Polymer drag reduction in hydraulic capsule pipeline

A hydraulic capsule pipeline (HCP) transports solids as large cylindrical objects, or in cargo-carrying containers, by pipeline over long distances using water or another liquid as the carrier fluid. Based on the HCP concept, Liu and Marrero (1990) invented the coal log pipeline (CLP), a technology for transporting compressed coal cylinders. Application of HCP and CLP for solids transport over long distances requires the minimization of energy consumption. The research reported in this note explores the possibility of using high molecular weight polymers for drag reduction in HCP and CLP in order to reduce energy consumption.