Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to develop a mathematical formulation
and the equations for use in a numerical model that will simulate the
performance of a steamflood applied to a waterflooded reservoir. Through
the application of such a process the incremental oil recovery can hopefully
be determined as accurately as possible.
An accurate prediction is critical in determining the economic feasibility
of such an operation. Furthermore, such a model will present the
opportunity to evaluate the effects of parametric changes on the recovery
efficiency. Also critical to the study is the consideration of the high water
saturations due to the precession of the waterflood. The effects on the
development and movement of the steam zone are examined as well as the
effects on the formation of steam-override.
For the study, the van Meurs and van der Poel theory is adopted
which is capable of defining water saturations at any stage of a waterflood
project. The water saturation profile thus obtained is then defined as the
initial water saturation profile in the reservoir at the onset of the steamflood.
A general analytical solution is presented which follows closely the
Yortsos and Gavalas upper bounds theory. The solution yields two upper
bounds for the volume of the steam zone for a three-dimensional geometry.
The results for steam zone volume growth are then used in calculating the
incremental oil recovery based on the Myhill and Stegemeier oil recovery
equations.
A tentative procedure for a numerical model solution is also presented
only to be detailed in another study.
