Nontechnical Guide to Petroleum Geology, Exploration

Petroleum Engineering 201 

Introduction to Petroleum Engineering 

Credit 1: (1-0) 

Required for Entering Freshmen 

Catalog Description: Overview of petroleum industry and petroleum engineering, including nature of oil 

and gas reservoirs, petroleum exploration and drilling, formation evaluation, well completions and 

production, surface facilities, reservoir mechanics, and improved oil recovery. 

Prerequisites(s): Approval of Department Head 

Instructor: Larry D. Piper, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Lecturer, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 501U, 

(979) 845-2266, piper@pe.tamu.edu, other Petroleum Engineering Department faculty as appropriate. 

Textbook Required: Nontechnical Guide to Petroleum Geology, Exploration, Drilling and Production, 

2nd Edition, Hyne, Norman J., Penn Well Books, 2001. 

Topics Covered: 

1. Overview, Introduction to Petroleum Engineering 

2. Nature of Oil & Gas 

3. The Earth’s Crust, Geological Time 

4. Reservoir Rocks, Sedimentary Rock Distribution, Ocean Environment, Maps 

5. Source Rocks, Generation, Migration and Accumulation of Petroleum, Traps 

6. Exploration 

7. Mid-Term Examination 

8. Drilling 

9. Formation Evaluation 

10. Completion & Facilities 

11. Drilling & Production Practices 

12. Reservoir Recovery & Reserves 

13. Review & Course Evaluation 

14. Final Examination 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: 1 50-min lecture session per week 

Method of Evaluation: 

Attendance 25% 

Weekly Tests 25% 

Mid-Term Examination 25% 

Final Examination 25% 

Total 100% 

Contributions to Professional Component: 

Math and Science 

Petroleum Engineering 

General Education 

None 

Provides students an overview of the oil and gas industry; Introduces students 

to petroleum engineering concepts of porosity, permeability, and saturation. 

Introduces students to terminology in drilling, formation evaluation, production, 

and reservoir engineering. 

Introduces students to the role of the petroleum industry in our society and the 

world and constraints on practice of petroleum engineering. 

1

Course Learning Outcomes and Relationship to Program Outcomes: 

Course Learning Outcome: At the end of the course, students will be 

able to… 

Describe the exploration and production process, the petroleum 

engineer’s role, and petroleum engineering terminology. 

Describe the early history of the petroleum industry, the origins of the 10, 8 

major inter-national oil companies, the political tensions extant in the 

Middle East, and the technological challenge facing the industry in an 

increasingly environmentally conscious world. 

Demonstrate initiative to find a summer job and to participate in 

14 

professional activities. 

Remain in the program after completion of the freshmen year. 14 

Program Outcomes 

22 

Related Program Outcomes: 

No. PETE graduates must have… 

8 The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions 

in a global and societal context. 

10 A knowledge of contemporary issues. 

14 Specific life and career goals, and the flexibility to modify goals and plans as 

circumstances dictate. 

22 An ability to take into account the requirements of the free market commercial 

system in which the petroleum industry usually functions, in problem definition and 

solution. 

Prepared by: Larry D. Piper, 21 July 2008 

2


Petroleum Drilling Systems 

Credit 2: (1-3) 

Required for Sophomores 

Catalog Description: Introduction to Petroleum Drilling Systems, including fundamental petroleum 

engineering concepts, quantities and unit systems, drilling rig components, drilling fluids, pressure loss 

calculations, casing, well cementing, and directional drilling. 

Prerequisites(s): ENGR 112; MATH 152; PHYS 218 

Instructors: Jerome J. Schubert, Assistant Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 501K, 

(979) 862-1195; jschubert@tamu.edu and other Petroleum Engineering faculty as appropriate. Catalin 

Teodoriu, Assistant Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 501J. 

Textbooks Required: Drilling Technology in Nontechnical Language. Devereux, Steve, Pennwell 

Publishing , 1999; Drilling Fluid Engineering Manual. Textbook prepared by M-I Drilling Fluids Co., 1998; 

Halliburton Cementing Tables. Casing and cement data tables prepared by Halliburton Company. 


1. Introduction to the course, Petroleum Engineering Units 

2. Drilling geology, and reservoir properties 

3. Managing drilling operations 

4. Planning and drilling wells, rig selection, rig equipment, drill bits 

5. Drilling fluids 

6. Casing and cementing 

7. Directional and Horizontal drilling 

8. Evaluation 

9. Well Control, drilling problems, safety, and environmental issues 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: 1 50-min lecture session & 3 lab sessions per week 


Midterm Exam 25% 

Final Exam 25% 

Class Projects/Homework 25% 

Laboratory 20% 

Lab Safety 5% 

Total 100% 


Math and Science None 

Petroleum Engineering Provides students with the vocabulary and hand-on equipment experience to 

function in the modern drilling industry. Develops basic skills needed for more 

advanced senior level drilling and other design classes. 

General Education Equips students with laboratory skills and decision process of selecting from 

competing technologies. 

1


Course Learning Outcome: At the end of the course, students will be Program Outcomes 


Develop oil field vocabulary and familiarity with methods and materials 15, 16 

used in drilling, oil and gas wells. 

Develop hands-on testing skills with drilling and completion fluid. 2, 4, 7 

Be able to calculate fluid pressure losses through basic drilling systems. 15 

Be able to identify and define the components of a drilling rig and to group 16 

them into their various systems (e.g. rotating, hoisting, circulating, etc.). 

Learn to write concise engineering lab reports. 7 

Learn and practice proper lab safety practices. 2 



2 An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret 

data. 

4 Ability to an function on multi-disciplinary teams. 

7 An ability to communicate effectively. 

15 Competency in math thru diff eqs, probability and statistics, fluid mechanics, 

strength of materials, and thermodynamics. 

16 Competency in design and analysis of well systems and procedures for drilling and 

completing wells. 

Prepared by: Jerome J. Schubert, 23 July 2008 

2


Petroleum Engineering Numerical Methods 

Credit 3: (2-3) 

Required for Juniors 

Catalog Description: Use of numerical methods in a variety of petroleum engineering problems; 

numerical differentiation and integration; root finding; numerical solution of differential equations; curve 

fitting and interpolation; computer applications; introduction to the principles of numerical simulation 

methods. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 311; CVEN 305; MEEN 315; MATH 308 

Instructor: J. Bryan Maggard, Senior Lecturer, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 501U, (979) 

845-0592 mailto: maggard@pe.tamu.edu, and other Petroleum Engineering Department faculty. 

Textbook Required: Numerical Methods, Hornbeck, R.W., Prentice Hall, 1982. 

Suggesed: Engineering with Excel, Larsen, Prentice Hall, 2002; A Guide to MS Excel 2002 for scientists 

and engineers, Liengme, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002. 


1. Introduction, Orientation, Engineering problem solving and software 

development tools (Excel Visual Basic for Applications,), programming style, 

errors, debugging. 

2. Taylor’s series, Numerical errors, Error propagation, Basic concepts of 

numerical methods (Iteration, Convergence, Order, Stability), Classfication of 

problems and methods. 

3. Finding roots of equations, extrema of functions (single variable). 

4. Numerical differentiation and integration of functions. 

5. Interpolation, Smoothing, Differentiation and integration of discrete data 

series. 

6. Linear, pseudo-linear and non-linear least squares. 

7. Numerical Solution of ODE. 

8. Multivariable (Linear Algebra) Methods: Matrices, vectors, System of Linear 

Equations. 

9. Gauss, Gauss-Jordan, LU decomposition, Special cases, Iterative methods. 

10. Multivariable Methods: Root finding and search for extrema Nonlinear Least 

Squares, Numerical solution of system of ODE. 

11. Numerical Solution of PDEs, Transient solution of the diffusivity equation 

(onedim finite difference). 

12. Reservoir simulation. 

13. Midterm exams, reviews, final examination. 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: 2 50-min lecture sessions and one 3-hour lab session per week 


Laboratory Assignments and Participation 20% 

Class participation and quizzes 10% 

1-hour examinations (15 % each, 4) 60% 

Homework 10% 

Total 100% 



1



Provides students an overview of numerical methods used in the oil and gas 

industry. 

Equips students with skills to select appropriate numerical method; Provides 

programming and other computer skills. 




Select numerical methods suitable for commonly arising Petroleum 

Engineering problems. 

