Abstract: This invention relates to improving the flow of flowing streams of hydrocarbons, such as petroleum or finished products, in a conduit such as a pipeline. The present invention also relates to a stable, nonagglomerating nonaqueous suspension suitable for improving flow of hydrocarbons in conduits, particularly finished product hydrocarbons in conduits.

Abstract: Flow of a stream comprised of hydrocarbons is improved by introducing into the stream a stable, non-agglomerating suspension comprising:(a) water,(b) highly dispersed in the water, and substantially insoluble therein, and extremely finely-divided, non-crystalline, ultra-high molecular weight, hydrocarbon-soluble, undegraded polyalkene having 2 to about 30 carbon atoms per alkene precursor and an inherent viscosity of at least 20 dL/g, and(c) a small but effective amount of a surfactant having a HLB of at least about 9. The finely divided polyalkene is prepared by polymerization and then cryogrinding below the glass transition temperature of the polyalkene.

Abstract: Stable nonagglomerating suspensions of oil soluble polymeric friction reducers are prepared by combining free-flowing solid particles of such friction reducers with a suspension stabilizing amount of a water soluble thickening agent in water or in a mixture of water and alcohol.

Abstract: Friction loss in a saline liquid flowing through a conduit is reduced by combining fresh water and a water-in-oil emulsion of a water soluble friction reducing polymer, subjecting the combined material to mixing to invert the emulsion and introducing the inverted emulsion directly into the flowing saline liquid. In one aspect the water-in-oil emulsion is combined with saline water containing a surfactant to effect inversion prior to introduction of the combination into the flowing saline liquid.

Abstract: The friction loss in a conduit flowing a mixture of water, oil and gas is reduced by injecting into the mixture a water soluble friction reducing polymer.