Practical Mixing Solutions for On-Site Fracking Fluid Preparation

In Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing: the process of mining oil or natural gas in geologic formation underground, specifically gas locked in pores of rocks like shale, the mixing of fracking fluid plays an essential role in the mining process.  Dynamix is proud to provide an efficient mixer system which makes this process more economical.  The dynamic coupling technology is ideal for this process and will be explained here.

The Fracking Process

Fracking, in simple terms, drills a hole down vertically on average 1.5 miles, then after making at 90 degree turn, then drill horizontally at a distance, at times longer than even the vertical distance drilled.

The next step is to open up many holes in the horizontal section of the pipe.  After, fracking fluid is through the borehole at high pressure. Then this liquid cocktail pumps through the hole in the horizontal section of the pipe and into the shale.  It bleeds out through holes and surrounding rocks, and the pressure causes rocks to form many fractures and cracks.  Through these cracks the fossil fuels that were locked in the pores of the shale for millions of years can now move through the pipe and travel back up to the pipe.  Essentially this is how the fossil fuel is mined in shale fracking mining.

The fracking fluid usually consist of mixture of water and chemical additives: acids to help dissolve rock, gels to thicken fluid, and solid particles called proppants (usually some sort of sand).  The proppants help to support the cracks in the rock, holding them open so the fuel can flow through freely, without continuous pressure in the pipes.

Why Does Fracking Fluid Mix Quality Matter? 

Blend consistency from tote to tote must avoid poor dispersion of low concentration additives, such as friction reducers, gelling agents, and scale inhibitors, that can dramatically shift performance. Tight mixing control ensures that fracking fluids behave predictably. 

Where Mixing Is Needed in Fracking   

There are multiple points in the mining process where mixing is needed. At the point where the fracking fluid is mixed, usually brought to sites on truck. These trucks generally carry multiple totes where the fracking fluid is mixed together to be used in the mining process described above. Various, additives, thickeners and proppants are combined and mixed. The Dynamix ITM is ideal for this use and application. Its compact and highly portable design allows for more mixing (pumping) for its size. Utilising it’s collapsible Dynaflow Impellers to enter the more confined portable tanks enables these tanks to become process vessels at the site.

Many times, our clients ask for our dynamic coupling technology which helps the efficiency of preparing multiple totes available ready and optimally mixed to be pumped down the borehole.  Our dynamic coupling technology splits the Drive Unit from the Agitator Segment. This allows the multiple agitators segments to be already installed in the totes, with just a couple of drive units to transfer among them for mixing.  Such a configuration saves cost for many projects: it makes the process of changing totes cleaner and more efficient.

On-Site Mixing Challenges in Fracking Processes 

Common mixing challenges in fracking include variable water salinity and hardness, temperature changes, and short cycle times. Field blending must fully hydrate polymers, disperse liquid additives, and maintain solids suspension despite these difficult conditions. 

How Do Crews Confirm the Fracking Fluid Blend Is Ready for Injection? 

Crews can check key parameters such as viscosity and pH to ensure that they are within target ranges. They also look for visual indicators such as the absence of gel balls, steady circulation, and consistent behavior during transfer to judge whether sufficient mixing has been achieved.

Practical Mixing Solutions for Fracking Applications 

Dynamic coupling is a practical solution to simplify tote-based mixing on location. Keeping agitator segments installed and moving only the drive improves efficiency, reducing changeout time and minimizing mess for your crew. You can talk with the team at Dynamix to find the perfect mixing solution for fracking and related processes. 

Learn more about the advantages of dynamic coupling for your next fracturing and mining projects.