Optimum gas saturation for maximum oil recovery from displacement by water

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1974 · Rep. Invest. - U.S., Bur. Mines; (United States)

OSTI ID:6555701

Land, C S; Carlson, F M

The U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the influence of a free gas saturation on oil recovery by water drive. A digital computer was used to calculate the combined oil recovery from solution-gas drive to various states of depletion. Results of these calculations are compared and optimum conditions for the maximum oil recovery are found for various fluid-rock systems. For most of the fluid-rock systems, the calculations show an optimum gas saturation other than zero. Using fluid and rock properties as parameters, graphs are plotted showing the optimum gas saturation and increase in oil recovery brought about by the gas saturation. The effects of fluid properties and relative permeability on the optimum gas saturation are given. The graphs can be used as guides in connection with other considerations in determining the optimum time to start a waterflood. They should also be helpful in determining the MER of a water-drive reservoir. (14 refs.)

• OSTI ID: 6555701
• Journal Information: Rep. Invest. - U.S., Bur. Mines; (United States), Journal Name: Rep. Invest. - U.S., Bur. Mines; (United States) Vol. 7911; ISSN XBMIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CALCULATION METHODS
ENGINEERING
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FLUIDS
GAS SATURATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OIL WELLS
PERMEABILITY
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
SATURATION
SURFACE WATERS
WATER RESERVOIRS
WATERFLOODING
WELLS