Fundamentals of

Numerical Reservoir
Simulation
Li Ya-jun(Frank), Zhang zhi-ying(Sophia)

Department of Reservoir Engineering

September 7, 2019

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Li, Yajun (Frank Lee)

Office: Room 626, B Building

Tel: 1515 4242 268

E-mail: yajunok@126.com

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 Course Objectives
32 class hours, 2 credits
Understand the basic principles and basic equations
involved in reservoir simulation.

Understand the data requirements for conducting a study.

Demonstrate key factors in reservoir simulation by

running simulation cases and compare results.

Use reservoir simulator as a tool to investigate various

reservoir engineering / reservoir management principles
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 Content

Introduction

Flow equations

Elementary Finite Difference Method (FDM)

Numerical solutions

Introduction to black oil simulator

Introduction to ECLIPSE

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 Introduction

What’s the reservoir simulation? (what)

The purposes of reservoir simulation (why)

Main steps in running reservoir simulation (how)

Main advances in reservoir simulation

5
 Introduction
Classical reservoir engineering methods:
Analogical method: utilize features of the mature reservoir that
are analogous to the target reservoir to forecast the performance of
the target reservoir.

Mature reservoir New reservoir

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 Introduction
Classical reservoir engineering methods:
1) Material balance method
2) Decline curve method (exponential/harmonic/hyperbolic decline)
3) Statistical method
4) Analytical method

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 Introduction
Classical reservoir engineering methods:
Experimental method: measure physical properties using laboratory cores,
then scale up to the whole reservoir.

Physical model: scaled laboratory model(natural / artificial core)

Glass micromodel pore-level image by microscope

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 Introduction
Numerical simulation method（Computer simulation ）
A computer simulation, a computer model, or a computational
model is a computer program, run on a single computer, or a network of
computers, that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a system.

Physics
Astrophysics
Chemistry
Biology
engineering…

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 Introduction

What’s the reservoir simulation?

Simulation: The process of inferring the behavior of a real
reservoir from the performance of a model of that reservoir.

Physical model: scaled laboratory model

Model
Mathematical model: a set of partial differential
equations, together with an appropriate set of
initial and boundary conditions, which we believe
adequately describes the significant physical
processes taking place in that system.

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 Introduction

What’s the reservoir simulation?

Example: The growth of a colony of bacteria. Model says
that the rate of increase of number of bacteria with time is
directly proportional to the number of bacteria itself.
N - number of bacteria
 dN 
    .N ( - constant)
 dt 
Q. what is N as a function of time, t, denoted N(t), if we start
with a bacterial colony of size No ?
N (t )  N0 when t  0
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 Introduction

 dN 
    .N Analytical Solution
 dt 
N (0)  N 0 Numerical Solution

N (t )  N o .e .t
The equations of the model
are solved directly using exponential growth
mathematical techniques, and
the solution usually is written
in terms of "well known"
equations or functions (x2,
sinx, etc).
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 Introduction

 dN  Analytical Solution
    .N
 dt  Numerical Solution

Nn : value of N at the current time step n denoted

Nn+1 : value of N at the next time step, n+1
△t: time step

 N n 1
 N n
   .N n N n 1
 (1  .t ).N n
t
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 Introduction
N n 1
 (1  .t ).N n

Exercise 1: Take as input data, that we start off with 25

bacteria in the colony. Take the value α = 1.74 and take time
steps Δt = 0.05 in the numerical model.
(i) Plot the analytical solution for the number of bacteria N(t)
as a function of time between t = 0 and t = 2 (in arbitrary time
units).
(ii) Plot as points on a plot, the numerical solution at times t =
0, 0.5, 1.0,1.5 and 2.0. What do you notice about these ?
(iii)Using the EXCEL, repeat the numerical calculation with a
Δt = 0.001 and plot the same 5 points as before. What do you
notice about these?
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 Introduction
Comparison between numerical and analytical solutions
1000
dt=0.5
800 dt=0.05
N(analytical)
Number of bacteria

600 dt=0.001

400

200

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Time

Conclusion: As time step increases, computing time is

shortened, but large error occurs
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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?

 dN 
    .N
Build a mathematical model  dt 
N (0)  N 0
discretization

Numerical model N n1  (1  .t ).N n

solution
1000
dt=0.5

Obtain the parameters we are 800

600
dt=0.05
N(analytical)
dt=0.001

interested in 400

200

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?

Recovery process
formulation Physics

Nonlinear PDE’s Mathematics

Reservoir
discretization
Simulation Reservoir Engineering
Nonlinear algebraic equations
Computer Programming
linearization

Linear algebraic equations

solution (computer)

Po, Pw, So, Sw, Qo, Qw, etc

Main steps used to develop reservoir simulators

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?
Example of reservoir simulation model

fault

Contour map

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?
Example of reservoir simulation model

Grid number: 321*128*5=205,440

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?

