How does it work?
CO₂ is pumped under high pressure into the reservoir through injection wells, creating a CO₂ flood bank.This CO₂ bank mixes with the oil remaining in the reservoir, causing it to become more mobile. The CO₂ acts as both a solvent by reducing oil viscosity and a swelling agent. As more oil is encountered, an oil bank forms and is pushed ahead of the CO₂ flood bank toward producing wells. The producing wells pump the oil to the surface where the CO₂ is separated from the oil and reinjected back underground.

What makes a reservoir a good CO2 candidate?
The following are initial screening parameters used to identify possible candidates:

What makes an economic CO₂ Flood?
There are many factors that will affect the economic viability of a CO2 flood. The following will have significant impact: