04-08-2012, 04:12 PM
Effect of Surfactant addition on Pipefittings & Energy Saving by Drag Reduction Phenomenon using Fertilizer
Abstract
Effect of surfactant addition on pipefittings & energy saving by applying the drag reduction phenomenon using fertilizer.
In order to develop a better understanding of the ‘ drag reduction phenomenon ‘ in the flow through pipe fittings, the present experimental study was performed, one type of polymers called (UAN) urea ammonium nitrate. The test was conducted in closed circuit as the polymer solution was discharged by gravity from heading tank and a piston pump was used to re-circulate the solution.
Experiments are all concerned with the flow of water through pipefittings, the loss of head at changes in pipe section, and the head loss, which occurs at sudden enlargements and contractions, the pressure loss across elbows. The types of fittings used were sudden enlargement, sudden contraction, and a test section with four elbows, all made of PVC.
The results show that for the same concentration of surfactant the percentage reduction in secondary losses, in general, is lower than the percentage reduction in frictional losses. Similar to the frictional drag reduction, the reduction in secondary losses increases by increasing surfactant concentration and increasing Reynolds number and decreasing pipe diameter.