Example of reservoir simulation model: porosity distribution

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?

Example of reservoir simulation model: permeability distribution

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?

Example of reservoir simulation model: initial saturation distribution

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?
Example of reservoir simulation model: saturation distribution

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 Introduction
Example for NRS- Water flooding process10 years
9.5 years
9.0 years
8.5 years
8.0 years
7.5 years
7.0 years
6.5 years
6.0 years
5.5 years
5.0 years
4.5 years
4.0 years
3.5 years
3.0 years
2.5 years
2.0 years
1.5 years
1 year
6 months
1st oil

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?
Definition: By reservoir simulation, we mean the process of
inferring the behavior of a real reservoir from the
performance of a model of that reservoir. The model may be
physical, such as a scaled laboratory model, or
mathematical. For our purposes, a mathematical model of a
physical system is a set of partial differential equations,
together with an appropriate set of boundary conditions and
initial conditions, which we believe adequately describes
the significant physical processes taking place in that
system. 25
 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?
The processes occurring in petroleum reservoirs are
basically fluid flow and mass transfer. Up to three immiscible
phases (water, oil, and gas) flow simultaneously, while mass
transfer may take place between the phases (chiefly between
the gas and oil phases). Gravity, capillary and viscous forces
all play a role in the fluid flow process.
The model equations must account for all these forces, and
should also take into account an arbitrary reservoir
description with respect to heterogeneity and geometry.

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?
The differential equations are obtained by combining
Darcy’s law for each phase with a differential material
balance equation for each phase.
To use differential equations for predicting the behavior of a
reservoir, it is necessary to solve them subject to the
appropriate boundary conditions using some numerical
methods carried out on high-speed computers, obtain
approximate solutions, and to predict reservoir behavior
under complex reservoir situations.

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 Introduction
What’s the reservoir simulation?
Practical reservoir

Mathematical model

Numerical model

Computer model

Solution

Application 28
 Introduction
The purposes of reservoir simulation
The primary objective of a reservoir study is to predict future performance
of a reservoir and find ways and means of increasing ultimate recovery

Plan A

Plan B

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 Introduction
The purposes of reservoir simulation
The primary objective of a reservoir study is to predict future performance
of a reservoir and find ways and means of increasing ultimate recovery

Oil Recovery Factor Water Cut

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 Introduction
The purposes of reservoir simulation
Reservoir simulation is an area of reservoir engineering in
which computer models are used to predict the flow of fluids
(typically, oil, water, and gas) through porous media.

In early stage:

In middle stage:

In late stage:

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 Introduction
The purposes of reservoir simulation
In early stage: Design field development plan (FDP)

• the reservoir recovery plan e.g. natural depletion, waterflooding, gas

injection etc.
• the nature and capacities of plant sub-facilities such as compressors
for injection, o/w/g separation capability
• the number, locations and types of well (vertical, slanted or horizontal)
to be drilled in the field
•the sequencing of the well drilling program

Highest risk !

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 Introduction
The purposes of reservoir simulation
In middle stage: evaluating future development options
History Match in numerical simulation is the process of adjusting the simulator
input in such a way as to achieve a better fit to the actual reservoir performance.

(From Sibley et al 1996. SPE34540)

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 Introduction
The purposes of reservoir simulation
In middle stage: evaluating future development options

In late stage: evaluating potential for EOR options

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

Model selection Data preparation
History
match

simulator Modify input data

end

Calculated production No
data
Yes Performance
Good
Match? prediction
Observed production
data
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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

1) Model selection 1D vertical model
1D
1D horizontal model
2D areal model
Dimension 2D
2D vertical model
Simulation Models 3D
Black oil model
Function
Compositional model
Special-purpose model

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

1) Model selection

1D Buckley-Leverett type
water displacement

1D horizontal

1D vertical stable gas displacement of oil

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

1) Model selection
(a) Study vertical sweep efficiency in a
heterogeneous layered system;
(b) Study the mechanism of a gas
displacement process - e.g. to determine
the importance of gravity etc.
2D vertical

(a) Calculate areal sweep efficiencies

in flooding process;
(b) Examine the benefits of infill drilling
in an areal pattern flood

2D areal
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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

1) Model selection

All production process

3D Cartesian model

Near wellbore flowing

Radial model

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

1) Model selection
Black oil model:

At most three components in the system:

water, oil and gas
Water

• Recovery by primary depletion

• Waterflooding including viscous, capillary and gravity forces (secondary
recovery).
• Immiscible gas injection.
• Some three phase recovery processes such as immiscible water-alternating
gas (WAG).

