Friction Reducer:
Well fracking operations require large volumes of water be pumped at very high pressures to fracture shale formations effectively. To reduce the loss of pressure from frictional forces fracturing water is treated with friction reducers. Friction reducers are high-molecular weight polymers of acrylamide in an oil emulsion. They are used for slick water hydraulic fracturing to reduce friction pressures in all types of fluids from acids to hydrocarbons and reduces the energy required in pumping. This reduces wear and tear. Cationic or anionic emulsion polymer that can reduce friction pressures of water by more than 70%.