Algorithm for determining the mass flow rate and dryness of the thermal agent at the wellhead of steam injection wells in specialized software

Background: Determining the mass flow rate and dryness of thermal agent at the wellhead of steam injection wells is a critical process in the operation, optimization and effective control of its injection regulation. In view of the fact that modern steam flow rate determination instruments based on measurement of variable flow of two-phase medium (steam and water), having a methodological error of more than 10%, cannot provide the necessary accuracy and reliability of measurements, there was a need to develop a calculation variant with the use of specialized software that would allow to correctly solve the problem of determining the degree of steam dryness.

Aim: Development of an algorithm for calculation of mass flow rate and dryness of thermal agent at the wellhead of steam injection wells of the K field using specialized software.

Materials and methods: Two-phase flow of steam and water in wells is a complex process, where it is important to take into account both physical properties of the medium (temperature, pressure, viscosity) and hydraulic characteristics of the system (resistance of pipelines, pressure losses). Mathematical simulation of two-phase flow “steam – water” was performed in a specialized software package by building a ground model and conducting hydraulic calculations. This specialized software complex allowed to build a mathematical model taking into account these parameters, which provides high accuracy and reliability of calculations.

Results: An algorithm for calculating the mass flow rate and dryness of the thermal agent at the wellhead of steam injection wells of the K field based on the model of the onshore steam injection system through the use of a specialized software package has been developed. Simulation allows predicting and optimizing the operation of steam injection wells. By changing model parameters (e.g., production mode, coolant parameters), the impact on well performance and system efficiency can be evaluated.

Conclusion: To date, it has not been possible to select equipment that allows correct registration of the two-phase flow of steam-heat agent injected into wells, which is typical for the conditions of the K field. The algorithm developed with the help of a specialized software package is applicable in the formation of technical solutions to improve the efficiency of control of steam injection process regulation.