Is Geothermal Simulation a Catastrophe

摘要

All numerical simulators of geothermal reservoirs depend upon an accurate representation of the thermodynamics of steam-water systems. These relationships are required to render tractable the system of balance equations derived from the physics of flow through porous media. While it is generally recognized that the steam-water system (i.e., two phase) is not in thermodynamic equilibrium, equilibrium thermodynamics are employed in its description. An alternative view based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics is presented. The underpinnings of this approach are found in a branch of topology generally referred to as catastrophe theory. (ERA citation 06:028529)