TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure pertains to technical field of drag reduction in fluid flows. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a synergistic composition for reducing drag or fluid friction in the flow of hydrocarbons such as crude oil or refined products in hydrocarbon transportation conduits such as pipelines. The present disclosure also pertains to methods of reducing drag in a hydrocarbon flowing through a conduit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Petroleum oil is typically recovered from subterranean reservoirs through the use of drilled wells, and transmitted through conduits such as pipelines. Petroleum pipeline consists of underground and underwater pipes, head and booster pumping stations, petroleum tanks and lines, and auxiliary structures. Main or trunk pipelines are used to transport crude oil and petroleum products over considerable distances, often 2,000 km or more. Gathering lines are used to transport petroleum from oil fields to the heads of trunk lines and petroleum products from refineries to the heads of products pipelines.
[0004] It is well known in the art that flow of hydrocarbon fluid in a conduit, such as a pipeline, results in frictional energy losses. As a result of this energy loss, the pressure of hydrocarbon fluid in a conduit decreases along the conduit in the direction of fluid flow. The effect of friction ("drag") thus increases the energy and equipment costs required for transportation of hydrocarbon fluids, such as crude oils or refined petroleum products, through a conduit. Accordingly, reduction of drag in a conduit conveying a liquid hydrocarbon will carry many advantages. For example, reduction of drag can reduce the amount of energy needed to move a given volume of hydrocarbon, or conversely enable greater volumes of fluid to be moved with a given amount of energy.

[0005] There have been several different drag reducing agents/compositions proposed in the prior art for reducing drag of a liquid hydrocarbon flowing through a hydrocarbon transportation pipeline. For example, US Patent no. 8106114 discloses a drag reducing agent for use in petroleum pipelines and the like, which comprises a cryogenically-ground polyalphaolefin polymer.
[0006] US Patent no. 6939902 describes a drag-reducing suspension which is manufactured by grinding an ultra-high molecular weight polymer in the presence of a grinding aid and mixing it with a suspending fluid.
[0007] US Publication no. 2002/0173569 discloses a concentrated, non-agglomerating, soluble and compatible drag reducing agent composition. This drag reducing composition contains (a) from 1 to 60% of a polymer, e.g. non-crystalline and ultrahigh molecular weight poly-a-olefin, and (b) from 40 to 99% of a natural fat or oil, e.g. linseed or rapeseed oil, based on the combined weight of (a) and (b). The composition also contains (c) from 0.1 to 50% of a dispersion stabilizing agent, e.g. a fatty acid soap, based on the combined weight of (a), (b) and
(c).
[0008] Nevertheless, there remains a continuing need in the art for improved methods and
compositions that can effectively reduce friction ("drag") in the flow of hydrocarbons such as
crude oil or refined products in hydrocarbon transportation pipelines.
[0009] The present invention satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally
overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.
[0010] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each
individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is
inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term
provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a new and improved composition for reducing frictional drag of flowing hydrocarbon fluids.

[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a drag reducing composition
that is highly effective and compatible with hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or refined products,
to be transferred through conduits such as pipelines.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a drag reducing composition
that exhibits very good drag reducing properties.
[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a drag reducing composition
that can be readily manufactured and safely handled.
[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a drag reducing composition
that has a low freeze point and can easily be transported and used in most arctic conditions.
[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a drag reducing composition
that possesses improved storage stability.
[0017] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a drag reducing composition
that maintains its consistency during storage.
[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a drag reducing composition
that can be used in refined fuel application and does not negatively impact the quality or end-use
performance of refined fuel.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of reducing drag
in a flowing hydrocarbon.
SUMMARY
[0020] The present disclosure, in order to achieve the above mentioned objects, provides a composition which is capable of synergistically reducing friction losses or drag associated with pipeline transportation of hydrocarbon fluids. The composition disclosed herein can exhibit extremely good drag reducing properties, and is compatible with hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or refined products, to be transferred through conduits such as pipelines.
[0021] According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a drag reducing composition includes: 2% to 5% by weight of a polyalphaolefin polymer; 2% by weight of an anionic surfactant; and the rest being a vegetable oil. In an embodiment, the anionic surfactant is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. In an embodiment, vegetable oil is selected from any or a combination of linseed oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil, and corn oil. In an embodiment, the vegetable oil is any of a refined vegetable oil and a unrefined vegetable oil. In

an embodiment, the drag reducing composition of the present disclosure is in the form of a gel. In an embodiment, the composition effects reduction of drag in a hydrocarbon flowing through a conduit. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon comprises one or a combination of hydrocarbon fluids obtained from crude petroleum oils. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon comprises any of a refined petroleum product and a fuel.
[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of reducing drag in a hydrocarbon flowing through a conduit, the method comprising: providing a drag reducing composition, the drag reducing composition including: 2% to 5% by weight of a polyalphaolefin polymer; 2% by weight of an anionic surfactant; and the rest being a vegetable oil; and introducing an effective amount of the drag reducing composition into a conduit to reduce drag in hydrocarbon flowing through said conduit. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon comprises one or a combination of hydrocarbon fluids obtained from crude petroleum oils. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon comprises any of a refined petroleum product and a fuel. [0023] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the invention. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0025] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0026] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found

herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons
of convenience and/or patentability.
[0027] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the
word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to."
[0028] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment"
means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning
of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0030] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties
such as concentration, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the
invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about."
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description
are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by
a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed
in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding
techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad
scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth
in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable.
[0031] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand
method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless
otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it
were individually recited herein.
[0032] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only
and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0033] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. [0034] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. [0035] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. [0036] The present disclosure, in order to achieve the above mentioned objects, provides a composition which is capable of synergistically reducing friction losses or drag associated with pipeline transportation of hydrocarbon fluids. The composition disclosed herein can exhibit extremely good drag reducing properties, and is compatible with hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or refined products, to be transferred through conduits such as pipelines.
[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a drag reducing composition includes: 2% to 5% by weight of a polyalphaolefin polymer; 2% by weight of an anionic surfactant; and the rest being a vegetable oil. In an embodiment, the anionic surfactant is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate. In an embodiment, vegetable oil is selected from any or a combination of linseed oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil, and corn oil. In an embodiment, the vegetable oil is any of a refined vegetable oil and a unrefined vegetable oil. In an embodiment, the drag reducing composition of the present disclosure is in the form of a gel. In an embodiment, the composition effects reduction of drag in a hydrocarbon flowing through a conduit. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon comprises one or a combination of hydrocarbon fluids obtained from crude petroleum oils. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon comprises any of a refined petroleum product and a fuel.

[0038] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of reducing drag in a
hydrocarbon flowing through a conduit, the method comprising: providing a drag reducing
composition, the drag reducing composition including: 2% to 5% by weight of a polyalphaolefin
polymer; 2% by weight of an anionic surfactant; and the rest being a vegetable oil; and
introducing an effective amount of the drag reducing composition into a conduit to reduce drag
in hydrocarbon flowing through said conduit. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon comprises one
or a combination of hydrocarbon fluids obtained from crude petroleum oils. In an embodiment,
the hydrocarbon comprises any of a refined petroleum product and a fuel.
[0039] The present disclosure provides a drag reducing composition which is capable of
synergistically reducing friction losses or drag associated with pipeline transportation of
hydrocarbon fluids. The composition disclosed herein exhibits extremely good drag reducing
properties, and is compatible with hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or refined products, to be
transferred through conduits such as pipelines.
[0040] The polyalphaolefin polymer used in the present disclosure may be prepared in some
embodiments using a variety of polymerization techniques known in the art.
[0041] In an embodiment, polyalphaolefin polymer particles can be suspended in a vegetable
oil in presence of an anionic surfactant to produce the drag reducing composition in the form of a
gel having high viscosity. Such gel-like product can exhibit improved storage stability and can
maintain its consistency during storage. In certain embodiments, ratio of suspending medium, i.e.
vegetable oil, can be manipulated to achieve an average density that approximates the density of
the polyalphaolefin polymer solids. Therefore, the solids are more stable in suspension and do
not separate as quickly as if the suspending medium density and the solids density were not
similar.
[0042] In an embodiment, the polyalphaolefin polymer can be suspended in a suitable
vegetable oil which is non-harmful to hydrocarbons, and acts as an inert carrier for the
polyalphaolefin polymer.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the drag reducing composition of the present disclosure
can be produced by mixing 5 wt% polyalphaolefin polymer, 2 wt% anionic surfactant, and 93
wt% vegetable oil under sufficient shear for a sufficient period of time. The mixing can be
performed in a reactor or any suitable containers or mixers, as known to or appreciated by a
person skilled in the pertinent art.

[0044] While the foregoing description discloses various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. EXAMPLE [0045] Table 1: A Drag Reducing Composition (DRC)

Ingredients/Components Amount (% wt. by composition)
Polyalphaolefin Polymer 5
Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate 2
Vegetable Oil 93
[0046] Method of preparation of drag reducing composition
[0047] About 5 wt% polyalphaolefin polymer, 2 wt% Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and 93 wt% vegetable oil was mixed and sufficiently shear mixed for about 1 hour in a mixer to obtain a drag reducing composition.
Table 2: Pressure and flow rate of HSD flowing inside a conduit without DRC

TIME (in Hrs) HSD (flow; KL/H) Pressure (Kg/Cm )
1 218 15.98
2 235 13.44
3 235 13.46
4 246 12.64
5 269 14.75
6 383 23.75
7 385 23.92
8 385 23.97
9 385 24.02
10 385 24.02
11 387 24.05
12 387 28.81
13 396 28.63
14 435 12.48
15 433 11.44

16 223 23.65
17 251 24.08
18 384 23.6
19 389 22.8
20 391 24.7
21 382 23.8
22 385 24.4
23 385 15.98
24 390 13.44
[0048] Performance of the drag reducing composition (DRC)
[0049] Performance of the DRC was studied by measuring the improvement in pressure and flow rate of HSD in a conduit. Drag reducing composition were added in HSD flowing inside a conduit at a rate of about 10 ppm and about 20 ppm per hour. Table 3: Pressure and flow rate of HSD flowing inside a conduit in the presence of 10 ppm
and 20 ppm DRC