Program simple methods in a high level programming language and use 

available software resources. 

Recognize main features of numerical problems and algorithms (e.g., 

single or multi variable, linear or nonlinear, explicit or implicit), sources of 

errors. 


2, 15, 21 

11 

1, 5 



1 An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering. 


data. 

5 An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. 

An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for 

11 engineering practice. 



21 An ability to deal with the high level of uncertainty in petroleum reservoir problems 

in problem definition and solution. 

Prepared by: J. Bryan Maggard, September 1, 2008. 

2


Reservoir Fluids 

Credit 4: (3-3) 


Catalog Description: Thermodynamic behavior of naturally occurring hydrocarbon mixtures; evaluation 

and correlation of physical properties of petroleum reservoir fluids including laboratory and empirical 

methods. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 311; CHEM 107; CVEN 305; MEEN 315; MATH 308 

Instructor: Maria A. Barrufet, Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 407B, (979) 845- 

0314, mailto:barrufet@pe.tamu.edu 

Textbook Required: The Properties of Petroleum Fluids, 2nd ed., McCain, W. D., Penn Well Publishing 

Co., Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1990. 


1. Introduction, Organic Chemistry: Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Cycloalyphatic Aromatics, Non 

Hydrocarbon components. 

2. Properties of Pure Substances. Two, Three, and Multi-component Mixtures- Phase Diagrams. 

3. Virtual Lab- Orientation, Safety, Determination of Vapor Pressure. 

4. Classification and Identification of Reservoirs by Fluid Type. 

5. Ideal and Real Gases. 

6. Reservoir Engineering Properties of Gases: Gas Formation volume factor, viscosity (B g & μ g) , wet 

gas gravity and isothermal compressibility. 

7. Definition and Evaluation of Black Oil Properties from Field Data. 

8. Reservoir Fluid Study: Report, lab procedure, and determination of fluid properties from reservoir 

fluid studies. 

9. Field Trips- Well site sampling techniques and surface facilities. Field Trip Commercial Fluid 

Laboratory. 

10. Evaluation of Black Oil Properties from Correlations: Bubble point pressure, solution gas oil ratio 

(p b & R s ), oil density (ρ o ), compressibility, viscosity (c o & μ o ), and formation and volume factor (B o ). 

11. Virtual Lab- Evaluation of gas z-factor and Analysis of Leaks. Bubble Point of Live Oil Sample and 

Phase Envelopes. 

12. Surface Separation Calculations and Equilibrium Ratio Correlations. 

13. Evaluation of oilfield brine properties: Salinity, Bubble Point, formation volume factor, density and 

solution gas water ratio (B w , ρ w , R sw ). Water isothermal compressibility, viscosity (c w , μ w ). 

14. Lab- Determination of Viscosity and Surface Tension of Oil, Gas, & Water Samples. 

15. Conditions for Hydrate Formation and Hydrate Inhibition Procedures. 

16. Cubic Equations of State: Solution of Cubic Equations. Calculations with Equations of State. 

17. Virtual Lab- Differential Vaporization and Separator Tests of Live Oil Sample. 

18. Hydrate formation and inhibition techniques. 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: Three 50-min lecture sessions per week, and nine 3 hr lab sessions per 

semester. 


Homework 10% 

Laboratory 25% 

Major Examination (20%, 20%) 40% 


Total 100% 

1



Petroleum Engineering This course provides students with a fundamental background on the 

determination and evaluation of fluid properties. It also provides mathematical 

tools for the analysis and interpretation of data. 

General Education None 


Program 

Course Learning Outcome: At the end of the course, students will be able to… Outcomes 

Describe the way the physical properties of hydrocarbon components are affected by 

molecular structure, size, pressure, and temperature. 1 

Explain and describe the physical meaning and use of fluid properties commonly 

used in reservoir engineering: formation volume factors, viscosities, solution gas-oil 

ratio, densities of oil, water and gas, Z-factor (single and two-phase), and interfacial 

tensions 1 

Calculate gas, oil, and oilfield brine, properties (z-factor, density, viscosities) using 

various correlations with different independent variables: such gas or oil composition, 

API gravity, gas gravity, salinity, bubblepoint pressure, and temperature. 5 

Calculate the specific gravity of a wet gas mixture by proper recombination using 

production data and all surface compositions, or separator composition, or properties 

of the separator gas. 5 

Describe the laboratory procedures required for a Reservoir Fluid Study and 

determine reservoir fluid properties (formation volume factors, solution gas oil ratios) 

from the PVT data obtained from a virtual lab simulation. 3 

Determine and analyze values of oil and gas formation volume factors, saturation 

pressures, compressibilities, and solution gas oil ratios, given raw PVT data from a 

reservoir fluid study and pressure-production field production history of oil and gas. 5 

Design optimal separator conditions from a simulated virtual PVT laboratory test by 

maximizing the API gravity of the oil. 2,3 

Determine and analyze the dependence of oil viscosity with temperature and oil 

gravity, by conducting a laboratory experiment. 2 

Determine and analyze the dependence of interfacial tension with temperature and 

type of mixtures: oil, water and surfactant solution; by conducting a laboratory 

experiment. 2 

Calculate phase boundaries (bubble point or dew points), and two-phase phase 

equilibrium separations given overall mixture composition, pressure (or temperature), 

and equilibrium ratios (k-values) from: ideal solution models, from correlations or from 

table lookup. 5 

Evaluate and Design a hydrate inhibition scheme using the virtual PVT lab by 

assessing the economic a technical impact of inhibitors and inhibitor concentrations 

upon the temperatures and pressures at which hydrate formation occurs. 2,11 





data. 

3 An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs 


11 An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for 

engineering practice 

Prepared by: Maria Barrufet, September 30, 2008. 

2


Reservoir Petrophysics 

Credit 4: (3-3) 

Required for Sophomores 

Catalog Description: Systematic theoretical and laboratory study of physical properties of petroleum 

reservoir rocks; lithology, porosity, elastic properties, strength, acoustic properties, electrical properties, 

relative and effective permeability, fluid saturations, capillary characteristics, and rock-fluid interaction. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 225; MEEN 221; GEOL 104; MATH 308 or registration therein 

Instructor: A. Ghassemi, Associate professor, Lecturer, Harold Vance Department of Petroleum 

Engineering, RICH 401E, (979) 845-2206, ahmad.ghassemi@pe.tamu.edu. 

Textbook Required: Tiab, D., Donaldson, E.C.: Petrophysics: Theory and Practice of Measuring 

Reservoir Rock and Fluid Transport Properties, 2 nd edition, Elsevier, New York, NY, 2004. 

Recommended Optional Texts: 

(i) Amyx, J.W., Bass, D.M. and Whiting, R.L.: Petroleum Reservoir Engineering, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill 

Book Company, New York, NY, 1960. (Available at TEES Copy Center, 221 WERC), and the PETE 311 

Course Notes – available at http://pumpjack.tamu.edu/~jm1688/PETE311_04A. 

(ii) Jorden, J.R. and Campbell, F.L.: Well Logging I—Rock Properties, Borehole Environment, Mud and 

Temperature Logging, SPE Monograph Series No. 9, SPE, Richardson, TX (1984); (iii) Jorden, J.R. and 

Campbell, F.L.: Well Logging II—Electric and Acoustic Logging, SPE Monograph Series No. 10, SPE, 

Richardson, TX (1984); (iv)) Schon, J.H. Physical Properties of Rocks: Fundamentals & Principles of 

Petrophysics, 2nd edition, Pergamon Press. New York, NY, 1996 


1. Introduction 

2. Pore space properties, Porosity, permeability 

3. Elastic properties of rocks; Rock Compressibility 

4. Acoustic properties or rocks 

5. Darcy’s Equation, Liquid and Gas Permeability 

6. Application of Darcy’s Equation 

7. Boundary Tension, Wettability 

8. Capillary Pressure 

9. Fluid Saturations 

10. Two-Phase Relative Permeability 

11. Rock fluid interactions 

12. Statistical Analysis of Reservoir Data 

13. Examinations 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: Three 50-min lecture sessions and a 1.5 hr lab session per week 


Laboratory Sessions 25% 

Homework 10% 

Weekly Quizzes 15% 

Major Examinations 50% 

Total 100% 

1



Petroleum Engineering Provides students a detailed understanding of the rock and rock-fluid properties 

of oil and gas reservoirs; an understanding of the Darcy equation and how to 

apply it to various geometrics; an understanding of laboratory measurements of 

rock and rock-fluid properties; and a basic understanding of fluid flow in porous 

media. 

