A New Mathematical Model for Flow and Heat Transfer of Dual‐String Steam Injection in SAGD.
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| Title: | A New Mathematical Model for Flow and Heat Transfer of Dual‐String Steam Injection in SAGD. |
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| Authors: | Du, Qiuying1 (AUTHOR) duqiuying.syky@sinopec.com, Cao, Lili1 (AUTHOR), Song, Wenfang1 (AUTHOR), Zhao, Mengyun1 (AUTHOR), Xu, Hang1 (AUTHOR), Miao, Chuxiao2 (AUTHOR), Du, Qingjun3 (AUTHOR), Mishra, Pramita (AUTHOR) pmishra@wiley.com |
| Source: | Geofluids. 6/21/2026, Vol. 2026, p1-11. 11p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Mathematical models, *Steam flow, *Thermal efficiency, *Enhanced oil recovery, *Heat transfer, *Injectors |
| Abstract: | Uneven steam distribution along horizontal wellbores, particularly the disparity between the heel and toe, poses a significant challenge in steam injection for heavy oil recovery. This often leads to asymmetric steam chamber development and premature steam channeling, severely limiting process efficiency. This study investigates the efficacy of a dual‐string steam injection system designed to deliver steam simultaneously to both the heel and toe sections, thereby promoting a more balanced conformance. A comprehensive mathematical model coupling steam flow and heat transfer within the parallel dual‐string completion of a heavy oil horizontal well was developed. The model, solved using a nodal analysis method, simulates transient wellbore parameters and steam reflux dynamics. A systematic parametric analysis evaluated the impact of injection time, steam velocity (0.5–2.5 m/s), temperature (400–550 K), and steam quality (0.995–0.999) on annular flow properties. The results confirm that the dual‐string design effectively mitigates heel–toe effects and reduces the tendency for steam override and channeling. Wellbore heat loss was found to be highly sensitive to injection temperature and steam quality. An optimized injection strategy was identified: a velocity of 2 m/s, a temperature of 227°C, and a steam quality of 0.999 collectively achieved superior thermal efficiency, minimized energy loss, and enhanced overall injection performance. This work provides practical insights for optimizing completion design and operational parameters to improve the economic viability of thermal recovery in heavy oil reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Database: | Energy & Power Source |
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| Abstract: | Uneven steam distribution along horizontal wellbores, particularly the disparity between the heel and toe, poses a significant challenge in steam injection for heavy oil recovery. This often leads to asymmetric steam chamber development and premature steam channeling, severely limiting process efficiency. This study investigates the efficacy of a dual‐string steam injection system designed to deliver steam simultaneously to both the heel and toe sections, thereby promoting a more balanced conformance. A comprehensive mathematical model coupling steam flow and heat transfer within the parallel dual‐string completion of a heavy oil horizontal well was developed. The model, solved using a nodal analysis method, simulates transient wellbore parameters and steam reflux dynamics. A systematic parametric analysis evaluated the impact of injection time, steam velocity (0.5–2.5 m/s), temperature (400–550 K), and steam quality (0.995–0.999) on annular flow properties. The results confirm that the dual‐string design effectively mitigates heel–toe effects and reduces the tendency for steam override and channeling. Wellbore heat loss was found to be highly sensitive to injection temperature and steam quality. An optimized injection strategy was identified: a velocity of 2 m/s, a temperature of 227°C, and a steam quality of 0.999 collectively achieved superior thermal efficiency, minimized energy loss, and enhanced overall injection performance. This work provides practical insights for optimizing completion design and operational parameters to improve the economic viability of thermal recovery in heavy oil reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 14688115 |
| DOI: | 10.1155/gfl/1587584 |
