FRP Applications for Common Fracking Chemicals

Within the Fracking Industry there are many opportunities for FRP applications.  For example, chemical storage, containment, handling, transport, and batching—to name a few.  Whether you are working with breakers, clay stabilizers, acids, corrosion inhibitors, acids, biocides, crosslinkers, friction reducers, scale inhibitors, pH adjusting agents or gelling agents—chances are FRP products (i.e. tanks, vessels, pipe etc.) can be designed to meet your service requirements and job specifications. 

Here is a short list of common fracking chemicals, all of which FRP can be employed.

FRP Applications for Common Fracking Chemicals

Chemical Name	CAS	Chemical Purpose	Product Function
Hydrochloric Acid	007647-01-0	Helps dissolve minerals and initiate cracks in the rock	Acid
Calcium Chloride	010043-52-4	Product Stabilizer	Breaker
Ammonium Persulfate	007727-54-0	Allows a delayed break down of the gel	Breaker
Sodium Chloride	007647-14-5	Prevents clays from swelling or shifting	Clay Stabilizer
Isopropyl Alcohol	000067-63-0	Product stabilizer and / or winterizing agent	Surfactant
Formic Acid	000064-18-6	Prevents the corrosion of the pipe	Corrosion Inhibitor
Boric Acid	001333-73-9	Maintains fluid viscosity as temperature increases	Crosslinker
Ethylene Glycol	000107-21-1	Product stabilizer and / or winterizing agent	Gelling Agent
Acetic Acid	000064-19-7	Prevents precipitation of metal oxides	Iron Control
Potassium Hydroxide	001310-58-3	Adjusts the pH of fluid to maintains the effectiveness of other components, such as crosslinkers	pH Adjusting Agent
Potassium Carbonate	000584-08-7	Adjusts the pH of fluid to maintains the effectiveness of other components, such as crosslinkers	pH Adjusting Agent
Naphthalene	000091-20-3	Carrier fluid for the active surfactant ingredients	Surfactant

Of course the type of resin you choose as well as other design considerations such as operating temperature, pressure, vacuum, concentration of chemicals will need to be considered before engineering your product. 

In general, isophthalic and vinyl ester resins are suitable for a wide range of conventional and custom FRP applications.  Their ability to withstand a multitude of chemical applications and their unique properties are directly related to their chemistry.

Isophthalic resins have a high- molecular weight, thermosetting resins offer superior physical and corrosion resistance properties in stringent harsh environments.  Similarly, vinyl ester resins are versatile and are able to retain many of the qualities epoxies typically posses, such as tensile strength, elongation, fatigue resistance, and good alkali and oxidizing chemical resistance.

Beyond the twelve chemical applications listed above there are more—literally thousands more.  There are opportunities everywhere and FRP offers many benefits including cost-effectiveness and corrosion/abrasion resistance.  Additional chemical applications can be found in many resin manufacturer guides.

Because each job has unique requirements please contact Beetle Plastics or a resin manufacturer regarding specific design specifications. We will work with you to ensure that our products meet your expectations in terms of both quality and service. Our custom FRP products are high quality, easy to install and have long life cycles.