Approximate Methods for Calculating the Temperature Distribution During Hot Fluid Injection

Abstract

This paper presents three approaches for approximating temperature distributions during hot fluid injection. The approximations are applicable to relatively thin beds in which the injected fluid flux is high, i.e. where radial convection is the dominant heat transport mechanism. A comparison with other solutions indicates adequate agreement, which improves as time increases. Expressions are derived using the first approximation to estimate oil production rates and heated rock volumes for a thermally stimulated bed. Criteria are also developed to determine the range of validity of this approximation. Finally, typical calculations are presented to illustrate the utility of these results.