Investigating the Effect of Powder Type on Improving the Flow in Pipelines

Abstract

Problem statement: In the present investigation, three types of powders are chosen to be investigated as drag reducing agent in aqueous media. The effect of powder type effect will be highlighted in the present study. Approach: Three types of powders were select to be investigating in the present study, which are the sand, aluminum and the coal powders. The reason behind choosing these powders precisely is the difference in its physical properties, especially the density (ρ_sand = 1640, ρ_aluminum = 2700 and ρ_coal = 1170 kg m^-3). Results: All the experimental study was carried in a build buildup rig that consisted of a closed loop experimental piping system. Three different addition concentrations (100, 300 and 500 ppm) and five different liquid flow rates were investigated. Conclusion: The experimental results showed that, the aluminum powder drag reduction performance was the higher compared the other two powders investigated (sand and the coal), with maximum % Dr up to 45% by the addition of only 400 ppm addition concentration.