Polyolefin Drag Reducing Composition for Hydrocarbon Pipelines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drag reducing compositions for hydrocarbons in pipelines are susceptible to degradation by shear and require special handling and rapid solubilization, while also needing to maintain stability and non-agglomeration in varying temperatures and hydrocarbon types.

Innovation Solution

A drag reducing composition comprising finely divided polyolefin particles, a liquid carrier with specific properties, and a partitioning agent to enhance stability and miscibility, allowing for easy handling and effective drag reduction in hydrocarbon streams without dissolving the polymer, even at high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If polyalphaolefin drag reducers are used to reduce turbulent flow and decrease drag, then the amount of horsepower needed to move hydrocarbon is reduced, but the polymer is susceptible to degradation by shear when dissolved in the flowing hydrocarbon

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorsepower needed to move hydrocarbonVSAvoidpolymer stability against shear degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses finely divided polyolefin particles instead of dissolved polymer, segmenting the polymer into discrete particles that resist shear degradation while still providing drag reduction when they interact with the flowing hydrocarbon stream

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a carrier fluid as an intermediary medium to transport the polyolefin particles to the injection point and into the hydrocarbon stream, allowing the polymer to remain in a stable particulate form rather than being directly dissolved where it would be susceptible to shear degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the drag reducing composition is introduced in a form that is easy to transport and handle, then special equipment is not needed for remote injection points, but the polymer must dissolve rapidly in the hydrocarbon stream to achieve drag reducing effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transport and handlingVSAvoidtime for polymer to dissolve

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The polyolefin is pre-processed into finely divided particles and pre-mixed with a compatible carrier fluid, preparing it in advance for easy transport and rapid deployment at injection points without requiring special equipment or extensive dissolution time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the polymer from dissolved to particulate form, and adjusts the carrier fluid properties to match the hydrocarbon stream, enabling the composition to be easily transported while still achieving effective drag reduction upon injection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the drag reducing composition is designed for universal use across temperature extremes and hydrocarbon types, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining stability and preventing agglomeration becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal use across temperature extremes and hydrocarbon typesVSAvoidstability and prevention of agglomeration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier fluid is selected to have properties that make it compatible with a wide range of hydrocarbon types and temperature conditions, allowing the same drag reducing composition to be universally applied across different pipelines and environments while maintaining particle stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite composition combining polyolefin particles with a specifically formulated carrier fluid, where the composite structure provides both the drag reduction capability of the polyolefin and the stability/aggregation resistance provided by the carrier fluid across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 composition effectively reduces drag in hydrocarbon flows, maintaining stability and preventing agglomeration, allowing for universal use across temperature extremes and hydrocarbon types without degrading the polymer, thus enhancing pipeline efficiency and operational ease.

Implementation Method 1

a partitioning agent to enhance stability and miscibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPartitioning: Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Implementation Method 2

a partitioning agent carrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface activity: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS9267094B2Drag reducing compositions and methods of manufacture and use

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 FLOWCHEM LLC

AI summary

A drag reducing composition for use in hydrocarbon streams which contains a finely divided, solid polyolefin friction reducing agent, a suspending medium comprised of water and a liquid organic carrier containing from 10 to 14 carbon atoms and having at least one hydroxyl group and a partitioning agent comprising a compound having a hydrophobic group and a hydrophilic group and exhibiting at least some surface activity.