Viscosity Reducer: Introduction
- Viscosity reducer is an organic polymer with inorganic affinity groups. It is a surfactant (contains an equal number of positively- and negatively-charged functional groups) that creates a water-external pseudo-emulsion when mixed with viscous crudes and reduces the apparent viscosity of the crude by several orders of magnitude.
- Viscosity is primarily the resistance or obstacle offered during the flow of fluids due to the natural presence of internal friction between the particles. Fluid with high viscosity resists motion, as its molecular design offers a significant amount of internal friction. The physical importance of viscosity can be understood by the example of addition of turpentine into paints so that the paints become thinner, less viscous, and suitable for use. High viscosity is undesirable in several applications, as it reduces work efficiency.
- Viscosity reducers, also known as the drag reducing agents, are additives that reduce turbulence and improve the flow of fluids. Viscosity reducing agents are extensively utilized in oil pipelines to improve the flow capacity and subsequently, enhance productivity. They also reduce energy losses in pipelines. On crude oil exploration and production sites, raw crude oil is highly viscous and thick in nature.
- The process to pump this heavy crude oil from the source becomes highly energy intensive. The addition of viscosity reducer reduces the viscosity of crude oil and consequently, the power required to pump it. This leads to enhanced production efficiency of the plant along with decrease in production costs. Use of viscosity reducer agents also increases the overall operating life of transportation system of oil industries.
Key Drivers and Restraints of Global Viscosity Reducer Market
- Rise in demand for viscosity reducer in the global market can be attributed to the intrinsic benefits from their use. Viscosity reducer provides an economic and efficient way of material transportation over a pipeline network. Viscosity reducer plays a crucial role in various industries, especially in the oil & gas and petrochemical industries, wherein the transportation of viscous crude oil is carried out with the help of large pipeline networks.
- There has been a strong move by industries to switch to chemicals that are eco-friendly and stable in nature. Use of eco-products is expected to act as catalyst for growth of the viscosity reducer market.
- However, the viscosity reducer market depends on other industries, and their demand becomes a function of performance of other industries in the global market
Viscosity Reducer: End-use Segment
- In terms of end-use, the global viscosity reducer market can be segmented into oil & gas, building and construction, paints and coating, pharmaceutical, chemical, and others
- The oil & gas segment is projected to hold a major share of the global viscosity reducer market, owing to an increase in the demand and usage of viscosity reducer in the transportation of viscous crude oil in this sector
COVID-19 Impact on Viscosity Reducer Market
- On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Originating in China, the virus has spread to at least more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
- Manufacturing of various consumer goods and other products across the globe came to a halt due to the unavailability of raw materials, shortage of labor, and other reasons. This is expected to hamper the viscosity reducer market.
Asia Pacific to Dominate Viscosity Reducer Market
- In terms of region, the global viscosity reducer market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa
- Asia Pacific is estimated to account for a significant share of the global viscosity reducer market. Significant demand for viscosity reducer exists in developed regions owing to their proficient use to increase efficiency across various process industries. In developing countries, the market for viscosity reducing agents is expected to expand due to technological advancements and growing industrialization.
Key Manufacturers Operating in Global Viscosity Reducer Market
The global viscosity reducer market was highly fragmented in 2019. Major players have prominent presence in developed and developing countries. Key manufacturers operating in the global viscosity reducer market include:
- Thermax
- Rakiro
- NuGeneration Technologies
- Pon Pure Chemicals
- Cangzhou Xinchang Chemical Corporation
- Puyuan Honestar MF
- Tianjin Hero-Land S&T Development
- Shandong Shenyu Mechanical Manufacture
- Rutland Group
- Changzhou Jiahua Chemical
- Guangzhou Print Area Technology
- Chemical Centre (India)
- Lidegao Science & Technology
- Srivilas Hydrotech
- Rajukesh Industries
Global Viscosity Reducer Market: Research Scope
Global Viscosity Reducer Market, by Type
Global Viscosity Reducer Market, by End-use
- Oil and Gas
- Building and Construction
- Paints and Coating
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
- Others
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