Abstract
Thirty-nine experimental determinations of oil recovery in water wet systems by waterflooding were made using eight different cores and five different oils. The properties of the rocks and fluids were determined and the fraction produced of initial oil in place was correlated with these properties. The basic parameters measured were porosity, permeability, formation resistivity factor, oil viscosity, surface tension, average capillary pressure, and the ratio of average capillary pressure to that of 50 percent water saturation. Oil recover was correlated by means of numerous equations involving various functions of the above mentioned properties in various combinations. The best correlation obtained showed deviations comparable to the experimental errors. Twenty-nine of the best equations are presented and allow a choice between greater simplicity and minimum error. All the 29 equations can be expected to give fair estimates of recovery. The most accurate predictions however can be made by selecting one of 3 equations, respectively, for consolidated sands, unconsolidated sands or sands of both varieties. Other equations have been developed to provide a means of prediction when the data required by these equations are not available. Insofar as the properties chosen describe the behavior of the oil and rock, the correlations should be applicable to actual reservoirs provided the recovery predicted is corrected for the area swept.
Arnold, Marion Denson (1967). The effects of rock and fluid properties on oil recovery by waterflooding. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -213169.