Summary
ECI FloSolv is a next generation drag reducing agent (DRA). It was formulated to address specific limitations with current generation DRA products. These limitations include: (1) the need to constantly mix most DRA products prior to pipeline injection in order to keep the DRA product in suspension; (2) the short effective life of most DRA products, requiring the injection of additional product at each pump station on a pipeline; (3) the need to separate the DRA chemicals prior to refining the end product; and (4) the need to reduce buildup of compounds on the pipeline walls and pipeline pump stations, which reduces pipeline capacity, increases turbulence, and results in periodic pipeline and pump station maintenance (cleaning).
Key features
Increases flow rates between 40-80%. In comparison, current generation DRA products typically increase flow rates by 20-25%.
Benefit: Significantly higher bpd flow rates.
Is shear-stable. Current generation DRA products are typically comprised of long-chain polymers that shear when passing through pumps or other downstream equipment incorporated into continuous flow pipelines. Once sheared, these DRA product molecules are destroyed and cease to provide any benefit. As a result, additional DRA product must be injected at each pumping and/or testing station. ECI FloSolv is structured molecularly to resist shearing.
Benefit: Single, original injection point. Saves multiple injection point product costs, costs of service, maintenance and rent of all injection equipment and pumps (except at initial point).
Is a low viscosity, temperature-insensitive, organic chemical product. Current generation Polymer DRAs, because of their density and molecular structure, require constant mixing and special heavy-duty pumps for injection due to their viscosity. They must be constantly mixed correctly to prevent settling. Many current generation DRA products are also temperature sensitive and must be maintained above minimal set points or they will solidify and become unusable. None of this is necessary with ECI FloSolv, which stays liquified to -20F (or beyond).
Benefits: Energy costs are much lower. No constant mixing is required before injection as ECI FloSolv remains suspended in solution and does not settle. Other benefits include lower service and maintenance costs and shorter downtime, due to simple chemical resistant injection pumps. ECI FloSolv product can be injected directly from its shipping container, with minimal temperature regulation.
Contains friction modifiers that bond to and coat the inside of the pipeline and pump surfaces to provide sustained drag reduction.
Benefit: Increases sustainable bpd flow rates.
Is a hydrocarbon-based formulation that is non-corrosive to pipeline metallurgy and fully refinable.
Benefit: Does not require removal prior to refining. ECI FloSolv is non-corrosive, so metals inside pumps or downstream equipment do not require special treatment after using ECI FloSolv.
Contains chemicals that liquefy paraffins, asphaltenes, and emulsions, which build up on the inner walls of the pipeline, inside pumps, and inside other downstream equipment.
Benefits: Substantially reduces the need for pipeline cleaning (pigging). Reduces the need for cleaning of storage tanks and tankers as well as all transfer equipment. Creates an additional revenue source for the refining of paraffin as a commercial product at the refinery.