Simulation of Downhole Heater Phenomena in the Production of Wellbore Fluids

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Abstract
Summary: A model is presented for predicting the pressure and temperature profiles for gas/liquid flow in wellbores stimulated with downhole heaters. The solution algorithm consists of coupling the momentum- and energy-balance equations for the wellbore fluids with the transient behavior in the surrounding rock. The heater is treated as a source term in the energy-balance equation. The model is capable of predicting wellbore thermal effects, such as reduction of fluid viscosity and increase of free gas. It can be used to simulate temperature maintenance during well shut-in periods to prevent pour-point problems and paraffin or hydrate formation. An existing well with production problems related to thermal effects was simulated by the model. Results indicate that wellbore temperatures can be controlled by downhole heaters. Also, under certain conditions, an increase in production was predicted with such an application.

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