Patent ID: 10273401

Abstract:
A hydraulic fracturing process comprises combining an aqueous carrier with a superabsorbent polymer and a plurality of proppant particles to form a fracturing fluid; and disposing the fracturing fluid in a downhole environment. When the aqueous carrier has a total dissolved solid content of equal to or less than 400 parts per million and a hardness of less than 100 parts per million as calcium carbonate, the superabsorbent polymer comprises particles having a size of about 145 microns to about 600 microns. When the aqueous carrier has a total dissolved solid content of greater than 400 parts per million to less than 8,000 parts per million and a hardness of greater than 100 parts per million to less than 2,500 parts per million as calcium carbonate, the superabsorbent polymer comprises particles having a size of about 145 microns to about 300 microns.