Soran University

Module Description

KEY MODULE INFORMATION

Module title Reservoir Simulation
Module code SOU20270
Faculty/School/Department Engineering/ Petroleum and Mining
Level 4
ECTS Credits 6
Semester (s) in which taught 8

Module Leader Sarkar Muheddin Hama

Email Sarkar.hama@pete.soran.edu.iq
Module coordinator (s)

Email (s)

Pre-requisites

Co-requisites Numerical Analysis (SOU20240), Reservoir Engineering

(SOU20260)
Date of approval by
department council
Type of module C
Available for visiting YES
students?

MODULE CONTENT

The Reservoir Simulation Course provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced

numerical modeling techniques applied to reservoir engineering. Throughout the
course, students delve into the fundamental principles of reservoir simulation, gaining
proficiency in the use of industry-standard software tools.
AIMS

The course gives the theoretical basis and practical fundamentals for numerical and analytical
simulation of fluid flow in petroleum reservoirs. The partial differential equations governing
modelling of single-phase and multi-phase fluid flow in porous media are derived. The
governing equations are used for development of several analytical models which serve for
reservoir evaluation and analysis. The numerical methods for solving the basic governing
equations using finite difference methods are presented. Input data requirements and
applications of simulation models for history matching and prediction of field performance will
be discussed. Practical applications will be made using the eclipse reservoir simulator. Two
main features of reservoir simulation for practical reservoir engineering: 1) Clear
understanding of mathematical models, basic equations, formulations of initial- boundary
conditions, numerical methods. 2) Using reservoir simulators for different type applications
and flow processes.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Be familiar with what specifically a reservoir simulation model is.
2. Be able to explain the differences between material balance and reservoir
simulation.
3. Understand and be able to describe the basic idea of gridding and spatial and
temporal discretization.
4. be able to drive the (pressure) equation for single phase compressible flow.
5. be able to drive the (pressure) equation for two phase compressible flow.
6. describe a solution strategy for the non-linear single phase 2D pressure equation.
Apply compositional reservoir simulation to solve the production problems at individual
wells or at field scale.

LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATIGIES

Description
Pedagogy Applicable

Lecturing  Student Center

Discussion 
Group Work  Problem solving
Demonstration
Practice by doing
Fieldwork
External visits
Task-based learning  Drive equation
Project-based learning  Preparing report about algorithms
Problem-based learning  Problem solving
Case Study
Role Play

DELIVERY
Type of Learning Time Number of Hours Expressed as
Percentage (%)

Contact time 60 40%

Directed self-study 60 40%
Self-directed learning 30 20
Assessment, review and revision

Total 150 100%

WORKLOAD
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging
appropriately with the course requirements. Please note that, in general, for each formal
contact hour, it is expected that a minimum of 2 additional hours of independent study
are undertaken. The following table shows an estimate of students' workload:

Work Type (Activities) Quantity Duration Total (Hrs.)

(Hrs.)
Wider reading (independent) 14 2 28
Wider reading (directed) 12 3 36
Exam revision / preparation 2 7 14
Peer assisted learning

Advances preparation for classes 14 1 14

Preparation for tutorials 8 2 16
Preparation for presentations 1 4 4
Preparation for seminars 1 2 2
Preparation for performance 14 1 14
Preparation of practical report 2 3 6
Completion of formative assessment tasks

Revision and preparation for in-class or end of 1 6 6

module examination
Group study tasks 2 2 4
Carry-out research project

Dissertation writing

Essay preparation – may include conducting 4 2 8

research, analyzing data, editing the finished
product
Reflection – for example, lecture consolidation
or engaging with feedback
Total hours by term

Module total hours

ECTS allocated based on student workload by the course description

Activates Quantit Duration Total Workload

y (Hrs) (Hrs)

Course Duration 14 2 28
Tutorial 14 1 14
Practical 14 2 28
Mid-term Examination 1 2 2
 ECTS allocated based on student workload by the course description

Final Examination 1 2 2
Assignments 8 5 40
Hours for off-the-classroom study 12 1 12
Term Projects 1 40 40
ASSESSMENT

The
Weight
Task specific Relevant Learning Outcome
(Marks)
Weight

Assignments 5 5%

Term Projects

Practical Work 15 15%

Midterm Exam 20 20%

Final Exam 30 30%

Written assignment,
including essay

Dissertation

Set exercise

Portfolio 5 5% All
Project output (other than
dissertation)

Oral assessment and

presentation

Practical skills assessment

Report 5 5%
Coursework

Practical Exam 15 15%

Group Presentation 5 5%
Group Work

Individual Presentation

Peer Assessment
Project

Practical

Timed Test (in-module test

e.g. MCQ)

Extended Project

Total 100 100%

PARTICIPATION AND PRESENTATIONS :

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:

SHORT ESSAYS:

TERM PROJECT:

SOME POSSIBLE GENERAL TOPICS FOR PROJECTS:

FINAL EXAM:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
WEEKLY SYLLABUS

Wee Subject(s) Short Description

ks
Introduce general idea about reservoir
Course overview and
W1 simulation, Course overview, learning
Introduction
outcome, course policy

Gridding in Reservoir
W2 Discretizing methods of reservoir
Simulation

• Types of reservoir simulation models

W3 Material Balance • Review of Basic Concepts in Reservoir
Engineering, Material Balance

