List of additives used for fracking explained

The differences between additives for fracking in different countries are the type of chemicals used (hazardous, non-hazardous), the disclosure of chemicals and the composition of fracturing fluid. In 2010, Halliburton announced the creation of food additive based hydraulic fracturing fluid in response to calls for transparency and demand for a "more environmentally friendly" unconventional hydrocarbon production.[1]

Europe

In Europe, Poland, Norway and Germany have the largest reserves of shale gas, and drillings are underway.[2]

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the environmental regulator permits only chemical additives which are classed as non hazardous to groundwater for fracturing fluids.[3] [4] [5] Operators are required to disclose the content of hydraulic fracturing fluids to the relevant environment agency[6] while the composition must be disclosed if the regulator demands it.[7] The permitted additives for hydraulic fracturing fluid include polycrylamide, hydrochloric acid and a biocide.

CAS Number Chemical Constituent Commercial use [8]
9003-05-8 poly(2-prop-enamide)/PolyacrylamideEOR friction reducer
7647-01-0 Hydrochloric acidPre-fracturing to clean perforations, water pH adjuster
14808-60-7Crystalline Silica (Quartz)Proppant
111-30-8 GlutaraldehydeBiocide
7647-14-5Sodium ChlorideChem tracer
7727-37-9NitrogenWaterless hydraulic fracturing

United States

In the US, about 750 compounds have been listed as additives for hydraulic fracturing, also known as ingredients of pressurized fracking fluid,[9] in an industry report to the US Congress in 2011[10] [11] The following is a partial list of the chemical constituents in additives that are used or may have been used in fracturing operations.[12]

