Surface Chemistry and Geochemistry of Hydraulic Fracturing

‘This is a comprehensive, unbiased, and technical treatment of a very complex and controversial topic. The author is qualified to evaluate the subject, as he is a widely published expert who has been involved in this and other related areas of research for over 50 years. … Engineers and research scientists involved in the extraction of oil and gas and in waste water treatment will find this work the most helpful.

Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.’

–M. E. McCallum, Colorado State University for Choice, May 2017, Vol. 54 No. 9.

'This book is an essential pedagogical reference of interfacial processes for the fracking technologist, written in an easy-to-absorb style. Fundamental knowledge of interfacial forces is presented within a thermodynamic context, relating interfacial forces to thermodynamic quantities as well as physical processes. A comprehensive chemical perspective is thereby provided of governing physical phenomena in fracking systems, including wetting, adsorption/desorption, coagulation, flocculation, coalescence, foaming, and fracture-induction. Several experimental analytical techniques are discussed, including calorimetry, gravimetric gas adsorption, and emulsion stability determination. In addition, several techniques are presented for specifically measuring interfacial tension values, including contact angle, pendant drop, and Wilhelmy plate. The classic colloidal stability theory DLVO is presented along with an analysis of electro-kinetic processes and viscous forces. All of the advanced scientific theories are presented and discussed using common colloquial language, facilitating rapid understanding and mastery of the topics.

The rigorous thermodynamic, scientific approach adopted in this book ensures direct application to the design and engineering of industrial fracking fluids, reservoirs, and processes, while simultaneously retaining universal applicability to diverse shale compositions. As such, this book provides an effective roadmap for exploiting interfacial phenomenon within the design of industrial fracking systems. A broader view of the fracking industry is adopted, incorporating ancillary topics such as fracking wastewater treatment, oil spills, adhesion, EOR, and detergency. The overall scientific approach in this book opens up substantial insight into the role of interfacial chemistry within the fracking industry. An important reference book for the fracking technology industry.'

– Kristofer Gunnar Paso, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.