General Education Provides students an understanding of the design of experiments; how to 

analyze and interpret experimental data; and an ability to prepare laboratory 

reports. 




Define porosity, discuss the factors which effect porosity, and describe 1,5 

the methods of determining values of porosity 

Define elastic and acoustic properties and rock strength and factors 1,5 

affecting them 

Define compressibility of reservoir rocks and describe methods for 1,2 

determining values of formation compressibility 

Define permeability and its determinants and measurement 1,2,5 

Reproduce the Darcy equation in differential form, explain its meaning, 1,2,5 

integrate the equation for typical reservoir system, calculate the effect of 

fractures and channels 

Explain boundary tension and wettability and their effect on capillary 1,2,5 

pressure, describe methods of determining capillary pressure, and 

convert laboratory capillary pressure values to reservoir conditions 

Describe method of determining fluid saturations in reservoir rock and 2,1,5 

show relationship between fluid saturation and capillary pressure 

Define electrical properties of rock, resistivity index, saturation exponent, 1,2,5 

and cementation factor and show their relationship and uses; conduct 

experiments to measure electrical properties of rocks; and demonstrate 

the calculations necessary in analyzing laboratory measurements 

Define effective and relative permeability; reproduce typical relative 1,2,5 

permeability curves and show effect of saturation history on relative 

permeability; and demonstrate some uses of relative permeability data 

Develop data analysis skills and be able to report in written form 2, 7 





data. 



Prepared by: Ahmad Ghassemi, 20 August, 2008 

2


Transport Processes in Petroleum Production 

Credit 3: (3-0) 


Catalog Description: Fluid mechanics: fluid statics; mass, energy, momentum balances; friction losses, 

turbulent flow, Reynolds Number (Moody Diagram); Newtonian/Non-Newtonian fluids; flow in porous 

media (Darcy’s law and Non-Darcy flow); heat transfer: heat conduction (steady-state/transient flow: flux 

components, slabs/cylinders, thermal conductivity, analogs, applications); heat convection (heat 

transfer/pressure drop, heat exchangers, applications). 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 311; CVEN 305; MEEN 315; MATH 308 

Instructor: Peter P Valkó, professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 501E, (979) 862-2757, 

p-valko@tamu.edu, other Petroleum Engineering Department faculty as appropriate. 

Textbook Required: Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineers – Noel De Nevers –3rd (or higher) Edition, 

McGraw-Hill. 


1. Introduction: Transport processes and fluid mechanics; Concepts, properties, 

and techniques 

2. Fluid statics: Calculation of pressure, force, area; Pressure measurement 

3. Mass balance: steady state and unsteady state 

4. Energy balance: the extended Bernoulli’s equation; Fluid-flow measurements 

5. Fluid friction characterization, Reynolds number, Laminar and turbulent flow, 

Minor losses 

6. Non-Newtonian fluid flow: models and calculations; Starting and stopping 

flows, water hammer 

7. Gas flow; Chokes, Flow in gas wells 

8. Dimensional Analysis 

9. Pumps and compressors: Positive displacement and Centrifugal, axial 

10. Gas-liquid flows; Surface tension effects 

11. Flow in porous media, Darcy flow, non-Darcy flow, Ergun equ. 

12. Heat and mass transfer: conduction and convection 

13. Heat exchangers 

14. Analogies: Differential models 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: 3 50-min lecture sessions per week 


Class work & Mini-quizzes 10% 

Homework 5% 

Mid-term Examinations 60% 


Total 100% 

1



Petroleum Engineering Provides students the basics and petroleum engineering applications of fluid 

mechanics, heat and mass transfer and related transport phenomena. 

Prepares students for design and analysis of fluid and heat flow systems, 

including wells, pumps, and heat exchangers. 

General Education Improves the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems, 

equip. 




Write and apply macroscopic mass, energy, and momentum balances for 1, 5,15 

flow systems. 

Calculate frictional losses in pipes for the cases of laminar and turbulent 5,15 

flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. 

Solve flow problems involving compressible and two–phase fluids. 15 

Calculate pressure losses in porous medium for the case of Darcy and 15 

non-Darcy flow. 

Design and analyze the operation of pumps and compressors. 3,18 

Utilize the analogy between fluid mechanics and other transport 

1,15 

processes and apply the techniques to well and reservoir systems. 

Design and analyze the operation of heat exchangers. 18 




3 An ability to design a system component or process to meet desired needs. 




18 Competency in design and analysis of systems for producing, injecting, and 

handling fluids. 

Prepared by: Peter P. Valko, 23 July 2008 

2


Formation Evaluation 

Credit 4: (3-3) 

Catalog Description: Introduction to well logging methods & evaluation of well logs 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 301 and 310; GEOL 404 or approval of instructor 

Instructor: David S. Schechter, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 

401Q, (979) 845-2275, schech@pe.tamu.edu 

Textbook Required: Halliburton “Open Hole Log Analysis and Formation Evaluation” obtained at TEES 

Copy Center Room 221 in WERC. 


1. Passive Devices 

2. Acoustic 

3. Density/Neutron 

4. Porosity, Lithology 

5. Resistivity 

6. Capillary Pressure & Saturation 

7. Shaly Sands 

8. Core-log integration 

9. Net pay, resources, and reserves 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: Three 50-min lecture sessions & one lab session per week 


Quizzes 20% 

Mid-Term 25% 

Project Report 25% 


Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering All topics relate to the application of scientific principles to the solution of 

formation evaluation problems. 


1




Identify the basic physical principles of the common open hole logging 

measurements in order to evaluate formation properties. 

Interpret common open hole logging measurements for lithology, porosity, 

and water saturation estimates and their associated limitations and 

uncertainties. 

Calculate basic wireline log evaluations on a representative, commercial 

software package. 

Integrate wireline logging data with basic core data in order to assess 

formation lithology, porosity, and permeability. 

Manipulate log data to make cross sections and maps and calculate 

reservoir volumes and hydrocarbons in place. 

Identify the ability of wireline logging surveys to be incorporated into 

integrated reservoir studies. 


1, 11 

2, 5, 17, 21 

2,11 

1, 2, 17, 21 

2, 4, 11,17, 20, 21 

20, 21 





data. 

4 Ability to an function on multi-disciplinary teams 



engineering practice. 

17 Competency in characterization and evaluation of subsurface geological formations 

and their resources using geoscientific and engineering methods. 

20 Competency in use of project economics and resource valuation methods for 

design and decision making under conditions of risk and uncertainty. 



Prepared by: David S. Schechter, 19 August 2008 

2


Geostatistics 

Credit 3: (3-0) 

Catalog Description 

Introduction to geostatistics; basic concepts in probability and univariate statistics; bivariate statistics and 

spatial relationship; covariance and correlation; second order stationarity; variogram estimation and 

modeling; spatial estimation and reservoir modeling; simple and ordinary kriging; uncertainty analysis; 

estimation versus conditional simulation; sequential Gaussian simulation. 

Prerequisites 

Instructors Permission. 

Section 501 Section 502 

Instructor 

Instructor 

Akhil Datta-Gupta 

Behnam Jafarpour 

Office: Richardson 401D 

Office: Richardson 401F 

E-mail: datta-gupta@pe.tamu.edu 

E-mail: behnam@pe.tamu.edu 

Office Hours: 

Office Tues/Thurs 3:00-4:00PM 

Text Book 

Kelkar M., Perez G., (2002): Applied Geostatistics for Reservoir Characterization. Society of Petroleum 

Engineers, Texas. 

Topics Covered 

1. Introduction to Geostatistics and Spatial Modeling 

2. Review of Probability and Statistics; 

3. Univariate Distributions (PDF and CDF); Statistical Measures; Statistical Moments and 

Expectations; Properties of Moments and Expectations 

4. Common PDFs; Normal Distribution; Properties of Normal PDF and Test of Normality; 

Log-Normal Distribution 

5. Probability Mapping and CDF Transformation; Normal Score Transform; Monte Carlo 

Method; 

6. Bivariate Analysis (Joint Distributions); Covariance and Correlation; Joint Normal 

Distribution 

7. Linear Regression & Least-Squares; Estimators and Their Properties; Residual 

Analysis and Coefficients of Determination 

8. Confidence Intervals; t-Student-test and F-test; 

9. Spatial Relationships and Basic Concepts; Stationarity, Autocovariance, and 

Autocorrelation 

10. Stationarity; Variograms Estimation and Variograms; 

11. Modeling Geological Media; Linear Interpolation (Kriging); 

12. Simple Kriging; Ordinary Kriging; and Universal Kriging 

13. Estimation versus Simulation; Sequential Gaussian Simulation 

Lectures 

This course will have three 50 minute lectures per week. 

