The Science of Reservoir Optimization; A Seminar Series

In a series of seminars, Dr. Brent Thomas reveals the blueprints for understanding reservoir performance, reviewing methods which have defined the industry for the last half century. Each session is loaded with thought-provoking concepts we need to consider, including real-world examples, and practical lessons you can apply in your work to maximize reservoir performance.

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Analyst reviewing data visualizations and charts on a laptop to interpret sample results

EOR & Reservoir Engineering with Dr. Brent Thomas

Dr. Brent Thomas is a globally recognized leader in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and reservoir engineering, with nearly five decades of experience shaping oil and gas development worldwide. He has consistently delivered solutions for the industry’s most challenging reservoirs, including heavy oils, conventional oils, critical oils, and volatile retrograde systems. Dr. Thomas’ expertise spans both wet and dry gas reservoirs, complex dew point systems, and high-stakes international projects, making him a sought-after authority for optimizing production and maximizing recovery in diverse and technically demanding environments. As a former principal of Hycal Energy Research (1981–2004), Director of Phase Behaviour and EOR Research at Weatherford Laboratories (2004–2014), a distinguished lecturer for Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) (2003-04), and a celebrated author with multiple JCPT Best Paper Awards, his expertise is both deep and widely respected. Dr. Thomas has taught EOR courses worldwide, delivering a rare blend of technical mastery, real-world experience, and forward-thinking solutions for the next generation of engineers and geoscientists.

Testimonials

Taking the AGAT sessions with Dr. Brent Thomas has been an excellent experience. His depth and breadth of knowledge are truly impressive. Not only does he explain reservoir fundamentals with great clarity, but he consistently ties concepts back to real-world applications and case studies, which really helps reinforce the material. It’s a pleasure to listen to him and engage in discussions on these reservoir topics — highly valuable sessions overall.

— Rous P. Eng, Whitecap Resources

The sessions are very well structured, extremely easy to follow and comprehend, while being highly interactive, tailored for a broad audience of engineers and geoscientists alike. The vast amount of information, knowledge, expertise, personal charm and style of Dr. Thomas makes these sessions a valuable, unforgettable experience.

— F. Hategan, Spartan Delta Corp.

THE SCIENCE OF

Reservoir Optimization

A Seminar Series

Fundamental Concepts of Reservoir Performance and Exploitation

Seminar Level:

Beginner

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Improve poor reservoir performance by troubleshooting with six proven parameters — Phase Behaviour, Interfacial Tension, Mobility Ratios, Rock Properties, Wettability, and Gravity. Participants will learn how to avoid pitfalls that inhibit reservoir optimization.

Quantification and Characterization of Rock Properties

Seminar Level:

Intermediate

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Understand the role of rock properties in reservoir performance with focus on micro and macro scale heterogeneity and how to quantify their contribution to reservoir optimization. Participants will explore examples where understanding reservoir rock is vital to optimization.

Sampling and Characterization of Reservoir Fluids

Seminar Level:

Advanced

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Gain conceptual tools to apply to sampling and characterization of reservoir fluids to better monetize your reservoir assets. Participants will explore how appropriate sampling and characterization protocols significantly improve evaluation.

Coupling Fluid and Rock Properties

Seminar Level:

Beginner

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Explore how improved design makes often discredited relative permeability data more trustworthy in heavy oils, conventional reservoirs, unconventional production, and gas condensates. Suitable for engineers and geoscientists familiar with relative permeability.

Formation Damage Analysis and Laboratory Testing for Remediation

Seminar Level:

Intermediate

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Learn how to spot formation damage from other factors leading to reduced well productivity. Participants will discuss chemical, mechanical, biological, and thermal formation damage in heavy oil, conventional oil, unconventional production, and gas reservoirs.

Enhanced Oil Recovery: Part 1 — Heavy Oils

Seminar Level:

Advanced

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Explore techniques for heavy oils including waterflooding, polymer floods, thermal applications, profile modification, and foamy oil characteristics. Participants will also learn how to improve mobility ratio supported with proven case studies. Suitable for engineers and geoscientists of all levels.

Enhanced Oil Recovery: Part 2 — Conventional Oil Reservoirs

Seminar Level:

Advanced

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Learn how to design an alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) application while exploring other common strategies and techniques for conventional oil reservoirs such as waterflooding and gas injection. Suitable for engineers and geoscientists of all levels.

Enhanced Oil Recovery: Part 3 — Gas Condensate Reservoirs

Seminar Level:

Advanced

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Explore techniques for gas condensate reservoirs such as controlled flow back and gas cycling with a focus on maximizing liquid recovery. Other topics include relative permeability parameters, fluid sampling, and characterization. Suitable for engineers and geoscientists of all levels.

Enhanced Oil Recovery: Part 4 — Gas Cycling in Unconventional Reservoirs

Seminar Level:

Advanced

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In part four of four on enhanced oil recovery, explore gas cycling EOR (GCEOR) in unconventional reservoirs with a look at case studies from the Montney and Duvernay formations.

Special Topics Based on Industry Feedback

Seminar Level:

Advanced

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With a focus on a variety of methods, discus geochemical applications, equation of state modeling, and organic solid precipitation (asphaltenes, wax) in this course suited to all levels of experience.

Structured for Simplicity

Flexible Instruction

Learn in-person at an AGAT facility or have us deliver a session in your office.

Built for 10-50 People

Sessions are best suited for up to 50 people. Please enquire if you have a smaller group than 10.

$1,500 Per Session

Each session is offered at a $1,500 flat rate. The more attendees in your group, the more cost effective for you.

Book a Session with Dr. Brent Thomas

Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch to schedule your preferred session.