in more understanding of the reservoir processes as well as quantitative information. Four core test
facilities operating at simulated reservoir conditions, including X-ray local saturation measurement
capabilties, are used to produce field specific and generic data. Mechanistic and numerical modelling of flow
through porous media, based on in-house experimental observation and measurements, are conducted to
generalise research results.
The research programs, which are based on the view of project sponsors, are prepared and successfully
conducted using the available unique facilities helping both theoretical and experimental teams of expertise.
The research areas include flow of gas-condensate near the wellbore, well deliverability improvement,
trapping of hydrocarbon by water and its subsequent remobilisation by depressurisation, water alternating
gas (WAG) injection, miscible WAG and simultaneous injection of water and gas (SWAG) and recovery
from naturally fractured reservoirs.

Production Technology
Theme Lead: Prof. David Davies
Joint industry project

Intelligent Well and Fields systems Technology (IWFsT)

The principal work in this theme is our current joint industry project. The project focuses on the added
value achievable from intelligent wells and fields technology.
This JIP has built up expertise over a number of years gained from work completed in earlier phases; IWFsT
phases I & II and IWsT.
Our research is developing evaluation methodologies and techniques for well and field monitoring, control
and optimisation. These IWFsT tools are illustrated by their use for analysis of sponsor supplied case
studies.
This JIP is supported by a wide range of industrial sponsors . We also provide consultancy and short courses
to the industry.
Reservoir stress state management
The group also has been involved in the study of water injection, sand production, rock testing and
modelling related to production issues for both Clastic (mainly N Sea) and Carbonate reservoirs (mainly
Middle East).
The modelling has concentrated around coupled modelling of stress related production process and has lead
to the development of the concept of reservoir stress state management.

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Enhanced Oil Recovery

Larry Lake (larry_lake@mail.utexas.edu) is the Program Manager of the Enhanced Oil Recovery research
program.
The focus of the Enhanced Oil Recovery program is on techniques that offer prospects for ultimately
producing 25 to 50 percent, or more, of a reservoir's original oil in place. The major categories of EOR
research include: thermal recovery, gas injection, and chemical injection.
EOR Research Projects
Alkali-Surfactant-Gas Injection as a Novel Enhanced Oil Recovery Technique
Quoc P. Nguyen, Gary A. Pope
Conventional Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) flooding is an attractive enhanced oil recovery method.
However, a significant fraction of reservoirs, such as naturally fractured carbonates with low matrix
permeability, are not suitable candidates for the use of polymers.
In addition, the use of polymer for very high salinity and high temperature formations may not be

economically feasible. Foam can be an alternative to polymer for improving the displacement efficiency in
chemical-EOR processes. The use of foam as a mobility control agent by co-injection or alternate injection
of gas and chemical slug is termed, here, as the Alkali Surfactant Gas (ASG) Process. Foam reduces the
relative permeability of the injected chemical slug that forms microemulsion at ultra-low oil-water
interfacial tension (IFT) and generates sufficient viscous pressure gradient to drive the foamed chemical
slug. The concept of using the ASG process as an enhanced oil recovery technique is relatively new, with
very little experimental and theoretical work available on the subject. New surfactant structures with dual
properties of foaming and emulsification, and alkali metaborates have been developed and used in coreflood
experiments. Maximum recoveries of 95% of remaining oil after waterflood were observed, indicating a
strong synergic effect of foam and ultra-low oil-water IFT on oil recovery.
CFD Study of Reduced Residual Oil by Viscoelastic Polymers
Matt Balhoff
Surprisingly, recent experimental and field observations indicate that the addition of viscoelastic polymers
improve oil recovery by an additional 20%, contrary to the conventional wisdom that polymers should have
no impact on residual oil saturation.
My research group has performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of viscoelastic flow
around static oil droplets in geometries representative of pore throats. We show that normal forces are
significant for viscoelastic fluids and increase with De and the total force imposed on the droplet may be
larger than an equivalent Newtonian fluid with the same viscosity. Results indicate that normal forces could
dominate, and the total, effective force would be enough to mobilize trapped oil. My research group is
currently performing additional CFD simulations for dynamic multiphase flow and developing a multiphase
pore-network model; the results have led to a new fundamental understanding of the forces involved in
mobilization of trapped oil by elastic polymers and potentially applied to billions of barrels of currently
unrecoverable oil.
PhD student: Ali Afsharpoor
Postdoc: Dr. Peixi Zhu
Publication:

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Afsharpoor, A., Balhoff, M.T., Bonnecaze, R. and Huh, C., CFD modeling of the effect of polymer
elasticity on residual oil saturation at the pore-scale, Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering,
Volume 94-95, pages 79-88, September 2012, published online June 26, 2012, doi:
10.1016/j.petrol.2012.06.027.

Experimental Investigation of Reduced Residual Oil as a Result of Viscoelastic Polymer Floods

Matt Balhoff
An extension of our work in computational fluid dynamics, this new project involves microfluidic and
coreflood experiments to better understand the reduction of residual oil.
Microfluidics are an attractive option because they can be used to approximate the geometry of pores in
reservoir rocks, and cameras can be used to visualize flow and the mobilization of trapped oil. The
microfluidic devices are of converging/diverging geometry and/or include dead end pores with trapped oil.
Macroscale, coreflood experiments are also being performed by varying conditions not investigated by other
authors.
MS/PhD student: Pengpeng Qi
MS student: Dan Ehrenfried
Undergraduate Researcher: Youssef El-Kady

Fundamental Study of Polymer Flow and Degradation in Injection Chokes

Matt Balhoff
Polymers are useful during EOR because of their high viscosity, caused largely by the long chains of the
molecules.
When polymers flow under a large amount of shear, mechanical degradation can occur, breaking

the bonds, reducing the molecular weight, and therefore reducing the viscosity. The goal of this study is to
perform computational fluid dynamics modeling in injection choke valves to measure the amount of simple
and extensional shear on the polymers at field conditions. Additionally, small-scale experiments are
conducted to measure the change in molecular weight and viscosity when the same amount of shear is
imposed on the polymer. The findings will result in a new understanding of the effects of shear degradation
and optimal field conditions for injection.
MS student: Rebecca Leonard
Undergraduate researcher: James Patterson
Undergraduate researcher: Jerry Moma

Novel Concept of Surfactant Design for Subsurface CO2 Processes

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Quoc P. Nguyen, Gary A. Pope

This funded project is aimed at development of novel surfactants that improve the conformance of CO2 in
subsurface processes such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery and/or sequestration.
The molecular design of these novel surfactants is based on two principal pore-scale processes:

foaming and emulsification. Particularly, surfactants can be efficiently delivered through the CO2 phase to
some areas in the formation where these processes are desired (e.g. normally swept zone). This novel
concept has the potential to reduce significantly the chemical cost for CO2 subsurface processes. In addition,
the performance of the surfactants is partially controlled by the oil phase such that foaming/emulsification of
CO2 does not impair the efficiency of the miscible displacement of oil by CO2.

Polymer Injectivity for a Horizontal Well with Coupled Formation-Wellbore Hydraulics

Matt Balhoff, Mojdeh Delshad, Chun Huh
Polymers are often injected into horizontal wells during EOR processes. During injection of these highviscosity, non-Newtonian polymers, a significant pressure drop may occur along the length of the well.
Accurate models for pressure drop in the well and polymer leakage into the reservoir are necessary for
simulation but presently do not exist.

We have developed new, approximate models for pressure in horizontal wells based on pore-scale
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of coupled well/reservoir flow. Here, the polymer is shearthinning in the wellbore and may exhibit viscoelastic effects in the surrounding reservoir. The CFD results
are used to improve existing analytical models for simple, Newtonian flows. The closed-form model
accounts for fluid, well, and reservoir properties and can easily be implemented into conventional reservoir
simulators.
MS student: Greg Jackson
Publication:

Jackson, G.T., Balhoff, M.T., Huh, C. and Delshad, M., CFD-based representation of nonNewtonian polymer injectivity for a horizontal well with coupled formation-wellbore hydraulics, Journal of
Petroleum Science and Engineering, Volume 78, Issue 1, pages 86-95, July 2011. doi:
10.1016/j.petrol.2011.05.007

Three-Phase Flow (Experiments and Simulation)

David DiCarlo
Understanding the dynamics of three-phase flow is essential for optimizing enhanced oil recovery and
vadose zone remediation processes. The ultimate recovery of oil and other non-aqueous phase liquids
(NAPLs) depends on the residual saturations and relative permeabilites of each of the phases. In particular,
the wettability of the porous media affects the placement of the fluids in the porous media and the relative
permeabilities.