Homework 

There will be a total of 8 homeworks that account for 20% of the final grade. Some of the problem sets may 

involve use of computers and geostatistical software to help you explore different aspects of the material. 

You can use any geostatistical software of your choice to do those problem sets. A few general software 

packages that can be used for this purpose are GEOEAS, GSLIB, and SGeMS. An introduction to one of 

1

these packages will be given in the class and it will be made available to you for practicing and carrying out 

your homework assignments. 

Exams and Quizzes 

There will be eight short (15 minutes) quizzes and three exams during the semester. The exams will be 

designed to require 45 minutes of effort, but we’ll use 60 minutes to minimize the effects of time pressure. 

The exams will all be closed book. Student will be provided with a formula sheet for each exam. 

Evaluation Method 

The final grade in the course is calculated as a weighted average of the required assignments and 

examinations during the course with the following weights: 

HOMEWORK: 20% 

QUIZZES: 15% 

EXAM 1: 15% 

EXAM 2: 15% 

FINAL EXAM: 20% 

FINAL PROJECT: 15% 

PETE-322 Shared Folder 

We will make announcements via email and upload various information, datasets, and handouts to the 

shared PETE-322 class folder on the PE network. Please make sure you have access to this folder. 

Reference Texts 

You may find the following texts as useful references for this course. 

1. Jensen J.L., Lake L.W., Corbett P.W.M, and Goggin D.J., (2000): Statistics for Petroleum Engineers and 

Goescientists, 2 nd edition, Elsevier Science. 

2. Goovaerts P., (1997): Geostatistics for Natural Resources Evaluation. Oxford University Press. 

3. Deutsch C.V., Journel A.G., (1998): GSLIB: Geostatistical Software Library and User's Guide. Oxford 

University Press, New York. 



Petroleum 

Provides students with an understanding of the stochastic nature of 

Engineering 

reservoir properties and the uncertainty in performance forecasting. 

Students learn about statistical approaches to quantify variability in 

geologic media, spatial relationship amongst data and uncertainty in 

estimates and demonstrate the ability to build simple geologic models 

by integrating diverse data types. 

General Education The students learn about the interdisciplinary nature of Petroleum 

Engineering and need for interaction with geoscientists. 


Course Learning Outcome: At the end of the course, students will Program Outcomes 

be able to… 

Students will combine statistical methods and geological information to 1, 2, 15, 17 

analyze and explore subsurface data. 

Students will produce and interpret estimation errors for their 

1, 2, 5, 21 

calculations of reservoir properties. 

Students will use geostatistical methods to model reservoir properties. 4, 5, 17 

2





data. 

4 Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. 








3


Reservoir Models 

Credit 3: (3-0) 


Catalog Description: Determination of reserves; material balance methods; aquifer models; fractional 

flow and frontal advance; displacement, pattern, and vertical sweep efficiencies in waterfloods; enhanced 

oil recovery processes; design of optimal recovery processes. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 301 & 310, and GEOL 404 

Instructor: Dauloat D. Mamora, Associate Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 401T, 

(979) 845-2962, daulat@pe.tamu.edu 

Textbook Required: Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering, L. P. Dake, Elsevier Scientific Publishing 

Co, New York, 1978. The Reservoir Engineering Aspects of Waterflooding, Forrest F. Craig, Jr., 

Monograph 3, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Dallas, 1971. Class Notes (handouts and power point 

presentations available at http://pumpjack.tamu.edu/~daulat/PETE323). Selected SPE papers available 

online from the Image SPE library. 


1. Introduction 

2. Reservoir Classification 

3. Appraisal of Oilfield Properties. Reserves and Cash Flow 

4. Gas Material Balance 

5. Water Drive Models 

6. Gas Reservoir Forecasting 

7. Oil Material Balance and Drive Indexes 

8. Oil and Gas Reservoir Performance Forecasting 

9. Immiscible Displacement and Fractional Flow and Frontal Advance 

10. Waterflooding, Patterns, Mobility Ratio, Recovery Efficiencies (Areal, 

Volumetric) - Peripheral Floods 

11. Waterflooding, Reservoir Heterogeneity, Stiles Method, Dykstra-Parsons 

Method, Craig-Geffen-Morse Method 

12. Enhanced Oil Recovery 



Attendance and Daily Quizzes 30% 

Team Homework, participation 10% 

First Exam 15% 

Second Exam 20% 


Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Fundamental background on the use of material balance methods to determine 

oil and gas in place given reservoir, production, and fluid property data. Tools 

to estimate reserves and to determine the performance of oil and gas 

reservoirs. A critical overview of currently used methods to improve oil recovery 

and criteria for determining the appropriate method. 


1




Understand and use basic project economic evaluation. 1, 20 

Derive and use the gas material balance coupled with forecasting. 2, 5, 19 

Derive and use the oil material balance coupled with forecasting. 2, 5, 19 

Derive and describe immiscible frontal advance theory and applications. 5, 19 

Recognize mechanisms and understand appropriate application situations 11, 13 

and advantages of common assisted and enhanced recovery methods. 





data. 




13 An ability to recognize and take into account the difference in perspective of the 

scientist and the engineer and to focus on engineering problem solving techniques. 

19 Competency in application of reservoir engineering principles and practices for 

optimizing resource development and management. 



Prepared by: Daulat D. Mamora, 18 July 2008 

2


Well Performance 

Credit 3: (3-0) 

Required for Petroleum Engineering Majors 

Catalog Description: Steady-state, pseudosteady-state, and transient well testing methods to determine 

well and reservoir parameters used in formation evaluation; applications to wells that produce gas and 

liquid petroleum; rate forecasting; deliverability testing. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 301 & 310; GEOL 404 

Instructor: 

Thomas A. Blasingame, Ph.D., P.E., 

Professor, Department or Petroleum Engineering 

RICH 815 — +1.979.845.2292 — t-blasingame@tamu.edu 

Textbook Required: 

1. Fundamentals of Formation Testing, Schlumberger (2006). (Schlumberger donation) 

2. Earlougher, R.C., Jr: Advances in Well Test Analysis, Monograph Vol. 5, SPE (1977). 

3. Horne, R.N.: Modern Well Test Analysis: A Computer-Aided Approach, Petroway (1995). 

4. Dake, L. P.: The Practice of Reservoir Engineering, Elsevier (2001). 

5. Dynamic Flow Analysis, Kappa Engineering (2007). (free — distributed electronically) 


Module 1: Introductory Materials, Objectives of well tests, reservoir models, and plotting methods. 

Module 2: Fundamentals of Flow in Porous Media, Material balance concepts (constant compressibility 

and dry gas systems), Steady-state and pseudo-steady state flow concepts, Inflow Performance 

Relations (IPRs) for Gas-Oil and Gas-Condensate Reservoir Systems, and Development of the 

diffusivity equation: Liquid and gas systems. 

Module 3: Solutions/Models for Well Test Analysis, Steady-state, pseudosteady-state, and transient radial 

flow. Dimensionless variables — radial flow diffusivity equation, Solutions of the diffusivity 

equation (various cases — concept of "type curves"), Variable-rate convolution: general and 

single-rate drawdown cases, and Wellbore Phenomena. 

Module 4: Well Test Analysis, Variable-rate convolution: Single-rate pressure buildup case. Conventional 

analysis of pressure drawdown/buildup test data, Analysis of gas well tests, Unfractured and 

fractured wells, and dual porosity reservoirs, Design of well tests, and Software for the analysis 

of well test data. 

Module 5: Analysis and Modelling of Production Data, Production analysis: Introduction, empirical 

analysis/forecasting, and deliverability testing, Fetkovich-McCray decline type curve analysis, 

and Software for the analysis of production data. 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: Three 50-min lecture sessions per week 


Homework/Quizzes 20% 

Projects 20% 

Examinations (2) 50% 

Class Participation/Pop Quizzes 10% 

Total 100% 

1


Math and Science 



Uses calculus and differential equations, use of graphics (hand and 

computer) for problem solving. Experimental component of course 

typically includes a flow and shut-in test on an existing water well. 

