Eco-friendly fracking fluid set for debut

Dec. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Contact:  
December 6, 2011                   Ron Lewis, VP for Public Relations
Phone: (318) 450-5109
E-Mail: rlewis@familyjoule.com




Eco-friendly fracking fluid set for debut
Based on food wastes, new fluid is non-toxic, water table friendly and bio-degradable

Guymon, Oklahoma – A newly developed fluid for use in oil and natural gas hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations is now ready for testing in field operations, Family Joule Holdings, Inc. (FJH) announced today. Based largely on waste tallow from beef processing, the fluid is the world’s first 100% non-toxic, water table friendly, “Ultimate Bio-Degradable” fracking fluid, according to FJH, the parent company of BioJoule Fluids & Specialty Chemicals LLC.
“One of the biggest obstacles to hydraulic fracturing is the perceived toxicity of chemicals used to conduct fracking operations, especially in the Marcellus Shale areas of Pennsylvania. We think we have solved that problem, at least” says chief technology officer and company founder Wes Marr.
A principle component of the FJH fluid is edible, but typically wasted tallow from American-raised beef. Other components are likewise non-toxic and safe for humans, animals and the environment. The new fracking fluid contains no hazardous chemicals, under OSHA definitions, and users can clean themselves and their work areas with simple soap and water, with no disposal concerns. Formulated to withstand high temperature, high pressure (HTHP) environments, the FJH fluid is also suitable for completion operations, the company says.
Natural and safe to use, the fracking fluid and other FJH products fluids significantly reduce potential operator health hazards, including skin, eye and nasal irritation hazards often associated with industrial products. “While not recommended, you could actually drink our fracking fluid. It won’t taste very good, but it won’t harm you either,” Marr comments.  
FJH and BioJoule Fluids & Specialty Chemicals are now seeking companies to partner with that can test the fluids in actual downhole operations. They will be meeting with several potential partners over the coming months and hope to test the fluids under various subsurface conditions, in different shale formations, and in several different states and perhaps even foreign countries, according to Marr.
FJH also manufactures a variety of lubricants, solvents and fuel-additives, all which are bio friendly.  The company’s mission is to create innovative “green” products that are safer for consumers and the environment than their traditional petroleum-based or other counterparts, without sacrificing performance or compatibility. Its original flagship products include motor oils and lubricants that are made from renewable sources and sold in Wal-Mart, Home Depot and other retail outlets. Its motor oil has earned the American Petroleum Institute’s “starburst” designation for being resource conserving and is the only motor oil sold today that has API’s SN certification and is designated “Ultimate Biodegradable.”
FJH has also developed and sold commercially biodegradable emulsifiers, defoamers, washer solvents for machine parts, oil-based mud additives, and rig soaps.  After hearing accusations about drilling and fracking fluids, the company set out to find an ecologically friendly solution. “We think our most recent addition to our line of biodegradable, environmentally friendly products meets that need,” Marr says.


“America must reduce its dependence on foreign oil. We also need to use waste products and renewable sources whenever possible – and avoid creating new health or environmental problems. That’s what we did with our line of automotive fluids, and what we have done here,” adds FJH CEO Joe Agiato.
“Companies are being accused of pumping toxic chemicals into the ground while fracking,” Agiato notes. “If they use our fluids, they will have biodegradable fluid that is made from renewable sources, is friendly to the water table, and is safe for children, pets, farm animals and wildlife. Environmentalists, parents, politicians and civic organizations should be very happy with this development.”
Marr believes the FJH fracking fluid is superior to what is being used by the major fracking companies.  “We don’t yet have a case history, but we believe we are close to partnering up with some organizations that will provide us more data, based on downhole operations,” he says.  
“America has abundant oil and gas resources that we can and should drill for, as long as we do it in a responsible manner,” adds Anthony Veath, FJH director of business development. “We need the energy, but we also need to protect and preserve the environment. Those two goals do not need to be at odds.”
“By using renewable base stocks, our solution does not compete with our food supply. So we have met our objective of truly utilizing renewable sources, to hopefully help resolve an ongoing debate. It makes you happy to go to work in the morning,” Veath adds.
Features and Benefits
   Ultimate Biodegradable
   Reduces friction, because of lubricity in fluid
   Bio-base stock’s natural polarity adheres to pipe surfaces
   Reduces rust and corrosion
   Renewable feedstock (edible beef tallow)
   Superior performance, while protecting wildlife, vegetation and the environment
   Performs well in HTHP environments
   Able to provide product to customer specifications
   High flashpoint and low pour point
   Users can alter viscosity and weight

Applications:
Recommended as a fracking fluid and for completion operations
Health & Safety
This product contains no hazardous components under OSHA definitions. Not classified as hazardous to humans or dangerous to the environment. Simply wash with soap and water after handling. Health & Safety information printed on MSDS sheet, which can be obtained by emailing aveath@familyjoule.com
Social Responsibility
FJH understands that some families may have suffered as a result of environmental contamination. As part of the company’s resolve to help those families, while reducing our nation’s dependency on foreign oil, FJH will donate a portion of receipts from every gallon of fracking fluid sold to relief and clean-up efforts around the country. While the full program has not yet been defined, FJH is looking for partners that are committed to reducing environmental contamination problems, while earning profits from producing oil and gas resources and helping America and the world meet their growing energy needs.

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Family Joule manufactures a variety of lubricants, solvents and fuel-additive products. FJH also manufactures a variety of lubricants, solvents and fuel-additives, all which are bio friendly. The company’s mission is to create innovative “green” products that are safer for consumers and the environment than their traditional petroleum-based or other counterparts, without sacrificing performance or compatibility.