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

1) Model selection
Compositional model:
More components in the system.
• Miscible gas injection
• Gas injection into near critical reservoirs.
• Gas recycling processes in condensate reservoirs.

Special purpose model:

• Chemical flooding model
polymer flooding, surfactant flooding, alkali flooding, etc
• Thermal model
• Dual-porosity model for fractured system
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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

1) Model selection Reservoir architecture
Dimension of the problem (1D, 2D or
Reservoir 3D), the geometry of the grid (local
considerations grid refinement, Cartesian or radial
grid)
Main Fluid type, the types of recovery
considerations processes or drive mechanisms
Personnel
Non-reservoir Simulator availability
considerations
Cost effectiveness
“Select the least complicated model and grossest reservoir description
that will allow the desired estimation of reservoir performance.” Coats
(1969)
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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

2) Data preparation
• Reservoir givens

Geological data: structure, porosity, permeability, thickness, net

thickness, fluid PVT properties, etc.

• Choice and controls

Well number, well type and well locations, well completions, well
injection rate and production rate, etc.

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

parameter
Permeability
Porosity, Rock compressibility
Relative permeability and
capillary pressure
Saturations
Fluid properties (PVT) data
Faults, boundaries, fluid
contacts
Fracture spacing, orientation,
connectivity
Rate and pressure data,
completion and workover data
sources
Pressure transient testing, core analysis, well testing,
correlations, well performance
Core analysis, well logs
Laboratory core flow tests
Well logs, core analysis, single-well tracer tests
Laboratory analysis of reservoir fluid samples
Seismic, pressure transient test
Core analysis, well logs, seismic, pressure transient
tests, interference testing, wellbore performance
Field performance history
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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

3) History match To find a set of input variables that can reconstruct
field performance
Variables matched in a typical black oil or gas study：
OIIP(GIIP), pressure, production rate, water-oil ratio (WOR),
gas-oil-ratio (GOR)

Match volumes with material balance and identify aquifer support

Match reservoir pressure

Match saturation dependent variables (WOR, GOR).

Match well flowing pressures

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

3) History match

Influence of key history matching parameters

Parameter Pressure match Saturation match

Pore volume ΔP/Δt *
Permeability, thickness ΔP/Δx ΔS/Δx
Relative permeability Not used ΔS/Δx and ΔS/Δt
Rock compressibility * Not used
Bubble-point pressure ΔP/Δt* *

*- avoid changing if possible

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

3) History match

History match is an inverse problem.

Dependent variables
are known and the
independent variables
are to be found.

History match is a non-unique problem.

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

4) Output of reservoir simulator

• The spatial distribution of fluid saturations and pressure throughout the

reservoir as functions of time
• The field production indices with time:
average pressure
cumulative oil, water and gas production profiles
daily (weekly, monthly, annual) production rates of each phase
water cut, GOR, WOR
• The individual well production indices with time:
bottom hole, cumulative and daily flow rates each phase, water cut, GOR
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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

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 Introduction

Main steps in running reservoir simulation

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 Introduction

Main advances in reservoir simulation

• 1950’s

Two dimensions; Two incompressible phases; Simple Geometry

• 1960’s

Three dimensions; Three phases; Black-oil fluid model; Multiple

wells; Realistic geometry
• 1970’s

Compositional; Miscible; Chemical; Thermal

• 1980’s

Complex well management; Fractured reservoirs; Special gridding

at faults; Graphical user interfaces
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 Introduction

Main advances in reservoir simulation

• 1990’s

Improved ease of use; Geologic models and

upscaling; Local grid refinement; Complex
geometry;

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 Introduction
Related knowledge

 Basic reservoir mechanics

 Properties of reservoir physics

 Theory of fluid flow in porous media

 Partial differential equations

 Finite difference methods

 Calculus

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 Introduction
Reference Books

DONALD.W. PEACEMAN. FUNDAMENTALS OF NUMERICAL

RESERVOIR SIMULATION. ELSERVIER, 1977.

Donald W. Peaceman

One of the “fathers of

modern reservoir simulation”
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 Introduction

Questions
1. What’s numerical reservoir simulation?
2. What are the main steps in building a numerical reservoir
simulation?
3. What are the main objectives in running reservoir simulation at
different stages in the lifetime a petroleum reservoir?
4. What are the common steps in running a reservoir simulator?
5. List some commonly used simulation models and state what
kinds of recovery processes are they used to study?

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 Introduction

Questions
6. State the main data that should be collected before running a
reservoir simulation.
7. What’s history match?
8. What variables are usually required to match in the history
matching process and what parameters are usually tuned?

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