In depth reservoir clogs

摘要

Injecting water into reservoirs is a standard technique for recovering more oil. But ensuring that water passes uniformly through the porous reservoir and doesn't simply take the path of least resistance limits the effectiveness of the approach. One possible solution to this is BP Bright Water technology, which injects tiny sub-micron particles of thermally activated polymer into the water. This dispersion flows with the water and warms as it passes through the reservoir, heating fastest in layers where the water has pushed ahead of the main flood and is flowing between unswept rock above and below. In these areas, the polymer pops open and blocks the better-swept zones deep in a reservoir, diverting water to previously relatively untouched zones.