Project Overview
Location: East Africa (Cross-Border Pipeline Project)
Application: Long-Distance Crude Oil Transportation
Solution: DICO Customized Drag Reducing Agent (DRA)
This project represents one of DICO Energy’s longest-distance international drag reduction applications in the crude oil pipeline sector.
The pipeline system extends approximately 1,703 km, connecting coastal production hubs to inland refining and distribution terminals across East Africa.
Due to confidentiality requirements, specific customer details are not disclosed.
DICO Energy developed a tailored drag reducing agent formulation specifically adapted to the crude oil properties and hydraulic conditions of this long-distance pipeline system.
A successful field trial was conducted in March 2024, followed by continuous commercial supply for a quarter, with stable and positive operational performance.
Technical Challenges
- Ultra-long-distance transportation over a 1,703 km cross-border pipeline system
- Variable terrain and elevation changes along the pipeline route
- Multiple pumping stations distributed across different regions
- Fluctuating crude oil properties depending on production zones
- Requirement for stable performance under long-duration continuous operation
The pipeline operates under complex flow regimes, requiring a high-efficiency and stable drag reduction solution suitable for large-scale energy transportation infrastructure.
DICO Solution
DICO Energy developed a customized polymer-based drag reducing agent formulation optimized for the specific crude oil characteristics and pipeline operating conditions.
Key technical focus areas included:
- High drag reduction efficiency under turbulent flow conditions
- Strong shear stability for multi-station long-distance transport
- Wide adaptability to varying crude oil compositions
- Stable performance under continuous injection mode
The DRA was injected at an optimized dosage based on field conditions, ensuring consistent performance across the entire pipeline network.
Results
The field application and subsequent commercial operation delivered outstanding performance:
- 35%–40% increase in pipeline throughput capacity
- Significant improvement in hydraulic efficiency across long-distance sections
- Stable performance during continuous multi-month operation
- Reduced pumping energy consumption per unit transported crude oil
- Improved operational stability across multiple pumping stations
- Verified adaptability under varying crude oil conditions
The project demonstrated DICO Energy’s capability to support large-scale international pipeline infrastructure with high-performance flow assurance technologies.
Customer Value
DICO Energy’s drag reduction technology enables pipeline operators to:
- Maximize throughput of existing infrastructure
- Reduce transportation energy consumption
- Improve long-distance pipeline stability
- Enhance operational efficiency across multiple stations
- Support large-scale cross-border energy logistics systems
DICO Energy continues to expand its global footprint in pipeline flow assurance technologies, supporting critical energy infrastructure across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
DRA Product & Skid-Mounted Injection System — DICO Customized DRA Solution Package
Key Performance Indicators
Pipeline Length: 1,703 km
Field Trial Period: March 2024
Operational Mode: Continuous commercial supply (3 months)
Throughput Increase: 35%–40%
Project Type: Cross-border crude oil transportation system