Patent ID: 8474313

Claim:
A process for testing a sample of a hydraulic fracturing fluid comprising: a. introducing a sample of hydraulic fracturing fluid of known composition into a sample chamber of a manually portable testing apparatus, the testing apparatus comprising: a piston closely fit in the inner chamber region defining a first variable volume compartment of the chamber for receiving the hydraulic fracturing fluid sample and a second variable volume compartment in inversely variable volume a source of pressurized fluid in selective fluid communication with the first variable volume compartment and the second variable volume compartment a first removable end cap associated with first compartment including a first opening in fluid communication with an evacuation valve, a second opening in fluid communication with a pressure gauge, a third opening in fluid communication with the pressure source, and a fourth opening connected to a temperature gauge, a second removable end-cap associated with the second compartment including an opening in fluid communication with the pressure source, and a heat source in thermal communication with the inner chamber region; b. subjecting the hydraulic fracturing fluid sample to a pressure that simulates the pressure in a subterranean reservoir in which the hydraulic fracturing fluid composition is proposed for use in a hydraulic fracturing operation and monitoring a resultant pressure in the inner chamber region by observing the pressure gauge, the pressure created by introducing pressurized gas from the pressure source and/or reducing excess pressure by opening the evacuation valve; c. subjecting the hydraulic fracturing fluid sample to a temperature condition simulating a temperature condition in the subterranean reservoir, the temperature condition controlled by adjusting the heat source and monitoring the temperature in the inner chamber region as measured by the temperature gauge; and d. monitoring characteristics including viscosity, homogeneity, acidity, and phase of the hydraulic fracturing fluid or a combination of one or more of viscosity, homogeneity, acidity, and phase of the hydraulic fracturing fluid sample under the simulated reservoir pressure and temperature conditions.