PIPELINE FLOW IMPROVER SOLUTIONS
Lubrizol Specialty Products, Inc.
HOW DO FLOW IMPROVERS WORK?
Flow Improvers, also know as drag reducing agents (DRA), are injected into
pipeline fluids to reduce turbulence.
Flow Improver Injection Site
Laminar
Sub-layer
Buffer
Region
Turbulent
Core
Buffer
Region
Laminar
Sub-layer
Without DRA
Product flow
Typical Performance of LSPI Flow Improvers
Percent Drag Reduction (%DR)
Flow Improvers, such as LiquidPowerTM, ExtremePower® and RefinedPower®
contain long-chain hydrocarbon polymers that suppress the growth of turbulent
bursts. Flow in the core becomes less turbulent, and the frictional pressure drop
along the pipeline is reduced.
Lightest
Hydrocarbons
(typ. < 3 cSt.)
Heaviest
Hydrocarbons
(up to 350 cSt.)
With DRA
Flow Improver Concentration (PPM)
POWERFUL PIPELINE SOLUTIONS
Lubrizol Specialty Products, Inc. (LSPI) invented the first flow improver drag reducing
agent (DRA) 30 years ago. Ever since, we have been using and improving this patented
technology to help pipeline operators get more performance for their pipeline systems.
Flow Increase
Drag reduction agents lower pipeline frictional pressure loss by reducing turbulence in the flow. This
change allows operators to increase throughput and earn more tariff. DRA from LSPI has doubled the
throughput of many pipelines, treating applications in over 40 countries.
Constraint Removal
Is there a bottleneck in your pipeline? A segment that restricts production for the entire line? DRA
effectively eliminates constraints by increasing throughput in treated sections.
Energy Management
Reducing the frictional pressure drop in a pipeline also saves pumping energy. LSPI has supplied
many applications where entire pump stations have been bypassed. By allowing shutdown of
intermediate pump stations, energy and maintainance costs can be dramatically reduced.
Pressure Reduction
Sometimes operators need to reduce the operational pressure in a pipeline. DRA is a fast and
effective tool to reduce and control pipeline pressure, without compromising throughput.
Results Without Large Capital Expenditure
Pipeline performance can often be improved without major capital
investment. Flow Improvers are injected directly into pipeline products,
using skid-mounted injection pumps and tanks. Installation of a DRA
skid enables pipeline operations to see results, without any changes to
existing pipeline steel.
Powerful, Full-Service Solution Provider
LSPI makes implementing or expanding flow improver applications easier for our customers.
We offer a complete full-service solution. LSPI works closely with customers to model and
evaluate new opportunities or optimize existing systems. Flow improver injection skid supply is
managed by LSPI engineers through all stages of design, fabrication and placement. Equipment
maintenance and operation training is provided by LSPI field technicians. Flow improver usage
can be monitored by the LSPI logistics team, and deliveries scheduled to ensure reliable ongoing
injection. We will keep you in the loop on new product developments which may apply to your
application, and we commit to continuous improvements in products, services, and equipment.
LSPI is with you every step of the way.
FULL SERVICE SOLUTION PROVIDER
LSPI has dedicated teams, delivering the world’s best DRA solutions.
Quality Production 
The Bryan, Texas plant is a world-class manufacturing
facility for LSPIs hydrocarbon flow improver business.
The teams which man this dedicated facility are
capable of shipping product to customers 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. They have achieved numerous
safety achievement and merit awards including the
US Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s
Voluntary Protection Program Star Status.
Reliable Logistics
LSPI has deployed a global
distribution management team
that coordinates and executes
product deliveries to customers
on a worldwide basis. Inventories
are managed and monitored and
deliveries are scheduled to meet
customer needs. Logistics assets
include: multiple product inventory
warehouses and trans-loading
facilities strategically located around
the world and a dedicated fleet of
tanker trucks. LSPI’s logistics teams
are based out of Houston, Brussels
and Moscow. Through these strategic
locations, we’re able to handle global
logistics challenges ensuring a
seamless, on-time product delivery.
