Petroleum Reservoir Engineering

1. Introduction

Petroleum reservoir engineering is the backbone of upstream petroleum operations, focusing on the evaluation, development, and management of hydrocarbon reservoirs for optimal recovery. As reservoirs become more complex and energy transition reshapes global demand, professionals must acquire advanced technical skills in fluid flow dynamics, reservoir characterization, well performance analysis, enhanced recovery techniques, and reservoir simulation.

This programme provides a comprehensive foundation in reservoir engineering principles and tools used for analysing, modelling, and managing conventional and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. It integrates theoretical knowledge with applied techniques, preparing participants for professional roles in reservoir engineering, field development, and production optimization.

 

2. Training Objective

This course aims to:

• Build participants’ understanding of reservoir rock and fluid properties.
• Equip learners with skills for reservoir characterization, modelling, and performance evaluation.
• Develop competencies in material balance analysis, decline curve analysis, and well test interpretation.
• Strengthen understanding of primary, secondary, and enhanced recovery methods.
• Teach participants how to use reservoir simulation software and predictive tools.
• Improve capability for designing field development plans and reservoir management strategies.
• Prepare professionals to analyze reservoir risks, uncertainties, and economic implications.

 

3. Targeted Group

This programme is designed for:

• Reservoir engineers and petroleum engineers
• Production engineers and field development planners
• Well testing and well performance analysts
• Geoscientists, petrophysicists, and subsurface analysts
• Oil and gas regulators and government petroleum officers
• Consultants and energy sector professionals
• Researchers, academics, and postgraduate students
• Graduate engineers seeking specialization in reservoir engineering

 

4. Course Duration

Total Duration: 12 Modules

Delivery options:

• 12-day intensive programme, or
• 6-week structured training, or
• 3-month blended certificate course with software practice and assessments

 

5. Training Methodology

FOTADE applies practical, interactive, and industry-aligned teaching methods:

• Expert-led lectures and presentations
• Hands-on exercises using reservoir datasets
• Reservoir simulation practice (e.g., Eclipse, CMG, Petrel RE)
• Case studies from real oil and gas fields
• Group problem-solving sessions
• Well test analysis workshops
• Assignments, quizzes, and field-based examples
• Capstone reservoir study project

 

6. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Petroleum Reservoir Engineering

• Scope, roles, and importance
• Reservoir engineering workflow

Module 2: Reservoir Rock Properties

• Porosity, permeability
• Relative permeability and capillary pressure

Module 3: Reservoir Fluid Properties and PVT Analysis

• Fluid types and phase behaviour
• PVT sampling and laboratory analysis

Module 4: Reservoir Drive Mechanisms

• Solution gas drive, water drive, gas cap drive
• Drive behaviour and recovery factor

Module 5: Material Balance and Reservoir Performance

• Material balance equation
• Estimation of original hydrocarbons in place (OIIP/OGIP)

Module 6: Well Test Analysis

• Pressure transient analysis
• Drawdown, buildup, and interference tests

Module 7: Decline Curve Analysis and Production Forecasting

• Exponential, harmonic, hyperbolic declines
• Long-term production forecasts

Module 8: Numerical Reservoir Simulation

• Grid design, history matching
• Predictive modelling

Module 9: Secondary Recovery Techniques

• Waterflooding principles
• Design considerations and optimization

Module 10: Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR/IOR) Methods

• Thermal, chemical, gas injection
• Screening criteria and field applications

Module 11: Reservoir Management and Field Development Planning

• Integrated reservoir management
• Development strategies and surveillance techniques

Module 12: Capstone Project – Comprehensive Reservoir Study

• Full evaluation of a reservoir
• Includes PVT evaluation, material balance, forecasting, and development plan
• Presentation and professional review

 

7. Expected Outcomes

Participants completing the programme will be able to:

• Understand and apply core principles of reservoir rock/fluid properties and their engineering significance.
• Perform reservoir characterization and analyze reservoir performance using industry methods.
• Conduct well test interpretation and decline curve analysis confidently.
• Use reservoir simulation tools for forecasting and development planning.
• Evaluate secondary and enhanced recovery opportunities.
• Integrate subsurface data for developing robust reservoir management strategies.
• Prepare professional reservoir engineering reports and development proposals.
• Demonstrate improved analytical, modelling, and decision-making skills.

 

8. Certificate of Completion

Participants who complete all 12 modules, assignments, and the capstone project will receive:

Certificate of Completion in Petroleum Reservoir Engineering

Issued by:

FOTADE Training, Research and Resource Development Centre

This certificate confirms that the participant has attained professional-level competence in reservoir engineering and reservoir management principles.