DragX is an omniphobic, nanocomposite surface treatment for pipelines that actively prevents deposition and adhesion of materials like paraffin & black powder build-up. DragX application minimizes down times and maximizes cost savings for all flow regimes and products. Benefits include increased efficiency & throughput, reduced pressure drop & power usage, mitigation of corrosion on internal pipe surfaces, reduction in adhesion of debris & paraffin, and reduced need for inspections, cleaning & maintenance. On heavily corroded lines, DragX could reduce the pressure drop losses by a factor of 2.
DragX Development
The underlying surface-modification nanotechnology developed for DragX was created with support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DragX exhibits a pot-life of more than 70 hours, is effective at thicknesses of only 2mil, and cures in less than one hour. These attributes in the nanocomposite surface treatment make DragX an ideal solution for in-service pipelines, reducing costs and minimizing pipeline down time.
DragX has undergone successful testing by Test America, Inc. with support of the EPA for application to potable water lines and delivered successful, well-below containminant results for EPA Method 524.2: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), EPA Method 525.2: Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), and EPA Method 200.8: Lead/Copper.
Tests at Colorado School of Mines, in conjunction with the RPSEA program with the NETL, showed excellent asphaltene repellency and anti-hydrate plugging performance. Results on asphaltene repellency showed that DragX was 6x better than raw pipe and 5x better than an omniphobic alternative.
Omniphobic surface treatment videos
Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic Flow Behavior
Oceanit nanocomposite treatments were applied to sample pipes, demonstrating hydrophilic and hydrophobic flow behaviors. This video compares flow through untreated pipe to both a 'water-loving' hydrophilic pipe and a 'water-repelling' hydrophobic pipe.
Omniphobic Wetting Behavior
Oceanit's omniphobic surface treatments create both water- and oil-repellency on treated surfaces. These advanced nanocomposites create a low surface energy, hydrophobic, and oleophobic layer that imparts both chemical & corrosion resistance. In addition, the functionalized surface repels fouling.
Superhydrophobic Surface Behavior
Oceanit's superhydrophobic surface treatment creates an extreme water- and ice-repelling surface that prevents corrosion. The family of anti-ice coatings showed the lowest-ever adhesion strength rating by the Air Force Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL).
Contact Us
Would you like to learn more? Contact us to learn how DragX surface treatment can help you proactively manage risks, rehabilitate degrading lines, and keep your production flowing.