Drag Reducing Polymer Formulation via Hydrocarbon Additive
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in hydrocarbon pipelines is the pressure drop due to friction, which increases equipment and operation costs, especially when transporting fluids over long distances, and existing drag reducers face difficulties in injection and stability when added to the pipeline.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming a drag reducing polymer formulation by incorporating a hydrocarbon additive, such as heptane or kerosene, with a latex drag reducing polymer formed via emulsion polymerization, which suppresses turbulent eddies and maintains stability, allowing for effective use in hydrocarbon pipelines without affecting the drag reducer's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drag reducers are injected into pipelines to reduce friction loss, then flow rate increases at constant pumping pressure, but the additives face difficulties in injection and stability
Solution Approach 1:
A compatibilizer additive is introduced as an intermediary substance between the drag reducer polymer and the hydrocarbon fluid. The compatibilizer has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics, allowing it to bridge the polar polymer and non-polar hydrocarbon phases. This mediator improves the dissolution and dispersion of the drag reducer in the hydrocarbon fluid, enhancing injection ability and operational stability without sacrificing drag reduction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag reducer formulation is transformed from a pure polymer into a composite system containing the polymer, compatibilizer additive, and hydrocarbon fluid. This composite formulation combines the drag reduction properties of high molecular weight polymers with the injection and stability benefits of the compatibilizer, creating a multi-component system that addresses multiple performance requirements simultaneously.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If high molecular weight polymers are used as drag reducers, then drag reduction effectiveness increases, but dissolution in hydrocarbon under turbulent flow becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compatibilizer acts as a molecular bridge between the high molecular weight polymer chains and the hydrocarbon molecules. Its dual-character structure allows it to interact with both the polar polymer surfaces and the non-polar hydrocarbon chains, facilitating the dissolution process and enabling ultra-high molecular weight polymers to effectively dissolve and function in hydrocarbon fluids under turbulent flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The addition of the compatibilizer changes the physical-chemical parameters of the hydrocarbon fluid, specifically its solvating capacity and interfacial tension characteristics. This parameter modification enables the hydrocarbon fluid to better dissolve and disperse high molecular weight polymers, transforming a poorly soluble system into an effective drag reducing formulation.
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 method enhances the ability to inject drag reducers into pipelines, reduces friction, and maintains stability, thereby increasing flow rates at constant pumping pressure, reducing operational costs and inefficiencies associated with pressure drops in hydrocarbon pipelines.
Implementation Method 1
The role of a drag reducer is to suppress the growth of turbulent eddies, which results in higher flow rate at a constant pumping pressure
Implementation Method 2
drag reduction depends in part upon the molecular weight of the polymer additive and its ability to dissolve in the hydrocarbon under turbulent flow
Implementation Method 3
the drag reducing polymer is formed via emulsion polymerization
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a drag reducing polymer formulation. The method begins by forming a drag reducing polymer. A hydrocarbon additive is then incorporated with the drag reducing polymer to form a drag reducing polymer formulation. The drag reducing polymer formulation is then used as a drag reducer in hydrocarbon pipelines.