The Size of the Tap: The Laws of Physics and Economics

Abstract

Oil can be found underground in oilfields or above ground in storage tanks. When taking oil from a tank the rate of flow is limited by the diameter of the hole, pipe, or tap. However, when taking oil from an oilfield, it is not only the diameter of the oil well or the capacity of other infrastructure that is important. The rate of flow is also controlled by the physics of oil movement through rock.