Drag Reduction Performance of Natural Gums in Oil-Water Flow through Pipes of Different Diameters
Authors: Dosumu AI, Edomwonyi-Otu LC, Yusuf N, Abubakar A
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
An experimental investigation of the effect of two natural water soluble polymers (Xanthan gum and Guar gum) on drag reduction was studied in flowing oil-water flow system. The study was carried out in horizontal pipes of internal diameter 12 and 20 mm. The test fluids were oil (density = 832 kg/m3; viscosity= 3.5 cP at 25 oC) and tap water (density = 998 kg/m3; viscosity= 1.0 cP at 25 oC). Different concentration, mixture velocity and the input oil volume fraction were investigated. 10,000 ppm master solution of the individual polymer concentrations were used in the single-phase water flow with concentrations ranging from 50 ppm to 250 ppm. Optimal polymer concentration of 200 ppm and 150 ppm was established for xanthan gum and guar gum respectively. The experimental results also showed that drag reduction (DR) of the individual polymer increased with the increase in additive concentrations and Reynolds numbers (Re) but decreased with the increase in the oil fractions. In addition, the drag reduction increased with increasing pipe diameter irrespective of Reynolds number.
Affiliations: Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Delta State University, Delta State, Nigeria
Keywords: Natural Gums, Drag Reductions, Polymer Concentrations, Reynolds Numbers, Input Oil Fractions
Published date: 2019/06/30
