| Abstract |
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 (Le. two phase) is not in thermodynamic equilibrium, equihbrium thermodynamics are employed in its description. In this paper, we .present an alternative view based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The underpinnings of this approach are found in a branch of topology generally referred to as "catastrophe theory". CThom, 19753. |