Final answer:
The ratio of pore volumes contacted by the injected fluid to the total reservoir pore volume indicates the effectiveness of the substance's sweep through the reservoir, crucial for maximizing oil and gas recovery during secondary recovery processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ratio of pore volumes contacted by the injected fluid to the total reservoir pore volume signifies the sweep efficiency during a secondary recovery process. In reservoir engineering, this measurement indicates how much of the reservoir's total pore space has been accessed by the injected substance, such as water or gas, during enhanced oil recovery procedures. This is important because it determines the ultimate recovery factor and operational efficiency of the process.
Understanding the pore volumes and how they interact with injected fluids helps in managing reservoir production and maximizing oil and gas extraction. The ratio can also be used to identify areas of the reservoir that have not been contacted by the injected fluid and may require additional recovery strategies, such as the repositioning of injection wells or changes in injection patterns.