Reduction of Friction Drag in Pipes by Polymers: A Review
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 110, Issue 2
Abstract
Addition of small quantities of polymers to water results in a considerable reduction of drag in pipes. Polyox WSR‐301, one of the most effective drag reducing polymers, appears to be quite effective at concentrations of only a few ppm. Studies with this polymer indicate that drag reduction depends on several factors among which pipe size is predominant. The onset of drag reduction for Polyox WSR‐301 solutions appears to occur at a wall shear stress of The present study with flow of Polyox WSR‐301 solutions in capillary tubes indicates a complete elimination of the abrupt laminar to turbulent transition. Instead, a gradual deviation from the extension of laminar friction line is experienced until the polymer molecules are degraded under high rates of shear. Based on the onset parameter, explanations are offered for some aspects of the problem.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 110 • Issue 2 • March 1984
Pages: 223 - 234
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 ASCE.
History
Published online: Mar 1, 1984
Published in print: Mar 1984
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