The calculation of block to

The calculation of block-to-block Flows in
W4 block Flows in reservoir
reservoir simulators
simulators

W5 One dimensional flow equation Fluid flow equation in one dimension model

Two-dimensional flow Behaviour of Fluid flow equation in one

W6 equation dimension model

W7 One Dimension-two phase flow Behavior of two phase flow in one dimensional
flow
W8 Mid-Term Sitting Exam

• Numerical methods in reservoir

W9 Numerical Method in RS simulation
• Review of finite differences
Finite difference Application of finite differences to partial
W10 differential equations (PDEs)

W11 Numerical solution • The numerical solution of linear

equations
 Numerical solution Application of finite differences to two-phase
W12
flow

Direct solution of the non-linear equations of

W13 Numerical solution
multi-phase flow

W14 Review

W15 Preparation

W16 Final Exam

GUIDELINES ON GRADING POLICY

US Grade
ECTS Grade Definition Grade US % IRQ% point
Average

A – Excellent Outstanding performance A 90-100% 90-100% 5.0

Above average with some B
B – Very Good errors 80-89% 80-89% 4.0

Sound work with notable C+

C - Good errors 75-79% 70-79% 3.0

D– Fair but with major C

shortcomings 70-74% 60-69% 2.0
Satisfactory

Work meets minimum D

E – Sufficient criteria 60-69% 50-59% 1.0

More work required but

FX - Fail credit awarded
0-49 0.0
Considerable amount of
F- Fail more work required

RESOURCES

Materials Text How to access? / e-link

Principles of Applied
Reservoir Simulation, John
Ref. Book R. Fanchi, 2006, 3rd LMS
Edition. 978-0-7506-7933-
6
• Reservoir Simulation:
Recommend Mathematical Techniques in Oil
ed Texts Recovery, Zhangxin Chen, 2007.
ISBN 978-0-898716-40-5

Websites • LMS
CLASSROOM CODE OF CONDUCT
All students have the right to learn without interference from others. Instructors have the
authority to protect this right by creating and maintaining an environment that is
conducive to learning. Meanwhile, students are required and expected to conduct
themselves in a safe, mature and considerate manner. Students should conduct and
express themselves in a way that is respectful to all individuals. This includes
respecting the rights of others to comment and participate fully in class. Classroom
misconduct is any behavior which disrupts or interferes with the learning environment.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Don’t read a newspaper or other document; don’t sleep during class; don’t hold side
conversations with your neighbor(s); and don’t check your e-mail, update your Face
Book page, or tweet in class. Remember, you may be called upon to answer a
question and if you are not prepared, you will not be given credit for attending that
class. This is a participative course.
2. Attend all classes unless an emergency arises. If that occurs, please let me know by
e-mail or in person. Remember, the quizzes are based on class discussions.
Unexcused absences from the midterm may lead to a grade of zero for that
assignment.
3. Do your own work. Cheating will not be tolerated. It is unfair to students who work
diligently to get the best grade possible in this course.
4. Using cell phones or other electronic devices that disrupt the learning process or
teaching environment. Faculty members have the right to restrict the use of electronic
devices in their classrooms.
5. Be a contributing member of your group. Don't let others carry the load for you. The
business world revolves around teamwork and a consultative approach to problem
solving. This is what I expect of you in class discussions whenever I break you up into
groups.
6. If you violate any of these rules, I may ask you to leave class for the day. I don’t want
to embarrass anyone but I expect to have your respect and attention throughout the
course.

INSTRUCTOR (MY) RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Model ethical behavior in the classroom and during office hours and in out-of-class
discussions.
2. Be respectful towards all students; not to talk down to you.
3. Be diligent and provide interesting and informative lectures and discussions that
challenge your intellectual curiosity.
4. Provide a diverse learning experience including using social media and Internet
 research in class discussions and assignments.
5. Be available during office hours and, when necessary, at other times during the
course. Be attentive to your questions and concerns. Feel free to see me if you have
a personal issue related to the course that you think I should know about. I do care
about your well-being and hope to contribute towards your growth as a person. All of
our communication about such matters is on a confidential basis.
6. Assist you in any way that I can to help you learn the course material. This includes
meeting outside of office hours at a mutually convenient time and place.
7. Be fair in the grading process including grading quizzes, examinations, term papers,
and the group case presentation. My evaluation of your work and grading process
simulates the way performance evaluations should be done in the business world. I
view the classroom as a learning laboratory to get you ready to be contributing
members of society.
8. Be diligent in returning work with a grade and, where appropriate, my explanations of
why points were deducted from your grade. See me if you have any questions on
your grade but first review my comments to better understand why points have been
deducted.
READING LISTS
1

2
TYPICAL ASSIGNMENT:
LIST THE MAIN ALGORITHM USED IN PREPARING SIMULATION, AND PREPARE A
FULL DETAILED REPORT ABOUT INE OF THEM.
TYPICAL EXAM QUESTIONS:
Q1/What are the main conditions for application of material balance equation in reservoir
simulation.

Q2/ Numerical dispersion and grid orientation are two of the main numerical problems that occur
in reservoir simulation. Explain in your own words, with the help of a simple sketch, the
meaning of each of these terms.
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS:
Q/) Give any simplifying assumptions which had to be made to get to Equation 2 from Equation 1?

Answer/