Waterdrive reservoirs

(Redirected from Water drive reservoirs)

Waterdrive (or water drive) petroleum reservoirs are characteristically bounded by and in communication
with aquifers. As pressure decreases during pressure depletion, the compressed waters within the aquifers
expand and overflow into the petroleum reservoir. The invading water helps drive the oil to the producing
wells, leading to improved oil recoveries. Like gas reinjection and gas cap expansion, water influx also acts
to mitigate the pressure decline. The degree to which water influx improves oil recovery depends on the
size of the adjoining aquifer, the degree of communication between the aquifer and petroleum reservoir,
and ultimately the amount of water that encroaches into the reservoir.