Drag reduction in non-aqueous liquids
Reduced pressure drops during turbulent flow can be induced by small amounts of polymeric additives. Although suspensions and ionic soap solutions may show the effect also, most of the work reported has been on aqueous solutions, especially those of poly(ethylene oxide) and polyacrylamide. Effective drag reduction requires polymers of extremely high molecular weight, well in excess of several million. Most water-insoluble polymers were developed for molding or coating applications requiring molecular weights of less than several hundred thousand. On the other hand, the use of thickeners in water-based products such as latexes and food items has brought about commercial production of poly(ethylene oxide) and polyacrylamide of extremely high molecular weight to supplement the natural or modified-natural polysaccharides such as carboxy-methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, starch, and agar. A polystyrene sample (whole polymer, MDvU = 3.4 x 10U6D) was studied in benzene, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone. In each case, it is observed that as the concentration of the polymer increases, frictional drag reduction increases until an optimum concentration is reached. (14 refs.)
- Research Organization:
- Cornell Univ.
- OSTI ID:
- 6069111
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-720522-
- Journal Information:
- AIChE Symp. Ser.; (United States), Vol. 14b; Conference: 72. national meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, St. Louis, MO, USA, 21 May 1972
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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