Cryoground Polyolefin Drag Reducer for Pipeline Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drag reducing compositions for hydrocarbons in pipelines face issues with agglomeration, heat stability, and degradation due to shear, requiring improvements for effective and stable operation, especially in remote and inaccessible locations with varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A drag reducing composition comprising a high molecular weight polyolefin friction reducing agent produced by bulk polymerization, a suspending medium of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate with optional water, and a biocide, along with a coating agent to prevent agglomeration, which is cryoground into finely divided particles for easy handling and rapid dissolution in hydrocarbon streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If polyolefin drag reducing compositions are used in pipelines, then drag is reduced and flow efficiency is improved, but the polymer degrades due to shear from pumps and constrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is cryogenically ground into fine particles or powder form, segmenting the bulk polymer into smaller units that dissolve rapidly in the hydrocarbon stream, reducing residence time in high-shear zones while maintaining drag reduction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer is pre-processed through cryogenic grinding to create fine particles before injection, preparing it in advance for rapid dissolution and minimizing exposure to degrading shear forces during operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If drag reducing compositions are transported to remote injection locations, then field application is enabled, but handling and transport become difficult without special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is transformed from bulk form to fine particles or powder through cryogenic grinding, changing its physical parameters to enable free-flowing characteristics that facilitate easy transport and handling without specialized equipment while maintaining effectiveness in remote field locations
3Productivity
If polyolefin drag reducers are dissolved in hydrocarbon streams, then drag reduction is achieved, but agglomeration and heat stability problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is divided into fine particles through cryogenic grinding, creating uniformly small segments that dissolve rapidly and uniformly in the hydrocarbon stream, preventing agglomeration and maintaining compositional stability across temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The cryogenically ground polymer exhibits different local properties - fine particle morphology for rapid dissolution and stability, while maintaining the bulk polymer's drag reduction capabilities when dissolved
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 drag in hydrocarbon flows, maintains stability across temperature variations, and can be easily transported and injected into pipelines without special equipment, ensuring consistent performance and preventing polymer degradation.
Implementation Method 1
polyalphaolefins, compositions which are generally hydrocarbon soluble and, when dissolved in a hydrocarbon fluid flowing through a conduit, greatly reduce turbulent flow and decrease 'drag'
Implementation Method 2
along with a coating agent to prevent agglomeration
Implementation Method 3
which is cryoground into finely divided particles for easy handling and rapid dissolution in hydrocarbon streams
Data Source
AI summary
A drag reducing composition comprising a finely divided, solid polyolefin friction reducing agent formed from olefins containing from 2 to 30 carbon atoms, the polyolefin drag reducing agent suspended in a suspending medium and comprising 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate containing up to 10% by weight of water.