Effect of drag reducing polymers on oil–water flow in a horizontal pipe

Measurements of drag-reduction are presented for oil–water flowing in a horizontal 0.0254 m pipe. Different oil–water configurations were observed. The injection of water soluble polymer solution (PDRA) in some cases produced drag reduction of about 65% with concentration of only 10–15 ppm. The results showed a significant reduction in pressure gradient due to PDRA especially at high mixture velocity which was accompanied by a clear change in the flow pattern. Phase inversion point in dispersed flow regime occurred at a water fraction range of (0.33–0.35) indicated by its pressure drop peak which was disappeared by injecting only 5 ppm (weight basis) of PDRA. Effect of PDRA concentration and molecular weight on flow patterns and pressure drops are presented in this study. Influence of salt content in the water phase on the performance of PDRA is also examined in this paper.