Numerical modeling of thermal recovery processes

A theoretical investigation of forward combustion in a simulated laboratory combustion tube is presented. A mathematical model was developed that includes the thermal, thermodynamic, and hydrodynamic aspects of the process. In this model, oil is assumed to turn directly, in a fashion similar to Gottfried's assumption. The interpretation of the various computed profiles and the associated phenomena are described. Comparison with other numerical models is included. The developed models can also simulate other thermal recovery processes, such as hot water flooding and steam injection. Results for these processes are presented and briefly discussed.