Introduction to Gas

Reservoirs
Sohail Nawab
Lecturer
Institute of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
sohail.nawab@faculty.muet.edu.pk
Subtopics
▪ Fundamental terms and definitions
▪ Classification of gas reservoirs
▪ Significance of a gas reservoir engineering
▪ Scope of Gas Reservoir Engineering
Fundamental terms and
definitions
Contents
▪ Fundamental terms in Gas Reservoir Engineering
▪ Petroleum Reservoir
▪ Gas Reservoir
▪ Difference between Oil and Gas reservoir
▪ Significance of Gas Reservoir Engineering
▪ Scope of Gas Reservoir Engineering
Fundamental terms in Gas Reservoir Engineering
▪ Reservoir: The underground formation containing a natural accumulation of hydrocarbons,
such as natural gas.

▪ Reservoir Rock: The porous and permeable rock formation that holds and allows the flow of
hydrocarbons. It typically consists of sandstone, limestone, or shale.

▪ Source Rock: A source rock refers to a specific type of sedimentary rock that contains organic
material (such as dead plants and microorganisms) from which hydrocarbons, including oil and
gas, are generated through a process called maturation or thermal cracking.

▪ Cap Rock: A cap rock, also known as a seal or sealing rock, is a relatively impermeable rock
layer that lies above a reservoir rock formation, preventing the upward migration of
hydrocarbons

▪ Reservoir Fluids: The mixture of hydrocarbons (such as methane, ethane, propane) and non-
hydrocarbon gases (such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide) present in the reservoir.
Fundamental terms in Gas Reservoir Engineering
(Contd.)
▪ Reservoir Pressure: The pressure exerted by the fluids within the reservoir. It
influences fluid flow and the movement of hydrocarbons towards production wells.
▪ Reservoir Temperature: The temperature of the reservoir, which affects the behavior
of fluids and the properties of the reservoir rock.
▪ Initial Reservoir Conditions: The initial pressure, temperature, and fluid composition
of the reservoir at the start of production.
▪ Drive Mechanisms: The natural forces that drive and displace the hydrocarbons
within the reservoir, such as gas expansion, water influx, a combination of both (gas-
water drive) or the pressure difference between the reservoir and the wellbore.
▪ Reservoir Simulation: The process of constructing mathematical models to simulate
fluid flow and predict the behavior of hydrocarbons within the reservoir.
 Fundamental terms in Gas Reservoir Engineering
(Contd.)
▪ Rock Properties
▪ Porosity: The percentage of the total rock volume that is occupied by void spaces (pores) in
the reservoir rock. It determines the storage capacity of fluids within the rock.
▪ Permeability: The ability of the reservoir rock to transmit fluids through connected pore spaces.
It governs the flow rates of hydrocarbons within the reservoir.
▪ Gas Saturation: The fraction of the total pore space that is filled with gas within the reservoir
rock. It is expressed as a percentage.
▪ Capillary Pressure: The pressure difference across the interface between two immiscible fluids
in the pore spaces of the rock. It influences the movement and distribution of fluids within the
reservoir.
▪ Relative Permeability: The ratio of the effective permeability of a particular fluid phase (e.g.,
gas, water) to the total permeability of the rock. It accounts for the reduction in permeability due
to the presence of other immiscible fluids.
▪ Rock Compressibility: The change in rock volume in response to changes in pressure. It is an
important parameter in assessing reservoir behavior and fluid flow.
 Fundamental terms in Gas Reservoir Engineering
(Contd.)
▪ Rock Properties
▪ Rock Mechanical Properties: These include properties such as rock strength,
elasticity, and brittleness, which determine the rock's ability to withstand stress and
deformation.
▪ Rock Mineralogy: The composition and types of minerals present in the rock. It
affects the rock's physical and chemical properties, including porosity and
permeability.
▪ Rock Texture: The arrangement, size, and shape of mineral grains within the rock. It
influences the rock's porosity, permeability, and mechanical properties.
▪ Rock Heterogeneity: The variability in rock properties within a reservoir.
Heterogeneity affects fluid flow behavior and the distribution of hydrocarbons within
the reservoir.
▪ Rock Wettability: The affinity of the rock surfaces for different fluid phases (e.g., gas,
water, oil). Wettability affects fluid movement and can impact reservoir performance.
Reservoir
▪ Generally, a large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.
▪ But in Petroleum Engineering refers to a subsurface rock formation or
underground geological structure that contains hydrocarbons.
Petroleum Reservoir
Petroleum
1. Must be a subsurface rock- Sedimentary Rock • is a complex mixture of
hydrocarbons that occur on
2. Contains Hydrocarbon in form of oil, gas or both Earth in liquid, gaseous, or
solid form.
3. Possess porosity & Permeability • The term is often restricted to
the liquid form, commonly called
4. Temperature and pressure condition must be
crude oil.
favorable for oil and gas accumulation
• But, as a technical term,
5. The flow of oil and gas must be restricted by an petroleum also includes natural
impermeable cap rock gas and the viscous or solid form
known as bitumen, which is
found in tar sands.
Gas Reservoir
1. Must be a subsurface rock- Sedimentary Rock
2. Contains Hydrocarbon in form of gas as dominant phase
( Gas condensate reservoir or the minute ratio of oil )

