Simple Method to Extract Heat Transfer Area and Predict Thermal Lifetime

Abstract

It is a well-established concern that uncertainty in effective interwell heat transfer areas introduce significant financial risk. This is true, because heat transfer area and mass flow rates determine transient production well temperatures. Here, a simple method to predict thermal performance that already exists in peer-reviewed literature is presented in a pedagogical fashion. The method utilizes joint pressure-tracer calibration to determine effective heat transfer area. Using a suitable analytical model for heat transfer, one can then readily predict thermal performance. Several case studies are presented, including uncertainty analysis. The results emphasize the necessity of performing both tracer tests and pressure analysis.