Drag Reducing Polymer for Asphaltenic Crude Oil Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polymeric drag reducers are ineffective in crude oils with low API gravity and high asphaltene content, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to pressure drops during pipeline transportation.
Innovation Solution
A drag reducing polymer is introduced into liquid hydrocarbons with high asphaltene content and low API gravity, comprising repeating units of C4-C20 alkyls, C6-C20 aryls, aryl-substituted C1-C10 alkyl ester derivatives of methacrylic or acrylic acids, and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate monomers, reducing friction loss by suppressing turbulent eddies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymeric drag reducers are used in crude oils, then drag reduction is achieved in typical crude oils, but they are ineffective in crude oils with low API gravity and high asphaltene content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of the polymer drag reducer, specifically incorporating aromatic rings and adjusting the polymer composition to match the solubility parameters of high-asphaltene crude oils. This allows the polymer to effectively reduce drag in crude oils with low API gravity and high asphaltene content where conventional polymers fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by creating a polymer with specific compositional characteristics including aromatic content and molecular weight distribution tailored for heavy crude oils. The composite polymer structure combines elements that provide both drag reduction capability and compatibility with asphaltene-rich environments.
2Productivity
If higher flow rates are desired through the pipeline, then throughput increases, but more pressure must be applied due to increased pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful turbulent flow conditions that cause high pressure drop into beneficial laminar-like flow conditions. The polymer drag reducer suppresses turbulent eddies and converts the chaotic turbulent flow into a more ordered flow pattern, reducing friction losses and allowing higher flow rates at constant pumping pressure.
3Productivity
If pressure is increased to achieve higher flow rates, then throughput increases, but design limitations on pipelines limit the amount of pressure that can be employed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow regime parameters by introducing polymer drag reducers that modify the turbulence characteristics. This allows the system to operate at higher flow rates without exceeding pressure limits by fundamentally altering the flow physics rather than simply increasing pressure.
4Loss of energy
If drag reducing additives are used to alleviate pressure drop problems, then friction loss is reduced, but the additives must be effectively dissolved in the hydrocarbon under turbulent flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses dissolution effectiveness by changing the chemical parameters of the polymer to match the solubility characteristics of high-asphaltene crude oils. The modified polymer structure ensures effective dissolution and uniform distribution in turbulent flow conditions where conventional polymers would fail to dissolve properly.
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 solution significantly reduces friction loss and viscosity in treated liquid hydrocarbons, enhancing flow rates at constant pumping pressure, achieving up to 36.7% drag reduction in heavy crude oils, thereby reducing operational costs and inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon would have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.