THE EFFECT OF DILUTE POLYMER SOLUTIONS ON DRAG REDUCTION IN SINGLE PHASE FLOW

The effect of the presence of a very small amount of a polymer solution on the frictional resistance of single phase flow in pipes is investigated. A relatively simple model is presented for simulation of this phenomenon. The proposed model could be used nut only for the prediction of drag reduction for a given concentration of polymer, hut also for determination of required polymer concentration for a desired amount of drag reduction. The model includes a few parameters which should be determined for each polymer, and once these parameters arc obtained, the model may be used for any other operating conditions. Also, the theoretical maximum drag reduction for the specified polymer can be obtained as a result of determination of these parameters. As an illustration, SEPARAN AP-273 has been selected and the mentioned parameters are determined for it in a narrow range of Reynolds numbers.