• NYSE: CHK $14.04 -0.61
  • As of 05/16/2012 4:01 PM ET
  • Current Volume: 49,436,876

Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Makeup

You are here > Home > Environment > Drilling and Production > Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid

In addition to water and sand, which comprises 98% of the volumes in a hydraulic fracturing operation, chemical additives are used to allow hydraulic fracturing to be performed in a safe and effective manner. Chemical additives used in hydraulic fracturing fluids include a number of chemical compounds found in common consumer products.

A representation showing the percent by volume of typical deep shale natural gas hydraulic fracturing fluid components reveals that nearly all of the hydraulic fracturing fluid is comprised of freshwater and sand. This fluid is injected into deep shale formations and is typically confined to the limited injection area by many thousands of feet of impervious rock layers. Chesapeake believes that the one to two miles of geologic separation between fresh groundwater and the deep natural gas and oil resources we produce, accompanied by good engineering, render the hydraulic fracturing process safe.

 

Most of the chemical additives in hydraulic fracturing fluids can be found in everyday household products such as laundry detergents, cleaners and beauty products. Some are even present in food and beverage items and in swimming pools. Nevertheless, Chesapeake is committed to creating an ever greener fluid system. Through our industry-leading Green Frac® initiative, we are evaluating and improving the environmental footprint of hydraulic fracturing additives.

Product Purpose Downhole Result Other Common Uses*
Water and Sand: ~ 98%
Water Expand the 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 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
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; this reaction produces ammonia and sulfate salts, which are returned to the surface 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; this reaction results in sodium chloride (table salt), which is returned to the surface 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, such as pipe, downhole; any remaining product not bonded is broken down by micro-organisms and consumed or returned to the surface 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 to the surface 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 to the surace with the 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 easier for the fluid to flow to the borehole and return to the surface in produced water Cosmetics, baked goods, ice cream, toothpaste, 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 in produced water Food additive; 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 produced water Laundry detergents, soap, water softener and dishwasher detergents
Scale inhibitor Prevents scale deposits downhole and in surface equipment Attaches to the formation downhole with the majority of the product returns to the surface with the produced water while remaining amount reacts with microorganisms that break down and consume it Used in household cleansers, deicer, paints and caulk
Surfactant Used to increase the viscosity of the fracture fluid Generally returned to the surface with the produced water, but in some formations it may enter the natural gas stream and return in the produced natural gas Glass cleaner, multi-surface cleansers, antiperspirant, deodorants and hair-color

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

 

To alleviate concerns about chemical constituents, Chesapeake supports and is actively participating in the public disclosure of hydraulic fracturing ingredients used in our operations. Where required, we report these ingredients to all of the appropriate state agencies. In addition, Chesapeake makes public disclosure of our hydraulic fracturing fluids through the Ground Water Protection Council/Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission’s disclosure website.

 

Chesapeake Reference Materials

Other Reference Materials

​​​​​​​
Fortune 100 Best Places to Work

The information includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. We refer you to the discussion of riskfactors that could affect future operating or financial performance in our most recent prospectus and Form 10-K and other SEC Filings. Chesapeake assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made here as a result of new information or future events or developments. You will find a reconciliation of any non-GAAP financial measure, as defined by the SEC in Regulation G, to the most directly comparable GAAP number in Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

Use of this site is subject to the terms and conditions set forth under the Privacy Statement and Terms and Conditions.

Stock quotes copyright © 1998-2007 MarketWatch.com Inc. User agreement applies. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by Interactive Data Corp. Intraday data is at least 20-minutes delayed. All times are EDT. Intraday data provided by S&P Comstock and subject to terms of use.