Magnetic Drag Reducing Polymer Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drag reducing polymers used in hydrocarbon streams interfere with engine re-ignition at high altitudes in jet fuel and disrupt fractionation processing in natural gas liquids, leading to market value loss and processing issues.
Innovation Solution
A drag reducing composition is developed, incorporating a drag reducing polymer with magnetic particles, such as magnetic metals or metal oxides, dispersed in a suspension fluid medium. This composition is introduced into a hydrocarbon stream, and a magnetic force is applied to remove the drag reducing polymers effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drag reducing polymers are used in hydrocarbon streams to reduce frictional energy losses and increase pipeline throughput, then energy consumption is reduced and throughput capacity is increased, but polymer fragments interfere with engine re-ignition at high altitude in jet fuel and disrupt fractionation processing in natural gas liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic particles to the drag reducing polymer and uses magnetic force to extract and remove the polymer from the hydrocarbon stream, separating the harmful polymer fragments from the useful hydrocarbon product to eliminate interference with engine re-ignition and fractionation processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration or centrifugal separation methods with a magnetic field-based removal system, where magnetic particles embedded in the polymer are attracted to and removed by magnetic force, providing more effective and selective polymer removal
2Reliability
If conventional drag reducing polymers are used without magnetic particles, then the polymer provides drag reduction benefits, but the polymer cannot be effectively removed from the hydrocarbon stream after use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as an intermediary substance that is embedded in the drag reducing polymer. These magnetic particles serve as a handle or mediator that allows the polymer to be selectively captured and removed from the hydrocarbon stream using magnetic force, simplifying the removal process while maintaining the polymer's drag reduction functionality during use
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 magnetic capturing process achieves significant removal of drag reducing polymers from hydrocarbon streams, enhancing the usability of jet fuel and natural gas liquids by minimizing polymer interference and maintaining market value.
Implementation Method 1
applying a magnetic force to the hydrocarbon stream and removing at least a portion of the drag reducing polymers using the magnetic force
Data Source
AI summary
A drag reducing composition includes a drag reducing polymer; a magnetic particle incorporated in the drag reducing polymer; and a suspension fluid medium. In some compositions, the magnetic particle comprises a fatty acid and/or at least one of a magnetic metal, a magnetic metal alloy, or a metal oxide core. A method of forming a drag reducing composition includes reacting alpha-olefin monomers in the presence of a polymerization catalyst and a magnetic particle to produce a drag reducing polymer incorporated with the magnetic particle.