Viscosity reduction of fracturing fluids

Patent Pending The main purposes of fracturing fluid are to extend fractures, add lubrication, change gel strength, and to carry proppant into the formation. There are two methods of transporting proppant in the fluid – high-rate and high-viscosity. High-viscosity fracturing tends to cause large dominant fractures, while high-rate (slickwater) fracturing causes small spread-out micro-fractures.[citation needed] Water-soluble gelling agents (such as guar gum) increase viscosity and efficiently deliver proppant into the formation.