Turbulent drag reduction behavior of polymer solutions in different geometries

Yang Chen, Pengyuan Niu, Minglan He, Changjun Li, Andrey M. Nechval, Anvar R. Valeev and Peng Yang

Energy, 2025, vol. 323, issue C

Abstract: High-molecular-weight polymers significantly reduce turbulent hydraulic resistance in oil transport. Due to the anisotropy of turbulence and the complexity of the interaction between the polymer and turbulence, polymer drag reduction behavior depends on internal factors (molecular weight, structure, concentration) and external factors (solvent viscosity, temperature, turbulence intensity, flow geometry). In the present work, we have investigated the turbulent drag reduction behaviors of dilute polymer solution in a disk rheometer, cylindric rotational rheometer, loop pipe, and commercial oil pipeline. Definition of Reynolds number (Re), boundary layer thickness, flow regime, critical Re, onset phenomenon and polymer behaviors have been discussed and analyzed in different geometries. Effects of solvent, polymer composition, concentration (θ), Re on Fanning friction factor (f) and drag reduction efficiency (DR) in different geometries have been revealed. A scale-up law has been proposed and a general model for evaluating drag reduction behavior has been established, which can be used to predict DR in different geometries.

Keywords: High-molecular-weight polymers; Turbulent drag reduction; Fluid transport; Dilute solution; Rheometer; Pipe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:323:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225014409

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135798

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