Water-based friction reduction
Evaluate friction reducers for the specified source water and pumping duty. Slickwater and higher-viscosity requirements should be distinguished when defining the treatment objectives.
UPSTREAM OIL & GAS / STIMULATION CHEMISTRY
Hydraulic fracturing and fracking chemicals
SAC connects chemical selection and application testing with the hydraulic fracturing programme. We support supply and development discussions around source water, friction reduction, fluid performance and the requirements of the well.
Discuss your applicationTHE OPERATING CHALLENGE
The water and the job change the chemistry
Hydraulic fracturing, also called fracking, places specific demands on the treatment fluid. Water quality, pumping conditions, proppant requirements and the other additives influence chemical selection. A candidate that works in one water source may behave differently in another. Assess the complete fluid system, including its performance during pumping and its intended clean-up behaviour afterward.
THE SAC APPROACH
Build the programme around the application
SAC helps define the chemical requirement before a candidate formulation is selected. For water-based treatments, this includes friction-reducer selection and, where specified, the viscosity needed to support proppant suspension and transport. The job design and available pumping facilities provide the evaluation context.
Review fresh, brackish, recycled or produced-water sources against the intended fluid programme. Testing with representative water and the planned additives helps identify compatibility issues and unwanted changes in fluid properties. Temperature, water composition and handling conditions should be included in the qualification basis.
Programme selection may also assess breakers, scale control and other stimulation chemistries where the treatment requires them. Breaker response and clean-up should be considered alongside pumping performance. The selected chemical functions, testing requirements and supply scope are agreed with the operator and completions team.
WHERE IT FITS
Water and additive compatibility
Assess the proposed chemical package together rather than treating each additive in isolation. Include any changes in water sourcing that may occur during the programme.
Fluid performance and clean-up
Connect the required fluid behaviour during placement with the intended breaker response and subsequent clean-up. Selection follows the treatment design and its evaluation criteria.
Scale-management selection
Where scale risk is identified, consider an appropriate control programme using water composition and operating conditions, with compatibility checked against the fracturing fluid.
START THE TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
Make the requirement
clear from the start.
Share the operating basis so SAC can frame a focused evaluation and supply scope.
Contact SAC- What are the well conditions and the hydraulic fracturing treatment objectives?
- Which water sources and current water-analysis results are available?
- What pumping rates, proppant requirements and fluid properties are specified?
- Which additives, breakers and scale-control requirements form the proposed programme?
- What testing, procurement schedule and acceptance criteria must the supply meet?
COMMON QUESTIONS
Are fracking chemicals the same as hydraulic fracturing chemicals?
The terms commonly describe chemicals used within a hydraulic fracturing treatment. The selected package depends on the fluid system, water quality and well requirements; the phrase does not identify one universal formulation.
Is a fracturing friction reducer the same as a pipeline DRA?
Both address frictional flow behaviour, but their application environments differ. Water-based fracturing friction reducers are selected for stimulation fluids; hydrocarbon pipeline DRAs are selected for the transported oil or product and pipeline conditions.
Can recycled or produced water be considered?
It can be evaluated, but suitability depends on water chemistry and compatibility with the planned additives. Representative-water testing should establish the treatment basis before a supply recommendation or field application is agreed.
Bring us the operating challenge.
Tell us about the fluid, system constraints and required outcome. SAC will use these to define the next technical and commercial discussion.
Discuss your requirements