Classification of one-dimensional steady-state two-phase geothermal flows including permeability variations. I: Theory and special cases. II: The general case (Q1287672)

We describe a graphical method of classifying reservoir models, and for clarifying the connection between permeability (and permeability gradients) and saturation. The theory behind the method is reviewed, and then the technique is applied to the example of a bottom-heated geothermal heatpipe, which is shown to have a maximum length, beyond which the only possible stable continuation (downwards) is into single-phase vapour. An increase in the permeability (downwards) always induces a liquid saturation. In part II, the analysis is extended to include both conduction a nonzero net mass flow. Our theoretical results agree with those obtained by numerical simulation.