SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering
Volume 13, Number 1, February 2010, pp. 105-108

Summary

This note provides a simple steady-state method for estimating the pressure drop for steam vapor flowing at a constant mass rate through porous media. The derived formula includes the relevant properties of saturated steam and allows for their distribution along the zone of pressure variation. It also eliminates the need for steam tables within the applicable pressure range (10–2,900 psia). The method can also be extended to cases in which the rate varies in a known manner because of heat loss or other factors.

Introduction

In making estimates of steam pressure drop in flow through porous media, it is convenient to use a simple correlation based on steam properties. Making the calculation requires accounting for values of steam pressure, temperature, viscosity, and specific volume. The ability to take these parameters into account in a simple manner can be a useful tool for the engineer. The shown formulas appear to be suitable for many practical purposes, such as estimating pressure drop in steam-injection oil-recovery processes.

© 2010. Society of Petroleum Engineers

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History

• Original manuscript received: 6 October 2008
• Revised manuscript received: 11 February 2009
• Manuscript approved: 20 March 2009
• Published online: 16 February 2010
• Version of record: 24 February 2010