ERHC Energy Inc (ERHE)

[tryoty]

"One may not want to produce the gas cap at any rate because it could be part of the 'propellant' which forces the oil to the surface."

If it's true that the shape of the formation is a hyperbolic paraboloid, and that CVX drilled into an upturned "wing" containing mostly gas, then what happens if they just uncork the thing and left the gas bleed off?

The physics of an oil field, in my mind (I am no expert), are as follows.

1.) NG is lightest, so it floats up through groundwater and oil until trapped by impermeable rock.

2.) Oil is next in density, so it floats up through groundwater until the NG is pressurized enough to equalize the ambient groundwater pressure.

You end up with an impermeable rock formation trapping a layer of NG, then oil, then underlying ground water.

So if CVX poked a hole near the top of an upturned "wing" of this hydrocarbon rich Pringles chip, wouldn't the ambient groundwater pressure force oil up into the wing if they just bled off the natural gas?

My gut says absolutely. Logically this would be illegal for two reasons, the incredible atmospheric polution, and the rules of oil production that require all fields to be develop to the fields fullest potential. By removing this pressure they may be able to force oil into their block, but they would take away a great deal pressure from the well, reducing recoverable oil substantially.

I think I just talked myself into the answer. LOL!

Good morning.