| abstract |
Polymeric flow improvers, whether alone or partially dissolved in a solvent, are encapsulated to provide a free flowing particulate powder which can be easily transported and subsequently placed into hydrocarbons wherein the outer shelf of the encapsules are subjected to melting, shear, dissolution, or the contents may be leached out to place the flow improver into intimate contact with the flowing hydrocarbons in a dispersed form such that drag reduction is immediate and effective. Optionally, the size of the particulate matter and the thickness of the encapsulating material are varied such that constant or delayed release of flow improver occurs as the hydrocarbon fluid is transported through conduits. |