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Previously we have shown experimentally how the oil relative permeability scales with oil saturation at low
oil saturations for different wettabilities. These results imply
very low residual oil saturations are

obtainable under three-phase gravity. Currently, we are measuring three-phase relative permeabilities
throughout the entire saturation range for a range of wettabilities. These results will lead to experimentally
based relative permeability models which can be directly input into simulations of gas injection.
Characterization of Surface Energies of Hydrocarbon Formation Rocks for Enhanced Hydrocarbon
Recovery
Quoc P. Nguyen, Gary A. Pope
Funding source: Saudi Aramco
Funding amount: $250,000 per year
The physical and chemical interactions between crudes, brines, and rock determine both oil reserves and
producibility. Measurements of these interactions are difficult and research in the past has mainly
concentrated on sandstone reservoirs. In particular, limestones and dolomites are poorly investigated.
Yet these inter-molecular forces govern the transport of formation fluids. Lifshitz-van der Waals

(LW) theory allows estimating the contribution of LW interactions to solid and liquid surface free energies.
However, the LW interactions do not sufficiently account for the high surface and interfacial free energies of
several substances. Nearly all of the chemical reactions between liquids and solids surfaces that are
important in forming interfaces are Lewis acid-base (AB) reactions. Both LW and AB interaction strengths
of a rock surface can be accurately determined by inverse gas chromatography. Understanding of surface
and interfacial properties of fluids (i.e., formation brines, crude oils, etc.) and rocks is the key to the success
of wettability alteration and interfacial tension reduction as the most effective approaches for mitigating
formation damage and mobilizing oil.
Analysis of Production and Injection Rate Data for Diagnosing Interwell Connectivity
Larry W. Lake
The exploration and production industry has had a long history of purely statistical models, though this
practice has almost entirely given way to the algorithmic models now referred to as numerical simulators.
On the other end of the spectrum the ultimate simplification will be a simple model that does empirically
quantifies the flow physics in the form of simple to evaluate statistical correlation(s).
We propose a radically different approach utilizing well rate fluctuations to predict interwell

connectivity. They expressed the total fluid production at a producer as a linear combination of the injection
rates at different injectors located in the reservoir. The key conclusions are that injector-producer weights are
(a) independent of average well rates, (b) appear to reflect geologic features, (c) require some filtering in the
presence of dissipation (indeed, with excessive dissipation the method fails entirely), and (d) can be
calculated with several statistical procedures. The best thing about the method is that it can be used on
virtually any injection process because injection-production rate data exists on every type of mature project.
Currently, research efforts are focused on demonstrating the technique on a truly definitive data set. The
Magnus data (based on daily rate data) was obtained some months ago and application of the technique on a
dataset so large would require substantial modifications to the approach for calculating inter-well
correlation.

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Fluid Blockage and Diversion

Quoc P. Nguyen
Fluid blocking and/or diversion techniques have been found essential in most of the near-well bore
treatments, such as acid diversion, water conning (high WOR), gas cusping (high GOR), and hydraulic
fracturing.
A dispersed system such as foam and polyaprheons has been used worldwide as blocking/diverting

agents. The main objective of this project is to improve the conformance of such a fluid system by
controlling its complex rheology in porous media. One of important findings from this project shows that
viscous fingering appears to be a prevailing flow regime during the displacement of a viscous
blocking/diverting agent. This flow behavior has a strong implication on the development of wormholing
during matrix acidizing.
Improved Matrix Stimulation
Quoc P. Nguyen
Matrix acidizing is the most prevalent technique used in modern formation stimulations. Several issues exist
that might reduce the incentive to optimize matrix treatment technology.
Of note:

