NUMERICAL SIMULATION MODEL FOR THERMAL RECOVERY PROCESSES.

This paper describes a model for numerically simulating thermal recovery processes. The primary focus is on the simulation of in-situ combustion, but the formulation also represents fire-and-water flooding, steamflooding, hot water flooding, steam stimulation, and spontaneous ignition as well. The simulator describes the flow of water, oil, and gas, and includes gravity and capillary effects. Heat transfer by conduction, convection, and vaporization-condensation of both water and hydrocarbons are included. The simulator represents a major improvement in the ability to simulate thermal recovery processes under complex conditions.