A new natural drag reducing agent

Drag reduction agents are commonly used to prevent the energy losses during transportation in oil pipelines conduits, oil well operations and transport of suspensions and slurries. In this work, Basella Alba L as a new natural flow improver in pipelines is introduced. The effects of new natural drag reduction were tested using a transparent polyvinyl chloride closed loop fluids circulation system. The experimental work was carried out in a horizontal 1.5 inch (0.038m) pipe. The difference in addition concentration and liquid flow rate are the primary variables investigated in order to get the efficiency of Basella Alba L as natural drag reducer agents. From the experimental data, % DR is calculated. The injection of Basella Alba - natural mucilage into the water flowing produced a maximum drag reduction about 78.33% with concentration 1000 ppm. The results showed the new flow improver has potential in order to reduce the frictional pressure drop along the pipeline´s length.