Question

Classify the conventional oil production phase characteristics as primary, secondary, or tertiary.

Primary production
oil recovery rates of up to 15%
pumpjacks mechanically pump oil after natural flow ceases
Secondary production
injection wells force more oil out using steam, natural gas, or CO₂
injection wells force more oil out using water
Answer Bank
oil recovery rates are between 20% -40%
oil and gas flow freely under natural pressure
Tertiary production
oil recovery rates of up to 20%

Answer 1

In conventional oil production, the primary phase involves initial oil recovery rates of up to 15% and the use of pumpjacks. Secondary production includes the use of injection wells to force more oil out, while tertiary production aims to further increase oil recovery rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Primary production:

• Oil recovery rates of up to 15%: In the primary production phase of conventional oil extraction, the initial oil recovery rates can reach up to 15% of the total oil in the reservoir.
• Pumpjacks mechanically pump oil after natural flow ceases: Once the natural flow of oil from the reservoir decreases, pumpjacks are used to mechanically extract the remaining oil.

Secondary production:

• Injection wells force more oil out using steam, natural gas, or CO₂: In this phase, injection wells are used to introduce substances like steam, natural gas, or CO₂ into the reservoir to push more oil out.
• Injection wells force more oil out using water: Another method in secondary production involves using injection wells to inject water into the reservoir, which helps displace more oil.

Tertiary production:

• Oil recovery rates of up to 20%: Tertiary production techniques can further increase the overall oil recovery rates, potentially reaching up to 20%.

Learn more about Conventional oil production phases