Drag Reduction in Flow of Coal-Oil Suspensions

Pipe flow characteristics of coal-oil mixtures (C.O.M.) are studied by a pipe flow facility consisting of a Tri-Rotor positive displacement pump, which draws fluid from a reservoir tank and discharges through a pipeline at regulated pressures. Pipe flow tests are carried out to study the drag reduction effect of the polymer carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on the flow of coal-oil mixtures. Addition of CMC reduces friction drag on the average by 10 percent. Preliminary results are presented covering appropriate ranges of operating parameters (coal concentration and temperature) which influence the drag reduction. A brief discussion will evaluate the significance of these results.