Enhanced oil recovery using water as a driving fluid. Part 7. Field applications of carbon dioxide flooding

Spurred by Windfall Profit Tax incentives and the availability of less costly CO/sub 2/ from natural deposits, there now is increased interest and activities in the field application of CO/sub 2/ flooding in the US. Interest is focused on miscible CO/sub 2/ flooding, but it should be recognized that even without miscibility, the swelling and viscosity reduction of crude oil can significantly contribute to incremental oil recovery. Thus, CO/sub 2/ flooding may apply to the recovery of heavy oils and could serve as an alternative process to steam and hydrocarbon solvent processes in some instances. This study deals with how to identify a suitable reservoir, studies required to support a field application, guidelines for pilot testing, operational problems that may arise in the field, and a brief review of field applications to date.