| Water and Sand: approximately 98% |
| Water and Sand: approximately 99% |
| Water |
Expand fracture and deliver sand |
Some stays in formation while remainder returns with natural formation water as "produced water" (actual amounts returned vary from well to well) |
Landscaping, manufacturing |
Sand
(Proppant) |
Allows the fractures to remain open so the gas can escape |
Stays in formation, embedded in fractures (used to "prop" fractures open) |
Drinking water filtration, play sand, concrete and brick mortar |
| Other Additives: approximately 2% |
| Other Additives: approximately 1% |
| 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
chemical and cleaner |
| 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 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. Reaction produces ammonia and sulfate salts, which are returned in produced water. |
Used in hair coloring, 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. Reaction results in sodium chloride (table salt), which is returned in produced water. |
Used in low-sodium table salt substitute, medicines, and IV fluids |
| Corrosion inhibitor |
Prevents corrosion of the pipe |
Bonds to metal surfaces (pipe) downhole. Any remaining product not bonded is broken down by micro-organisms and consumed or returned in produced water. |
Used in 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 in produced water. |
Used in 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 with produced water. |
Used in cosmetics including hair, make-up, nail and skin products |
| Gelling agent |
Thickens the water in order to suspend the sand |
Combines with the "breaker" in the formation thus making it much easier for the fluid to flow to the borehole and return in produced water. |
Cosmetics, baked goods, ice cream, toothpaste, sauces, and salad dressings |
| Iron control |
Prevents precipitation of metal (in pipe) |
Reacts with minerals in the formation to create simple salts, carbon dioxide and water all of which are returned in produced water |
Food additive; food and beverages; lemon juice |
| Non-Emulsifier |
Used to break or separate oil/water mixtures (emulsions) |
Generally returned with produced water, but in some formations it may enter the gas stream and return in the produced natural gas. |
Used in food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment |
| 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. Reaction results in mineral salts, water and carbon dioxide; a portion of each is returned in produced water. |
Used in laundry detergents, soap, water softener and dish washer detergents |
| Scale inhibitor |
Prevents scale deposits downhole and in surface equipment |
Product attaches to the formation downhole. The majority of product returns with produced water while remaining reacts with microorganisms that break down and consume the product. |
Used in household cleansers, deicer, paints, and caulk |
| Surfactant |
Used to increase the viscosity of the fracture fluid |
Generally returned with produced water, but in some formations may enter the gas stream and return in the produced natural gas |
Used in glass cleaner, multi-surface cleansers, antiperspirant, deodorants and hair-color |
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