A numerical study on the non-isothermal flow characteristics of superheated steam in ground pipelines and vertical wellbores

Abstract

Traditional heavy oil recovery method of saturated steam injection faces many challenges. Present study on wellbore modeling of superheated steam (SHS) flow is still at the early stage.In order to fill this gap, a series of works were conducted to study the non-isothermal flow characteristics of SHS in ground pipelines and vertical wellbores. Firstly, a flow model inside the wellbores was proposed based on the energy and momentum balance equations. Then, coupled with heat transfer model in formation or atmosphere, a comprehensive model was developed. Then, type curves of SHS flow in ground pipelines and vertical wellbores were obtained by solving the model with finite difference method. Finally, model validation and sensitivity analysis were conducted.The results show that: (a). there exist a good agreement between predicted results and field data. (b). superheat degree increases with increasing of injection rate. (c). superheat degree increases with increasing of injection temperature. (d). superheat degree decreases with increasing of injection pressure. Consequently, practicing engineers are suggested to increase the injection rate and temperature and to decrease the injection pressure.