Visualization of steam injection into homogeneous porous media

Abstract: In this study we describe the important features of the process of steam injection through non-consolidated porous media made of sand. We have analyzed the resulting fluid flow patterns through normal and infrared visualization by varying the injection pressure into a horizontal cylindrical pipe and a circular cell on a vertical position. Such configurations mimic those occurring under the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) in tertiary recovery from oilfields and geothermal reservoirs. We describe some characteristics of the ubiquitous condensation front in both experimental arrays. In the first case, a glass pipe filled with sand was subjected to steam injection at different pressures. In the second case, a circular cell on a vertical position brimful of sand cell was subjected to similar processes. For each case, the existence of several types of condensation fronts, depending on the injection pressure, has been evidenced by means of digital and infrared visualization which gives mutually complementary information. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]