Course unit details:
Subsurface Engineering Design
| Unit code | CHEN60490 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Full year |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The Subsurface Engineering Design unit is a comprehensive course that focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for designing and optimizing engineering solutions for subsurface applications such as geological carbon storage, geothermal energy utilisation and underground hydrogen storage. The aim of this unit is to link the theoretical and fundamental knowledge developed in the co-requisite units to the application side using the industrial standard software. The unit covers a wide range of topics, including:
- geological analysis and geostatistics (implemented in the industrial standard software)
- fluid flow modelling and upscaling using the industrial standard software
- well placement and optimisation of storage and extract efficiency
- uncertainty analysis, risk and economic analysis, and decision making.
Students will learn to analyse subsurface geological data, apply geostatistical techniques to assess spatial variability, and utilize fluid flow principles to evaluate and optimize subsurface fluid systems to optimise the subsurface storage and extract efficiency optimization and minimum the uncertainty and risks. They will also develop proficiency in using relevant industrial standard software tools (e.g Petrel) for subsurface engineering design and analysis. Throughout the unit, students will work on group projects, enabling them to apply their knowledge to real-world subsurface engineering scenarios. By the end of the unit, students will be able to effectively communicate design concepts through technical reports and presentations.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Interpretation Skills | EART60381 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Subsurface physical-chemical processes | CHEN60471 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Properties of subsurface fluids | CHEN60492 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Advanced subsurface modelling | CHEN60482 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
The unit aims
- to provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of subsurface energy design principles and strategies.
- to demonstrate various aspects of subsurface engineering design, including geological model building, volume calculation, fluid flow modelling, well placement, storage and extract efficiency optimization, uncertainty quantification, risk and economic analysis, and decision making.
- to develop the necessary skills to design complex problems and optimize engineering solutions, demonstrating originality and addressing a combination of societal, user, business, and customer needs.
- to enhance students’ employability by equipping them with practical, interdisciplinary skills and real-world problem-solving experience relevant to careers in the subsurface energy engineering and relevant sectors
Learning outcomes
On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
| ILO1 | Analyse subsurface geological data (e.g. geophysical and petrophysical datasets) to identify key parameters relevant to engineering design. |
| ILO2 | Build a geological model and apply geostatistical methods to characterize spatial variability of subsurface properties. |
| ILO3 | Apply the simulation principles, initialise the simulation parameters and perform a two-phase flow simulation in the industrial standard software (e.g. Petrel). |
| ILO4 | Employ realistic aquifer/fluid properties for a typical carbon storage, geothermal or underground hydrogen storage operation, and estimate the performance of these operations. |
| ILO5 | Demonstrate proficiency in subsurface engineering design and analysis based on industry standard software (e.g. Petrel). |
| ILO6 | Learn the full process of a subsurface engineering design project from data analysis to modelling, optimisation and development of the plan. |
| ILO7 | Demonstrating originality in designing a subsurface energy engineering project that addresses a combination of techno-economic, societal, user, business, and customer needs. The scenarios of energy extraction designed will include environmental and commercial matters, and consider codes of practice and industry standards. |
| ILO8 | Communicate design concepts effectively through technical reports and presentations, highlighting the link between design processes that will profit society and reduce environmental impacts. |
Syllabus
12 weeks with 3 hours over Semester 1 and semester 2, with 4 lectures, 6 tutorials and 2 presentation sessions.
Semester 1
Semester 2 |
|
Assessment methods
Assessment type | % Weighting within unit | Lenght | ILO tested |
| Group project report - part 1 (semester 1) | 30% | ~ 3000 words | ILO 1-3 & 5, 8 |
| Group presentation - part 1 (semester 1) | 20% | ~ 15 minutes per group | ILO 1-3 & 5, 8 |
| Group project report - part 2 (semester 2) | 30% | ~ 3000 words | ILO 1-8 |
| Group presentation - part 2 (semester 2) | 20% | ~ 15 minutes per group | ILO 1-8 |
Feedback methods
2 weeks after the deadline
Recommended reading
Core Reading
Ringrose, P. (2020). How to store CO2 underground: Insights from early-mover CCS projects.
Watson, A. (2016). Geothermal engineering. Springer-Verlag New York.
Essential Reading
Ringrose, P., & Bentley, M. (2016). Reservoir model design (Vol. 467). Berlin, Germany: Springer.
Recommended Reading
Zivar, D., Kumar, S., & Foroozesh, J. (2021). Underground hydrogen storage: A comprehensive review. International journal of hydrogen energy, 46(45), 23436-23462.
Further Reading
Qi, R., LaForce, T. C., & Blunt, M. J. (2009). Design of carbon dioxide storage in aquifers. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 3(2), 195-205.
Study hours
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 150 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Lin Ma | Unit coordinator |