New Fracking Fluid Lowers Water Use

Researchersat Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, US, have developed a new fracking fluid which requires less energy, less water and fewer chemicals than conventional fluids

The researchers, led by Carlos Fernandez, say that the stimuli-responsive fluid could be used for oil and gas exploitation and enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). EGS uses geothermal energy in rocks which do not naturally have hydrothermal systems, by artificially pumping water through. It could be a significant alternative energy source in the US, but development has been limited as the necessary high permeability, high-pressure reservoirs are difficult to maintain in what is naturally dry rock. Fernandez and the team believe that their new fracking fluid could help to solve this problem and make the technology commercially viable.

The new fluid is a type of aqueous polyallylamine which converts very rapidly into a hydrogel in the presence of CO2, which is commonly found in fracked wells. The hydrogel is 2.5 times the original volume of the fluid, increasing the pressure in the well and aiding the fracking process, as well as reducing the amount of water necessary for the fracking process. It is not harmful to the environment, is non-toxic, a corrosion inhibitor, a biocide, an antioxidant and is made of cheap, readily-available materials. The multi-purpose nature of the fracking fluid means that extra chemicals are not necessary.

Fernandez and the team tested the polyallylamine in rock cores in the lab and found that as well as expanding in seconds, the gelling process is completely reversible, through carbon dioxide depressurisation or the use of dilute acid. This could mean that the fracking fluid could be removed from the well and recycled. The hydrogel is stable at temperatures up to 400°C, making it suitable for use in EGS.

Source: tceToday

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