Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, remains one of the most transformative techniques in the energy sector, unlocking previously inaccessible natural gas reserves. A recent experimental investigation conducted in China’s Sulige Gas Field sheds new light on the critical role additives play in optimizing this complex process. The research, published in Environmental Earth Sciences, provides a comprehensive analysis of various chemical additives, revealing their significant impact on the efficiency and environmental footprint of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting a high-pressure fluid mixture into subterranean rock formations to create fractures, enabling trapped gas to flow to the surface. While water is the primary component of the fracturing fluid, additives are crucial for improving performance by reducing friction, stabilizing the wellbore, and preventing microbial growth. However, the specific contributions and interactions of these additives have remained somewhat elusive until now.
The Sulige Gas Field, located in China’s Ordos Basin, represents one of the largest unconventional gas reserves in the world, making it an ideal site for field-scale experiments. Researchers He, Li, Qian, and their colleagues meticulously designed laboratory simulations and field trials to examine how different additives affect the fracturing fluid’s behavior under the region’s unique geological and geochemical conditions. Their findings have profound implications for enhancing gas recovery and minimizing environmental impact.
One compelling discovery is how friction reducers, commonly added to fracturing fluids, can dramatically influence the pressure dynamics during injection. By minimizing friction losses in the wellbore, these agents allow for higher injection rates and extended fracture propagation, directly correlating with increased gas extraction efficiency. Yet, the team noted that selecting the appropriate type and concentration of friction reducers must be carefully balanced to prevent instability in the fluid’s viscosity, which could counteract desired effects.
Scale inhibitors emerged as another key additive category investigated. The accumulation of mineral scales in fractures and production tubing often hampers gas flow and raises operational costs. This study illustrates how tailored inhibitors can prevent scale formation by interfering with crystal nucleation and growth processes, preserving fracture conductivity. Remarkably, the optimal inhibitor formulations were highly dependent on the Sulige Field’s particular water chemistry, emphasizing the necessity of localized additive design.
Microbial control additives also received focused attention. Sulige’s subterranean environment hosts diverse microbial populations capable of biofilm formation and souring—phenomena detrimental to equipment integrity and gas quality. Through targeted biocides and surfactants, these microbial risks can be mitigated, but the researchers cautioned about potential adverse reactions with other fluid components. Their experimental results advocate for integrated additive management protocols to reconcile microbial inhibition with fluid stability.
Another pivotal aspect of the investigation is the environmental dimension of additive use. Fracturing operations often face scrutiny over potential groundwater contamination and ecological disturbances. The research team conducted leaching and toxicity tests on the additives, concluding that selecting biodegradable and low-toxicity compounds significantly curtails environmental hazards without compromising fracturing efficacy. This approach aligns with growing industry commitments to sustainable resource development.
The study also elaborates on the interactions between additives and reservoir rocks. Certain polymers used to enhance fluid viscosity can adsorb onto rock surfaces, diminishing effective fracture width and permeability. The experimental data quantify these adsorption phenomena, guiding the formulation of additives that balance viscosity enhancement with minimal rock-fluid interaction. Such insights are vital for tailoring fracturing fluids to the geomechanical properties of specific reservoirs.
Temperature stability of additives under varying geothermal gradients in the Sulige Field was another challenge addressed. The research underscores that many traditional additives degrade or lose functionality at elevated downhole temperatures. By screening thermally robust formulations, the team demonstrated improved fracturing fluid performance, even under harsh thermal conditions, ensuring sustained fracture propagation and longer production lifespans.
The authors also tackled the practical aspect of additive deployment logistics. In large-scale hydraulic fracturing projects, mixing and pumping complex fluids demand robust operational protocols. The experimental findings propose streamlined additive dosing strategies that optimize mixing homogeneity, minimize chemical waste, and facilitate real-time adjustments based on fluid monitoring data. These operational recommendations can enhance field efficiency and reduce downtime.
Equally important is the cost-effectiveness analysis highlighted in the study. While high-performance additives can entail substantial upfront expenditure, their contribution to increased gas recovery and reduced maintenance costs can justify the investment. The research provides a nuanced economic model that weighs additive costs against enhanced production metrics, offering energy operators a data-driven framework for additive selection.
The Sulige Field investigation contributes critical knowledge to the global push for cleaner and more efficient natural gas extraction. By emphasizing experimental validation under realistic conditions, the study bridges the gap between laboratory research and field application. It illustrates that bespoke additive formulations, tailored to reservoir specifics, represent a transformative step forward in hydraulic fracturing technology.
Furthermore, the findings prompt reconsideration of regulatory guidelines concerning chemical additives. The demonstrated environmental benefits of eco-friendly additives support stricter standards and incentivize innovation in sustainable chemical development. Policymakers and industry leaders can leverage this evidence to formulate regulations that balance resource extraction needs with ecological stewardship.
This research also opens avenues for future exploration, such as integrating nanomaterials as additives to further enhance fracture conductivity and fluid stability. The potential synergistic effects between conventional additives and emerging nanotechnologies warrant extensive experimental investigation. The authors suggest that multi-disciplinary collaboration will be crucial in driving next-generation hydraulic fracturing advancements.
In conclusion, the Sulige Gas Field study marks a milestone in understanding the intricate role additives play in hydraulic fracturing. Its rigorous experimental approach offers actionable insights that can improve gas recovery efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and optimize operational costs. As global energy demands evolve, such research underscores the importance of innovation and sustainability in unlocking unconventional resources responsibly.
Subject of Research: Impact of chemical additives on hydraulic fracturing fluid performance and environmental implications in the Sulige Gas Field, China.
Article Title: Impacts of additives in hydraulic fracturing technology: an experimental investigation in the Sulige Gas Field, China.
Article References:
He, X., Li, P., Qian, H. et al. Impacts of additives in hydraulic fracturing technology: an experimental investigation in the Sulige Gas Field, China. Environmental Earth Sciences 84, 558 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-025-12606-5
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