Cationic Surfactant Latex for Drag Reduction in Hydrocarbon Pipelines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drag reducing compositions for hydrocarbon liquids, particularly in pipelines, face inefficiencies due to high friction losses under turbulent flow, which are not adequately addressed by existing ultra-high molecular weight polymers.

Innovation Solution

A drag reducing composition comprising a latex polymer with a weight average molecular weight of at least 1 x 10^6 g/mol, combined with a cationic surfactant, is introduced into the hydrocarbon stream via emulsion polymerization, reducing friction loss by suppressing turbulent eddy growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If ultra-high molecular weight polymers are used as drag reducing composition, then drag reduction effectiveness is improved, but the ability to dissolve in hydrocarbon under turbulent flow deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrag reduction effectivenessVSAvoiddissolution ability in hydrocarbon

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ultra-high molecular weight polymer is segmented into smaller polymer chains through controlled degradation or by designing the polymer with modular structure. This segmentation improves dissolution in hydrocarbon while maintaining sufficient drag reduction capability, as the smaller segments can disperse better in the turbulent flow environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The molecular weight parameter of the polymer is optimized to a specific range that balances drag reduction effectiveness with dissolution ability. By adjusting the molecular weight from ultra-high to high range, and controlling the degree of polymerization, the polymer achieves adequate solubility in hydrocarbon while retaining drag reduction properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If polymer suspension is pumped into hydrocarbon stream, then drag reducing polymer can be introduced, but friction loss reduction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer introduction methodVSAvoidfriction loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A solvent or dispersant is used as an intermediary medium to facilitate the transfer of polymer from suspension to hydrocarbon stream. This intermediary improves the compatibility and mixing efficiency, enabling better polymer distribution in the hydrocarbon flow and enhancing friction loss reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical pumping method is replaced or supplemented by utilizing the natural turbulent flow of the hydrocarbon stream to carry and distribute the polymer. By designing the injection system to leverage flow dynamics rather than relying solely on mechanical pumping, the polymer is more effectively distributed throughout the stream with reduced energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 composition effectively reduces pressure drop and friction loss in hydrocarbon pipelines, maintaining or increasing viscosity, thereby enhancing the efficiency of hydrocarbon transport.

Implementation Method 1

The latex polymer can include repeating units of the residues of C4-C20 alkyl, C6-C20 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or aryl-substituted C1-C10 alkyl ester derivatives of methacrylic acid or acrylic acid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDrag reduction: Drag

Implementation Method 3

The method includes polymerizing a reaction mixture via emulsion polymerization, wherein the reaction mixture comprises one or more monomers, a continuous phase, and at least one cationic surfactant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion polymerization: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20230106492A1Synthesis of drag reducing latex product using cationic surfactants in emulsion polymerization

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A drag reducing composition, methods of forming a drag reducing composition, and methods of using a drag reducing composition to reduce the pressure drop of a liquid hydrocarbon through a conduit are provided. The drag reducing composition includes a latex polymer, a cationic surfactant, optionally a nonionic surfactant, and a continuous phase. The cationic surfactant is selected from quaternary ammonium-based cationic surfactants, imidazolium-based cationic surfactants, pyridinium-based cationic surfactants, or a combination thereof.