HOSTAFRAC
HOSTAFRAC is a flow-back aid that revolves around sustainability. There were several thousand formulations considered based on a multitude of different surfactant, co-surfactant, solvent and co-solvent components. High-throughput formulation and experimentation allowed us to identify some extraordinary synergistic properties quickly. The development of a new class of microemulsion products made up of the renewable and environmentally friendly components have made a substantial step towards a state-of-the-art flow back aids of this type. We conducted a host of industry standard test methodologies to understand the performance envelope for these products, with final regain permeability and core flow testing to determine the best performing microemulsion formulations. We observed that microemulsions offer some benefits over individual surfactants, primarily on the non-emulsification of crude oil and water and multiphase flow in porous media – often seen as the primary damage mechanism in oil well fracturing. Paired with the sustainable nature of the components, the disinclination of bioaccumulation and the favorable toxicity profile make microemulsions a promising alternative to surfactant-based chemistries. The application of this technology to the field was successful. HOSTAFRAC provides a value that is second-to-none, but the differentiating benefit is the contribution this chemistry makes to the sustainability and environmental profile of the industry.
