Two key technologies of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing are recognized to achieve the rapid growth of shale gas production, in specific, in the United States during last decade. The claims between environmentalists and oil companies have been debating in terms of water contamination. Nowadays, voluntary publication of chemicals from shale gas players are available in the website, FracFocus. This paper introduces chemicals that are currently used in hydraulic fracturing process. Among chemicals, guar gum and guar derivatives are dominantly consumed to increase the viscosity of hydrofracking fluids. The role of additional additives, such as breakers and biocides, is presented by explaining how they cut down the molecular structure of guar gum and guar derivatives. In addition, crosslinking agent, pH controller, friction reducer, and water soluble polymers are also presented

• 강병언(인하공업전문대학 화공환경과) | Byoung-Un Kang
• 오경석(인하공업전문대학 화공환경과) | Kyeong-Seok Oh Corresponding author