OILFIELD BUSINESS: EDUCATION
Hydraulic Fracturing
Q&A
What makes up frac fluid?
Water and sand comprise 99.5 percent of the mixture. Compounds used for specific purposes make up the remainder. For
instance, guar, made from beans, makes the fluid more gel-like,
which helps transport the sand deep into the shale
fissures. When the fluid is ready to be removed, an enzyme or
oxidizer reduces the fluid’s consistency. Other compounds act as
lubricants. Most of these compounds have common household
uses.
the nation’s supply of natural gas while providing no
additional protection to underground water. More recently, the Ground Water Protection Council issued a
What chemicals are used in hydraulic fracturing?
2009 report stating that the potential for groundwater
The attached list details not only the most commonly used com- contamination from hydraulic fracturing is extremely
pounds, but also their purpose in the frac job and some of their
remote. Additionally, the Interstate Oil and Gas Combetter-known applications. All of the states where Devon operates pact Commission, a government agency