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Measurements of Local Instantaneous Convective Heat Transfer in a Pipe - Single and Two-phase Flow
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Development of a Transient Wellbore Heat Transfer Model Validated with Distributed Temperature Sensing Data
Rion Nakamoto1, Smith Leggett1
1Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering, Texas Tech University, 807 Boston Ave, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) provides valuable geothermal well data. A new transient wellbore model, validated with DTS, accurately predicts thermal slug velocity for improved geothermal operations.
Area of Science:
- Geothermal Energy Engineering
- Reservoir Characterization
- Wellbore Heat Transfer
Background:
- Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is crucial for geothermal energy development, offering insights into wellbore temperature and flow.
- Existing wellbore models often use steady-state assumptions, failing to capture transient dynamics, or are computationally intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop and validate a transient wellbore heat transfer model for geothermal applications.
- Enhance the interpretation of DTS data for improved operational monitoring and management.
Main Methods:
- Formulated a transient wellbore heat transfer model using a thermal-analogy approach.
- Implemented the model using a finite-difference scheme.
- Validated the model by comparing predicted thermal slug velocities with DTS measurements.
Main Results:
- The model demonstrated strong agreement with DTS data, confirming its reliability.
- Modeled thermal slug velocity was found to be lower than fluid velocity, indicating slower thermal front propagation.
- The computationally efficient model enhances DTS data interpretation.
Conclusions:
- The developed transient wellbore heat transfer model is a reliable tool for analyzing geothermal operations.
- This approach improves the understanding of transient thermal dynamics in wellbores.
- The model facilitates better monitoring and management of geothermal energy resources.
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