Aqueous Drag Reducer Formulation for Hydrocarbon Flow Without Fouling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow improvers for refined hydrocarbons face issues with carrier fluids that are either costly or cause fouling in pipelines due to precipitation of hydrophilic ingredients, and there is a need for a cost-effective, compatible, and non-fouling carrier fluid.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous drag reducer formulation comprising water, a hydrocarbon-soluble amine oxide rheology modifier, and ultra-high molecular weight polymer, which is soluble in hydrocarbons and maintains viscosity stability at normal usage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water-based polymer suspensions are used as carrier fluids, then cost is reduced, but fouling in pipelines occurs due to precipitation of hydrophilic ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic改性 agent is introduced as an intermediary substance that modifies the water-based polymer suspension, making it compatible with hydrocarbon environments while preventing precipitation and fouling. The改性 agent acts as a bridge between the hydrophilic polymer and hydrophobic hydrocarbon, enabling stable dispersion without phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical parameters of the carrier fluid are changed by incorporating hydrophobic modifiers and adjusting the molecular structure of the polymer. This transforms the carrier fluid from a purely hydrophilic water-based suspension to a amphiphilic composition that can stably exist in hydrocarbon environments without precipitating.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional alcohol, glycol, or ether carrier fluids are used, then solubility and compatibility with hydrocarbons are improved, but cost increases and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive and safety-concerned conventional carrier fluids (alcohols, glycols, ethers) with a water-based polymer suspension that is cheaper and safer. The water-based system uses readily available materials and eliminates the safety hazards associated with flammable organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The fundamental parameter of the carrier fluid's chemical composition is changed from organic-based (alcohol/glycol/ether) to water-based polymer suspension. This parameter change simultaneously achieves cost reduction, improved safety, and maintained hydrocarbon compatibility through the use of hydrophobic modifiers.
3Reliability
If ultra-high molecular weight polymer is used to reduce drag, then drag reduction effectiveness is improved, but solubility in hydrocarbons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite carrier fluid system that combines ultra-high molecular weight polymer (for drag reduction) with hydrophobic modifiers and water-based components. This composite structure allows the high molecular weight polymer to maintain its drag-reducing properties while the hydrophobic modifiers ensure solubility and stability in hydrocarbon environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrophobic modifiers serve as intermediaries that enable the ultra-high molecular weight polymer to dissolve and disperse stably in hydrocarbon environments. These modifiers prevent polymer aggregation and precipitation, maintaining solubility despite the high molecular weight of the polymer chains.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The formulation effectively reduces drag in hydrocarbons without causing fouling, maintaining solubility and viscosity stability, thus enhancing pipeline operations.
Implementation Method 1
a rheology modifier, wherein the rheology modifier is an amine oxide rheology modifier
Implementation Method 2
an ultra-high molecular weight polymer, wherein the ultra-high molecular weight polymer has a molecular weight greater than one million; wherein the aqueous drag reducer is soluble in hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 3
maintaining solubility and viscosity stability at normal usage levels
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous drag reducer having the components of water, a hydrocarbon soluble rheology modifier and an ultra-high molecular weight polymer. This aqueous drag reducer is also soluble in hydrocarbons.