Merlin & Apprentice Basic School

This is a practical, hands-on 5-day school on the use of simulation to solve real world problems rather than a school on how simulators work. Students should be familiar with reservoir engineering data, but need not have a background in simulation to attend. 

Graduating students will be able to build a variety of single and full field well models.  These models will include everything from new prospect evaluations and history matching to full field modeling of vertical and horizontal wells.  Apprentice instruction includes a demonstration of basic features.

The basic school can be taught as a general school with both oil and gas problems included, or as a gas school with tight gas and gas condensate problems included.  We also provide training on Worst Case Discharge calculations and workflows for those interested in offshore applications.  Onshore and offshore specific training are taught simultaneously in separate groups during one of the school days.    

Benefits of training:

• Solid working knowledge of the Gemini software and reservoir simulation as a whole
• Shortens the learning curve of the Gemini software for any current or prospective users
• Hands-on experience with the reservoir simulation software while being taught by instructors who developed the software
• Students can bring in a data set for an asset of their choosing and the instructor will assist and advise them in building a reservoir model to take back to the office (this is basically a mini reservoir modeling consulting session)
• This class also qualifies for P.E. continuing education credits

Course Outline

Introduction to Simulation

• Models in general
• Numerical models
• Mathematics
• Solution techniques
• Merlin demo

Introduction to Merlin

• Initialization data
• Recurrent data
• Running the model
• Viewing output
• Sensitivity runs

Performing Simulation Studies

• Data requirements
• Applications of simulation
• Single Pattern Studies

Wildcat Evaluation of New Prospect using Simulation

• Evaluate the prospect using analog data from an offset field
• Reevaluate the prospect after the first well is drilled
• Examine sensitivities to grid dimensions
• Examine water coning for the model with a radial setup

Performing a Single-Pattern History Match
Apprentice introduction Digitizing Exercise Demonstration

• Digitize bit map on screen using the mouse
• Import wells from an Excel spreadsheet

Practical Apprentice Digitizing and Mapping Exercise Demonstration

• Digitize maps
• Draw grid on the map
• Generate different geostatistic interpretations
• Perform volumetrics
• Create new maps using grid to grid operations
• Export maps to Merlin

Full Field Simulation

• Importing and manipulating Apprentice grids
• Examining optimal vertical well locations
• Examining optimal horizontal well locations
• Special Topics