Mechanism of Fluid Displacement in Sands

Abstract

The production of oil is accomplished as a result of its displacement fromthe reservoir by either gas or water, and the amount of oil recovery is limitedby the extent to which the displacing gas or water accumulates. This paperdescribes the mechanism by which the displacement is effected and theadvantages of water over gas as a displacing agent. In the light of the resultsof experimental observations of the flow of mixtures of oil and/or gas and/orwater through sands, certain conclusions are drawn relative to the changingcharacter of the displacement as depletion proceeds, and on the effects of theproperties of the fluids and of producing conditions on the ultimate oilrecovery.