The theoretical model used in this study is based on an approach that combines the mass, momentum and energy balances for steam and water into two partial differential equations in terms of the dependent variables, pressure and enthalpy. The assumptions used in this formulation and the detailed development of the equations are presented in Faust (1976). The resulting two- and three-dimensional equations are approximated by finite - difference expressions, and are solved using either direct or iterative matrix techniques.

To simulate the production behavior of the Wairakei geothermal field we have chosen a two-dimensional, areal model. Although a three-dimensional model has been developed for applications to field problems, it is preferable to use two-dimensional models whenever possible, in order to avoid excessive data preparation and computing expense. The two-dimensional, areal model is obtained by partially integrating the pressure-enthalpy equations in the Z-dimension. The resulting two-dimensional equations are thus defined in terms of vertically averaged quantities. In averaging these quantities, it is generally assumed that either (1) the fluids have no segregation, or (2) the fluids are completely segregated.

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