Reservoir EngineeringReserves and Recovery
Oil Recovery Factor from Cumulative Production Formula
Oil Recovery Factor from Cumulative Production calculates oil recovery factor for reserves and recovery workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (N_p, N) are known and the assumptions behind the cited reserves and recovery relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, RF equals 0.25 fraction.
N_pSTB
250000
NSTB
1000000
Inputs
N_p
STBCumulative Oil Production
N
STBOriginal Oil in Place
Outputs
RF
fraction
Oil Recovery Factor
N_p
STB
Cumulative Oil Production
N
STB
Original Oil in Place
Source and review
reviewedEnergies 2025, pressure-driven recovery-factor equation discussion, Equation 7.
Source