Experimental and Numerical Study on Drag Reduction Performance of Slickwater in Turbulent Pipeflow

Abstract

This paper aims to build a simplified friction prediction modeling of polymer drag reduction in pipeflows on the basis of the Giesekus constitutive equation, which was validated by the loop experiment and field application. The model is used to calculate the drag reduction of polyacrylamide tetrapolymer additive (i.e., DR800) in a turbulent pipeflow. Based on the stress balance equation, a double integration is applied to get the friction coefficient of DR800. Although the physical mechanism has still not been clearly identified, the modeling is introduced to explain the contribution of different components: Reynolds shear stress, viscous shear stress, and viscoelastic shear stress. Extensive experimental measurements of the DR effect were performed at different Reynolds numbers to valid the modeling. By consistent comparisons between modeling with experimental results and field application, an insight into DR mechanism of slickwater is obtained. With the numerical simulation and a laboratory experiment, the drag reduction performance of DR800 can be predicted in a range, which expects to provide some guidance and reference for field operation.

Copyright 2018, Shaanxi Petroleum Society.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the 2018 International Field Exploration &Development Conference in Xi’an, China, 18–20 September 2018.

This paper was selected for presentation by the IFEDC&IPPTC Committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as presented, have not been reviewed by the IFEDC&IPPTC Committee and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the IFEDC&IPPTC Committee, its members. Papers presented at the Conference are subject to publication review by Professional Committee of Petroleum Engineering of Shaanxi Petroleum Society. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial purposes without the written consent of Shaanxi Petroleum Society is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of IFEDC&IPPTC. Contact email: paper@ifedc.org.