Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 1 Typical additives to hydraulic fracturing fluid comprising 0.05% of total
volume. Water and quartz sand (proppant) form 99.95% (Chesapeake
Energy, South Western Energy, 2014).
65,66
Component
Main Compound Purpose
Common Use
Acid
Hydrochloric or
muriatic acid
Dissolves minerals
and initiates rock
fractures
Swimming pool
cleaner
Biocide
Glutaraldehyde
Eliminates bacteria
in the water
Disinfectant;
medical and
dental equipment
steriliser
Breaker
Sodium chloride Delays breakdown of
gel polymer chains
Table salt
Corrosion
inhibitor
n,n-dimethyl
formamide
Prevents pipework
corrosion
Pharmaceuticals,
acrylic fibres and
plastics
Crosslinker
Borate salts
Maintains fluid
viscosity as
temperature
increases
laundry detergents,
hand soaps and
cosmetics
Friction reducer
Petroleum
distillate
''Slicks'' the water to
minimise friction
Cosmetics, hair,
make-up, nail and
skin products
Gelling Agent
Guar gum or
hydroxyethyl
cellulose
Thickens the water
to suspend the
proppant
Thickener used in
cosmetics, baked
goods, ice cream,
toothpaste, sauces,
and salad dressings
Iron control
Citric acid
Prevents
precipitation of
metal oxides
Food additive; food
and beverages;
lemon juice ca.7%
citric acid
Clay Stabiliser
Potassium
chloride
Stabilises swelling
clay minerals and
creates a brine
carrier fluid
Used in low-
sodium table
salt substitute,
medicines and
IV fluids
Oxygen scavenger Ammonium
bisulphite
Oxygen removal
from the water to
reduce pipework
corrosion
Cosmetics, food
and beverage
processing, water
treatment
pH adjusting
agent
Sodium or
potassium
carbonate
Maintains effective-
ness of components,
e.g. crosslinkers
Laundry detergents,
soap, water
softener and
dish washers
Scale inhibitor
Ethylene glycol
Prevents scale
formation
Household
cleansers, de-icer,
paints and caulk
Surfactant
Isopropanol
Increases fracture
fluid viscosity
Glass cleaner, multi-
surface cleansers,
antiperspirant,
deodorant, hair
colour