CAS Number Chemical Constituent Commercial use
2634-33-5 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-2-one / 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one
95-63-61,2,4-trimethylbenzeneAutomatic Transmission Sealer
123-91-11,4-DioxaneWood Parquet Adhesive
3452-07-11-eicoseneAlpha Olefin Lubricant
629-73-21-hexadeceneAlpha Olefin Lubricant
112-88-91-octadeceneAlpha Olefin Lubricant
1120-36-11-tetradeceneStain Remover
10222-01-22,2 Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamideBiocide
27776-21-22,2'-azobis--dihydrochlorideNo record
73003-80-22,2-DibromomalonamideBiocide
15214-89-82-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid sodium salt polymerFriction reducer
46830-22-22-acryloyloxyethyl(benzyl)dimethylammonium chlorideNo record
52-51-72-Bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediolDeodorant, Conditioner
111-76-22-Butoxy ethanolEngine Cleaner, Degreaser, Solvent
1113-55-92-Dibromo-3-Nitriloprionamide (2-Monobromo-3-nitriilopropionamide)No record
104-76-72-Ethyl HexanolDiesel Fuel Treatment, Foam Reducer
67-63-02-Propanol / Isopropyl Alcohol / Isopropanol / Propan-2-olDamar Varnish, Gloss, Pour Point Reducer
26062-79-32-Propen-1-aminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-2-propenyl-chloride, homopolymerVolumizing Conditioner
9003-03-62-propenoic acid, homopolymer, ammonium saltMoisturizer, Sunscreen, Friction reducer
25987-30-82-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2 p-propenamide, sodium salt / Copolymer of acrylamide and sodium acrylateFriction Reducer
71050-62-92-Propenoic acid, polymer with sodium phosphinate (1:1)No record
66019-18-92-propenoic acid, telomer with sodium hydrogen sulfiteNo record
107-19-72-Propyn-1-ol / Propargyl alcoholNo record
51229-78-83,5,7-Triaza-1-azoniatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane, 1-(3-chloro-2-propenyl)-chloride,Clean Pressed Powder
115-19-53-methyl-1-butyn-3-olNo record
127087-87-04-Nonylphenol Polyethylene Glycol Ether Branched / Nonylphenol ethoxylated / Oxyalkylated PhenolChrome Wheel Cleaner, Wellbore/Pipe Cleaner, Degreaser, Emulsifier
64-19-7Acetic acidSilicone Sealant
68442-62-6Acetic acid, hydroxy-, reaction products with triethanolamineNo record
108-24-7Acetic AnhydrideNo record
67-64-1AcetoneSolvent, Clear Finish Gloss
38193-60-1Acrylamide – sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate copolymerMoisture, Lotion, Friction Reducer
25085-02-3Acrylamide – Sodium Acrylate Copolymer or Anionic PolyacrylamideFriction Reducer
25987-30-82-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2-propenamide, sodium saltFriction Reducer
69418-26-4Acrylamide polymer with N,N,N-trimethyl-2[1-oxo-2-propenyl]oxy Ethanaminium chlorideFriction Reducer
15085−02-3 Acrylamide-sodium acrylate copolymerFriction Reducer, Flocculant
68551-12-2Alcohols, C12-C16, Ethoxylated (a.k.a. Ethoxylated alcohol)Floor Cleaner, Stain Remover, Wellbore Cleaner, Emulsifier
64742-47-8Aliphatic Hydrocarbon / Hydrotreated light distillate / Petroleum Distillates / Isoparaffinic Solvent / Paraffin Solvent / Napthenic SolventTar Remover, Lubricant
64743-02-8AlkenesNo record
68439-57-6Alkyl (C14-C16) olefin sulfonate, sodium saltCar Wash, Dog Shampoo, Emulsifier
9016-45-9Alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactantsEngine Cleaner, Rubber Sealant, Emulsifier
1327-41-9Aluminum chlorideAntiperspirant
73138-27-9Amines, C12-14-tert-alkyl, ethoxylatedNo record
71011-04-6Amines, Ditallow alkyl, ethoxylatedNo record
68551-33-7Amines, tallow alkyl, ethoxylated, acetatesNo record
1336-21-6AmmoniaStripper, Glue, Tire Repair
631-61-8Ammonium acetateHaircolor Shine
68037-05-8Ammonium Alcohol Ether SulfateNo record
7783-20-2Ammonium bisulfateAnt Killer, Weed & Moss Control
10192-30-0Ammonium bisulfiteOxygen Scavenger
12125-02-9Ammonium chlorideBrass & Copper Polish, Bleach
7632-50-0Ammonium citrateIron Remover
37475-88-0Ammonium Cumene SulfonateNo record
1341-49-7Ammonium hydrogen-difluorideWheel Cleaner, Glass Etching
6484-52-2Ammonium nitrateMoisture Control, Ink Cartridge
7727-54-0Ammonium Persulfate / Diammonium peroxidisulphateLatex Paint, Maximizing Powder, Polymer Breaker
1762-95-4Ammonium ThiocyanateLiquid Hide Glue, Biocide
7664-41-7Aqueous ammoniaPaint Stripper, Caulk
121888-68-4Bentonite, benzyl(hydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethylammonium stearate complex / organophilic clayWine clearing agent, "Detox" Product, Oil Viscosifier
71-43-2BenzeneFuel System Cleaner, Degreaser
119345-04-9Benzene, 1,1'-oxybis, tetratpropylene derivatives, sulfonated, sodium saltsToilet Cleaner, Rust Neutralizer
74153-51-8Benzenemethanaminium, N,N-dimethyl-N-[2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)oxy]ethyl]-, chloride, polymer with 2-propenamideNo record
10043-35-3Boric acidRoach Killer, Stain Remover, Polymer Crosslinker
