A flow balancing device facilitates polymer injection in a horizontal formation in a manner that minimizes shear effects on the injected polymer. Features of the device reduce velocity using a broad circumferentially oriented inlet plenum that leads to a circumferentially oriented path having zig-zag fluid movement characterized by broad passages that define the zig-zag pattern so as to reduce velocity at such transition locations. Because the path is circumferentially oriented there is room for broad transition passages independent of the housing diameter. The broad crescent shaped inlet plenum also reduces inlet velocity, and therefore shear, to preserve the viscosity of the injected polymer. Other materials can be injected or the device can be employed in production service as well as injection. A related method employs the described device for injection.

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