Fracturing Ingredients

In addition to water and sand, other additives are used in fluids to allow hydraulic fracturing to be performed in a safe and effective manner. Additives used in hydraulic fracturing fluids include a number of compounds found in common consumer products.

Example of Typical Deep Shale Hydraulic Fracturing Mixture Makeup

 

A representation showing the percent by volume composition of typical deep shale natural gas​ or oil hydraulic fracturing fluid components (see graphic) reveals that approximately 98% of the fracturing mixture is comprised of freshwater and sand. This mixture is injected into deep shale formations and is typically confined by many thousands of feet of rock layers. Visit fracfocus.org for the quantities of additives used for Chesapeake and other industry wells.

Fracturing Ingredients
Product Purpose Downhole Result Other Common Uses*
Water and Sand: ~ 98%
Water Expand the fracture and deliver sand Some stays in formation, while the remainder returns with natural formation water as produced water (actual amounts returned vary from well to well) Landscaping and manufacturing
Sand
(Proppant)		 Allows the fractures to remain open so that the natural gas and oil can escape Stays in formation, embedded in fractures (used to "prop" fractures open) Drinking water filtration, play sand, concrete and brick mortar
Other Additives: ~ 2%
Acid Helps dissolve minerals and initiate cracks in the rock Reacts with minerals present in the formation to create salts, water and carbon dioxide (neutralized) Swimming pool
chemicals and cleaners
Anti-bacterial Agent Eliminates bacteria in the water that produces corrosive byproducts Reacts with micro-organisms that may be present in the treatment fluid and formation; these micro-organisms break down the product with a small amount of the product returning in the produced water Disinfectant; sterilizer for medical and dental equipment
Breaker Allows a delayed breakdown of the gel Reacts with the crosslinker and gel once in the formation, making it easier for the fluid to flow to the borehole; this reaction produces ammonia and sulfate salts, which are returned to the surface in produced water Hair colorings, as a disinfectant, and in the manufacture of common household plastics
Clay stabilizer Prevents formation clays from swelling Reacts with clays in the formation through a sodium-potassium ion exchange; this reaction results in sodium chloride (table salt), which is returned to the surface in produced water Low-sodium table salt substitutes, medicines and IV fluids
Corrosion inhibitor Prevents corrosion of the pipe Bonds to metal surfaces, such as pipe, downhole; any remaining product that is not bonded is broken down by micro-organisms and consumed or returned to the surface in the produced water Pharmaceuticals, acrylic fibers and plastics
Crosslinker Maintains fluid viscosity as temperature increases Combines with the breaker in the formation to create salts that are returned to the surface with the produced water Laundry detergents, hand soaps and cosmetics
Friction reducer “Slicks” the water to minimize friction Remains in the formation where temperature and exposure to the breaker allows it to be broken down and consumed by naturally occurring micro-organisms; a small amount returns to the surface with the produced water Cosmetics including hair, make-up, nail and skin products
Gelling agent Thickens the water to suspend the sand Combines with the breaker in the formation, making it easier for the fluid to flow to the borehole and return to the surface in the produced water Cosmetics, baked goods, ice cream, toothpastes, sauces and salad dressings
Iron control Prevents precipitation of metal in the pipe Reacts with minerals in the formation to create simple salts, carbon dioxide and water, all of which are returned to the surface in the produced water Food additives; food and beverages; lemon juice
pH Adjusting Agent Maintains the effectiveness of other components, such as crosslinkers Reacts with acidic agents in the treatment fluid to maintain a neutral (non-acidic, non-alkaline) pH; this reaction results in mineral salts, water and carbon dioxide — a portion of each is returned to the surface in the produced water Laundry detergents, soap, water softeners and dishwasher detergents
Scale inhibitor Prevents scale deposits downhole and in surface equipment Attaches to the formation downhole with the majority of the product returning to the surface with the produced water, while the remaining amount reacts with micro-organisms that break down and consume it Household cleansers, de-icers, paints and caulks
Surfactant Increases the viscosity of the fracture fluid Returns to the surface in the produced water, but in some formations it may enter the natural gas stream and return in the produced natural gas Glass cleaners, multi-surface cleansers, antiperspirants, deodorants and hair colors

*Other common uses of the product may not be in the same quantity or concentration.​