1303-86-2Boric oxide / Boric AnhydrideCarpenters Glue, Polymer Crosslinker
71-36-3Butan-1-olInterior/Exterior Paint, Solvent
68002-97-1C10 – C16 Ethoxylated AlcoholFloor Finish Remover, Degreaser, Wellbore Cleaner
68131-39-5C12-15 Alcohol, EthoxylatedGraffiti Remover, Radiator Flush, Wellbore Cleaner
10043-52-4Calcium chlorideChlorinating Sanitizer, Ice Melt
124-38-9Carbon dioxidePenetrant, Lubricator
68130-15-4Carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guarViscosifier
9012-54-8Cellulase / Hemicellulase EnzymeCellulose Breaker
9004-34-6CelluloseWellbore Sealant
10049-04-4Chlorine dioxideOxidizer
77-92-9Citric AcidAcidizer and Iron Chelator
94266-47-4Citrus TerpenesDegreaser
61789-40-0Cocamidopropyl betaineFoamer, Wellbore cleaner
68155-09-9Cocamidopropylamine OxideFoamer, Wellbore cleaner
68424-94-2Coco-betaineFoamer, Wellbore cleaner
7758-98-7Copper(II) sulfateFungicide
31726-34-8Crissanol A-55
14808-60-7Crystalline Silica (Quartz)Sand
7447-39-4Cupric chloride dihydrate
1120-24-7Decyldimethyl Amine
2605-79-0Decyl-dimethyl Amine Oxide
3252-43-5Dibromoacetonitrile
25340-17-4Diethylbenzene
111-46-6Diethylene glycolSolvent
22042-96-2Diethylenetriamine penta (methylenephonic acid) sodium salt
28757-00-8Diisopropyl naphthalenesulfonic acid
68607-28-3Dimethylcocoamine, bis(chloroethyl) ether, diquaternary ammonium salt
7398-69-8Dimethyldiallylammonium chlorideBiocide
25265-71-8Dipropylene glycolSolvent
139-33-3Disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra AcetateMetal Ion Chelator
5989-27-5D-LimoneneSolvent
123-01-3Dodecylbenzene
27176-87-0Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid
42504-46-1Dodecylbenzenesulfonate isopropanolamineWellbore Cleaner
50-70-4D-Sorbitol / Sorbitol
37288-54-3Endo-1,4-beta-mannanase, or Hemicellulase
149879-98-1Erucic Amidopropyl Dimethyl Betaine
89-65-6Erythorbic acid, anhydrous
54076-97-0Ethanaminium, N,N,N-trimethyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)oxy]-, chloride, homopolymer
107-21−1 Ethane-1,2-diol / Ethylene Glycol
9002-93-1Ethoxylated 4-tert-octylphenol
68439-50-9Ethoxylated alcoholWellbore Cleaner
126950-60-5Ethoxylated alcoholWellbore Cleaner
67254-71-1Ethoxylated alcohol (C10-12)Wellbore Cleaner
68951-67-7Ethoxylated alcohol (C14-15)Wellbore Cleaner
68439-46-3Ethoxylated alcohol (C9-11)Wellbore Cleaner
66455-15-0Ethoxylated AlcoholsWellbore Cleaner
84133-50-6Ethoxylated Alcohols (C12-14 Secondary)Wellbore Cleaner
68439-51-0Ethoxylated Alcohols (C12-14)Wellbore Cleaner
78330-21-9Ethoxylated branch alcoholWellbore Cleaner
34398-01-1Ethoxylated C11 alcoholWellbore Cleaner
61791-12-6Ethoxylated Castor OilWellbore Cleaner
61791-29-5Ethoxylated fatty acid, cocoWellbore Cleaner
61791-08-0Ethoxylated fatty acid, coco, reaction product with ethanolamineWellbore Cleaner
68439-45-2Ethoxylated hexanolWellbore Cleaner
9036-19-5Ethoxylated octylphenolWellbore Cleaner
9005-67-8Ethoxylated Sorbitan MonostearateDispersant, Wellbore Cleaner
9004-70-3Ethoxylated Sorbitan TrioleateDispersant, Wellbore Cleaner
64-17-5Ethyl alcohol / ethanolSolvent, Pour Point Depressant
100-41-4Ethyl Benzene
97-64-3Ethyl lactate
9003-11-6Ethylene Glycol-Propylene Glycol Copolymer (Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane)
75-21-8Ethylene oxide
5877-42-9Ethyloctynol
68526-86-3Exxal 13
61790-12-3Fatty Acids
68188-40-9Fatty acids, tall oil reaction products w/ acetophenone, formaldehyde & thiourea
9043-30-5Fatty alcohol polyglycol ether surfactant
7705-08-0Ferric chloride
7782-63-0Ferrous sulfate, heptahydrate
50-00-0Formaldehyde
29316-47-0Formaldehyde polymer with 4,1,1-dimethylethyl phenolmethyl oxirane
153795-76-7Formaldehyde, polymers with branched 4-nonylphenol, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide
75-12-7Formamide
64-18-6Formic acid
110-17-8Fumaric acid
65997-17-3Glassy calcium magnesium phosphate
111-30-8GlutaraldehydeBiocide
56-81-5Glycerol / glycerine
9000-30-0Guar GumViscosifier
64742-94-5Heavy aromatic petroleum naphtha
9025-56-3Hemicellulase
7647-01-0Hydrochloric Acid / Hydrogen Chloride / muriatic acidToilet Bowl Cleaner
7722-84-1Hydrogen peroxideOxidizer, Polymer Breaker
79-14-1Hydroxy acetic acid
35249-89-9Hydroxyacetic acid ammonium salt
9004-62-0Hydroxyethyl celluloseViscosifier
5470-11-1Hydroxylamine hydrochloride
39421-75-5Hydroxypropyl guarViscosifier
35674-56-7Isomeric Aromatic Ammonium Salt
64742-88-7Isoparaffinic Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Synthetic
64-63-0IsopropanolSolvent, Pour Point Depressant
98-82-8Isopropylbenzene (cumene)
68909-80-8Isoquinoline, reaction products with benzyl chloride and quinoline
8008-20-6Kerosene
64742-81-0Kerosine, hydrodesulfurized
63-42-3Lactose
64742-95-6Light aromatic solvent naphtha
1120-21-4Light Paraffin Oil
14807-96-6Magnesium Silicate Hydrate (Talc)Grinding Aid
1184-78-7methanamine, N,N-dimethyl-, N-oxide
