Over-all Heat Transfer Coefficients in Steam And Hot Water Injection Wells

Abstract

G. PAUL WILLHITE JUNIOR MEMBER AIME Casing temperatures and wellbore heat losses are critical variables in steam and hot water injection welts. Several papers have been written presenting methods of estimating these parameters if the over-all heat transfer coefficient is known. The over-all heat transfer coefficient for a well-bore is developed from its component terms to promote a better understanding of the concept. Specific methods have been selected from the heat transfer literature for estimating the size of each heat transfer component. Sim-plified calculation procedures are suggested for determin-ing the over-all heat transfer coefficient. Comparison of calcul'ated and measured casing temperatures during steam injection confirms the basic formulation and appl'icability of the suggested procedure for engineering calculations.