3. Possess porosity & Permeability

4. Temperature and pressure condition must be favorable for gas accumulation
5. The flow of gas must be restricted by an impermeable cap rock
Difference between oil and gas reservoirs
▪ Composition:
▪ Oil reservoirs primarily contain liquid hydrocarbons, known as crude oil, which
consists of a mixture of different hydrocarbon compounds.
▪ Gas reservoirs, on the other hand, contain primarily gaseous hydrocarbons, such as
methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10).
Or, Simply
▪ A mixture in which heavier hydrocarbon components (normally liquid at atmospheric
temperature and pressure) comprise the major fraction of the fluid.
▪ whereas gas reservoirs a mixture in which dominant constituents are lighter
components.
Difference between oil and gas reservoirs
(Contd.)
▪ Phase behavior:
▪ Oil is a liquid at standard temperature and pressure (STP).
▪ whereas natural gas is a gas in its natural state.
▪ This difference is due to variations in the molecular structures and boiling points of
hydrocarbon compounds found in each reservoir type.

Or
▪ If the reservoir temperature, T, is less than the critical temperature, Tc, of
the reservoir fluid, the reservoir is classified as an oil reservoir.
▪ And Gas reservoirs are the reservoir temperature is greater than the critical
temperature of the hydrocarbon fluid, the reservoir is considered a gas reservoir.
Difference between oil and gas reservoirs
(Contd.)
▪ Reservoir characteristics:
▪ The characteristics of oil and gas reservoirs can differ in terms of porosity, permeability,
and encasing rock formations.
▪ Generally, gas reservoirs tend to have higher porosity and permeability, making it easier
for gas to flow through the rock formations.
▪ Oil reservoirs, on the other hand, can have varying porosity and permeability, depending
on the type of rock and the properties of the crude oil.
Difference between oil and gas reservoirs
(Contd.)
▪ Exploration and extraction methods:
▪ Different exploration and extraction methods are used for oil and gas reservoirs. Due to
their physical differences, specialized techniques are employed to locate and extract
hydrocarbons from each type of reservoir.
▪ Oil reservoirs are typically located through seismic surveys and drilled using
conventional drilling techniques.
▪ Gas reservoirs can be found using similar methods but may also require additional
techniques such as unconventional drilling or hydraulic fracturing ("fracking").
Difference between oil and gas reservoirs
(Contd.)
▪ Economic value: While both oil and gas have economic value as energy
resources, the market dynamics and pricing differ.
▪ Crude oil is generally more valuable and has a more established market
infrastructure due to its versatility and use in various industries, including
transportation, petrochemicals, and energy production.
▪ Natural gas, although it has valuable applications such as heating and electricity
generation, can be more regionally specific in terms of pricing and demand.
Gas Reservoir
Engineering
Gas Reservoir Engineering
▪ Reservoir engineering is the petroleum engineering discipline that is concerned
with the recovery of hydrocarbons from subsurface hydrocarbon bearing rock
formations, commonly referred to as reservoirs.
▪ Gas reservoir engineering is the branch of reservoir engineering that deals
exclusively with reservoirs of non-associated gas.
▪ The prime purpose of reservoir engineering is the formulation of development
and production plans that will result in maximum recovery for a given set of
economic, environmental and technical constraints.
▪ This is not a one-time activity but needs continual updating throughout the
production life of a reservoir
Classification of Gas
Reservoirs
Classification of Gas Reservoirs
▪ Gas reservoirs can be classified based on various criteria, including their
geological characteristics, fluid properties, and production behavior.
▪ Here are some common classifications:
1. Geological Classification
2. Fluid Properties
3. Production Behavior
4. Reservoir Size
Classification of Gas Reservoirs (Contd.)
1. Geological Classification
▪ Structural Reservoirs: These gas reservoirs are formed in structural traps, which are
created by folds, faults, or other geological features that trap the gas within the reservoir rock.
▪ Stratigraphic Reservoirs: These gas reservoirs are formed due to variations in sedimentary
layers or rock properties. The gas is trapped within specific rock layers or units.

