Some selected topics in research and application of reservoir simulation

The development of complex and costly oil recovery processes has put new demands on the understanding of reservoir mechanics which in turn has stimulated the advancement of reservoir simulation technology. In the 20 yr of its existence, reservoir simulation progressed from modeling simple single-phase and black oil systems to complex nonisothermal problems involving chemical reactions, multi component fluid phase behavior and consideration of mechanics of the rock. Advances in simulation technology can be noted in several areas. Mathematic models are being formulated for new types of processes which often involve introduction of additional physical laws which complicate the system of equations solved. This study reviews the types of simulation problems and models recently developed and discusses examples of current research.