Reservoir Simulation Fundamentals for Non-Specialists Training Course

Course Overview

Learning Objectives

• By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Explain why and when reservoirs are simulated and what decisions simulation supports.
• Describe how the static geological model, rock properties, and fluid data feed a simulation model.
• Explain relative permeability, capillary pressure, and fluid descriptions at concept level.
• Describe how grids, upscaling, wells, and operating constraints shape simulation results.
• Compare black-oil, compositional, and other model types and recognize when each is appropriate.
• Check model initialization and in-place volumes against material balance and volumetric estimates.
• Evaluate history matching approaches, match quality, and the non-uniqueness of matched models.
• Interpret development scenarios, production profiles, and recovery factors produced by simulation.
• Assess uncertainty ranges, sensitivity results, and low, base, and high cases.
• Identify red flags, weak assumptions, and gaps in simulation studies and reports.
• Formulate structured questions to challenge simulation results before approving decisions.
• Relate simulation outputs to field development plans and reserves and resources reporting.

Who Should Attend

Learning Outcomes

• Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Explain the purpose and limitations of reservoir simulation.
• Describe the main inputs and building blocks of a simulation model.
• Explain how flow properties, grids, and upscaling affect results.
• Distinguish black-oil, compositional, and other model types.
• Check model volumes against material balance and volumetric estimates.
• Judge the quality and credibility of a history match.
• Explain why matched models are non-unique and what that means for forecasts.
• Interpret production profiles, plateau periods, and recovery factor forecasts.
• Read sensitivity results and low, base, and high cases.
• Apply probabilistic thinking to simulation-based forecasts at concept level.
• Recognize red flags and hidden assumptions in simulation reports.
• Ask focused questions that test the robustness of simulation results.
• Use simulation results appropriately in field development and investment decisions.
• Relate simulation forecasts to reserves and resources reporting.

Course Outline