A simplified predictive model for steam drive performance

Journal Article · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/10748-PA· OSTI ID:5817625

Aydelotte, S R; Pope, G A

To facilitate screening and evaluation of reservoirs for application of steam drive as an EOR process, a simplified predictive model for steam drive performance has been constructed. This model extends existing analytical heat-balance models to include fractional-flow characteristics, vertical and areal sweep effects, steam injectivity, and heat losses in wellbores and surface pipes in a single, easy-to-use computer program. The predictive model assumes that the steam drive process can be represented by a series of shock fronts created by the injection of steam into a reservoir. The reservoir is divided into six regions: undisturbed zone, cold-liquid zone, hot-liquid zone, steam zone, hot-water drive, and cold-water drive. The size, saturation, and movement of each zone, or bank, is calculated from a fractional-flow characterization of the reservoir and the growth of the steam zone. Vertical and areal sweeps of the steam zone are estimated from empirical relationships, and the sweeps of the other banks are related to their mobilities. The injectivity calculations yield sandface pressure at a specified flow rate or the flow rate at a specified pressure. Wellbore and surface heat-loss calculations give the enthalpy and steam quality at the sandface. An economic package interprets the results of these calculations and provides a cash-flow analysis from which risk and profitability are determined.

• Research Organization: Intercomp Resource Development and Engineering Inc.
• OSTI ID: 5817625
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 35:5; ISSN JPTJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
020700 -- Petroleum-- Economics
Industrial
& Business Aspects
CALCULATION METHODS
COMPUTER CODES
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY LOSSES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLOW MODELS
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HEAT LOSSES
LOSSES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
RECOVERY
SIMULATION
STEAM INJECTION
STIMULATION
THERMAL RECOVERY
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS