Challenges in Modelling and Simulation of Shale Gas Reservoirs

This book addresses the problems involved in the modelling and simulation of shale gas reservoirs, and details recent advances in the field. It discusses various modelling and simulation challenges, such as the complexity of fracture networks, adsorption phenomena, non-Darcy flow, and natural fracture networks, presenting the latest findings in these areas.

It also discusses the difficulties of developing shale gas models, and compares analytical modelling and numerical simulations of shale gas reservoirs with those of conventional reservoirs. Offering a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in developing shale gas models and simulators in the upstream oil industry, it allows readers to gain a better understanding of these reservoirs and encourages more systematic research on efficient exploitation of shale gas plays.

It is a valuable resource for researchers interested in the modelling of unconventional reservoirs and graduate students studying reservoir engineering. It is also of interest to practising reservoir and production engineers.

Dr. Jebraeel Gholinezhad is currently a lecturer at the School of Engineering at University of Portsmouth, UK. As well as conducting research on a number of areas, including shale gas reservoirs, reservoir fluid analysis and well deliverability, he teaches petroleum engineering courses such as well engineering, reservoir fluid properties, numerical and computational methods, etc. to undergraduate and postgraduate students. He holds an MSc degree in reservoir engineering from the IFP School in Paris and a PhD in petroleum engineering from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK. Dr Gholinezhad worked as a research scientist on different projects related to reservoir fluid studies, well performance, artificial lift and flow assurance at TOTAL and the Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI) for 6 years. He has been involved in conducting full reservoir fluid studies consisting of both experimental and modelling work, and investigating flow assurance problems such as inorganic scale, wax, asphaltene and gas hydrates. He also has hands-on experience in core-flooding experiments for enhanced oil recovery projects. Dr Gholinezhad has presented several training courses and workshops to industry professionals on reservoir fluid thermodynamics, oil and gas well performance, artificial lift techniques and flow assurance challenges.