Reservoir Simulation
Reservoir simulation is a computational tool used in petroleum engineering to model the flow of fluids (oil, gas, water) through porous rock formations in subsurface reservoirs. It employs numerical methods and mathematical equations to predict reservoir behavior over time, helping optimize hydrocarbon recovery and manage field development. The simulations incorporate geological data, fluid properties, and well operations to forecast production and evaluate recovery strategies.
Developers should learn reservoir simulation when working in the oil and gas industry, particularly for roles involving reservoir engineering, production optimization, or field planning. It is essential for predicting reservoir performance, designing enhanced oil recovery methods, and making economic decisions about drilling and development. Use cases include evaluating different production scenarios, estimating reserves, and assessing the impact of new technologies like hydraulic fracturing or CO2 injection.