Characterization of chemical additives used for hydraulic fracturing in California

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is an oil and gas well stimulation technique in which fluids are pumped into wells under high pressure to fracture geological formations, thereby increasing formation permeability and oil/gas yields. Hydraulic fracturing fluids are complex mixtures typically composed of water, proppant (e.g. fine sand), and chemical additives. Hydraulic fracturing is being practiced pervasively throughout the United States. The application of hydraulic fracturing in California is unique: treatments are typically applied for oil production using gelled fluids