LSPI is ISO 9001:2008 certified,
covering design, manufacturing,
marketing, distribution and service
of our flow improver solutions.
Leading Technology
LSPI has been improving on patented DRA
technology for over 30 years. Our team of
scientists have a long list of breakthrough
accomplishments; they invented the first
commercial drag reducing agent in 1979.
In 1994, this same team launched the
first suspension-based DRA and, in 2008,
developed the first and only DRA for heavy
oil. During the intervening years, LSPI
research and development optimizes and
broadens our technology platforms for
incrementally better performance.
LSPI has seven Ph.D.s on staff, with over
100 years combined DRA experience.
Pipeline Modeling and
Optimization
LSPI Engineers provide pipeline DRA
performance modeling, performance
prediction and system optimization. LSPI
engineers work with customers to develop
solutions to meet their flow improvement
and cost control goals. This group is also
a resource that provides training on DRA
modeling for our customers.
CUSTOMER
Injection Equipment
Design, Deployment
and Maintenance
LSPI engineers design injection
equipment tailored to reliably
maintain and inject LSPI DRA
products. This team also supervises
the activities of multiple fabricators
around the world. Field Service
Representatives (FSRs) are
strategically located to provide
equipment maintenance, ensuring
reliable injection. FSRs also manage
field demonstrations, equipment
set-up and commissioning, and
provide emergency response in the
event of a critical situation.
POWERFUL PRODUCTS
Spanning the API Spectrum from Extreme Heavy to Light
API
10
Viscosity 350
20
Light and Medium Crude
30
40
50
60
1
Medium-Heavy Crude
CondensateMultiphase Applications
LP™ 100 sets the industry benchmark for crude oil drag reduction and is the most widely used
DRA in the world. Other LiquidPower™ Flow Improver products are available for prolonged exposure
to freezing temperatures; medium to heavy crude slates; multiphase flow; and a low dosage
formulation. LSPI’s LiquidPower™ Flow Improver can provide 80 percent or greater drag reduction.
Heavy Crude
As crude oil gravities fall below 23˚ API gravity, traditional DRAs become ineffective and uneconomic.
LSPI is the only DRA producer to offer a true heavy oil drag reducing agent. ExtremePower® has
proven effective in multiple heavy oil grades: including Western Canada Select, Castilla, Merey,
SJVH and Petrozuata. It can provide greater than 50 percent drag reduction. If you have a heavy oil
pipeline operating in turbulent, or near-turbulent, conditions, ExtremePower® Flow Improver could be
your solution to achieving greater throughput.
Refined ProductsNatural Gas Liquids
RefinedPower®, RP™ II is the most widely used clean fuel products DRA in the world. Used
in gasoline and diesel applications, it is formulated to be free of elements that can harm
fuel quality. Regulation prohibits DRA use in jet fuel. RP™ NGL is used in natural gas liquids
pipelines. Both RP™ II and RP™ NGL are nonaqueous based. Low dosage rates provide high
levels of drag reduction performance.
For additional details on what LSPI Flow Improver product would be right for your pipeline, we
encourage you to call us at 1-800-897-2774 to discuss your specific application.
HOW DO FLOW IMPROVERS WORK?
Flow Improvers, also know as drag reducing agents (DRA), are injected into
pipeline fluids to reduce turbulence.
Flow Improver Injection Site
Laminar
Sub-layer
Buffer
Region
Turbulent
Core
Buffer
Region
Laminar
Sub-layer
Without DRA
Product flow
Typical Performance of LSPI Flow Improvers
Percent Drag Reduction (%DR)
Flow Improvers, such as LiquidPowerTM, ExtremePower® and RefinedPower®
contain long-chain hydrocarbon polymers that suppress the growth of turbulent
bursts. Flow in the core becomes less turbulent, and the frictional pressure drop
along the pipeline is reduced.
Lightest
Hydrocarbons
(typ. < 3 cSt.)
Heaviest
Hydrocarbons
(up to 350 cSt.)
With DRA
Flow Improver Concentration (PPM)
Visit us on the web at www.liquidpower.com
032014
Visit us on the web at www.liquidpower.com
032014