Form 20
Module Title FLAME Appraisal
Module
Co-ordinator
G Couple/ A Todd
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
School Petroleum Engineering
SCQF
Level
11
Module
Code
G11FA Semester 1
1. Pre-requisites
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
None
None
None
4. Replacement Module Code:
Date Of Replacement:
6. Degrees for which this is a core module
7. Aims
RAY replacement
Sept 2008
5. Availability as an
Elective
Yes No x
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
On or Off-
Campus
Credits
On&
Off
15
The overall aim of this module is to:
 understand the geological environment responsible for hydrocarbon formation, migration and storage
 identify the main characteristics of hydrocarbon-bearing formations

Understand the rock and fluid properties of a hydrocarbon reservoir

Describe the nature of the fluid flow and pressure distribution in a reservoir
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Form 20
Module Title FLAME Appraisal
Module
Co-ordinator
G Couple/ A Todd
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
School Petroleum Engineering
SCQF
Level
11
Module
Code
G11FA Semester 1
8. Syllabus
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
On or Off-
Campus
Credits
On&
Off
15
Introduction to Earth materials, processes, basins and petroleum system: Review of the nature and composition of the Earth; Plate tectonics and sedimentary basins; Principles of stratigraphy; Rock types and their identification.
Transport, deposition and deformation processes: Reservoir Seal, Source rock and migration path, Trap, Timing; Understand how depositional process affect texture of sedimentary rocks and the relation with petrophysical properties; common depositional structures and their origin; well (log and core) observations and their relation to a 3-D depositional model; general differences between carbonate and clastic depositional process and environments
Reservoir heterogeneity, architecture, faults seals: Identify the main types of structural features; Identify the characteristics of a structural trap; Main types of faults, and tectonic setting; Fold geometries; Fractures and other localised deformation and the effect on fluid flow characteristics; Fracture patterns associated with folding;
Structural features shown in core and on dipmeter/image logs/cross sections and maps; Fault compartmentalisation.
Introduction to reservoir engineering: Understand the location, formation, fluid content of a hydrocarbon reservoir; understand the definitions of reserves; be aware of the role of reservoir engineering in exploration and development
Reservoir pressure and temperature: Formation fluid density and pressure gradient in the reservoir; location of water/oil/gas contacts; use of contacts and pressure gradients to delineate reservoir units; measurement of fluid gradients
Reservoir fluids composition: Understanding composition of hydrocarbon fluids; classification systems based on density; simple models of fluid behaviour
Phase behaviour of hydrocarbon systems: Define: system, components, phases, equilibrium, intensive and extensive properties; understand relationship between pressure and temperature and phase for single and multi-component systems; define the expected phase changes in a reservoir fluid as it is produced to surface.
Behaviour of gasses: Define equation of state wrt a reservoir gas; modify pv=nrt to account for compressibility factor z (pv=znrt); use of pseudo critical values to account for gas mixtures; calculation of gas volumes and gas formation factor; use of equations of state in volume calculations.
Properties of reservoir liquids: Definition of black oil and compositional models of reservoir fluid;use of flash and differential liberation to obtain black oil parameters; definition of Bo, Rs, Bg; define gas formation volume factor for a gas condensate; calculation of reservoir fluid viscosity
Fundamental properties of reservoir rocks: Definition of porosity and permeabili ty; use of Darcy’s Law to calculate permeability of single phase; definition of interfacial tension; use of capillary pressure to determine saturation changes in reservoir; definition of effective and relative permeability; use of drainage/imbibition curves to characterise reservoir relative permeability; understanding pore doublet model in relation to recovery factors in reservoir fluid systems
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
On completion of the module, the student should be able to:
 define basic rock types found in the crust
 identify the main characteristics of reservoir rocks
 describe the formation of a reservoir
 understand and appreciate the nature of the reservoir and fluids contained
 calculate the reserves and show the variability in the calculations
 calculate the steady-state permeability of a reservoir rock
 understand and calculate the saturation profile in a layered reservoir
 calculate the reservoir volume and uncertainty associated with the data available
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Form 20 Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY) Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Module Title FLAME Appraisal School Petroleum Engineering
On or Off-
Campus
On&
Off
Module
Co-ordinator
G Couple/ A Todd
SCQF
Level
11
Module
Code
G11FA Semester 1 Credits 15
Personal Abilities Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Communication, Numeracy & ICT
In this course, students will be explicitly encouraged to:

be aware of the importance of time management;

develop their personal skills, including an awareness of both traditional and internet-based information sources;

develop their skills in problem solving

an ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

provide constructive feedback to teaching staff.
10. Assessment Methods 11. Re-assessment Methods
Method
Examination
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal February 2008
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
3
Weighting (%) Synoptic modules?
100%
Method
Examination
Date of Approval by
School Committee
April 2008 Date of
Implementation
September 2008
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
3
Version
Number
1.00
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