Effect of steam injection into two nearby layers

Equations describing heat transfer between two layers undergoing simultaneous heat injection are developed. Results are presented for realistic examples. Analyses of the results show that the interaction between adjacent layers may be significant. In particular, the growth of the steam zone in one layer may be significantly improved by injection in other layers even when the layers are reasonably far apart. Calculated steam zone volumes and oil production by steam injection may be undervalued if heat transfer between layers is not taken into account. This may result in overlooking field development opportunities.