Chapter 18, Problem 1DE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The tests for the detection and the quantification of the chemicals involved in the fracking operation are to be designed.

Concept introduction: The removal of the petroleum from the ground is done by injecting high pressure hydraulic liquids to break the shale rocks.

To determine: The test for the detection and the quantification of the chemicals involved in fracking operation.

Answer to Problem 1DE

Solution: The test for the detection and the quantification of the chemicals involved in fracking operation.

Explanation of Solution

The chemicals involved in fracking operations are hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride, ethylene glycol, borate salt, water soluble gelling agents such as guar gum, citric acid, methanol, isopropanol and methane.

Amongst the above chemicals, hydrochloric acid and citric acid are acidic in nature, sodium chloride is a salt, ethanol and isopropanol are volatile alcohols and the guar gum and ethylene glycol are the viscosity modifier.
The test for the detection of the acids is to check for the $\text{pH}$ and compare it with the $\text{pH}$ of the regular domestic water. The acids are quantified by the titration using a strong base.

The volatile alcohols are detected and quantified by gas chromatography.

The gelling agents are detected by comparing the viscosity of the sample solution and the regular domestic water. These are quantified by the UV-visible spectroscopy.

The concentrations of all the chemicals are determined to ensure the source is from the fracking operations, since the determination of some chemicals does not ensure the exact source of impurity.

Conclusion

For the detection and the quantification of the chemicals involved in fracking operations, the test based on their physical properties should be designed.