This is the first part of a two-volume work which comes at a time when oil producers are taking a close look at the economy of oilfield operation and redesign of production technology to improve ultimate recovery. The very high cost, and risk, of the search for new oilfields demands the re-evaluation of production technology and reservoir engineering to improve the production characteristics of existing oilfields. It is the aim of this work that it will be instrumental in the improvement of the global enhancement of oil production and ultimate recovery. It is the outcome of extensive collaboration between experts in petroleum who have devoted their time to the lucid expression of the knowledge that they have acquired through experience in the evaluation and solution of field problems, and development of economic field processes. Oil production companies have been generous in their cooperation through assistance and encouragement to the authors and permission to publish data, designs and photographs. Together, the two books provide a detailed and comprehensive coverage of the subject.