Shale Drillers Are Boosting US Oil Production With Better Soap

Surfactants, chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing operations, are being deployed by shale drillers to address declining production growth rates in U.S. crude oil extraction. The chemicals reduce friction in wellbores and improve the efficiency of hydraulic fracturing fluid, allowing companies to extract more oil from existing wells. Multiple energy companies have begun incorporating surfactants into their drilling operations as a method to maintain or increase output without drilling new wells. Industry data shows U.S. shale oil production growth has slowed in recent years despite advances in drilling technology.

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