Which EOR method involves injecting air into the formation and can involve combustion of the oil?

Which EOR method involves injecting air into the formation and can involve combustion of the oil?

• A. Gas Flood
• B. Foam Flood
• C. Water Flood
• D. Fire Flood

Answer: (D)

This question is about an in-situ combustion process. Fire Flood involves injecting air into the reservoir and, under the right conditions, the oil or hydrocarbons in place can ignite. The combustion generates heat, which lowers the oil’s viscosity and helps mobilize it, while the burning gases and pressure help push the oil toward production wells. That combination—air injection plus possible combustion and heat generation—distinguishes this method from the others. Gas Flood uses injected gas to push oil but doesn’t rely on combustion. Foam Flood adds foaming agents to improve sweep, not to ignite or heat the oil. Water Flood simply displaces oil by injecting water, with no heating or burning involved.

This question is about an in-situ combustion process. Fire Flood involves injecting air into the reservoir and, under the right conditions, the oil or hydrocarbons in place can ignite. The combustion generates heat, which lowers the oil’s viscosity and helps mobilize it, while the burning gases and pressure help push the oil toward production wells. That combination—air injection plus possible combustion and heat generation—distinguishes this method from the others.

Gas Flood uses injected gas to push oil but doesn’t rely on combustion. Foam Flood adds foaming agents to improve sweep, not to ignite or heat the oil. Water Flood simply displaces oil by injecting water, with no heating or burning involved.