This course provides a complete cycle for modeling flow in porous media 

from concept to mathematical model to pressure time solution to well test 

design. The review, analysis, interpretation, and integration of reservoir 

performance data are employed systematically to assess the properties 

of the reservoir system. Inverse modeling is used (via a match of the 

data to a model) as a mechanism to estimate reservoir properties from 

well test and production data responses. Specifically, the student will 

master graphical techniques to estimate reservoir properties from well 

test and production data responses. The condition of the well and the 

well completion are also addressed, and the state of damage or 

stimulation is assessed. 

None 




Describe terminology and commonly-applied methods for quantifying well 1, 5, 15 ,19 

performance. 

Apply Well Test Analysis using Conventional Plots. 2, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21 

Apply Well Test Analysis using Type Curve Analysis. 2, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21 

Apply Production Data Analysis. 2, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21 




2 An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data. 


11 An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering 

practice. 

15 Competency in math thru diff eqs, probability and statistics, fluid mechanics, strength of 

materials, and thermodynamics. 

16 Competency in design and analysis of well systems and procedures for drilling and completing 

wells. 

17 Competency in characterization and evaluation of subsurface geological formations and their 

resources using geoscientific and engineering methods. 

19 Competency in application of reservoir engineering principles and practices for optimizing 

resource development and management. 

21 An ability to deal with the high level of uncertainty in petroleum reservoir problems in problem 

definition and solution. 

Prepared by: Thomas A. Blasingame, 21 August 2008. 

2


Petroleum Production Systems 

Credit 2: (1-3) 


Catalog Description: Introduction to production operations and oil field equipment, multiphase flow in 

pipes, bottomhole pressure prediction, inflow/outflow performance, production systems and backpressure 

analysis, hydraulic fracturing fluids and equipment; downhole and artificial lift equipment, tubulars, 

workover/completion nomenclature and procedures; produced fluids, fluid separation and metering, safety 

systems, pressure boosting and monitoring. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 301, 310, 314; GEOL 404 

Instructor: Stuart L. Scott, Associate Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 610, (979) 

847-8564; SLScott@tamu.edu and other Petroleum Engineering faculty as appropriate. 

Textbooks Required: Production Optimization Using Nodal Analysis. Beggs, H. Dale, OGCI 

Publications, Tulsa, 1991; Stimulation Engineering Handbook, Ely, John W., PennWell Publishing 

Company, Tulsa, 1994. Offshore Multiphase Production Operations, Shippen. M.E. and S.L. Scott (ed.), 

SPE Reprint Series No. 58 (2004); Petroleum Engineering Handbook, Bradley, H.B., SPE (1992). 


The overlying theme of the topics is to follow the flow of fluids from the reservoir/well interface through the 

well and surface facilities, with emphasis on learning the hardware components and their functions and 

importance. 

1. Reservoir performance as it pertains to well inflow 

2. Overview of well hardware and completions—connection of the well to the reservoir and the 

surface 

3. Fundamentals of Single Phase Fluid Flow in Pipe (vertical, horizontal, angled) 

4. Multiphase Flow in Pipes 

5. Surface equipment—safety valves, chokes, separation and metering 

6. Overview of artificial lift methods—rod pump, gas lift, ESP 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: 1 50-min lecture session & 1 3-hour lab session per week 


Homework Assignments & Quizzes 15% 

Classroom, Field Trip, Lab & Workshop Participation 10% 

Laboratory Reports & Quizzes 25% 

Examinations (three exams) 50% 

Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Provides students with the vocabulary and hand-on equipment experience to 

function in the modern oil field. Develops basic skills needed for more 

advanced senior level design classes. 

General Education Equips students with laboratory skills and decision process of selecting from 

competing technologies. 




Develop oil field vocabulary and familiarity with methods and materials 15, 16, 18 

used in completing and producing oil and gas wells. 

Develop hands-on testing skills with completion and produced fluids as 18 

1

well as modern production equipment and meters. 

Be able to calculate fluid pressure losses through basic production 

systems. 

Introduce systems analysis concept for optimization and backpressure 

methods for monitoring well performance. 

18 

18, 19 











Prepared by: Robert H. Lane, 2 September 2008 

2


Technical Presentations I 

Credit 1: (1-0) 


Catalog Description: Preparation of a written technical paper on a subject related to petroleum 

technology and an oral presentation of the paper in a formal technical conference format; oral 

presentations judged by petroleum industry professionals. 

Prerequisites(s): COMM 205; junior classification in petroleum engineering. 

Instructors: Duane A. McVay, Associate Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, 401P 

Richardson, (979)862-8466, mcvay@pe.tamu.edu, W. John Lee, Professor, Petroleum Engineering 

Department, 407C Richardson, (979)845-2208, john.lee@pe.tamu.edu 

Textbook Required: SPE Style Guide, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, TX, 2007; excerpts 

from other sources provided as class notes 


1. Introduction to library and literature database resources 

2. Avoiding plagiarism, copyright infringement 

3. Conducting and writing a review of technical literature 

4. Engineering method vs. scientific method 

5. Writing a technical proposal 

6. Writing Titles, Abstracts 

7. Designing and developing PowerPoint slides 

8. Developing and delivering the oral presentation 



Weekly Written Assignments 70% 

Oral Presentation 30% 

Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Provides skills to identify and propose plans for solution of petroleum 

engineering problems 

General Education Provides skills to formulate technical proposals and give oral presentations in a 

professional setting 

1




Identify an engineering problem in the oil and gas industry, either general 

in nature or related to a specific field 

Search modern electronic databases containing literature in petroleum 

technology to find papers related to the engineering problem identified, 

and compile a bibliography in SPE format 

Read papers found in the literature search, identify those that are relevant 

to the problem chosen, and summarize the relevance of each in two or 

three sentences 

Prepare a literature review, properly citing references using the Society of 

Petroleum Engineers (SPE) guidelines, summarizing what has been done 

by previous authors to address the problem of interest, the weaknesses in 

previous solutions or what has not been done, and the need for further 

study 

Set objectives (consistent with identified study needs) for an independent 

study (that can be completed using only resources that are reasonably 

certain to be available to the student) of the petroleum engineering 

problem identified 

Prepare a plan, consisting of proposed methodology, available data and a 

list of tasks, to accomplish the study objectives 

Identify the significance, potential benefits, and possible applications of 

the anticipated results of the independent study 

Write a title and abstract for the study proposal consistent with SPE 

standards 

Prepare Microsoft PowerPoint slides for an oral presentation of the 

proposed study 

Present the proposal orally to a panel of practicing engineers from the 

petroleum industry and faculty members in 10 to 15 minutes, using 

PowerPoint slides 


5, 9, 13 

5, 9, 11 

5, 9 

5, 6, 7, 9 

3, 5, 9, 13 

3, 5, 9, 11, 13 

3, 8, 9, 13 

7 

7, 11 

7 




5 An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems 

6 An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility 

7 An ability to communicate effectively 


in a global and societal context 

9 A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning 





Prepared by: Duane A. McVay, 22 August 2008 

2


Cross-listed with Geology 400 

Reservoir Description 

Credit 3: (2-3) 

Catalog Description: An integrated reservoir description experience for senior students in petroleum 

engineering, geology and geophysics; includes using geophysical, geological, petrophysical and 

engineering data; emphasis on reservoir description (reservoir and well data analysis and interpretation), 

reservoir modeling (simulation), reservoir management (production optimization) and economic analysis 

(property evaluation). 

Prerequisites(s): Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor. 

Instructor: Duane A. McVay, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor, Petroleum Eng Department, 401P 

Richardson, (979)862-8466, mcvay@pe.tamu.edu, other Petroleum Eng Department and Geology and 

Geophysics Department faculty as appropriate. 

Textbook Required: None 


1. Introduction to integrated reservoir studies 

2. Log analysis 

3. Geological description-facies, mapping 

4. Geophysical description 

5. Reservoir charac integration 

6. Reservoir model construction 

7. Reservoir model calibration 

8. Economic and risk analysis 

9. Optimization of development plan 

10. Final Presentations 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: 2 50-min lecture sessions & 3 lab sessions per week 


Oral Presentations 40% 

Written Reports 40% 


Participation, Professionalism 10% 

Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Provides students with skills in the application of geoscience and engineering 

data and methods to develop petroleum reservoir descriptions and models and 

to design optimum reservoir development plans. 

