Abstract: A method of pretreating a pipeline or apparatus is carried out by selecting a colloidal particle dispersion having inorganic nanoparticles with an average particle size of from 500 nm or less that exhibit properties of Brownian motion. Surfaces of a pipeline or apparatus are contacted with a treatment composition comprising the colloidal particle dispersion. The colloidal particles of the treatment composition are allowed to adhere the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus to facilitate a reduction in friction of the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus and/or lower the pressure drop of fluid flowing over the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus and/or to reduce the formation of surface deposits on the surfaces of the pipeline or apparatus.