Drag Reducing Agent for Water System Using Natural Polymer (Aloe Vera)

Research and development of new chemicals to ensure flow assurance of hydrocarbon in turbulent pipe flow has been done throughout the years since the first introduction of Drag Reducing Agent (DRA) by Tom back in 1948. Drag had caused several problems to the flow line such as power pumping losses, decreasing in production capacity and pipelines corrosion. Thus, the drag reduction applications have brought a lot of improvement in crude oil transportation and water injection for last few decades. Comprehensive research regarding drag reduction in turbulent pipe flow is important which should focus both experimental and theoretical area. However, information on the usage and reliability of natural polymer DRA are still limited compared to synthetic polymers. To make use of these abundant sources of various organic and natural polymers, their effectiveness in reducing frictional drag in pipeline flow must be put into test before it can be introduced and commercialize to the industrial field. Thus, the objective of this project is to determine the effectiveness of new formulated DRA using natural polymer (Aloe Vera).
The 5 different concentrations of Aloe Vera (AV) solutions which are ranging from 800ppm, 900ppm, 1000ppm, 1300ppm, 1500ppm were prepared and pumped in the open flow liquid system of water at the injection point to see the effect on the pressure loss and flow rate. The mixed solution is tested in the 4 meter testing section (1” diameter galvanized pipe) and the pressure reading is observed at two points (P1 and P2) using the pressure gauge. Two pressure gauge is used to monitor the pressure drop obtained along the test section for each concentrations tested. Flow rate of the flow also recorded and compared with each different concentrations of AV solution which will be used to compare the increment of the pipe flow capacity. The drag reduction percentage (DR %) is calculated using the value of pressure loss data obtained in the experiment. The effects of DRA concentration towards the drag reduction and pressure loss were analysed. The result shows that AV solution can increase the drag reduction percentage (%DR) in water flow up to 33% at 1500ppm concentration. The results agree with the theory of DRA polymer reduces the frictional pressure loss in the pipe flow by reducing the degree of turbulence flow, thus increase the transportation flow efficiency.