Objectives: Created in a partnership with PUC (Pontifical Catholic University), the objective of this project is to develop a fundamental studies program on the phenomena involved in the processes that provide a reduction in friction in fluid flows. The fundamental studies will be used as a basis for applied studied at laboratory and pilot scales geared towards flows in oil and gas pipelines and for moving heavy oils. The fundamental studies will be conducted in the PUC-Rio Fluid Engineering Laboratory, whereas the pilot scale studies will be held at CTDUT installations. Throughout the study, several  effects will be investigated as ofreducing friction caused by adding friction reducing polymers, using internal coatings, of using especially modified surfaces in sub-millimetric scale and modified surfaces in nanometric scale producing a lubrication effect on the main fluid with great potential for application in moving heavy oils.

Expected Results:

• Ability to use nano surfaces as friction reducers in flows.
• Ability to use advanced optic techniques for measuring flows.
• Development of friction reducing surfaces for flows.
• Understanding of how friction reducing polymers work.
• Understanding of phenomena involved in reducing friction in flows.