Surfactant incorporated nanostructure for pressure drop reduction in oil and gas lines
US7458384B1 · kind B1 · utility
35Cited by
15References
16Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0391
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Nano-sized rare earth metal oxide particles are prepared from aqueous reverse micelles. The engineered nanoparticles have large surface area to volume ratios, and uniformly incorporate a surfactant in each particle, so that when applied to the inner surface of a pipeline or sprayed onto a fluid stream in a pipeline, the particles reduce the roughness of the inside surface of pipe being used to transport fluid. The application of a nanolayer of this novel nanoceria mixture causes a significant reduction in pressure drops, friction, and better recovery and yield of fluid flowing through a pipeline.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.