Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Polymeric Drag Reducing Agent in Turbulent Pipe Flow

Abstract

In the present work, the drag reduction effectiveness of water soluble Carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) was studied as a function of polymer concentration and flow rate. Drag reduction results were assessed by measuring pressure drop over a one meter test section from the selected pipe. The effect of additives concentration was investigated over a range of 0 – 85 wppm, the solvent (water) flow conditions that were studied included higher flow rates. The experimental work was performed in a constructed re–circulating closed loop system. Maximum drag reduction percent (MDR%) of 17.3 % was obtained by using 85 wppm of CMC. The friction factor was calculated from experimental data with an acceptable average absolute percent Deviation. Correlation equation for fanning friction factor was suggested as a function of Re. The drag reduction results have been correlated based on a modification of a theoretical model available in the literature. The functional form of the model requires knowledge of the velocity profile, ratio of mixing length, friction factor, and the additive concentration as dependent variables.

Keywords

• Drag reduction
• Turbulent pipe flow
• Polymer