Downward Two-Phase Flow Effects in Heat-Loss and Pressure-Drop Modeling of Steam Injection Wells

Abstract

This paper wee presented et the SPE 198S California Regional Meeflng, held in Sekerefield, Callfomia, Mamh 27-S9, 1985. The materiel is eub@f to oorradon by the author. Permieekm to copy ie reefriofedto an ebafmcf of rsd more than S00 words. Write SPE, P.O. BOXSSS8S6, Richardson,Texae 750SSWS6. Telex: 7S0989 SPE DAL. In the late 60"s lkrlougher [4] advanced Mode 1ling of the pressure drop end heat loss eteam injection modelling greatly by emphasizing the importanceof pressure drop in the injection in steam injectionwells haa undergone a gradual string. Iiisinclusion of both static and fricevolution since the heavy intereet in enhanced oil tional preesure drop allowed him to make a recovery by steam injection in the mid-66's. After briefly reviewing the evolution of steam thorough anaiysis for a variety Gf car@~etiQQ geometries. Earlougher,however, recognized the models this paper preeente a model which advances the state-of-the-art of steam modeiling. significance of ignoring slippagebetween phases . . . -~+tiehn{ames became and polntea out that tihaa gov. ..-.---=---1 year J 3 _-. _--------.--

A Decade of Experience—The Water-Based Thermal Insulating Packer Fluid

“…Convection of the water-based insulating fluid was found to be significantly lower than for brine and was measured to be essentially zero. 4. Low viscosity at high shear rate and high viscosity at low shear rate were found to be important characteristics for the application and success of the water-based insulating fluid.…”

“…Water refluxing in a gas filled packer annulus was recognized as a major source of heat . [3][4][5][6] . Insulating fluids which filled the entire annulus prevented refluxing 7 .…”

“…Installation of the VIT proved to be a technical success and its use has been discussed for other deepwater applications 15,16 . Even so, heat loss through couplings 3,4 and other internal structures such as centralizers, valves and gages, can account for a significant percent of the total heat lost from VIT. Improved thermal performance was obtained when select rubber-insulating couplings were tested along with a thermal pipe coating.…”

Flow Assurance Begins with Downhole Insulation

“…Much work has been done to investigate the effectiveness of insulated production tubing along with insulating fluids and gases in the tubing/casing annulus (Ref. [1][2][3][4][5]. Insulated tubing was proven to be an effective method for retaining heat even though the total heat loss at the uninsulated couplings, packers, valves and gauges was significant.…”

“…The coupling area is not vacuum insulated and has proven to be a major source of heat loss (Ref. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Other factors to consider regarding VIT is high cost and lengthy delivery schedules.…”