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Fracturing Fluid

Last updated: July 13, 2017

What Does Fracturing Fluid Mean?

Fracturing fluid is a special type of fluid that is injected into a wellbore to induce fractures to facilitate access to the oil and gas resources. This fluid is mainly used in hydraulic fracturing in the petroleum industry. It is also sometimes used as an additive.

Fracturing fluid is also known as frac gel.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Fracturing Fluid

Fracturing fluids or frac gels are important during the hydraulic fracturing process to ensure that the fractures extend down to reach the oil and gas resources. The gel is injected into the wellbore at high pressure to induce fracturing.

The three types widely used in the industry are:

  • Water-based, also called water frac or slick water
  • Linear gel
  • Cross-linked gel

The primary differences between these three types are their gelling agents and their different viscosities. Water-based frac gel has a viscosity of 2 – 3 centipoise (low viscosity), linear gel has a viscosity of 10-30 centipoise (medium viscosity) and cross-linked gel has a viscosity of 100-1000 centipoise (high viscosity).

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Synonyms

Frac gel

Frac fluid

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