co2 flood technology

	Oil, produced water, CO2 and natural gas
	Water
	CO2

1 CO2 is injected into the reservoir via injection wells.

2 The CO2 reduces the viscosity of the trapped oil so it flows more easily.

3 Water is injected in alternating cycles with CO2 to sweep the oil to the producing wells.

4 Production wells pump the oil, along with CO2, produced water and any associated natural gas to the surface.

5 The CO2 and associated natural gas are separated at the production satellite facility and transported offsite for additional processing. Natural gas liquids are extracted and sold and the CO2 is recycled for reinjection.

6 The oil and produced water are separated at the central tank battery. The oil is piped to holding tanks where it is metered and sold.

7 The produced water is transported to the central water injection station and is pressurized for reinjection.

Occidental’s Cogdell Canyon Reef field, located 100 miles northeast of Midland, Texas, was a prime candidate for CO2 flooding.

After more than 50 years of primary and secondary production, the field was nearing the end of its economic life. The CO2 flood has breathed new life into the old field, increasing reserves by more than 20 million barrels — oil that would have been left in the ground without the application of CO2 technology.