2. Fluid Properties
▪ Dry Gas Reservoirs: These gas reservoirs primarily contain methane (CH4) and have a
minimal amount of other hydrocarbon compounds. The gas is typically free of liquid
hydrocarbons.
▪ Wet Gas Reservoirs: These gas reservoirs contain a mixture of methane and other higher
hydrocarbon compounds, such as ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10).
The reservoir may also contain natural gas liquids (NGLs), which are liquid hydrocarbons.
Classification of Gas Reservoirs (Contd.)
3. Production Behavior
▪ Conventional Gas Reservoirs: These gas reservoirs have sufficient pressure to allow the
gas to flow naturally to the surface when a well is drilled. The gas can be produced using
conventional techniques without extensive stimulation.
▪ Unconventional Gas Reservoirs: These gas reservoirs have lower permeability or require
additional stimulation techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing, to enhance gas production.
▪ Examples include shale gas, tight gas, and coalbed methane reservoirs.

4. Reservoir Size
▪ Giant Reservoirs: These gas reservoirs have exceptionally large gas reserves, typically
exceeding a certain threshold defined by industry standards. They are significant contributors
to global gas production.
▪ Small to Medium-sized Reservoirs: These gas reservoirs have relatively smaller gas
reserves compared to giant reservoirs but can still be economically viable for production.
▪ Pocket Reservoirs:
Significance of Gas
reservoir engineering
 Reservoir
Characterization

Gas Field
Gas Reservoir
Development
Simulation
Economics

Gas
Reservoir
Engineering

Well Testing and

Reservoir Pressure
Management Transient
Analysis

Gas Recovery
Mechanisms
Significance of Gas Reservoir Engineering
1. Reservoir Characterization
▪ Gas reservoir engineers collect and analyze data to characterize the properties of the
reservoir, including geological, petrophysical, and fluid characteristics
▪ Geological data : Rock type, porosity, Permeability, Reservoir thickness, Structure and
Stratigraphy.
▪ Petrophysical data: Formation Evaluation logs, Core analysis, PVT analysis, Well testing,
Fluid analysis, Capillary pressure data and wellbore imaging.
▪ Fluid characteristics: Composition, density, viscosity, saturation pressure (Pb), Phase
Behavior, Compressibility, permeability and relative permeability.
▪ They evaluate rock properties, such as porosity and permeability, to determine the
storage capacity and flow characteristics of the reservoir.
▪ This information is used to understand the behavior of the reservoir and to estimate
the amount of recoverable gas.
Significance of Gas Reservoir Engineering
(Contd.)
2. Gas Reservoir Simulation
▪ Gas reservoir engineers build mathematical models to simulate the behavior of the
gas reservoir.
▪ These models incorporate the reservoir properties and help predict the flow of gas
within the reservoir over time.
▪ Reservoir engineers use these models to
▪ optimize well placement,
▪ predict production rates,
▪ estimate reservoir performance,
▪ and develop production strategies.
Significance of Gas Reservoir Engineering
(Contd.)
3. Well Testing and Pressure Transient Analysis
▪ Gas reservoir engineers conduct well tests and analyze pressure transient data to
characterize the reservoir and assess well performance.
▪ Pressure transient analysis helps estimate key reservoir properties, such as
permeability, skin factor, and reservoir boundaries.
▪ These analyses provide insights into the reservoir's productivity and allow
engineers to optimize well completion and stimulation strategies.
Significance of Gas Reservoir Engineering
(Contd.)
4. Gas Recovery Mechanisms
▪ Gas reservoirs may exhibit different recovery mechanisms, depending on their
characteristics.
▪ Primary gas recovery occurs naturally through
▪ the expansion of the gas as reservoir pressure declines.

