Recent developments in numerical simulation techniques of thermal recoveryprocesses

Numerical simulation of thermal processes (steam flooding, steam stimulatio n, SAGD, in-situ combustion, electrical heating, etc.) is an integral. part of a thermal project design. The general tendency in the last 10 years has been to use commercial simulators. During the last decade, only a few new models have been reported in the literature. More work has been done to mod ify and refine solutions to existing problems to improve the efficiency of simulators. The paper discusses some of the recent developments in simulati on techniques of thermal processes such as grid refinement, grid orientatio n, effect of temperature on relative permeability, mathematical models, and solution methods. The various aspects of simulation discussed here promote better understanding of the problems encountered in the simulation of ther mal processes and will be of value to both simulator users and developers. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.