Drag Reducing Polymer in Helicoidal Flow

Abstract

A novel flow configuration was explored for the study of the behavior of drag reducing polymers. A screw pump consisting of a smooth cylinder and a concentrically placed screw was used to create a strongly three-dimensional but essentially laminar flow. In the first phase of the study, the static pressure head developed by the screw pump was measured as a function of polymer concentration (polyox 10 to 100 ppm in water). A large increase of the developed head was observed that behaved in an analogous manner to drag reduction as far as concentration and straining of the polymer solution was concerned. In the second phase of the study, a new apparatus was constructed and the additional parameter of a superimposed through flow was included and the degree of failure of the superposition principle was established. Sensitivity of the phenomenon to chemicals like HCl, HNO3 , and NaOH in the polymer solution was also studied. When the effect of these chemicals on the polymer solution flow behavior was presented in terms of the pH value of the polymer solution, it showed a similar trend to those observed in drag reduction.