It is appropriate to approach these issues from different scales and perspectives to obtain a new
unified mechanistic model for matrix acidizing that meets practical performance needs.
Although the principles of matrix acidizing have been well established, the interactions between
reaction kinetics and the ensuing evolution of the fluid and rock properties are not completely understood.
Currently existing acid reaction retardation techniques (e.g. oil-acid emulsion, retarded acid system
with fluoboric acid) have proved effective, but not desirably controllable.
Complex plugging and transport of precipitates have been oversimplified in current models.
Misuse of mechanical and chemical diverters sometimes aggravate formation damage.
Little effort has been made on upscaling descriptions of the pore-scale processes utilizing available
laboratory observations and on validating lab results using field data.
More attention needs to be paid to acidizing in different geological and flow models (e.g. layering,
linear and radial flow).

Optimum Control of Unwanted Fluid Production in Heterogeneous Reservoirs

Quoc P. Nguyen, Sanjay Srinivasan
The overall objective of this ongoing project is to minimize production of unwanted fluids such as conning
water and channeling gas. Advances in intelligent well technology and simulation of reservoir-production
system enable optimum inflow allocation of produced fluids through controlling flow trajectories in
reservoirs.
However, real-time optimum control of flow is still challenging. To this end, we have developed an
advanced method for optimization of production based on a feed-back optimum control concept. A modelbased method allows optimization of inflow-control-device operation in conjunction with strategic updating
of reservoir-smart well model under uncertainty. In this method, the response of production system to
control variables is described by a high-order model. The validity of this method is tested on the dynamic
optimum control of gas and water coning using a physical two-dimensional layered bead-pack and automatic

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

inflow control valves. Distributed flow or pressure sensors are used to actuate the valves. Both dynamic
(time-dependent valve settings) and static (fixed valve setting) control under uncertainty are investigated.
A Comprehensive Statistically-Based Method to Interpret Real-Time Flowing Well Measurements
A. Daniel Hill (with Texas A&M), Larry W. Lake, Ding Zhu (with Texas A&M)
Funding amount: $870,000 for the period of Sept. 2003 - Aug. 2006
To produce more oil from more complex and harder-to-reach reservoirs, the nation's producers have begun
to employ a variety of sophisticated new drilling approaches - such as wells that extend horizontally through
an oil-bearing reservoir, or that radiate out from a central borehole, or that branch in multiple directions.
This project will develop new methods for measuring the entry of oil, gas and water into these

more complex wells. These methods are needed to take full advantage of "smart" well instrumentation, a
technology that is rapidly evolving. "Smart" wells employ a variety of downhole sensors to send information
from the bottom of the hole rapidly to operators on the surface, enabling them to adjust drilling and
production to optimize a well's performance. See the proposal abstract for more information.
Research Intiative: Predicting Sucker Rod Fatigue Failure
Paul Bommer
Problem Statement
The life of beam lift sucker rods is difficult to predict because of the wide variety of operating conditions.
This has an economic impact because the longer sucker rods can be kept in service the higher the profit from
the well.
Research
Using actual run time data it is possible to predict the life of sucker rods based on the accumulated stress
history of the rods. This has been outlined and carried out for several trial data sets.
What is needed to carry out this research is nothing more than access to well records and the ability to
extract the required data from the records.
References:

Bommer, Paul M., "Predicting Sucker Rod Life," Southwestern Petroleum Short Course
Proceedings, April 25-26, 2008, Lubbock, Tx, p.1-10.
Bommer, Paul M. and Podio, A.L., "The Beam Lift Handbook," PETEX, currently in final editing
stage.

Contact:
Paul Bommer
Center for Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering
1 University Station C0304
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas 78712-0228
Phone: (512) 471-1207 FAX: (512) 471-9605
Email: pmbommer@mail.utexas.edu

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

See the Production Engineering page for information on related research.