TIME (in Hrs) 10 PPM DRC 20 PPM DRC

HSD-IV (flow; KL/H) Pressure (Kg/Cm2) HSD-IV Flow (KL/H) Pressure (Kg/cm2)
1 440 32.8 480 31.83
2 442 28.2 481 31.68
3 438 28.8 481 31.99
4 444 30.31 483 32.08
5 462 31.8 483 32.12
6 476 32.58 483 32.09
7 480 32.91 483 32.15
8 481 33.18 483 32.21
9 481 33.22 488 32.25
10 478 32.56 485 30.68
11 478 32.55 489 31.95
12 480 31.80 491 32.21
[0050] Table 3 provides pressure and flow rate of HSD in the conduit in presence of 10 ppm and 20 ppm of DRC. Table 3 shows that addition of about 10 ppm DRC improved the flow rate by about 40 KL/H with a reduction in pressure by 1 kg/cm . However, with 20 ppm DRC the flow rate increased by only 11 KL/H with increase in pressure by about 0.38 kg/cm .

Table 4: Comparison of drag reduction composition (DRC) of the present invention with a
commercial available DRC

PROPERTIES UNIT METHOD DRC of
Present
Invention Commercially
available
DRC
Density® 15°C g/cm3 ASTM D4052 0.87 0.90
Kin Viscosity @ 40°C cSt ASTM D445 850 1111*
Table 5: Effect of addition of DRC on the properties of HSD

PROPERTIES UNIT METHOD OF DETECTION SPECIFICATION HSD-IV
(without
DRC) HSD-IV (with DRC)
Density @ 15°C g/cm3 ASTM D4052 0.82-0.88 0.82670 0.82678
Kin Viscosity @ 40°C cSt ASTM D445 2-4.5 3.0196 3.24
Flash Point, PMCC °C ASTM D93 Min 66 58 59.2
Sulfur Content mg/kg ASTM D4294 Max 50 31 31
Calculated Cetane Index ASTMD4737 Min 46 56.74 55.96
Dist. Profile @ 360 °C, Min % v/v, recovd ASTM D86 Min 95 95.4 95
Pour Point °C ASTM D97 Win: Max 3 Sum: Max 15 0 0
Lubricity, wsd micron ISO 12 460 347 332
The present invention clearly demonstrates a drag reducing additive composition that improves the pressure and flow rate of HSD flowing inside a conduit without affecting the properties thereof. Further, the cost of manufacturing of DRC of the present invention is about 30% less than the presently available commercial DRCs.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0051] The present disclosure provides a new and improved composition for reducing frictional drag of flowing hydrocarbon fluids.

[0052] The present disclosure provides a drag reducing composition that is highly effective
and compatible with hydrocarbons, such as crude oil or refined products, to be transferred
through conduits such as pipelines.
[0053] The present disclosure provides a drag reducing composition that exhibits very good
drag reducing properties.
[0054] The present disclosure provides a drag reducing composition that can be readily
manufactured and safely handled.
[0055] The present disclosure provides a drag reducing composition that has a low freeze
point and can easily be transported and used in most arctic conditions.
[0056] The present disclosure provides a drag reducing composition that possesses improved
storage stability.
[0057] The present disclosure provides a drag reducing composition that maintains its
consistency during storage.
[0058] The present disclosure provides a drag reducing composition that can be used in
refined fuel application and does not negatively impact the quality or end-use performance of
refined fuel.
[0059] The present disclosure provides a method for reducing drag in a flowing hydrocarbon,
which method is simple, highly effective, environment friendly, and cost effective.

Claim:
1. A drag reducing composition, the composition comprising:
2% to 5% by weight of a polyalphaolefin polymer; 2% by weight of an anionic surfactant; and the rest being a vegetable oil.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vegetable oil is any or a combination of linseed oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, and combinations thereof.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vegetable oil comprises any of a refined vegetable oil and a unrefined vegetable oil.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition is in form of a gel.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said composition effects reduction of drag in a hydrocarbon flowing through a conduit, and wherein said hydrocarbon comprises one or a combination of hydrocarbon fluids obtained from crude petroleum oils.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein said hydrocarbon comprises any of a refined petroleum product and a fuel.
8. A method of reducing drag in a hydrocarbon flowing through a conduit, the method comprising:
providing a drag reducing composition, the drag reducing composition comprising:
2% to 5% by weight of a polyalphaolefin polymer;
2% by weight of an anionic surfactant; and
the rest being a vegetable oil; and introducing an effective amount of the drag reducing composition into said conduit to reduce drag in hydrocarbon flowing through said conduit.

The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said hydrocarbon comprises one or a combination of hydrocarbon fluids obtained from crude petroleum oils.
The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said hydrocarbon comprises any of a refined petroleum product and a fuel.