Approach to modeling of thermal recovery technology

UDK: 622.276.65.001.57

DOI: 10.24887/0028-2448-2025-10-65-70

Key words: thermal recovery technology, 3D thermal flow simulation, heavy oil field, nonisothermal multiphase flow

Authors: M.G. Persova (Novosibirsk State Technical University, RF, Novosibirsk); Yu.G. Soloveychik (Novosibirsk State Technical University, RF, Novosibirsk); D.А. Leonovich (Novosibirsk State Technical University, RF, Novosibirsk); K.M. Vinogradov (Novosibirsk State Technical University, RF, Novosibirsk); А.V. Nasybullin (Almetyevsk State Technological University «Petroleum Higher School», RF, Almetyevsk; TatNIPIneft, RF, Almetyevsk); M.I. Amerkhanov (TATNEFT PJSC, RF, Almetyevsk)

The paper considers an approach to thermal flow simulation of thermal recovery technology. The technology entails steam injection in heavy oil reservoir to heat it up and thereby reduce oil viscosity. The paper presents a modeling method based on finite element pressure estimation with flow balancing and explicit phase transition allowing for local time stepping for a separate group of elements to enable consistent estimation of phase saturations. The method considers energy release/consumption during changes in physical state of water, while temperature estimation is coupled with finite-element pressure analysis. Temperature changes resulting from fluid transfer and heat flows associated with thermal conductivity of the medium are also considered. Heat flows are estimated using finite-difference approximation enabling local balance of heat energy. The grid is generated in such a way that well design is defined by grid lines. Comparison of simulated and actual oil production data over the period of 3,5 years is presented for one of heavy oil fields in the Republic of Tatarstan. A good match between simulated and field data is demonstrated for various well pairs located within the field area of interest. Well interference study suggests significant potential effects from offset wells. Hence, optimization of field development necessitates that simulation studies be conducted with account of offset wells, rather than for individual well pair.

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