Steam flow law in horizontal wells when considering reservoir heterogeneity

Steam injection in horizontal wells for thermal recovery of heavy oil is a complex and changeable process. The prediction of thermal properties of steam along horizontal wells is critical to the uniform production of reservoirs. In this paper, considering the mutual coupling effects of reservoir permeability, confining pressure, and steam phase transition, a comprehensive mathematical model for predicting steam injection flow in horizontal wells was established. Compared with the on-site logging data, the accuracy of the model was verified. The simulation results show that under a single variable condition, the larger the steam injection pressure at the heel, the faster the mass flow and steam dryness decrease. When the steam injection pressure drops from 11 MPa to 8.5 MPa, the steam distribution distance doubles. At the same position, the higher the steam dryness at the heel, the greater the mass flow in the steam injection well, and the faster the steam pressure decrease. Double the steam injection dryness, the pressure drop is almost doubled, but the longer steam injection distance. The larger the steam injection flow at the heel, the faster the steam pressure decreases, and the decrease in the steam dryness in the tube slows down. When the steam injection flow increases by 1.75 times, the pressure drop increases by 5.3 times. The higher the reservoir permeability, the faster the steam dryness decreases. By obtaining the general rules of steam distribution in horizontal wells to provide theoretical support for on-site steam injection, the steam distribution effect can be effectively improved to increase production and reduce consumption.