Numerical, Three-Phase Simulation of the Linear Steamflood Process
Authors: Shutler N.D. 
Published: December 2007

This paper describes a numerical mathematical model of the steamflood process that depends on fewer restrictive assumptions than models previously reported. The solution, however, is previously reported. The solution, however, is obtained economically. Example calculations are presented that on comparison with experimental presented that on comparison with experimental results, tend to validate the model. Results that expose certain process mechanics are discussed.

The model describes the simultaneous flow of three phases oil, water and gas in one dimension. It includes the effects of three-phase relative permeabilities, capillary pressure, and temperature- and pressure-dependent fluid properties. Interphase mass transfer of water-steam properties. Interphase mass transfer of water-steam is allowed, but the oil is assumed nonvolatile and the hydrocarbon gas insoluble in the liquid phases. The model allows heat convection in one dimension and two-dimensional heat conduction in a vertical cross-section spanning the oil sand and adjacent strata. The hydrocarbon-steam gas composition is tracked, but the effect of gas composition on water-steam phase behavior is neglected.

The model is soloed numerically in three separate stages. The three-phase mass balances are solved simultaneously using Newtonian iteration on nonlinearities occurring in the accumulation terms. The energy balance is solved separately by noniterative application of the alternating-direction implicit procedure. Separate solution of the composition balance is accomplished by straight-forward solution of the finite difference equations. The method of effecting nonsimultaneous, stable solution of the mass and energy balances is the key to the success of the model.

Introduction

Mathematical tools as well as laboratory and field experiments are necessary to help us understand the complex steamflood process. A mathematical model can expose process mechanics and show the relative importance of process variables, but this ability is often limited by restrictive assumptions. Most known models of steam processes, with the exception of the model of Gottfried, are "simplified" in that they involve analytic approximations and require many restrictive assumptions. The primary utility of these methods lies in the routine use as an aid in engineering design. By contrast, the comprehensive model presented here is numerical and requires far fewer restrictive assumptions. It finds its primary utility as a research tool. It serves as an aid in understanding the nature of the process, in interpreting laboratory experiments and in evaluating and developing simpler mathematical models for engineering design.

The major reason why previously presented models have been confined to the "simplified" class is evidenced by the one published exception. In 1965, Gottfried presented a numerical model for the combustion process of which the steam process is a subset. The result is a comprehensive tool (though it neglects capillarity and two-dimensional heat conduction) that is troubled with convergence problems and that requires 2 to 3 hours of IBM 7094 problems and that requires 2 to 3 hours of IBM 7094 time to complete a calculation. Though our present model does not simulate combustion, it does consider capillarity and two-dimensional heat conduction and it overcomes the convergence and computer-time problems.