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Luis Ayala H.

Luis F. Ayala H.

Email: 
ayala@psu.edu
Phone: 
814-865-4053
Office Address: 
103A Hosler Building
Title(s): 
Professor of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Associate Department Head for Graduate Education
Endowed Title(s): 
William A. Fustos Family Professor
Energi Simulation Chair in Fluid Behavior and Rock Interactions
Unit: 
John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering
PDF icon Curriculum Vitae (111.9 KB)
Expertise: 
  • Advanced reservoir simulation in natural gas engineering
  • Multiphase rate and pressure transient analysis (RTA/PTA)
  • Unconventional reservoir analysis: Naturally fractured reservoirs, fractured gas shales, and tight sands
  • Hydrocarbon thermodynamics
Research Cluster: 
Education: 
  • Ph.D. (Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering), The Pennsylvania State University, 2004
  • M.S. (Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering), The Pennsylvania State University, 2001
  • Petroleum Engineering Degree, summa cum laude honors, Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela, 1999
  • Chemical Engineering Degree, summa cum laude honors, Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela, 1997
Courses Taught: 
  • Advanced reservoir simulation
  • Natural gas engineering
  • Hydrocarbon thermodynamics
  • Oil & gas production facility design

About:

Luis F. Ayala is Professor of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Associate Department Head for Graduate Education, and holder of the Energi Simulation Chair and Fustos Family Professorship in Energy and Mineral Engineering in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. His research activities focus on the areas of multiphase well performance, natural gas engineering, unconventional reservoir analysis, and advanced numerical modeling.  He holds two engineering degrees (both with summa cum laude honors), one in chemical engineering and another in petroleum engineering from Universidad de Oriente (Venezuela), and MS and PhD degrees in petroleum and natural gas engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. He has received the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award and Wilson Award for Outstanding Teaching and from The Pennsylvania State U., Outstanding Technical Editor Awards from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), a Presidential distinction for Academic Excellence from Venezuela, and is former Editor-in-Chief of a SPE flagship magazine and currently a member of a number of SPE committees and editorial boards in petroleum and natural gas engineering journals.

Research Projects: 

Ayala’s research group conducts research in the area of natural gas engineering with emphasis on numerical modeling of unconventional natural gas plays, long-term production performance analysis of tight and shale gas reservoirs, rate-time decline analysis of natural gas reservoirs, and hydrocarbon thermodynamics and its interplay with reservoir flow systems. Dr. Ayala is actively involved in the study of performance non-conventional natural gas reservoir sources, particularly in hydrocarbon production from gas shales and retrograde, liquid-rich gas-condensates in ultra-tight reservoir environments. Dr. Ayala’s current research projects explore the underlying physical factors that control multiphase transport and flow dynamics in these complex natural gas reservoir systems. Some specific projects explore the influence of thermodynamic properties, and interfacial, surface and capillary effects on multiphase fluid flow in these ultra-tight unconventional reservoir environments. Ayala’s research group seeks an improved quantitative understanding of multiphase fluid flow in nano-pore reservoirs that can lead to a significantly improved predictive capability of large-scale numerical simulators—which are the foundation of reservoir modeling and production forecasting.

Publications: 

(Last 5 years)

  • Zhang, M., and Ayala, L.F., Variable Rate and Pressure Integral Solutions to the Nonlinear Gas Diffusivity Equation in Unconventional Systems, Fuels, v. 235, p. 1100-1113, Jan 2019.
  • Wang, Y., Cheng, S., Zhang, K., and Ayala, L.F., Investigation on the Transient Pressure Response of Water Injector Coupling the Dynamic Flow Behaviors in the Wellbore, Waterflood-Induced Fracture and Reservoir: Semi-Analytical Modeling and A Field Case, Int. J. Heat & Mass Tran., in press, 2018.
  • Will, R., Sun, Q., and Ayala, L.F., A Compositional Rescaled-Exponential Model for Multiphase Production Performance Analysis of Boundary-Dominated Gas Condensate Reservoirs, SPE J., in press, 2018.
  • Zhang, Z. and Ayala, L. F., Analytical Dual-Porosity Gas Model for Reserve Evaluation of Naturally Fractured Gas Reservoirs Using a Density-Based Approach, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., in press, 2018.
  • Li, X., Ventura, J., and Ayala, L. F., Carbon Dioxide Source Selection and Supply Planning for Fracking Operations in Shale Gas and Oil Wells, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 55, p. 74-88, July 2018.
  • Zhang, M., and Ayala, L.F., A General Boundary Integral Solution for Fluid Flow Analysis in Reservoirs with Complex Fracture Geometries, J. Energy Res. & Tech. 140(5), 052907, Jan.  2018.
  • Zhang, M., and Ayala, L.F., A Semi-Analytical Solution to Compositional Flow in Liquid-Rich Gas Plays, Fuels, v. 212, p. 274-292, Jan. 2018.
  • Singh, M., Zhang, M., Emami-Meybodi, H. and Ayala, L.F., Use of Rescaled Exponential Models for Boundary-Dominated Liquid-Rich Gas Flow Analysis Under Variable Bottomhole Pressure Conditions, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 46, p. 793-816, Oct. 2017.
  • Zhang, Z. and Ayala H., L. F., Production Data Analysis for Dual-Porosity Gas/Liquid Systems: A Density-Based Approach, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 46, p. 143-159, Oct. 2017.
  • Zhang, M. and Ayala H., L. F., Similarity-based, Semi-Analytical Assessment of Capillary Pressure Effects in Very Tight, Liquid-Rich Gas Plays during Early-Transient Multiphase Analysis, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 45, p. 189-206, Sept. 2017.
  • Sun, Q. and Ayala H., L. F., A linear-rate analog approach for the analysis of natural gas transportation networks, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 43, pp. 230-241, July 2017.
  • Zhang, Z. and Ayala H., L. F., Decline curve analysis using a pseudo-pressure-based interporosity flow equation for naturally fractured gas reservoirs, J. Pet. Exp. and Prod. Tech., v. 7, no. 2, pp 555-567, June 2017.
  • Al-Ghamdi, B. and Ayala H., L. F., Evaluation of Transport Properties Effect on the Performance of Gas-Condensate Reservoirs Using Compositional Simulation, J. Energy Resour. Technol, v. 139, n. 3, p. 032910-1, May 2017.
  • Li, X., Ventura, J.A., and Ayala, L. F., Design of a CO2 Supply Chain for Industrial Applications, peer-reviewed proceedings (K. Coperich, E. Cudney, H. Nembhard, eds.), Industrial and Systems Engineering Conference, Pittsburgh, USA, May 20-23, 2017.
  • Fang, S., Cheng, L., and Ayala H., L. F., A Coupled Boundary Element and Finite Element Method for the Analysis of Flow Through Fractured Porous Media, J. Pet. Sc. and Eng., v. 152, p. 375-390, April 2017.
  • Al-Ghamdi, B. and Ayala H., L. F., Examination of unconventional phenomena in naturally fractured liquid-rich gas reservoirs: Single-block compositional model, J. Pet. Exp. and Prod. Tech., v. 7, no. 1, pp 265–279, March 2017.
  • Zhang, M. and Ayala H., L. F., Analytical study of constant gas-oil-ratio behavior as an infinite-acting effect in unconventional multiphase reservoir systems, SPE 175079, SPE J., v. 22, n. 1, Feb. 2017.
  • Ayala H., L.F. and Morgan, E. C. Chapter 17: Natural Gas Production Engineering, peer-reviewed chapter, ASTM Handbook MNL73 Exploration and Production of Petroleum and Natural Gas Processing (eds: M.R. Riazi, and E. van Oort), 2016.
  • Zhang, M. and Ayala H., L. F., A density-based material balance equation for the analysis of liquid-rich natural gas systems, J. Petrol. Explor. Prod. Technol., v. 6, no. 4, Dec. 2016.
  • Jin, T., Ayala H., L.F. Ityokumbul, M.T., Network Modeling and Prediction of Retrograde Gas Behavior in Natural Gas Pipeline Systems, Int. J. of Eng. Sys Mod. and Simulation, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJESMS.2016.077646, v. 8, n. 3, 2016.
  • Becker, M.D., Zhang, M., and Ayala H., L.F., On the pressure-saturation path in infinite-acting unconventional liquid-rich gas reservoirs, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 35, pp. 97-113, Sept. 2016.
  • Zhang, M., Singh, M., and Ayala, L.F., Rate Forecasting During Boundary-Dominated Multiphase Flow: The Rescaled Exponential Model, J. Pet. Sc. and Eng., v.143, pp.199-210, July 2016.
  • Stumpf, T., and Ayala H., L.F., Rigorous and Explicit Determination of Reserves and Hyperbolic Exponents in Gas Well Decline Analysis, SPE 180909, SPE J., April 2016.
  • Dong, T. and Ayala H., L.F., Two-Phase Flow Models for Thermal Behavior Interpretation in Horizontal Wellbores, J. Pet. Exp. and Prod. Tech., v. 6, no. 1, pp. 45-61, March 2016.
  • Zhang, M., Becker, M., and Ayala H., L.F., A Similarity Method for Early-Transient Multiphase Flow Analysis of Liquid-Rich Unconventional Gas Reservoirs, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 28, pp. 572-586, Jan. 2016.
  • Vardcharragosad, P., Ayala H., L.F. and Zhang, M., Linear vs. Radial Boundary-Dominated Flow: Implications for Gas Well Decline Analysis, SPE 176020, SPE J., v. 20, n. 5, pp. 1053-1066, Oct. 2015.
  • Vardcharragosad, P., and Ayala H., L.F., Rate-time forecasting of gas reservoirs with significant transient flow: A density-based method, J. Unconv. Oil & Gas Res., v. 11, p. 111-126, Sept. 2015.
  • Zhang, M. and Ayala H., L.F., Density-Based Production Data Analysis of Gas Wells With Significant Rock Compressibility Effects, SPE 166320, SPE Res. Ev. and Eng. J., v. 18, n. 2, p. 205-213, May 2015.
  • Yan, Q., Lemanski, C., Karpyn, Z.T., and Ayala H., L.F., Experimental Investigation of Shale Gas Production Impairment Due to Fracturing Fluid Migration During Shut-In Time, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 24, p. 99-105, May 2015.
  • Ayala H., L.F. and Dong, T., Thermodynamic Analysis of Thermal Responses in Horizontal Wellbores, J. of Energy Res. Tech., v. 137, n. 3, p. 032903, May 2015.
  • Vardcharragosad, P., and Ayala H., L.F., Production Data Analysis of Gas Reservoirs With Apparent Permeability and Sorbed Phase Effects: A Density-Based Approach, SPE 166377, SPE J., v. 20. n. 1, Feb. 2015.
  • Varcharragosad, P., Duplaa, A., and Ayala H., L.F. Identification of Pitfalls in PVT Gas Condensate Modeling Using Modified Black-Oil Formulations, J. Petrol. Explor. Prod. Technol., v. 4, n. 4, p. 457-469, Dec. 2014.
  • Zhang, M., Vardcharragosad, P., and Ayala H., L.F., The Similarity Theory Applied to Early-Transient Gas Flow Analysis in Unconventional Reservoirs, J. Nat. Gas Sc. & Eng., v. 21, p. 659-668, Nov. 2014.
  • Urquidi-Macdonald, M., Tewari, A., and Ayala H., L.F., A Neuro-Fuzzy Knowledge-based Model for the Risk Assessment of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) in Crude Oil Pipelines, Corrosion, v. 70, n. 11, pp. 1157-1166, Nov. 2014.
  • Zhang, M. and Ayala H., L.F., Gas Production Data Analysis of Variable Pressure Drawdown/ Variable Rate Systems: A Density-Based Approach, SPE 172503, SPE Res. Ev. and Eng. J., v. 17, n. 4, p. 520-529, Nov. 2014.
  • Zhang, M, and Ayala H., L. F., Gas-Rate Forecasting in Boundary-Dominated Flow: Constant-Bottomhole-Pressure Decline Analysis by Use of Rescaled Exponential Models, SPE 168217, SPE J., v. 19, n. 3, p. 410-417, June 2014.
  • Odumabo, S.M., Karpyn, Z.T., and Ayala H., L.F. Investigation of gas flow hindrance due to fracturing fluid leakoff in low permeability sandstones, J. of Nat. Gas Sc. and Eng., v. 17, p. 1-2, March 2014.
  • Leong, C.Y. and Ayala H., L.F., Hybrid Approach Using Linear Analogs for Gas Network Simulation with Multiple Components, SPE 168225, Oil and Gas Facilities J., v. 3, n. 1, p. 76-88, Feb. 2014.
  • Dutta, R., Lee, C.H., Odumabo, S., Ye, P., Walker, S.C., Karpyn, Z.T., and Ayala H., L. F., Experimental Investigation of Fracturing Fluid Migration due to Spontaneous Imbibition in Fractured Low Permeability Sands, SPE 154939, SPE Res. Ev. and Eng. J., v. 17, n. 1, Feb. 2014.
  • Ayala H., L.F., and Zhang, M., Rescaled Exponential and Density-Based Decline Models: Extension to Variable-Rate/Pressure-Drawdown Conditions, SPE 168223, J Can. Pet. Technol. v. 52, n. 6, pp. 433-440, Nov. 2013.
  • Ayala H., L.F., and Leong, C.Y., A Robust Linear-Pressure Analog for the Analysis of Natural Gas Transportation Networks, J. Nat. Gas Sc. and Eng., v. 14, pp. 174-184, Sept. 2013.
  • Ye, P, and Ayala H., L.F., Straight-Line Analysis of Flow Rate vs. Cumulative Production Data for the Explicit Determination of Gas Reserves, SPE 165583, J. of Can. Pet. Tech., v. 52, n. 4, pp. 296-305, July 2013.
  • Ayala H., L.F., and Blumsack, S., The Braess Paradox and its Impact on Natural Gas Network Performance, SPE 160142, Oil and Gas Facilities J., v. 2, n. 3, pp. 52-64, June 2013.
  • Ayala H., L.F., Chapter 22: Transportation of Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and Petroleum Products, peer reviewed chapter, ASTM Handbook of Petroleum and Natural Gas Refining and Processing (eds: Riazi, M.R., Eser, S., Pena D., J.L., Agrawal, S.S.), ASTM International, 2013.
  • Ayala H., L.F. and Ye, P., Density-based decline performance analysis of natural gas reservoirs using a universal type-curve, J. of Energy Res. Tech., v. 135, n. 4, p. 042701, July 2013.
  • Ayala H., L.F., and Ye, P., A Unified Type-Curve for Decline Curve Analysis of Natural Gas Reservoirs in Boundary Dominated Flow, SPE 161095, SPE J., v. 18, n. 1, pp. 97-113, Feb. 2013.
Awards: 
  • Penn State’s Outstanding Faculty Advising Award, College of Earth on Mineral Sciences (2018)
  • Fulbright Scholar, Fulbright -Colciencias Innovation and Technology Award (2016-2017)
  • Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Outstanding Technical Editor Award (2007, 2017, and 2018)
  • William A. Fustos Family Professorship in Energy and Mineral Engineering (2016-present)
  • Energi Simulation research co-Chair in Fluid Behavior and Rock Interactions (2014-present)
  • Penn State’s Wilson Award for Excellence in Teaching, College of Earth on Mineral Sciences (2008)
  • Presidential distinction for Academic Excellence "José Félix Ribas" awarded by the President of the Republic of Venezuela
  • Summa cum laude distinctions in chemical engineering and petroleum engineering and Merit Medal "21st of November" granted by the Board of Trustees of Universidad de Oriente, outstanding academic achievement.