Abstract: The drag reduction (DR) performance of poly(long chainα-olefin) was studied by an indoor loop evaluation device, including the effects of polymer dissolution time, Reynolds number, additive concentration, viscosity-average molecular weight and anti-shear behavior of polymer. Test results show that DR rate of polymer increases with the increase of polymer dissolution time till reach a stabilized value. The condensed state of polymer and the dispersion of particles have a significant effect on the dissolving capacity of polymer. Maximum DR rate is obtained at an additive concentration of 15 mg/L, and the relationship of additive concentration and DR rate is in accordance with Virk empirical equation basically. There is an optimal Reynolds number for obtaining maximum DR rate, below or beyond that value the DR performance will degrade till invalid. A linear relationship exists between the viscosity-average molecular weight and DR rate, the DR rate increases with the increase of molecular weight in a certain range. The DR rate of polymer sheared by gear pump drops significantly, and even an initial wall shear will cause a 40% reduction in DR rate.

Key words: drag reduction agent, poly(long chain α-olefin), loop, drag reduction efficiency, influence factor