| The natural energy of a reservoir can be used to move oil and gas toward the wellbore. Used in such a fashion, these sources of energy are called ''drive mechanisms''. Early determination and characterization of the drive mechanism(s) present within a reservoir may allow a greater ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons. Drive mechanisms are determined by the analysis of historical production data, primarily reservoir pressure data and fluid production ratios. | | The natural energy of a reservoir can be used to move oil and gas toward the wellbore. Used in such a fashion, these sources of energy are called ''drive mechanisms''. Early determination and characterization of the drive mechanism(s) present within a reservoir may allow a greater ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons. Drive mechanisms are determined by the analysis of historical production data, primarily reservoir pressure data and fluid production ratios. |
− | The three primary oil reservoir drive mechanisms are [Drive mechanisms and recovery#solution gas drive|solution gas drive], gas cap drive'', and ''water drive''<ref name = pt10r5>Clark, N. J., 1969, Elements of petroleum reservoirs: Dallas, TX, Society of Petroleum Engineers, AIME, p. 66–84.</ref>. Reservoir pressure trends and producing gas-oil ratio trends of these three drive mechanisms are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. A ''combination'' or ''mixed drive'' occurs when two or more of the primary drive mechanisms are present in the same reservoir. A combination drive may also occur when one or more of the primary drive mechanisms are assisted by ''gravity drainage''. Table 1 shows the energy sources and ultimate recovery ranges of the major drive mechanisms. | + | The three primary oil reservoir drive mechanisms are [[Drive mechanisms and recovery#Solution gas drive|solution gas drive]], gas cap drive'', and ''water drive''<ref name = pt10r5>Clark, N. J., 1969, Elements of petroleum reservoirs: Dallas, TX, Society of Petroleum Engineers, AIME, p. 66–84.</ref>. Reservoir pressure trends and producing gas-oil ratio trends of these three drive mechanisms are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. A ''combination'' or ''mixed drive'' occurs when two or more of the primary drive mechanisms are present in the same reservoir. A combination drive may also occur when one or more of the primary drive mechanisms are assisted by ''gravity drainage''. Table 1 shows the energy sources and ultimate recovery ranges of the major drive mechanisms. |