Solutions of drag‐reducing polymers—diameter effect and rheological properties

Abstract

SynopsisSolutions (0.5% by weight) of two high molecular weight drag-reducing polymers, a polyethylene oxide and an acrylamide copolymer having anionic functionality, were prepared under low and high shear conditions. Rheological measurements demonstrated that high shear preparation causes a decrease in the size of the polymer units, the effect being markedly greater for the polyethylene oxide.These solutions were diluted to 2.5 ppm and drag reduction measured in 0.047411. and 0.93-in. diameter test sections. The method of solution preparation showed no significant effect in the small tube measurements. I n the large tube, however, low shear solution preparation led to drag reductions comparable to those found in the small tube, while high shear preparation gave markedly lower drag reductions. These results are discussed in terms of polymer supermolecular structure.