Abstract: Using K2S2O8-Na2SO3 as the redox initiation system, a hydrogen-bond-association-based dodecyl methacrylate system associative anti-shear drag reducer was synthesised by standard emulsion polymerisation. The reaction process was simple and gentle as well as safe and stable. Molecular design was carried out using molecular dynamics simulation methods. The results of infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, gel chromatography, and laser light scattering showed that the reaction polymerisation was relatively complete, the product was uniform, the molecular weight distribution was controllable, and the synthesised polymer had good flexibility. The donor lauryl methacrylate-styrene-methacrylic acid (LMA-St-MAA) and acceptor lauryl methacrylate-styrene-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (LMA-St-DMA) polymers had an associative intermolecular interaction force, which increased the molecular cluster size of the associative system complex. The complex had good shear resistance, and the test results of the tube pump shear test showed that the synthesised associative oil-soluble polymer drag reduction system exhibited better drag reduction rate performance than poly-α-olefins over repeated cycles. The research results provide a reference plan for minimising the number of station-to-station inputs, thereby ensuring the stability of oil pipelines and reducing transportation costs.

Key words: Drag reducer, Associative effect, Drag reduction rate, Shear resistance