Sensor is a generalized 3D model for simulating compositional and black oil problems in single-porosity and dual-porosity reservoirs, developed by Coats Engineering. The model is designed to give superior results in terms of speed, accuracy, stability, and ease-of-use. It has been tested against the SPE Comparative Solution Project and other problems, and has been used in numerous field studies by consultants and by independent, national, and major integrated oil companies. The Sensor executable is compiled for use on ‘standard’ desktop PC's and laptops, but Sensor can also be installed on a powerful server in your network using Jewel Suite™ as powerful pre- and post processing and case management tool.
Dr. Keith H. Coats developed Sensor beginning in 1992 with partial funding from Phillips Petroleum Company/ConocoPhillips.
From the 1970's to early 1990's at Intercomp/SSI, Dr. Coats developed the widely used Therm, PVT, Comp2, Comp3, and Comp4 models for thermal and single- and dual-porosity compositional simulation (John R. Wallis developed the ASAP linear solver of Therm). Sensor is easier to use, faster, and more robust than those earlier models.
Dr. Coats has authored numerous papers related to reservoir simulation. He was an SPE distinguished lecturer in 1969-1970, and was Program Chairman of the First SPE Symposium on Reservoir Simulation in 1970. He contributed to the SPE Distinguished Author Series, JPT, 1982, and to the Reservoir Simulation Chapter of the Petroleum Engineering Handbook (H.B. Bradley, SPE, 1987). He received the 1984 SPE Lester C. Uren Award for distinguished achievement in petroleum engineering before age 45. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1988, and received the 1989 SPE Anthony F. Lucas Gold Medal Award "in recognition of his pioneer work in numerical simulation models for conventional black oil, gas storage, compositional, thermal, and fractured reservoir engineering applications; and for his sharing of knowledge through his publications and teaching." Dr. Coats was selected by Hart's E&P as one of the 100 Most Influential People of the Petroleum Century in March, 2000.
Brian K. Coats has been working in simulator development since 1987. He co-authored VIP-Therm and developed the Nexus well and facility network model while working for J.S. Nolen & Associates, Western Atlas Software, and Landmark Graphics Corporation. Brian joined Coats Engineering in 2006.