Representing Steam Processes With Vacuum Models

Scaled models of steam processes have contributed significantly to the design and implementation of many field projects. These models provide a means of answering pertinent questions, including the effect of (1) injection rate, (2) production pressure, (3) completion interval, (4) pattern size and type, (5) aquifers, (6) heterogeneities, and (7) steam quality. Parameters are presented for scaling up physical-model results to full scale and for relating one oil field to another. These relationships are generated by casting the governing equations in dimensionless form. A set of similarity parameters then are determined by inspectional analysis. In physical models, unfortunately, it is not possible to match all similarity parameters. Consequently, based on engineering judgment, a set containing a reduced number of parameters, called scaling parameters, is generated that generally can be matched between scaled model and field prototype. Techniques to implement this scaling are discussed, including a description of the laboratory models, typical materials, and procedures for conducting the experiments. Results of model studies for Mt. Poso and Midway Sunset prototypes are presented.