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LSPI operates the world’s foremost research and development center dedicated to drag reduction technology. The LSPI research and development team consists of over 20 technical professionals, with over 650 years of combined drag reduction experience. Since inventing and commercializing the very first drag reducer for crude oil pipelines in 1979, LSPI has remained the global market leader in flow improver technology. With an ongoing commitment to innovation, LSPI also produced the world’s first suspension-based DRA, the first suspension DRA for refined products, and the first DRA for heavy crude applications. LSPI continues to invest in research and development to provide solutions to meet our customers current and future DRA needs.
DRA Expertise
LSPI has proven expertise in drag reduction theory and applications as well as polymer and suspension chemistry and refinery impact. Our knowledge encompasses the synthesis of ultra-high molecular weight polymers, analysis of fuels and oils for the presence of flow improvers and quality testing of flow improving products. LSPI has the most extensive DRA patent portfolio in the world with 71 granted U.S. patents, numerous patents pending, as well as foreign equivalents to these patents. With a steadfast eye to the future, LSPI dedicates R&D resources to both researching fundamental drag reduction and improving existing technology.
Complete R&D Facilities
Three state-of-the-art flow loops and test equipment are used to monitor ongoing production quality control, and to develop new products. LSPI has three DRA injection test skids operated by our R&D group, one on an operational pipeline. Our research facilities also include 10 laboratories, pilot plant facilities, and a semi-works manufacturing unit. LSPI has also conducted the most comprehensive testing in the industry to investigate refinery impact and fuels quality performance.
Optimum Performance
LSPI products typically perform better than competitive offerings: For a given level of drag reduction performance, the dosage requirement for LSPI’s DRA is lower. In many cases where customers need maximum possible throughput, LSPI can often provide levels of performance competitors can’t match at any dosage level.