67-56-1Methanol
68891-11-2Methyloxirane polymer with oxirane, mono (nonylphenol) ether, branched
8052-41-3Mineral spirits / Stoddard Solvent
141-43-5MonoethanolaminepH Buffer
44992-01-0N,N,N-trimethyl-2[1-oxo-2-propenyl]oxy Ethanaminium chloride
64742-48-9Naphtha (petroleum), hydrotreated heavy
91-20-3Naphthalene
38640-62-9Naphthalene bis(1-methylethyl)
93-18-5Naphthalene, 2-ethoxy-
68909-18-2N-benzyl-alkyl-pyridinium chloride
68139-30-0N-Cocoamidopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-2-hydroxypropylsulfobetaineWellbore Cleaner
7727-37-9Nitrogen, Liquid form
68412-54-4Nonylphenol PolyethoxylateWellbore Cleaner
121888-66-2Organophilic ClaysOil Viscosifier
64742-65-0Petroleum Base Oil
64741-68-0Petroleum naphtha
70714-66-8Phosphonic acid, (phosphonomethyl)iminobis2,1-ethanediylnitrilobis(methylene)tetrakis-, ammonium salt
8000-41-7Pine Oil
60828-78-6Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-[3,5-dimethyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)hexyl]-w-hydroxy-Wellbore Cleaner
25322-68-3Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-hydro-w-hydroxy / Polyethylene GlycolWellbore Cleaner
24938-91-8Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-tridecyl-ω-hydroxy-Wellbore Cleaner
51838-31-4Polyepichlorohydrin, trimethylamine quaternized
56449-46-8Polyethlene glycol oleate esterLubricant
62649-23-4Polymer with 2-propenoic acid and sodium 2-propenoate
9005-65-6Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan MonooleateDispersant
61791-26-2Polyoxylated fatty amine salt
127-08-2Potassium acetate
12712-38-8Potassium borateCrosslinker
1332-77-0Potassium borateCrosslinker
20786-60-1Potassium BorateCrosslinker
584-08-7Potassium carbonate
7447-40-7Potassium chloride
590-29-4Potassium formate
1310-58-3Potassium Hydroxide
13709-94-9Potassium metaborate
24634-61-5Potassium sorbateAnti-oxidant
112926-00-8Precipitated silica / silica gel
57-55-6Propane-1,2-diol, or Propylene glycol
107-98-2Propylene glycol monomethyl etherSolvent
68953-58-2Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
62763-89-7Quinoline,2-methyl-, hydrochloride
15619-48-4Quinolinium, 1-(phenylmethl),chloride
7631-86-9Silica, Dissolved
5324-84-5Sodium 1-octanesulfonate
127-09-3Sodium acetate
95371-16-7Sodium Alpha-olefin sulfonate
532-32-1Sodium benzoate
144-55-8Sodium bicarbonate
7631-90-5Sodium bisulfate
7647-15-6Sodium bromide
497-19-8Sodium carbonate
7647-14-5Sodium ChlorideTable salt
7758-19-2Sodium chlorite
3926-62-3Sodium chloroacetate
68-04-2Sodium citrate
6381-77-7Sodium erythorbate / isoascorbic acid, sodium salt
2836-32-0Sodium Glycolate
1310-73-2Sodium Hydroxide
7681-52-9Sodium hypochloriteBleach
7775-19-1Sodium Metaborate .8H2OCrosslinker
10486-00-7Sodium perborate tetrahydrateOxidizer
7775-27-1Sodium persulfateOxidizer
9003-04-7Sodium polyacrylateDispersant, Flocculant
7757-82-6Sodium sulfate
1303-96-4Sodium tetraborate decahydrateCrosslinker
7772-98-7Sodium thiosulfate
1338-43-8Sorbitan MonooleateDispersant
57-50-1SucroseTable Sugar
5329-14-6Sulfamic acidpH Adjuster
112945-52-5Synthetic Amorphous / Pyrogenic Silica / Amorphous Silica
68155-20-4Tall Oil Fatty Acid DiethanolamineFoamer, Wellbore Cleaner
8052-48-0Tallow fatty acids sodium saltSoap
72480-70-7Tar bases, quinoline derivs., benzyl chloride-quaternized
68647-72-3Terpene and terpenoidsSolvent
68956-56-9Terpene hydrocarbon byproductsSolvent
533-74-4Tetrahydro-3,5-dimethyl-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (a.k.a. Dazomet)Biocide
55566-30-8Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate (THPS)Biocide
75-57-0Tetramethyl ammonium chloride
64-02-8Tetrasodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate
68-11-1Thioglycolic acid
62-56-6Thiourea
68527-49-1Thiourea, polymer with formaldehyde and 1-phenylethanone
108-88-3Toluene
81741-28-8Tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride
68299-02-5Triethanolamine hydroxyacetate
112-27-6Triethylene glycol
52624-57-4Trimethylolpropane, Ethoxylated, Propoxylated
150-38-9Trisodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate
5064-31-3Trisodium Nitrilotriacetate
7601-54-9Trisodium orthophosphate
57-13-6Urea
25038-72-6Vinylidene Chloride/Methylacrylate Copolymer
7732-18-5Deionized water
1330-20-7Carburetor Cleaner, Asphalt Primer, Solvent
068604-95-5Aliphatic acids Wall & Trim Enamel
078330-20-8Aliphatic Ethoxylated Alcohols Leather Cleaner
000000-33-9Alkyl aryl polyethoxy alcohols Coppersmiths Polish
000000-17-6Alkylaryl Sulfonate Detergent, Stain Remover
064742-47-8 Distillates, petroleum, hydrotreated light Tar Remover, Sealant
000110-43-0 Methyl n-amyl & ethyl ketones Hobby Cement, Sealant
Oxyalkylated alkylphenol
Petroleum distillate blend
Polyethoxylated alkanol
Polymeric Hydrocarbons
Salt of amine-carbonyl condensate
Salt of fatty acid/polyamine reaction product

