US Patent:
20040254266, Dec 16, 2004
Inventors:
John Motier - Broken Arrow TX, US
Chee Tong - Tulsa OK, US
International Classification:
B05D005/08
Abstract:
A process for producing polymer drag reducing agent (DRA) slurries without cryogenic temperatures or conventional grinding is described. The homogenizing or size reduction of polymer, such as poly(alpha-olefins), may be achieved by the use of granulated polymer and at least one liquid, non-solvent for the polymer DRA. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the homogenizing is conducted at ambient temperature. Examples of suitable non-solvents include water and non-aqueous non-solvents including, but not necessarily limited to, alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, ketones, and esters; having from 2-6 carbon atoms, and combinations thereof. The polymeric DRA may be homogenized to an average particle size of about 600 microns or less.