Abstract

In this study, fiber performance as drag reducing agent in aqueous media flow in pipeline was investigated. Use of fiber from the Cocos nucifera (coconut) to reduce friction in pipe flow is a new invention in the fluid transport technology. The use of coconut fiber in liquid pipelines can reduce operating costs which can have a significant impact on the revenue and profit of the pipeline company. An experiment facility with three different pipe diameters (0.0127, 0.0254 and 0.0381 m, respectively) was built in order to investigate the performance of these fiber suspensions as drag reducing agent (DRA). The dependence of drag reduction on various factors including fiber concentration, pipe length, pipe diameter and solution flow rate is investigated. Rheological test were investigated and conducted using programmable rheometer. It was observed that a small amount of fiber in suspension causes drag reduction in pipeline. The percent drag reduction (%DR) is calculated using the obtained experimental data in presence of the DRA. The results showed that percentage drag reduction increases by increasing the coconut fiber concentration and increasing flow rate. Adding the coconut fiber to the water, percentage drag reduction in pipeline can reach up to 56%.

Key words: Coconut fiber, drag reduction, turbulent, concentration, friction.