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Soraghan. Mike. Halliburton Announces Ecofriendly Fracking Fluid, More Disclosure. The New York Times. 13 April 2017. 15 November 2010. Halliburton Co., which is fighting U.S. EPA about disclosure of its fracking fluid, today announced that it will publicly disclose detailed information on its website about the chemicals used in its fracturing fluids. The Houston-based oilfield services company announced the creation of a new fracturing fluid that uses chemicals "sourced entirely from the food industry.".
  2. Hydraulic Fracturing or 'Fracking': A Short Summary of Current Knowledge and Potential Environmental Impacts . 18–19 . Dr Dave Healy . July 2012 . . 12 November 2015.
  3. Web site: The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010. UK Government. 2010. 2016-08-28.
  4. Web site: The Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012. www.legislation.gov.uk. Queen's Printer for Scotland (QPS). 1 April 2017. en.
  5. Web site: DIRECTIVE 2006/118/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 12 December 2006 on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration. eur-lex.europa.eu. EUR-Lex - 32006L0118 - EN - EUR-Lex. 18 October 2014. en. 12 December 2006. It is necessary to distinguish between hazardous substances, inputs of which should be prevented, and other pollutants, inputs of which should be limited. Annex VIII to Directive 2000/60/EC, listing the main pollutants relevant for the water environment, should be used to identify hazardous and non-hazardous substances which present an existing or potential risk of pollution..
  6. Web site: Onshore oil and gas exploration in the UK: regulation and best practice. 46. Operators will disclose the chemical additives of fracturing fluids on a well-by-well basis.. DECC/BEIS. 13 April 2017.
  7. Shale gas extraction in the UK: A review of hydraulic fracturing . Robert . Mair . The Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering. June 2012. 3 April 2017 .
  8. Web site: Household Products Database . Health and Safety Information on Household Products . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services . August 2015 . 11 November 2015 . NLM .
  9. Web site: What chemicals are used in a hydraulic fracturing job . FracFocus . Chemical Disclosure Registry . GWPC & IOGCC . 2015 . 11 November 2015.
  10. Web site: Fracking Chemicals Cited in Congressional Report Stay Underground . Nicholas Kusnetz. ProPublica. April 8, 2011 . July 11, 2011.
  11. Chemicals Used in Hydraulic Fracturing . Committee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House of Representatives . April 18, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213846/http://democrats.energycommerce.house.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Hydraulic-Fracturing-Chemicals-2011-4-18.pdf . October 4, 2013 .
  12. Web site: Natural Gas Development Activities and High‐volume Hydraulic Fracturing. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 45–51 . 30 September 2009.