Mathematical model of the steam drive process. Applications

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975 · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6679009

Neuman, C H

Steam injected during steam flooding rises to the top of the injection interval, causing the steam zone to grow downwardly as well as areally. The vertical rate is determined by the rate of steam condensation from heat diffusion into the overburden and the liquid-filled underlying reservoir. The rate of areal growth is determined by the balance between the net energy injected as steam and that required from steam condensation to sustain vertical growth. The amount of oil displaced below the lower steam interface can be predicted from the temperature profile and a critical temperature. The latter depends on the flow properties of the reservoir and fluids. The model presented is like that of Marx and Langenheim in that neither assumes a particular areal geometry. The equations describing the steam-drive process are presented. Predicted and observed steam-drive behaviors are compared for Chevron's Ten Pattern Steam Flood in the Kern River field, California. Also discussed are methods of application for economic and engineering analysis. (12 refs.)

• Research Organization: Chevron Research Co.
• OSTI ID: 6679009
• Report Number(s): CONF-7504112-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE-4757
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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02 PETROLEUM
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ENHANCED RECOVERY
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FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FLUID INJECTION PROCESSES
FOSSIL FUELS
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USES
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