Modeling of thermodynamic parameters and heating radius for multiple thermal fluid stimulation in horizontal wells

Key words:  horizontal well  heavy oil  multiple thermal fluid stimulation  heating radius  thermodynamic parameters

Abstract:

Thermal stimulation via injecting hot fluids in horizontal wells has become a main thermal recovery technique for offshore heavy oils. In order to optimize the injection parameters, it is necessary to predict the thermodynamic parameters and heating radius along horizontal wellbore. Mathematical models, considering flows in wellbore (pipe flow) and in oil reservoir (flow in porous media) were established to simulate the process of hot fluids injection and heat transfer in horizontal wells. The hot fluids used compose of water and non-condensed gases. The pressure, temperature and steam quality of the injectants along the horizontal wellbore can be calculated. The effects of injection rate and the fluid compositions on the thermodynamic parameters and heating radius along the horizontal wellbore were investigated. The simulation results show that the pressure, temperature and steam quality of the injectant will reduce gradually along the wellbore during the process of injection, while the heating radius along the horizontal well decreases initially and then increases gradually. Increasing the injection rate and reducing the gas content can increase the heating radius.