Saturated-Steam Pressure Drop in Flow Through Porous Media

Abstract

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.* Results with Chase and Dietrich (1989), steam zone length = 92 ft, absolute permeability = 1 darcy, injection pressure = 726.5 psia, steam injection rate = 30.294 B/D, injection time = 20 days, block length = 4 ft, block height = 10 ft, block width = 10 ft.