▪ Secondary gas recovery techniques, such as water or gas injection, can be

employed to maintain reservoir pressure and enhance gas production.
▪ Reservoir engineers evaluate the potential for enhanced gas recovery (EGR)
methods, such as gas cycling or gas condensate banking, to improve overall
recovery efficiency.
How to mitigate gas condensate banking?
Significance of Gas Reservoir Engineering
(Contd.)
5. Reservoir Management
▪ Gas reservoir engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize
reservoir management strategies.
▪ They provide technical expertise and analysis to aid decision-making
processes related to well drilling, completion techniques, and production
optimization.
▪ Reservoir engineers also assess the impact of environmental and regulatory
factors on reservoir development and operations.
▪ Gas reservoir engineers are also responsible for considering and mitigating the environmental
impact of gas reservoir operations.
▪ They evaluate and recommend measures to minimize the effects of gas extraction on the
environment, such as reducing emissions and managing water resources.
Significance of Gas Reservoir Engineering
(Contd.)
6. Gas Field Development Economics
▪ Gas reservoir engineers conduct economic evaluations to assess the economic
feasibility of gas field development projects.
▪ They consider factors such as gas prices, production costs, capital investment
requirements, and financial returns.
▪ Economic evaluations help in decision-making regarding
▪ well spacing, field expansion, infrastructure development, and gas sales
contracts.
Scope of gas reservoir
engineering
Scope of gas reservoir engineering
▪ Reservoir Characterization
▪ Gas reservoir engineers are involved in the characterization of gas reservoirs, which includes
studying the geological and petrophysical properties of the reservoir.
▪ This involves analyzing well logs, core samples, and seismic data to understand the
reservoir's structure, porosity, permeability, and fluid properties.

▪ Reservoir Performance Analysis

▪ Gas reservoir engineers evaluate reservoir performance by analyzing production data and
conducting reservoir simulations.
▪ They use mathematical models to predict
▪ reservoir behavior,
▪ estimate recoverable reserves,
▪ and optimize production strategies.
Scope of gas reservoir engineering (Contd.)
▪ Well Placement and Stimulation
▪ Gas reservoir engineers play a role in determining the optimal well placement and stimulation
techniques.
▪ They analyze reservoir data to identify the most productive areas within the reservoir and
design well configurations that maximize gas recovery.
▪ They also assess the need for stimulation techniques such as hydraulic fracturing to
enhance well productivity.
▪ Production Forecasting and Optimization
▪ Gas reservoir engineers are responsible for forecasting gas production rates and optimizing
production strategies to maximize recovery.
▪ They consider factors such as reservoir pressure depletion, fluid properties, well
performance, and surface facilities to develop production plans that ensure efficient and cost-
effective gas production.
Scope of gas reservoir engineering (Contd.)
▪ Reservoir Management
▪ Gas reservoir engineers contribute to reservoir management practices throughout the
lifecycle of a gas reservoir.
▪ This includes
▪ monitoring reservoir performance,
▪ implementing reservoir surveillance programs,
▪ and recommending strategies for
▪ reservoir pressure maintenance, gas cycling, or infill drilling to enhance ultimate recovery.
Scope of gas reservoir engineering (Contd.)
▪ Enhanced Recovery Techniques
▪ Gas reservoir engineers explore and evaluate enhanced recovery techniques that can
be employed to increase the recovery of gas from reservoirs.
▪ These techniques may include gas injection, such as
▪ carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen (N2) injection, to maintain reservoir pressure and displace
additional gas.

▪ Economic Evaluation
▪ Gas reservoir engineers assess the economic viability of gas reservoir projects by
considering factors such as production costs, gas prices, and investment returns.
▪ They conduct economic evaluations to determine project feasibility and profitability.