General Education Provides students with experience working in multidisciplinary teams. 

1




Work effectively, as measured by peer and instructor evaluations, on a 

multidisciplinary team consisting of geophys, geols, and pet engineers. 

Explain how to conduct an integrated reservoir study, including the 

components of a study and the data required. 

Develop a complete description of a hydrocarbon reservoir using 

geoscientific and engineering methods. 

Given a complete reservoir description and well data, design, construct, 

execute, and quality check a reservoir simulation model. 

Successfully calibrate a reservoir simulation model against observed 

performance data. 

Predict and optimize reservoir performance using reservoir simulation and 

economic modeling. 

Effectively communicate the results of an integrated reservoir study orally 

and in written reports. 


4, 13 

4, 5, 11, 13, 17, 19 

4, 11, 13, 17, 19 

4, 11, 17, 19 

4, 11, 17, 19, 21 

3, 4, 5, 11, 18, 19, 20, 

21, 22 

4, 7, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 



3 An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. 

4 Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. 

















22 An ability to take into account the requirements of the free-market commercial 


solution. 

Prepared by: Duane A. McVay, 18 July 2008 

2


Reservoir Development 

Credit 3: (2-3) 

Required for Seniors 

Catalog Description: An integrated reservoir development experience for senior students in petroleum 

engineering; emphasis on reservoir description (reservoir and well evaluation), reservoir modeling 

(simulation), production optimization (nodal analysis, stimulation, artificial lift, facilities), reservoir 

management (surveillance and reservoir optimization) and economic analysis (property evaluation and 

risk analysis). 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 321, 323, 324, 325, 403 

Instructor: Duane A. McVay, Associate Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, 401P 

Richardson, (979)862-8466, mcvay@pe.tamu.edu, David Schechter, Associate Professor, Petroleum 

Engineering Department, 401Q Richardson, (979)845-2275, david.schechter@pe.tamu.edu. 

Textbook Required: None. Mattax, C.C. and Dalton, R.L.: Reservoir Simulation, Monograph Series, 

SPE, Richardson, TX (1990) 13, is optional. 

Lecture Topics Covered: 

1. Introduction to reservoir simulation 

2. Reservoir simulation fundamentals 

3. Data required for a simulation study 

4. Model design concepts 

5. Interpreting simulation results 

6. Fieldwide simulation 

7. Aquifer modeling 

8. History matching 

9. Performance prediction 

10. Reservoir optimization 

Lab Topics Covered: 

1. Software Tutorial 

2. Pressure transient test simulation 

3. Hydraulic fractured well modeling 

4. Horizontal well modeling 

5. Coning simulation 

6. Pattern waterflood simulation 

7. Gas field simulation 

8. Volatile oil reservoir simulation 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: 2 50-min lecture sessions & 1 3-hr lab session per week 


Laboratory Reports 30% 

Daily Quizzes 15% 

Mid-Term Examination 25% 


Total 100% 

1



Petroleum Engineering Provides students with knowledge of the theory and application of petroleum 

reservoir simulation. Students acquire skills in designing and calibrating 

reservoir simulation models, and using them to optimize reservoir development 

plans. 

General Education Provides skills in career goal-setting, life-long learning motivated by career 

goals, and personal finance. 




Explain reservoir simulation fundamentals- the underlying equations and 

the numerical techniques used to solve them. 

Design a reservoir simulation model, construct the data set, execute the 

simulator, and view simulation results visually using post-processing 

software. 


1, 15 

1, 5, 11, 15, 17, 18, 19, 

21 

Plan and conduct the calibration of a reservoir simulation model. 1, 3, 5, 11, 17, 18, 19, 

21 

Predict and optimize future performance of petroleum reservoirs using 1, 3, 5, 11, 17, 18, 19, 

reservoir simulation and economic models. 

21 

Apply reservoir simulation technology to solve production and reservoir 1, 5, 11, 19 

engineering problems in individual wells or patterns. 

Apply reservoir simulation technology to solve production and reservoir 1, 5, 11, 15, 17, 18, 19, 

engineering problems in entire fields or reservoirs. 

21 

Effectively present results of an engineering study in a written report. 7 

Set personal career and financial goals, including personal investment 9, 14 

planning, financial management, and a life-long learning plan. 







9 A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning. 
















2


Petroleum Project Evaluation 

Credit 3: (3-0) 


Catalog Description: Analysis of investments in petroleum and mineral extraction industries; depletion, 

petroleum taxation regulations, and projects of the type found in the industry; mineral project evaluation 

case studies. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 301, 310, 314 

Instructor: John Lee, L.F. Peterson Chair and Regents Professor, 401 C,D Richardson, (979) 845-2208, 

john.lee@pe.tamu.edu; Dr. Duane A. McVay, Associate Professor, 401P Richardson, (979) 862-8466, 

mcvay@pe.tamu.edu 

Textbook Required: Mian, M. A., Project Economics and Decision Analysis, Volume I: Deterministic 

Models and Volume II: Probabilistic Models, PennWell (Tulsa) 2002. 


1. Time value of money 

2. Personal investments 

3. Reserves classification 

4. Before-tax cash flow 

5. After-tax cash flow 

6. International contracts 

7. Yardsticks 

8. Selecting investments 

9. Statistics and probability 

10. Expected value and decision trees 

11. Risk preference 

12. Simulation 



Homework 15% 

Daily Quizzes 20% 

Exam 1 20% 

Exam 2 20% 


Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Provides students the tools required to analyze investments in the petroleum 

industry. Emphasizes the risk and uncertainty in petroleum investments and the 

stochastic nature of petroleum reservoir operations. Illustrates how petroleum 

investments are tied to the commercial system dominant in the western world 

and in much of the rest of the world. 

General Education Emphasizes the cultural, governmental, and environmental constraints on 

petroleum engineering projects. Discusses personal finance and investment 

planning. 

1




Be able to categorize petroleum reserves and to estimate proved 

reserves using volumetric, decline curve, and material balance (p/z) 

methods; also, be able to forecast future production rates vs. time. 

Be able to state, in concise summary form, the fundamental forms of 

ownership of petroleum resources, and laws, fiscal systems and financial 

interests pertinent to their exploitation in the United States and 

internationally. 

Be able to perform basic cash flow analysis for petroleum projects and 

determine whether proposed projects are acceptable or unacceptable 

and, in a given list of acceptable projects, be able determine which 

projects are most attractive. 

Be able to evaluate uncertainty in reserve estimates and economic 

appraisal. 

Be able to set personal financial goals and establish an investment plan 

to reach these goals. 

Be able to incorporate social, political, cultural, and environmental factors 

into decision making. 


11, 19 

12, 22 

11, 20, 22 

11, 13, 20, 21 

9, 14 

12, 22 






12 An ability to recognize and take into account the constraints offered by political and 

social systems, including environmental considerations, in problem definition and 

solution. 











22 An ability to take into account the requirements of the free-market commercial 


solution. 

Prepared by: W. John Lee, 21 January 2009 

2


Drilling Engineering 

Credit 3: (3-0) 


Catalog Description: The design and evaluation of well drilling systems; identification and solution of 

drilling problems; wellbore hydraulics, well control, casing design; well cementing, wellbore surveying. 


Instructor: Catalin Teodoriu, Assistant Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 501 J, (979) 

845-6164, catalin.teodoriu@pe.tamu.edu 

Textbooks Required: Applied Drilling Engineering, by Adam T. Bourgoyne Jr., Martin E. Chenevert, 

Keith K. Millheim and F.S. Young Jr., Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, TX, 1991. 


1. The drilling rig, terminology, drilling fluids 

2. Drilling problems and solutions 

3. Wellbore hydraulics and design of circulation system 

4. Casing design procedures; collapse, burst, tension 

5. Abnormal pressures prediction, well control 

6. Fracture gradient prediction 

7. Well design for safety and efficiency 

8. Design of primary and secondary cementing jobs 

9. Liner cementing, setting of cement plugs 

10. Directional drilling, wellbore surveying techniques 

11. Horizontal drilling, coiled tubing drilling 

Class/Laboratory Schedule: 3 50-min lectures per week. 



