Friction Flow Loop - The PSL Turbulence Rheometer
Investigating the effectiveness of flow improvers in piping systems
The Friction Flow Loop (FFL) is a fully automated laboratory system for analyzing the flow behavior of liquids in piping systems, e.g. pipelines. It enables the comprehensive analysis of various flow improvers, including drag reducers (DRA), friction reducers and viscosity reducers. It is also used for realistic testing of slick water and fracking fluids.
All important features for FFL
- Test the range of Reynolds numbers in 90 seconds
- 3 litre sample volume with different Reynolds numbers sufficient
- 0.5 litre sample volume with fixed Reynolds number sufficient
- Different line sizes and diameters available
- Minimal shear forces
Application Areas of Friction Flow Loop
For all kind of flow improver e.g. Drag Reducer (DRA), Friction Reducer, Viscosity Reducer
Testing flow behavior in pipelines
Testing the efficiency of flow improvers
Stability tests for flow improvers
Development of the optimum additive dosage
Quality control
Importance of flow improvers in piping systems
When liquids such as crude oil and water are pumped through pipes or pipelines for transportation, flow resistance occurs. By adding flow improvers, the turbulence can be significantly reduced.
This makes it possible to maintain the previous transport volume in the pipeline with a reduced pumping capacity or energy supply or to increase the flow rate and thus the transport volume with the same pumping rate.
IN USE WORLDWIDE
Used by Leading Labs
The Friction Flow Loop System: Efficient analysis of flow behavior
With the Friction Flow Loop System, the flow behavior of the sample can be tested across the entire range of Reynolds numbers up to 120,000 with just one test. One test only takes approx. 90 seconds. Only 3 liters of sample are required for a test with a Reynolds number ramp. For a test with a fixed Reynolds number, only 0.5 liters are needed.
Conventional friction flow loops require entire laboratory rooms or are set up outside on the company premises. These devices require around 80 liters per test and can only test one Reynolds number at a time. This not only saves you about a month of testing, but also large quantities of samples.
The PSL Friction Flow Loop, also known as a turbulence rheometer, enables significant time savings in the test series with a compact design. An integrated PC with user software enables easy handling, monitoring and evaluation of test series.
The measuring principle of the Friction Flow Loop is a hydraulic piston that moves the sample piston. This prevents any contact between the test fluid and the hydraulic fluid.
How the Friction Flow Loop works
A unique, shear-free injection mechanism pumps the sample through a model pipeline with increasing flow velocity. As a result, the Reynolds number also increases. The pressure drop along the pipeline is measured by several equidistant and shear-free sensors.
The pressure drop, which increases linearly with the Reynolds number in the laminar flow area, increases drastically when the turbulent phase is reached. By using several sensors, a spatially resolved measurement is also possible.
The addition of the flow improver has two effects: firstly, the flow resistance and thus the pressure drop is reduced, and secondly, turbulence only occurs at higher Reynolds numbers.
The effectiveness of the flow improver is determined by comparing the measurements.
The stability of the drag reducer is examined by running the test sequence several times with the same sample. By installing flow obstacles with well-defined shear rates in the model pipeline, any real conditions can be represented.
Online Demo with Friction Flow Loop
During the product demonstration, you will gain many insights into how it works. You can follow the measuring process live and then discuss your questions with our experts.
Testing procedure
The sample is pumped through a test capillary with a small diameter. This enables test conditions with highly variable flow rates and a wide range of Reynolds numbers. Only a small sample volume is required.
The effects of the flow improvers (DRA) can be observed by direct pressure measurement or calculation of the differential pressure loss in individual segments of the capillary. If the pressure loss is compared with and without the addition of DRA, their influences are directly apparent.
Variable flow rates allow different Reynolds numbers to be analyzed in just one test run. Automatically repeatable tests allow the long-term behavior of the DRA to be investigated.
Measurement results
To guarantee best measurement results the TR was designed without edges or changes in diameter. Special geometries of the piston and piston head enable constant acceleration values at the injection and thereby minimize shear forces.
By hydraulic filling and emptying of the test capillary pumps were made obsolete. Test capillary, sample cylinder and sample container are thermostated. Depending on sample viscosity different capillary length and diameters are usable.
The recorded measuring data can be imported and evaluated in Excel. The evaluation can be alleviated by an optional available software tool.
The most important facts at a glance
|
Reynolds numbers with 5 mm capillary |
up to 80,000 - water up to 120,000 - water with DRA |
| Temperature Range | -10 °C ... +80 °C (+14 °F ... +176 °F) |
| Pressure Range | up to 35 bar (500 psi) |
| Sample Volume | 0.5 l .. 3.0 l |
| Test Duration | 90 sec |
Friction Flow Loop data sheet
In the product data sheet you will find the exact specification as well as many data and options to help you decide on the Friction Flow Loop.
WHY PSL?
We set new laboratory standards with our instruments
We have been developing, manufacturing and selling innovative laboratory instruments specifically for Flow Assurance for 25 years, setting new standards in the laboratory for professionals. We have been awarded innovation prizes for this. Our export quota of 90 % earned us the Export Oscar of Northern Germany.
PSL stands for reliability, quality and innovation. We are proud that the Big Five in the industry are among our satisfied customers.
WHAT WILL BE YOUR BENEFIT?
Reliable, high-quality instruments for your success
SAVE TIME IN EVERYDAY LAB WORK
with automated test cycles, cleaning procedures and easy-to-clean parts.
EASY TO USE
with a user-friendly, high-quality design for simple, correct and safe handling.
LONG LIFETIME MADE IN GERMANY
thanks to the sophisticated and robust design as well as the high-quality materials and manufacturing.
TRUSTED SERVICE - WORLDWIDE
with our online support, maintenance contracts and on-site service. We guarantee 20 years of repair service.
MEASURE LIKE INDUSTRY LEADERS
With innovative and advanced instruments, you can measure future-proof like the leading laboratories.
PLEASURE TO MEASURE
Our instruments make work a pleasure. They were developed together with the users.
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