Chronicle Herald editorial cartoon, July 28, 2014
[Refer also to:
Dr. Wheeler’s frac panel was selected in 2014. Dr. Maurice Dusseault filed his frac patent in 2011; it was issued to him in May 2013, long before he was selected to be on Dr. Wheeler’s frac panel.
Description of Dr. Dusseault’s Patent on Canadian Intellectual Property Office website:
As well, concerns have been expressed regarding the potential environmental impact from the use of synthetic additives in hydraulic fracturing solutions.
…
In one aspect, the fracturing fluids employed in this process comprise of water, saline or water/particulate slurries that are essentially free of additives.
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[0020] The terms “induced fracture” or “generated fracture” as used herein mean: a fracture or fractures created in the rock formation by man-made hydraulic fracturing techniques involving or aided by the use of a hydraulic fluid, which in the present process is intended tobe clear water along with additives such as friction reducers to aid the hydraulic fracturing process.
[0021] The term “slurry” as used herein means: a mixture a granular material sand/proppantalong with clear water, which may or may not have additional additives for friction control and fracture development control. [Emphasis added]