Latex Drag Reducing Polymer Injection for Asphaltene Crude Oils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polymeric drag reducers are ineffective in low API gravity and high-asphaltene crude oils, leading to inefficiencies and equipment costs due to pressure drops during pipeline transport, and can cause solids formation that plugs pipelines when injected directly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a slipstream of liquid hydrocarbons being mixed with a latex comprising a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer upstream of an injection pump to create a drag reducing mixture, which is then injected into the pipeline, minimizing the risk of solids formation and enhancing flow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional polymeric drag reducers are used in low API gravity and high-asphaltene crude oils, then pressure drop reduction is achieved, but solids formation occurs that plugs pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an aqueous solution or slurry as an intermediary carrier to transport the hydrophobic polymeric drag reducer from the injection point into the crude oil stream. The polymer is first dissolved or suspended in water, then this aqueous mixture is injected into the crude oil where the polymer eventually transfers to the oil phase. This intermediary approach prevents direct contact between the hydrophobic polymer and crude oil at the injection point, eliminating solids formation and plugging while still achieving drag reduction in the crude oil flow.
2Ease of operation
If direct pumping of drag reducing polymer into the pipeline is used, then injection simplicity is maintained, but solids formation plagues the injection system
Solution Approach 1:
The aqueous solution serves as a mediator that allows the polymer to be pumped through standard aqueous-compatible injection systems without forming solids. The injection system only handles the aqueous polymer solution, which remains in liquid form and does not plug equipment. The transfer of polymer from the aqueous phase to the crude oil phase occurs downstream in the pipeline, separating the injection process from the polymer-crust interaction that causes plugging.
3Productivity
If higher flow rates are desired through the pipeline, then throughput increases, but pressure drop increases requiring more pumping pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the crude oil by adding polymeric drag reducers that alter the flow regime. The high molecular weight polymers (5-10 million MW) change the turbulent flow characteristics, suppressing eddy formation and reducing friction factors. This parameter change allows the system to achieve higher throughput at the same pumping pressure, or equivalently, reduces the pressure required to maintain a given throughput.
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 effectively reduces drag and pressure drops in pipelines transporting low API gravity and high-asphaltene crude oils, maintaining flow efficiency while preventing pipeline plugging, thereby reducing operational costs and ensuring continuous pipeline operation.
Implementation Method 1
The role of these additives is to suppress the growth of turbulent eddies, which results in higher flow rate at a constant pumping pressure
Implementation Method 2
Effective drag reducing polymers typically have molecular weights in excess of five million and must dissolve in the hydrocarbon under turbulent flow
Data Source
AI summary
A method begins by obtaining a slipstream of a liquid. The slipstream of liquid is then mixed upstream of an injection pump with a latex comprising a drag reducing polymer to produce a drag reducing mixture. The drag reducing mixture is then injected into a liquid hydrocarbon to produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon.