Drag Reduction by Wormlike Micelles of a Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Surfactants |
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| Authors: | Roberta K. Rodrigues Lucas A. S. Silva Gabriel G. Vargas Bruno V. Loureiro |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22451-900 Brazil;2. Transport Phenomena Laboratory, UCL – Faculdade do Centro Leste, Serra, ES, 29164-050 Brazil;3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technological Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, 29075-910 Brazil |
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| Abstract: | This study describes the effects of wormlike micelles formed by the commercial surfactants tallowalkylamidopropyl dimethylamine oxide (Aromox APA-TW) and oleyl methyl bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium chloride (Ethoquad O/12) as drag reducers. Ethoquad O/12 is immune to degradation by heat and microorganisms. Conversely, Aromox APA-TW is biodegradable in the environment, and its susceptibility to heat-induced degradation was previously assessed. This work considers the effects of temperature, salt, and time on the drag-reduction capacity (in different Reynolds number) of wormlike micelles of these two surfactants. Wormlike micelles formed by Aromox APA-TW are able to reduce drag at higher temperatures compared to wormlike micelles formed by Ethoquad O/12. However, Aromox APA-TW can degrade after being heated to 80 °C and also after storage of the wormlike micelle solutions. Ethoquad O/12 does not undergo degradation after being heated or stored. These surfactants have the potential to be used as additives in industrial operations, as the wormlike micelles formed are able to reduce drag in systems with long pumping distances or recirculation, even in solutions with high salt concentrations (brine) and high temperatures. |
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| Keywords: | Quaternary ammonium surfactant Biodegradable surfactant Wormlike micelles Drag reduction |
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