Near Well CFD Simulation of SAGD Extra Heavy Oil Production

Abstract

Near well computational fluid dynamic simulation for extra heavy oil production using steam assisted gravity drainage was studied with ANSYS Fluent software. Computational fluid dynamic simulation can predict the multiphase flow behavior in the well annulus and the base pipe when the well involves an Autonomous Inflow Control Valve which is a promising approach for enhanced oil recovery. Volume of Fluid multiphase model was used to simulate the fluid behavior. Three different case studies were carried out by changing the volume fraction and the orientation of the valve. The mixing region of the two immiscible fluids is increased if the water volume fraction of the inlet from the reservoir to wellbore is increased. Simulation results showed that the valve orientation has an impact on oil/water separation.