Transport of Oils as Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Turbulent flow pressure drop measurements were made for various concentrated oil-in-water emulsions which exhibit non-Newtonian behavior. The effects of oil viscosity, temperature and oil concentration on specific energy loss were evaluated. Measured turbulent friction factors consistently fell below those predicted by the Dodge and Melzner friction factor correlation, probably due to viscoelastic effects of the emulsion. Several polymer and surfactant drag reducers were tested in these emulsions, and high molecular weight polyacrylamides were found to be the most effective in further reducing pumping energy losses. The effectiveness of the polymer additives decreased with time during pump circulation.