High fluidity liquid for pipelining solids
US3950034A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1973 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 1993 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G53/30
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An improved method of pipelining solids is effected by suspending the solids in a liquid containing lamellar micelles and pumping the mixture at flow rates predetermined to produce retro-viscous behavior in the liquid at noncryogenic temperatures. The liquid is a composition containing 4-15% surfactant (preferably petroleum sulfonate having an average equivalent weight of 350-525), and at least two substantially immiscible liquids (e.g. 30-70% liquid hydrocarbon and 15-66% water) and optionally up to 20% cosurfactant (preferably an alcohol containing 1-20 carbon atoms) and/or electrolyte (preferably inorganic salt). The micelles have an axial ratio of at least 3.5. Preferably, the composition has a viscosity of at least 75 cp at a shear rate of 10.sup.-.sup.1 seconds at 23.degree.C. The composition is substantially optically clear, phase stable, birefringent, and the flow properties are such that substantially large increases in flow rates, e.g. 20-fold, can be realized at very small pressure increases, e.g. 5%. Concentration of the solids can be up to about 60% by weight of the composition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.