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What is Fracking Fluid Made Of?

Published in Fracking Composition 2 mins read

Fracking fluid primarily consists of water and sand, with a small percentage of chemical additives.

Fracking fluid, used in the process of hydraulic fracturing to extract underground resources like oil and natural gas, has a relatively simple composition. According to the provided reference, it is 99.5% water and sand. The remaining 0.5% is made up of safe chemical additives.

Here's a breakdown of the main components:

Component Percentage
Water and Sand 99.5%
Chemical Additives 0.5%

The Role of Chemical Additives

While water and sand make up the vast majority of the fluid, the small percentage of chemical additives plays a crucial role in the fracking process. These additives help to improve the efficiency of the fluid, reduce friction, prevent corrosion, and inhibit bacterial growth in the wellbore.

It's noted that many of these chemical additives are found in common household products or even in the foods you eat. Examples of where similar chemicals might be present include:

  • Toothpaste
  • Makeup remover
  • Various food items

These chemicals are added in very small concentrations to enhance the performance of the fluid during the hydraulic fracturing operation.

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