Method, system and device for reducing friction of viscous fluid flowing in a conduit

摘要

There is disclosed a device for improving flow of a viscous fluid in a fluid transport conduit, the device comprising: a porous conduit having a passage through which the viscous fluid may pass between upstream and downstream sections of the fluid transport conduit; and a casing member having a wall which extends around the porous conduit, the device being configured such that, when it is in situ, a fluid transfer chamber having at least one fluid inlet is defined between the casing member wall and porous conduit, whereby lubricating fluid may pass under pressure through the inlet(s) into the fluid transfer chamber and through the porous conduit into the passage to lubricate the flow.

主权项

1. A method for improving flow of a viscous fluid having a first viscosity in a fluid transport conduit having an upstream section and a downstream section, the method comprising:
providing a device comprising a porous conduit defining a passage through which the viscous fluid may pass between upstream and downstream sections of the fluid transport conduit and a casing member having a wall received around the porous conduit; locating the device at at least one position along the fluid transport conduit between the upstream and downstream sections, the device being configured such that, when it is in situ, a fluid transfer chamber having at least one fluid inlet is defined between the casing member wall and the porous conduit; providing a liquid having a second viscosity less than the first viscosity, wherein the liquid comprises an anti-scale reagent; and passing under pressure a flow of said liquid from the fluid transfer chamber through the porous conduit into the passage through which the viscous fluid passes, thereby forming a barrier which lines an inner surface of the fluid transport conduit to inhibit scaling.