Recent developments in hydraulic fracturing have enabled cost-effective production of unconventional oil and gas resources. Hydraulic fracturing is a water intensive process requiring 4-7 million gallons of water per well, to which a range of chemicals must also be added in order to produce an effective fracturing fluid. In the days immediately following injection, anywhere from 20-40% of this fracturing fluid flows back to the surface and tends to be highly contaminated with everything from radioactive material and volatile organics to very high levels of brine. The biggest challenge faced by industry is to find a cost-effective and sustainable treatment methodology for this produced water. This paper articulates the key chemical interaction in both the fracturing fluid and subsequent produced water. These insights can assist in designing cost effective water management systems and help reduce the environmental impacts of the hydraulic fracturing operations.

Water management for hydraulic fracturing: An analysis of the key water chemistry considerations

245th National Meeting (2013)

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