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Oil Recovery Efficiency Calculator

Calculate overall oil recovery factor (RF) as the product of displacement efficiency (E_D), areal sweep efficiency (E_A), and vertical/volumetric sweep efficiency (E_V). Compare primary, waterflood, and EOR scenarios.

Recovery Efficiency Components

Displacement Efficiency, E_D (%)

Typical: 50-80%. Controlled by S_or and Buckley-Leverett.

Areal Sweep Efficiency, E_A (%)

Typical: 60-85%. Controlled by well pattern and mobility ratio.

Vertical Sweep Efficiency, E_V (%)

Typical: 60-90%. Controlled by layering and gravity segregation.

OOIP (MMbbl) — optional, for recovery volumes

Oil Price ($/bbl) — for revenue estimate

Results

Recovery Factor RF

% of OOIP

Recoverable Oil

MMbbl

Revenue Potential

$B gross

Remaining OOIP

MMbbl (unrecovered)

Recovery Factor Breakdown

39%

Unrecovered

Typical Recovery Ranges by Drive Mechanism

Recovery Method	E_D	E_A × E_V	Typical RF
Primary (solution gas drive)	40-60%	60-80%	10-30%
Primary (water drive)	50-70%	65-85%	25-50%
Secondary (waterflood)	60-75%	65-85%	35-60%
Tertiary EOR (polymer)	65-80%	75-90%	45-65%
Thermal (steam injection)	70-90%	60-80%	40-70%

Equation

RF = E_D × E_A × E_V

Where: E_D = displacement efficiency (pore scale), E_A = areal sweep efficiency, E_V = vertical (conformance) efficiency.

Note: Some texts combine E_A × E_V into a volumetric sweep efficiency E_vol.

Related Tool

Recovery Factor Calculator

Volumetric RF from porosity, S_oi, and B_oi.

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Related Tool

EOR Screening Tool (PRO)

Screen reservoir for EOR method suitability.

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