MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering / Course details

The unit covers the properties of subsurface fluid systems, water and chemicals. The unit provides the theoretical and empirical bases in characterising the subsurface fluids, water and chemicals behaviour. The unit covers:

- key properties of water and chemicals used for geothermal heat extraction and enhanced oil recovery processes

- the modelling approaches and required inputs for subsurface flow simulation with respect to the specific fluid models, water types and chemicals

- material balance of synthetic reservoir

- gas (CO2) and chemical enhanced oil recovery methods described by compositional and black-oil simulators

The unit aims to

- Provide knowledge about the properties of subsurface resident fluids and injected chemicals relevant to enhanced oil recovery and energy extraction

- Provide understanding of characterisation methods used for describing properties of subsurface fluids and chemicals used in flow simulators

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

ILO 1: Differentiate the approaches used to address different subsurface fluids, water and chemicals

ILO 2: Explain modelling approaches relevant to subsurface flow, chemical enhanced oil recovery and energy extraction

ILO 3: Describe miscible/immiscible gas (CO2) and chemical enhanced oil recovery methods

ILO 4: Employ material balance technique for identifying drive mechanism in reservoir engineering

ILO 5: Characterise different fluid types using industry standard software packages

Lectures provide fundamental aspects supporting the critical learning of the module and will be delivered as pre-recorded asynchronous short videos via our virtual learning environment.

Synchronous sessions will support the lecture material with Q&A and problem-solving sessions where you can apply the new concepts. Surgery hours are also available for drop-in support.

Students are expected to expand the concepts presented in the session and online by additional reading (suggested in the Online Reading List) in order to consolidate their learning process and further stimulate their interest to the module.

Feedback on problems and examples, feedback on coursework and exams, and model answers will also be provided through the virtual learning environment. A discussion board provides a opportunity to discuss topics related to the material presented in the module.

Reading lists are accessible through the Blackboard system linked to the library catalogue.