An Introduction to Reservoir Engineering
Reservoir engineering is a division of petroleum engineering that is concerned with the study of the subsurface regions that are used to contain natural gas or oil of any kind. The term “reservoir” is used to describe these areas in the sense of being a place where the fluids are stored, though the specific features of a reservoir can vary. For example, some reservoirs contain more than one type of fluid, such as oil and natural gas.
Typically, reservoirs are found in sedimentary rock formations, but they can also be found in fractured rock and even in unconsolidated materials. The source of a natural reservoir is usually the hydrocarbon source rock, which is a type of sedimentary rock that has been altered over time in order to promote hydrocarbon generation.
One of the primary goals of reservoir engineering is to maximize the value of the reservoir. This is accomplished through careful study of the characteristics of the rock formation and the fluid flow within it, as well as the development of a strategy for maximizing the production of the oil or gas from the reservoir. There are a variety of methods that can be used to maximize the production of the reservoir, including but not limited to:
1. Enhanced Oil Recovery: This involves manipulating the natural characteristics of the reservoir in order to achieve higher production rates. Examples of these techniques include water flooding, steam injection, and chemical injection.
2. Reservoir Simulation: Advanced computer simulations can be used to model the flow of fluids in the reservoir in order to predict production rates and help identify areas of the reservoir that could be targeted for further exploration and development.
3. Risk Analysis: Risk analysis is used to assess the risks associated with particular reservoir operations, such as oil production or drilling.
Reservoir engineering is an important tool in the petroleum industry, as it allows companies to maximize the value of their resources and ensure the long-term success of their operations. By carefully studying the characteristics of the subsurface and developing strategies to maximize production, reservoir engineering can help ensure that natural resources are used in the most efficient manner possible.
