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Popcorn Polymer (BP)
A National STEM Learning Centre and Network Engineering Case Studies resource investigating the production of oil and how oil reserves are located.
If the oil reserves are running out, how can we get more out of what's still down there?
Petroleum engineers have to flush out oil reserves using water, but often the water diverts into nearby rocks. BP use a smart polymer which is sent down in the water and when heated by the higher temperatures at depth, 'pops' open to block the pores of the 'thief' rocks.
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BP popcorn polymer case study 2.13 MB
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