Examinations 50% 

Design Project 30% 

Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Petroleum Engineering science and design 


1




Design and evaluate well drilling systems; identify and solve drilling 

problems for all well geometries including directional and horizontal wells. 

Calculate the pressure requirement at every stage of the drilling operation 

from the pump to the bit and back to the surface based on rheological 

models and drilling hydraulics procedures and the API recommended 

practices. 

Develop a methodology for casing design, taking into consideration the 

pore pressure and the fracture gradient of the formation. 

Establish a proper procedure for well control to ensure the safety of the 

personnel and to protect the environment. 

Design a proper cementing procedure for cementing the casing or 

abandoning a well, taking into considerations the environmental and legal 

issues. 


1, 2, 3, 5, 16 

1, 2, 5 

1, 2, 3, 17 

1, 3, 5, 7, 12 

1, 5, 6, 12, 16 





data. 



6 An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. 




solution. 





Prepared by: Catalin Teodoriu, 15 August 2008 

2


Advanced Drilling Engineering 

Credit 3: (3-0) 

Satisfies Technical Elective Requirement 

Catalog Description: Well control; Underbalanced drilling; Offshore drilling; Horizontal, Extended Reach, 

Multi-Lateral Drilling; and Fishing Operations. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 405 

Instructor: Jerome J. Schubert, Ph.D., P.E., Assistant Professor, Catalin Teodoriu, Ph.D. Assistant 

Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 501K, (979) 862-1195, mailto:jschubert@tamu.edu, 

other Petroleum Engineering Department faculty as appropriate. 

Textbooks Required: Applied Drilling Engineering, by A.T. Bourgoyne Jr., M.E. Chenevert, K.K. Millheim, 

and F.S. Young. Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, TX. 1991. 


1. Introduction to class, review of important topics of previous classes 

2. Advanced Well Control topics causes of kicks, kick detection, shut-in 

procedures, Managed pressure drilling, dual gradient drilling 

3. Well Control- Well control equipment, unusual well control operations, 

shallow gas, subsea operations. 

4. Underbalanced Drilling- Introduction to UBD, UBD techniques, benefits of 

UBD equipment, Selecting an appropriate candidate, and UBD well 

engineering. 

5. Advanced drilling technologies – casing drilling, HPHT, Introduction to 

Horizontal/Extended Reach/and Multilateral Drilling Fishing Operations 

6. Non-conventional drilling methods and equipment including environmental 

aspects of drilling activities 

7. Special topics covered by industry experts 



Exams (2) 40% 

Final 20% 

Project 40% 

Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Provides students with an introduction to advanced drilling topics such as well 

control, underbalanced drilling, modern drilling technologies, designer wells, 

and fishing operations. 


1




The students will gain knowledge in Blowout Prevention and the 

environmental and safety consequences of poor well control. 

The students will gain knowledge of new technology developed for UBD, 

and governmental, societal, and corporate concerns for Underbalanced 

Operations. 

The students will gain knowledge in modern drilling technologies and take 

decision when to apply them 

The students will gain knowledge of various Drilling operations including 

Offshore, costs, and other differences as compared to land operations. 

The students will gain knowledge of contemporary well design of designer 

wells (e.g. horizontal, extended reach, and multilateral wells). 

The students will gain knowledge of the tools and techniques in fishing 

operations. 


1 

3, 5 

6 

11 

12 

15, 16 






6 An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. 





solution. 





Prepared by: Jerome J. Schubert, and Catalin Teodoriu, 03 September, 2008 

2


Production Engineering 

Credit 3: (3-0) 


Catalog Description: Fundamental production engineering design, evaluation, and optimization for oil 

and gas wells, including well deliverability, formation damage and skin analysis, completion performance, 

and technologies that improve oil and gas well performance including artificial lift and well stimulation. 


Instructor: Ding Zhu, associate professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, RICH 401L, (979) 

4584522. email: dingzhu@ tamu.edu. 

Textbook Required: Economides, M.J., A.D. Hill, and C.E. Ehlig-Economides: Petroleum Production 

Systems. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey (1994).. 

Suggested Textbooks: Beggs, H. Dale: Production Optimization Using Nodal Analysis. OGCI 

Publications, Tulsa (1991); Economides, M et al. Petroleum Well Construction, Wiley, 1998; Ely, John W.: 

Stimulation Engineering Handbook. PennWell Publishing Company, Tulsa, Oklahoma, (1994); Holditch et 

al. Advances in hydraulic fracturing, SPE Monograph No 12 (1989); Penberthy, W.L. Jr. and C.M. 

Shaughnessy: Sand Control. SPE Series on Special Topics Volume No. 1, Society of Petroleum 

Engineers, Inc., Dallas (1992); Williams, B.B., J.L. Gidley, and R.S. Schechter: Acidizing Fundamentals; 

and SPE Monograph Volume 6, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, Texas (1979). 


1. Overview of production system concepts, completion, stimulation and artificial lift 

2. Inflow performance of oil, gas and two-phase well 

3. Formation damage and damage skin factor 

4. Completion options 

5. Completion performance and completion skin factor 

6. Flow in wellbore for single phase and multi-phase 

7. Well deliverability and nodal analysis 

8. Hydraulic fracturing design 

9. Fractured well performance diagnosis 

10. Acid stimulation 

11. Artificial lift, rod pump, ESP and gas lift 

12. Production related environmental problems 



Homework assignments 15% 

Design Project 10% 

Midterm Examinations (25% each, 2) 50% 


Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Provides students with practical skills most often required in everyday 

petroleum production. Develops the ability to analyze and design well 

completions, stimulation treatments and artificial lift systems. 

General Education Equips students with design skills, improves ability to work with a team, and 

develops analysis and presentation skills. 

1




Be able to design, operate and monitor production systems including 

estimate well inflow performance, wellbore flow behavior, and surface 

deliverability (Nodal analysis). 

Be able to evaluate near-wellbore problems caused by formation damage 

and completion, to estimate the effect of near –wellbore problem to 

production performance, and to select the correct method to control the 

effect. 

Be able to provide – justification for selecting a completion option 

including perforation, screen, slotted liners and gravel packs. 

Be able to diagnosis production problems, to identify the source of the 

problem in the production system, and to select the correct method, 

stimulation or artificial lift to solve the problems. 

Be able to design well stimulation treatment including hydraulic fracturing 

and acidizing, and to estimate the improvement in well performance. 

Be able to select appropriate artificial lift system including sucker rod 

pumping, electric submersible pump, progressive cavity pump, hydraulic 

pump systems and gas lift. Be able to design sucker rod pumping, electric 

submersible pump, and gas lift. 


3, 11 

11 

11, 16 

11, 16 

18 

16,18 






16 Competency in design and analysis of well systems and procedures for completing 

and stimulating wells. 



Prepared by: Ding Zhu, September 30, 2008. 

2


Production Enhancement 

Credit 3: (3-0) 

Senior Technical Elective 

Spring 2009 – M W 4:10-5:25 pm, RICH 208 

Instructor: Dr. G. Falcone 

Office: RICH 407J 

Office Hours: TBC 

Phone: 847-8912 

e-mail: gioia.falcone@pe.tamu.edu 

COURSE SYLLABUS 

Course Description: Design, diagnosis and solving of production problems, and optimization of the technologies 

that increase oil and gas well performance. The course begins with a review of the basic principles of reservoir, 

wellbore and surface facilities modeling, leading onto solutions to integrate the different elements of a production 

system and maximize the recoverable reserves from a field. During the course, the students will be assigned 

group project work with the task of optimizing the production from a given field case using commercial software. 

Course Objectives: At the end of this course, students will be able to: 

1. Explain the fundamentals of integrated production systems – the underlying principles and the coupling 

techniques used to solve them. 

2. Build an integrated production model – construct the dataset, execute the simulator, review the results 

using post-processing software. 

• Perform a critical review and screening of available input data. 

• Use sound engineering judgement to estimate values of missing data required to execute the 

simulator. 

• Generate and review results to extract relevant information from which the conclusions required to 

make business decisions can be drawn. 

3. Select methods to optimize a production system and maximize the recoverable reserves from a field, 

given the physical constraints dictated by the production system itself and knowing the limitations of 

current modeling tools. 

4. Identify bottlenecks in a production system 

5. Define the concept of “flow assurance” and recognize situations where under- and over-designed 

production systems can affect the ultimate recovery from a reservoir. 

