ν-X-type relative permeability curves for steam-water two-phase flows in fractured geothermal reservoirs

Abstract We explored appropriate relative permeability curves for steam-water two-phase flows in fractured geothermal reservoirs through steam-water and nitrogen gas-water two-phase flow experiments and simulations on a single fracture and multiple fractures in granite under confining stress. Based on our analysis, we proposed new relative permeability curves, which consist of ν- and X-type curves for single fractures. The ν-X-type relative permeability curves appear to reproduce Icelandic field data for steam and water relative permeabilities, which are difficult to reproduce by porous-rock-type relative permeability curves, indicating that the ν-X-type relative permeability curves are appropriate for steam-water two-phase flows in fractured geothermal reservoirs.