ADI assessed the global drag reducing agents (DRA) market, focusing on heavy crude applications and midstream pipeline infrastructure. The analysis mapped the competitive landscape and technological differentiation between suspension and solution-based DRA chemistries. Regional growth was modeled against pipeline utilization and production forecasts for North America and the Middle East.
The client
Specialty chemical manufacturer
The situation
Uncertainty regarding the technical feasibility and market size for DRA in high-viscosity heavy oil pipelines.
ADI’s contributions
Technology benchmarking
Compared performance characteristics of leading DRA products across various crude API gravities and flow regimes.
Customer segment mapping
Identified key midstream operators and mapped DRA adoption rates across specific pipeline systems in North America.
Economic value modeling
Quantified the trade-offs between capital expenditure for pump stations and operational spend on DRA injections.
Expert network interviews
Leveraged primary research with pipeline engineers to validate performance constraints and product switching costs.
Key outcomes
Informed product development strategy for heavy oil DRAs and prioritized high-value midstream customer targets.
Client Results
ADI helped us understand the true odds of success for our technology. They were very forthcoming about what they knew and where their limits were, which is rare for market consultants. Ultimately, they did a very good job covering the full gamut of information we needed.
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