6. Effectively present the results of an engineering study, both orally and in written reports. 

7. Work effectively in a team environment, under time constraints. 

Prerequisites: PETE 410, 323, 310, 311, 325. 

Recommended Study Material: 

• Well Performance, M. Golan, C.H. Whitson, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1991. 

• Reservoir Engineering Handbook, T. Ahmed, Gulf Professional Publishing, 2001. 

• Petroleum Production Systems, M.J. Economides, A.D. Hill, and C. Ehlig-Economides, 

Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1994. 

• Petroleum Engineering Handbook, edited by H.B. Bradley, Society of Petroleum Engineers, 

1987. 

• Supplemental papers from the literature and course notes. 


• Introduction to integrated production systems: the production system as a network of components 

through which underground hydrocarbons must flow to reach the surface.

• Review of reservoir inflow characterization and modeling tools: inflow performance relationships; 

numerical vs. analytical modeling; steady-state, pseudo steady-state and transient reservoir flow. 

• Review of multiphase flow modeling in wellbores, risers and flowlines: empirical vs. mechanistic models; 

nodal analysis; steady-state flow models vs. transient flow models; tuning of multiphase flow models; flow 

assurance issues (i.e. hydrates, asphaltenes, waxes, scales). 

• Choke valves: the function of production choke valves; empirical vs. mechanistic models; critical and 

subcritical flow; the use of choke valves to handle back-pressure effects along the production system. 

• Surface facilities: production and test separators; treatment facilities; export lines; points of sale. 

• Production optimization techniques: solutions to boost oil production; liquid unloading techniques in gas 

wells; downhole and seabed water separation. 

• Diagnosis of systems performance: real-time monitoring; production logging; multiphase flow metering; 

downhole monitoring 

• Production Allocation: commingling of produced hydrocarbons from different fields through the same 

export facilities; well testing; fiscal allocation; metering points; metering accuracy; “value adjustment” for 

hydrocarbons of different quality. 

• Linking the reservoir, the near-wellbore, the wellbore and the surface facilities: the concept of boundary 

conditions in steady-state flow and transient flow; the “near-wellbore” region; limitations of current 

modeling tools. 

• Planning short-, medium and long-term optimization of field management: water and gas shut-offs; reperforation; 

stimulation; re-completion; debottlenecking of topsides facilities; handling transient flow 

situations in the system; issues around the chosen export route; offshore vs. onshore scenarios. 

Class Schedule: 2 75-min lecture sessions per week 


Homework 20% 

Mid-term Examination 35% 

Final Project 45% 

Total 100% 


• Petroleum Enginnering: provides students with a clear understanding of the importance of an integrated 

approach to production enhancement (from reservoir to surface, through the wells and the production 

network), which is fundamental in modern petroleum engineering. 

• General Education: provides students with experience working in teams, and develops analysis and 

presentation skills. 

Relationship of Course Objectives to Program Outcomes: 

Course Objectives 


1 Explain the fundamentals of integrated production systems – the 

1, 5 

underlying principles and the coupling techniques used to solve them. 

2 Build an integrated production model – construct the dataset, execute 1, 3, 5, 11, 13, 18, 21 

the simulator, review the results using post-processing software. 

• Perform a critical review and screening of available input 

data. 

• Use sound engineering judgment to estimate values of 

missing data required to execute the simulator. 

• Generate and review results to extract relevant information 

from which the conclusions required to make business 

decisions can be drawn. 

3 Select methods to optimize a production system and maximize the 

1, 5, 11, 18 

recoverable reserves from a field, given the physical constraints dictated 

by the production system itself and knowing the limitations of current 

modeling tools. 

4 Identify bottlenecks in a production system 1, 5, 11, 18 

5 Define the concept of “flow assurance” and recognize situations where 1, 5, 18 

2

under- and over-designed production systems can affect the ultimate 

recovery from a reservoir. 

6 Effectively present the results of an engineering study, both orally and in 

7 

written reports. 

7 Work effectively in a team environment, under time constraints. 4, 6 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement: 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive 

civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students 

with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their 

disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in 

Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu 

Academic Integrity Statement and Policy: 

For many years Aggies have followed a Code of Honor, which is stated in this very simple verse: 

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” 

The Aggie Code of Honor is an effort to unify the aims of all Texas A&M men and women toward a high code of 

ethics and personal dignity. For most, living under this code will be no problem, as it asks nothing of a person that 

is beyond reason. It only calls for honesty and integrity, characteristics that Aggies have always exemplified. 

The Aggie Code of Honor functions as a symbol to all Aggies, promoting understanding and loyalty to truth and 

confidence in each other. 

For additional information visit http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/ 

Helpful Links: 

Academic Calendar http://admissions.tamu.edu/registrar/general/calendar.aspx 

Final Exam Schedule http://admissions.tamu.edu/registrar/general/finalschedule.aspx 

On-Line Catalog http://www.tamu.edu/admissions/catalogs/ 

Student Rules http://student-rules.tamu.edu/ 

Religious Observances http://dof.tamu.edu/faculty/policies/religiousobservance.php 

3


Technical Presentations II 

Credit 1: (1-0) 


Catalog Description: Preparation of a written technical paper on a subject related to petroleum 

technology and an oral presentation of the paper in a formal technical conference format; oral 

presentations are judged by petroleum industry professionals at the departmental student paper contest 

held during the same academic year. 

Prerequisites(s): PETE 335; senior classification in petroleum engineering 

Instructors: Duane A. McVay, Associate Professor, Petroleum Engineering Department, 401P 

Richardson, (979)862-8466, mcvay@pe.tamu.edu, W. John Lee, Professor, Petroleum Engineering 

Department, 407C Richardson, (979)845-2208, john.lee@pe.tamu.edu 

Textbooks Required: SPE Style Guide, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, TX, 2007; 

excerpts from other sources provided as class notes 


1. Review of library and literature database resources 

2. Conducting and writing a review of technical literature 

3. Engineering method vs. scientific method 

4. Conducting an independent study of an engineering problem 

5. Analysis/interpretation of results and drawing conclusions 

6. Organizing and writing the technical paper 

7. Writing Titles, Abstracts 

8. Designing and developing PowerPoint slides 

9. Developing and delivering the oral presentation 



Weekly Written Assignments 70% 

Oral Presentation 30% 

Total 100% 



Petroleum Engineering Provides skills to conduct an independent study of a petroleum engineering 

problem, and to synthesize results and draw appropriate conclusions from the 

study 

General Education Provides skills to write technical papers and give oral presentations in a 

professional setting 

1




Outline in detail an Introduction for your paper/presentation consisting of 

problem statement, review of previous work presented in the literature, 

need for further study, and study objectives 

Outline in detail a Methodology section for your paper/presentation, 

including planned tasks, data and methods you will use, and assumptions 

you will make in the study 

Prepare a References section, consistent with the SPE style guide, listing 

all literature cited in the Introduction and Methodology sections 

Gather information, make calculations and/or analyze data to achieve the 

specific objectives set in your proposal for an independent study 

Summarize the results of your independent study in appropriate textual, 

tabular and graphical forms, consistent with engineering and Society of 

Petroleum Engineers (SPE) presentation standards 

Outline in detail a Discussion section for your paper/presentation, 

including your analysis and interpretation of study results 

Draw appropriate conclusions from your study consistent with your project 

objectives and properly supported by data, calculations and/or analysis 

Identify limitations of your work and prepare recommendations for further 

work, if appropriate, supported by evidence presented in the results and 

discussion of your study 

Identify the significance, potential benefits, and possible applications of 

the results and conclusions of your independent study 

Write a title and abstract for the independent study consistent with SPE 

standards 

Prepare Microsoft PowerPoint slides for your independent study that can 

be used in an oral presentation to persuade others that the study results, 

conclusions and recommendations are correct and useful 

Present the study orally to a panel of practicing engineers from the 

petroleum industry and faculty members in 10 to 15 minutes, using 

PowerPoint slides 


5, 7, 9, 11, 13 

3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 

5, 6, 7, 9 

2, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13 

2, 7, 11 

2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 

2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 13 

2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 13 

3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13 

7 

7, 11 

7 




data 


5 An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems 

6 An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility 



in a global and societal context. 







2

Nontechnical Guide to Petroleum Geology, Exploration

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?