Low Tg Terpolymer Drag Reducing Agent for Asphaltene Crude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drag reducing agents (DRAs) for crude oils with high asphaltene content form hard, brittle solids when pumped through pipelines, leading to equipment plugging and reduced flow efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A terpolymer with a glass transition temperature of 6 degrees Celsius or below, composed of specific monomers such as styrene, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, is used to reduce the formation of hard solids and improve flow by maintaining a balance between drag reduction and solid softness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copolymers with good affinity for high asphaltene content crude oils are used as drag reducing agents, then drag reduction effectiveness is improved, but hard brittle solids form leading to equipment plugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer from high (conventional) to low (6°C or below). This fundamental parameter change transforms the physical state of the polymer from hard and brittle to soft and flexible, eliminating equipment plugging while preserving drag reduction effectiveness in high asphaltene content crude oils
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a terpolymer composed of three different monomers with complementary properties. The first monomer provides drag reduction effectiveness, the second monomer lowers the glass transition temperature to prevent solid formation, and the third monomer enhances compatibility with asphaltene content, achieving both effectiveness and reliability
2Productivity
If polymers are added to reduce frictional energy losses in turbulent flow, then flow capability is improved, but hard solids form when pumped through pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the glass transition temperature parameter from high to low (6°C or below), which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties of the polymer. This parameter change maintains the polymer's ability to reduce frictional energy losses in turbulent flow while preventing the formation of hard solids during pipeline pumping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits phase transition principles by designing a polymer whose glass transition temperature is below 6°C. This ensures the polymer remains in a flexible, rubbery state during typical pipeline operating conditions, preventing solidification and hard solid formation while maintaining drag reduction functionality
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 terpolymer effectively minimizes the formation of hard, brittle solids, preventing equipment plugging and maintaining flow efficiency by producing softer solids that are easier to handle, thus enhancing pipeline flow and reducing downstream equipment issues.
Implementation Method 1
They interact with the turbulent flow processes and reduce frictional pressure losses such that the pressure drop for a given flow rate is less
Implementation Method 2
a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature of six degrees Celsius or below
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described herein generally relate to a drag reducing agent (DRA) for improving flow of crude oils having high asphaltene content through pipelines. The DRA is a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 6 degrees Celsius or below. The terpolymer is formed by a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first and second monomers are chosen based on the glass transition temperatures of corresponding homopolymers. The glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the first monomer is at least 120 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the second monomer. The DRA comprised of the terpolymer formed with the second monomer produces softer solids and fewer solids due to the low glass transition temperature of the terpolymer. The softer solids are more easily handled by the pump to keep the injection system clear.