Method to increase the efficiency of polymer drag reduction for marine and industrial applications
US8039055B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/10
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for increasing the efficiency of additive drag reduction by establishing a drag-reducing viscoelastic coating on a surface. The method includes mixing a polymer into a concentrated solution that has approximately the same density as a fluid flowing over the surface, ejecting the mixture/solution into the flowing fluid in a manner such that a coating of polymer, which initially grows thicker with time, is adsorbed onto the surface, and reducing the ejection rate of the first fluid such that the coating of polymer then grows thinner with time. These steps may be repeated so that a desired minimum coating thickness is maintained over an extended period of time. The method reduces the polymer expenditure rate for a given drag reduction. Moreover, the produced viscoelastic coating impedes the attachment and growth of drag-producing natural organisms and may be applied without “down-time” (e.g., while underway).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.