non - polymeric drag reducing agents in the form of maleated fatty acids and the esters thereof and the organic , inorganic or amine salts thereof are described herein . these additives are useful to reduce drag in hydrocarbon fluids and multiphase fluids of hydrocarbon and water . no injection probes or other special equipment is expected to be required to introduce the drag reducing agent into the liquid stream , nor is grinding of the additive necessary to form a suitable drag reducing agent . the drag reducing additives of the invention are not subject to shear degradation and do not cause undesirable changes in the emulsion or fluid quality of the fluid being treated , or undesirable foaming .