Well Completion and Stimulation in Unconsolidated Sands
Mukul M. Sharma
Well completion and stimulation in unconsolidated formations has wide implications for the US petroleum
industry. Most of the production in the Gulf of Mexico comes from unconsolidated sands. Frac-pack
completions are being frequently performed in poorly consolidated, high-permeability sand formations to
bypass well damage and enhance productivity. Despite the significance of the production from
unconsolidated sands for the US, the design and placement of these completions in these sands is often suboptimal due to lack of proper design tools.
The existing models for predicting fracturing in unconsolidated sands assume, to a lesser or greater extent,
the theory of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics for fracture propagation. However, for very soft, ductile
formations, the assumptions of linear strain with no significant plastic deformation are not valid.
Measurements of the stress-strain behavior of unconsolidated sands conducted in our labs indicate elastoplastic behavior. The primary objective of this proposal is to develop entirely new models for fracturing in
unconsolidated sands through a better understanding of the mechanisms of fracturing in such sands. We
propose to achieve this by the dynamic coupling of three models for modeling three concurrently occurring
phenomena: a pore-pressure propagation model to obtain pore-pressure distribution, a geomechanical model
relating poro-elastic stresses to permeability changes, and a model for particle plugging to account for
permeability reduction due to particles in the fracturing fluid (gels, proppants etc.).
This proposal proposes theoretical / experimental lab studies combined with analysis of field results to gain
insights into the problem. The models will be tested with field data to confirm the efficacy of the models. It
is anticipated that the improved design would increase the well productivity up to 50%.
Sponsoring Organizations
1.
2.
3.

The University of Texas at Austin

Conoco
Shell International Exploration and Production

Production engineering

Multiphase flow in wells and pipelines

Pumping and artificial lift

Flow assurance and condition monitoring

Hydrate for transport of natural gas

Processing of oil and gas

Field development

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR) are a set of techniques used to improve
the recovery of hydrocarbons from oil and gas fields. There are three main techniques used to enhance

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

recovery: miscible flooding, chemical flooding and thermal recovery. Depending the field, enhanced
recovery techniques can significantly extend the commercial life of the field and the amount of oil or gas
recovered.

The EOR/EGR research group investigates improved oil and gas recovery methods. The school has a fully
equipped EOR/EGR laboratory to conduct physical experiments at the core scale. Numerical or analytical
tools are then used to model the experimental results. The schools capability to integrate core scale
experiments to micro-CT images enables us to investigate pore scale physics in an EOR/EGR process. A
number of research projects are being conducted at the school
1. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of residual oil using Micro-CT imaging.
2. Compositional displacements in heterogeneous reservoirs.
3. Oil recovery through fines-assisted water flooding.
4. Gravity drainage in naturally fractured reservoirs.
5. Co-optimizing enhanced oil recovery and carbon dioxide storage by simultaneous water and carbon
dioxide injection.
6. Enhanced Coal Bed Methane (ECBM) recovery using carbon dioxide and nitrogen injection.
7. Experimental measurement of carbon dioxide-brine relative permeabilities.
For more information contact Dr Furqan Hussain.

Dissertation examined: Simulation of Hydrodynamic Slug Formation in Multiphase Flowlines and

Separation Devices November 2008
Dissertation: Investigation of Productivity of Heavy Oil Carbonates and Oil Shales Using Electrical
Heating Methods
CRUZ, P.S., Reservoir Management Decision-Making In The Presence Of Geological Uncertainty. 239p.
PhD Thesis Dept. of Petroleum Engineering, Stanford University, USA, 2000.
M.Sc. Thesis: Modeling & Simulation Studies on the Effect of Inhibitors Injection into Gas Reservoirs for
Preventing Hydrate Formation. Advisors: Prof. A.Vatani, Prof. B.Tohidi, Dr A.Kazemi
Al-Wadahi, M.: Analysis of Multi-Phase Counter-Current Flow Phenomena, Ph.D. Thesis, The
Pennsylvania State University (May 2001).
Farias, M.: Evaluation of Dynamic Skin Effect as a Part of Waterflooding Performance Analysis, M.S.
Thesis, The Pennsylvania State University (December 2002).

