Cambridge scientists study fluid flow for enhanced oil recovery
Researchers at the BP Institute for Multiphase Flow at Cambridge University have been addressing the challenges facing oil companies as they look to to extend production from existing fields and maximise recovery. However, much of the multidisciplinary research also has applications in other areas. For instance, scientists at the institute are currently looking at encapsulation techniques, which could be used to deliver drugs to specific regions of the body or deliver a chemical to a particular section of an oil well.
A thorough understanding of multiphase fluid flow is vital in many oil and gas industry operations, not least in the selection of an effective enhanced oil recovery (EOR) strategy.

EOR has gained prominence as operators seek to extend the lives of producing fields and maximise recovery from increasingly tough-to-produce and remote assets.

The BP Institute for Multiphase Flow at the University of Cambridge, established in 2000 with a £22 million endowment from the UK supermajor, is addressing the EOR challenge through a multidisciplinary research programme that involves about 40 academics and students.