Overview
Background
With >35 years of experience, more than 100 publications on the subject, Jim has built a reputation in petroleum hydrogeology, unconventional hydrocarbons and carbon storage research. He is currently President of Petroleum Hydrogeology International and is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Queensland. He is Science Leader Storage for ANLEC R&D, Chair of the Geotechnical Reference Group for the CTSCo Surat CCS Project and sits on the Science Advisory Committee for the Peter Cook Centre for CCS Research. Previously, Jim was Professorial Chair of Petroleum Hydrodynamics at the University of Queensland with the Centre for Coal Seam Gas. He was General Manager Science for ANLEC R&D with an annual research budget of ~$18 million AUS applied to more than 50 active research projects supporting Australia’s CCS demonstration. He was CSIRO Theme Leader for the Unconventional Petroleum and Geothermal Energy R&D program with more than 50 Full Time Equivalents and an annual budget of ~$16 million/yr AUS. He sat on the Sustainable Energy for the Square Kilometre Array geothermal project control group, the Australian Mirror Committee of ISO for Carbon Capture and Storage and he managed the hydrodynamics and geochemistry discipline group within the Australian Cooperative Research Centre on CO2 (CO2CRC). Recently, Jim’s research has focused on petroleum hydrodynamics of faulted strata and the incorporation of hydrodynamics into seals analysis (both top and fault seal). His research has varied application to conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons, geothermal energy, mining and carbon storage. Jim has an interest in measurement, monitoring and verification (MM&V) systems for assessing reservoir and seal performance. He gained practical field experience on the design and implementation of MM&V strategies for SECARB Cranfield, Otway, Frio and In Salah carbon storage projects. Jim has advised the Canadian, New Zealand, Victorian and West Australian governments and Chevron on carbon storage projects and research programs. Jim has had media training whilst at the University of Queensland and CSIRO, he has experience with community engagement, senate estimates inquiries, and he has worked extensively with executive management teams and Boards of Directors. He has >2100 citations, an h-index of 24 and an i10-index of 51 on Google Scholar.
Jim Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/jim-underschultz/86/737/553
Jim ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jim_Underschultz
Availability
- Professor Jim Underschultz is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, University of Alberta
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, University of Alberta
Research interests
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Fluid flow in porous media and hydrodynamic seals analysis
Recently Jim’s research has focused on petroleum hydrodynamics of faulted strata and the incorporation of hydrodynamics into seals analysis with application to both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons, geothermal energy and carbon storage. At the Centre for Coal Seam Gas Jim has an interest in research on: - CSG Reservoir performance and compartmenalisation - CSG water quality forecasting - Hydrodynamic systems analysis
Research impacts
Jim's early research in Canada, pioneered the characterisation of hydrodynamic systems in thrust fold belts that contributed to successful development of some Canadian foothills conventional gas discoveries.
Jim's work on the initial assessment of coal bed methane potential in Alberta helped form the pre-competative data that provided the foundation of a new resource type to be developed. His work on faults and hydrodynamics brought him to Australia to assist in the first hydrodynamic assessment of Australia's NW Shelf that provided industry a basis for pre-drill de-risking of fault seals.
Jim translated his knowledge of seals analysis unconventional gas to applications for Carbon Storage, teaming up with Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory and participating in the Frio carbon storage pilot in Texas.
His experience provided him the opportunity to take a leading role in the development of carbon storage research in Australia, including the design and execution of Australia’s first carbon storage demonstration at the CO2CRC Otway site in Victoria. The success of Otway led to Australia's investment in the CCS Flagship program.
Jim's current research associated with hydrodynamic processes relating to Coal Seam Gas in Australia is helping lay the foundation for de-risking uncertainty in production performance and aquifer integrity. This supports Australia's ability to capture a share of the rapidly developing international gas market and enables a global shift from coal to gas.
Works
Search Professor Jim Underschultz’s works on UQ eSpace
2019
Other Outputs
Regional static model
Gonzalez, Sebastian, Harfoush, Ahmed, La Croix, Andrew, Underschultz, Jim and Garnett, Andrew (2019). Regional static model. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Notional injection site identification report
Wolhuter, Alexandra, Garnett, Andrew and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Notional injection site identification report. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Risk register report
Honari, Vahab, Garnett, Andrew and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Risk register report. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Palynological analysis of the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin
La Croix, Andrew, Hannaford, Carey and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Palynological analysis of the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Multiphase behaviour – relative permeability and capillary pressures
Rodger, Iain, Sedaghat, Mohammad and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Multiphase behaviour – relative permeability and capillary pressures. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Fluid model
Ribeiro, Ayrton Soares , Rodger, Iain and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Fluid model. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Scoping study for material carbon abatement via carbon capture and storage: Extended socio-economic-technical summary
Garnett, Andrew, Underschultz, Jim and Ashworth, Peta (2019). Scoping study for material carbon abatement via carbon capture and storage: Extended socio-economic-technical summary. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Flow modelling of the managed aquifer recharge areas
Sedaghat, Mohammad, Pearce, Julie, Underschultz, Jim and Hayes, Phil (2019). Flow modelling of the managed aquifer recharge areas. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Moonie oil field history match and re-evaluation
Honari, Vahab, Gonzalez, Sebastian, Underschultz, Jim and Garnett, Andrew (2019). Moonie oil field history match and re-evaluation. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
CO2 injection sensitivity study
Rodger, Iain, Harfoush, Ahmed and Underschultz, Jim (2019). CO2 injection sensitivity study. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Facies prediction from well logs in the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin
La Croix, Andrew, He, Jianhua, Wang, Jiahao and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Facies prediction from well logs in the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Seismic files: data set
Gonzalez, Sebastian, Harfoush, Ahmed, La Croix, Andrew and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Seismic files: data set. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Notional pipeline route analysis
Wolhuter, Alexandra, Garnett, Andrew and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Notional pipeline route analysis. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Other Outputs
Methodology for assessment of dynamic capacity
Garnett, Andrew and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Methodology for assessment of dynamic capacity. The University of Queensland Surat Deep Aquifer Appraisal Project (UQ-SDAAP) Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2019
Journal Article
Sequence stratigraphic analysis of the Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin, Australia: implication for the architecture of reservoir and seal for CO2 storage
Wang, Jiahao, La Croix, Andrew D., Gonzalez, Sebastian, He, Jianhua and Underschultz, Jim (2019). Sequence stratigraphic analysis of the Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin, Australia: implication for the architecture of reservoir and seal for CO2 storage. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 102, 829-843. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2019.01.038
2019
Journal Article
Using neural networks and the Markov Chain approach for facies analysis and prediction from well logs in the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation, Surat Basin, Australia
He, Jianhua, La Croix, Andrew D., Wang, Jiahao, Ding, Wenlong and Underschultz, J.R. (2019). Using neural networks and the Markov Chain approach for facies analysis and prediction from well logs in the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation, Surat Basin, Australia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 101, 410-427. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2018.12.022
2019
Journal Article
Use of FTIR, XPS, NMR to characterize oxidative effects of NaClO on coal molecular structures
Jing, Zhenhua, Rodrigues, Sandra, Strounina, Ekaterina, Li, Mengran, Wood, Barry, Underschultz, Jim R., Esterle, Joan S. and Steel, Karen M. (2019). Use of FTIR, XPS, NMR to characterize oxidative effects of NaClO on coal molecular structures. International Journal of Coal Geology, 201, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2018.11.017
2019
Conference Publication
CO2-water-rock predictions from aquifer and oil field drill core data: the Precipice Sandstone-Evergreen formation CO2 storage reservoir-seal pair
Pearce, J.K., La Croix, A.D., Brink, F., Honari, V., Gonzalez, S., Harfoush, A. and Underschultz, J.R. (2019). CO2-water-rock predictions from aquifer and oil field drill core data: the Precipice Sandstone-Evergreen formation CO2 storage reservoir-seal pair. AEGC 2019, Perth, WA, Australia, 2-5 September 2019. Taylor & Francis . doi: 10.1080/22020586.2019.12073162
2019
Conference Publication
Water-gas flow in laminated and heterogeneous coal-interburden systems: the effects of gas solubility
Sedaghat, Mohammad, Owen, Des, Underschultz, James, Hurter, Suzanne, Hayes, Phil and Garnett, Andrew (2019). Water-gas flow in laminated and heterogeneous coal-interburden systems: the effects of gas solubility. SPE/AAPG/SEG Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 18-19 November 2019. Tulsa, OK, United States: Unconventional Resources Technology Conference. doi: 10.15530/ap-urtec-2019-198320
2019
Conference Publication
Assessment of fault zone properties for CSG development areas
Undershultz, Jim, Mukherjee, Saswata, Wolhuter, Alexandra, Xu, Huan, Banks, Eddie, Noorduijn, Saskia and McCallum, Jim (2019). Assessment of fault zone properties for CSG development areas. SPE/AAPG/SEG Asia Pacific Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 18 – 19 November 2019. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTEC). doi: 10.15530/AP-URTEC-2019-198331
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Jim Underschultz is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Characterisation and parameterisation of uncertainty induced by faults in regional groundwater models
UQ collaboration with the CSIRO
Sedimentary basins host important groundwater resources in Australia. Due to their large size, groundwater can be important to multiple users from multiple industries, including the Coal Seam Gas (CSG) industry. Regional scale groundwater modelling is critical to understand water movement within sedimentary basins and to predict cumulative impacts from groundwater pumping on water users and the environment.
Regional groundwater models are based on hydrogeological conceptualisations developed using 3D geological models and knowledge of aquifer and aquitard properties and boundary conditions. However, the representation of geological structures such as faults and the hydraulic property attribution of aquifers and aquitards in groundwater models are often informed by sparse data, resulting in large scale uncertainties of the model impact predictions.
Available PHD Topic: Characterisation and parameterisation of uncertainty induced by faults in regional groundwater models
This PhD project will focus on the characterisation and representation of the macroscopic hydraulic properties of faults in regional scale groundwater models and quantification of associated uncertainties. The student will apply methods from groundwater and petroleum system approaches for solving a real-world problem of quantifying uncertainty induced by geological structures in the simulation of hydrological variables using a regional scale groundwater model in co-operation with Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA), University of Queensland (UQ) and CSIRO.
Supervision history
Completed supervision
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Integrated Formation Evaluation using Petrophysical Logs & Digitalisation Technology to Improve Reservoir Characterisation, Resources Estimation and Conceptual Well Design for Coal Seam Gas Field Development Planning
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The governance of hydraulic fracturing in unconventional resources: the elements, form and effectiveness of the regulations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Vlado Vivoda
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Extending the life of gas fields by re-purposing for hydrogen storage to support Australia's energy transition
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Suzanne Hurter, Dr Sebastian Hoerning
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Oxidant stimulation of coal seams to increase coal seam permeability
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Karen Steel
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
An investigation of numerical facies models for coal seam gas reservoirs; Walloon Subgroup, Surat Basin
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
Media
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