Dissertation Topic: Interfacial Phenomena in Oil-Water-Sand Dispersions

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATIONS OF PRODUCTION OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR

PETROLEUM FIELDS

Experimental and Numerical Modelling of Gas-lift Cavitation and Instability in Oil Producing Wells
Gas lift is one of the artificial methods of improving production capability of wells completed in
hydrocarbon reservoirs. There are however, a number of challenges involved in the design of such a system.
This includes density wave propagation and casing heading caused by cavitation gas-lift instability.
Density-wave and gas-lift instability occur during artificial lift operation when fluid waves of higher and
lower density mixtures travel through a production system and create fluctuations in pressure and flow rate.
This instability, which is directly related to kinematic wave propagation phenomena; also referred to as
continuity wave or void wave, usually occur under certain conditions in multiphase transient system in both
continuous and intermittent gas-lifted wells and may degenerate into significant oscillations. Density-wave
oscillation is a dynamic instability that is normally impossible to foresee from known methods that address
stability for instance nodal analysis.
A lot has been done to demonstrate the occurrence of density-wave oscillation in gas-lifted wells (e.g.
Bertuzzi et al., 1953; Gilbert 1954, Blick et al. 1988; Asheim 1988; Capucci and Serra 1991; Alhanati, 1993;
Gisle et al. 2004; Akanji, 2014). Some research has been done to demonstrate the function of active control
by simple feedback control loop. However, a proactive, effective and robust control system that is capable of
mitigating against the influence of gas-lift instability and density wave oscillation is yet to be fully
researched
and
developed.
The successful candidate will contribute to current research in developing a novel technique of improving
production potentials of gas lifted wells. During the first year of this project, a simplified model and
laboratory scale rig will be designed to capture the control structure and estimate the controller parameter
settings. The model and control strategy will be tested using a dynamic multiphase simulator during the
second
year.
Numerical simulation of well models of gas-lift geometries constructed using computer aided design
package and discretised on unstructured mesh would be used in numerical simulation and modelling of the
layered oil reservoir. The implications on ultimate recovery will also be evaluated.
The successful candidate should have, or expect to have an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent)
in Petroleum Engineering or related disciplines. Knowledge of: Petroleum Engineering Laboratory skills,
Control
systems
and
CAD
/
numerical
design
Programming with C++ or Fortran or Visual Basic desirable

Funding Notes:
There is no funding attached to this project it is for self-funded students only.

References:
Akanji L T 2014 Production Optimisation of a Gas-lifted Dual-Completion Offshore Nigeria. European
Artificial Lift Forum (EuALF 2014), Aberdeen, UK.
Alhanati F J S and Schmidt Z and Doty D R and Lageref D D 1993 Continuous Gas-Lift Instability:
Diagnosis, Criteria, and Solutions, SPE 26554, presented at the 68th Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition Held in Houston, TX, 3-6 October.
Asheim H 1988 Criteria for Gas Lift Stability, JPT (November), pp1452-1456.

Tabassum Yasmin
Lecturer in Mech. Engg. Dept.
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar

Sep. 11, 2014

Bertuzzi A F and Welchon J K and Poettmann F H 1953 Description and Analysis of an Efficient
Continuous-Flow Gas-Lift Installation Trans., AIME 198, 271-78.
Blick E E and Enga P N and Lind P C 1988 Theoretical Stability Analysis of Flowing Oil Wells and Gas-lift
Wells, SPE Production Engineering (November), pp504-514.
Capucci E C and Serra K V 1991 Transient Aspect of Unloading Oil Wells Through Gas-Lift Valves, SPE
22791, presented at the 66th SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition held in Dallas, TX.
Gilbert W E 1954 Flowing and Gas-Lift Well Performance, Drill. & Prod. Prac. API 126.
Gisle O E and Lars I and Bjarne F 2004 Stabilization of Gas-lifted Wells Based on State Estimation. IFAC
Application Process:
Formal applications can be completed online: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply
for PhD in Engineering, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing.
Please ensure that you quote the project title and supervisor on the application form.
Informal inquiries can be made to Dr L Akanji (l.akanji@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae
and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Graduate School Admissions Unit
(cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk).