Baker Hughes implements full chemical disclosure for fracturing operations

Baker Hughes has implemented a policy of disclosing 100% of the chemistry contained within its hydraulic fracturing fluid systems, without the use of any trade secret designations. The company announced in March this year that its plans to provide complete lists of its products and chemical constituents for all wells the company fractures using its hydraulic fracturing fluid products, without detailing specific product formulations.

“Introducing greater transparency about the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process and protecting the ability to innovate are not conflicting goals,” said Derek Mathieson, Baker Hughes Chief Strategy Officer. “The policy we are implementing today is consistent with our belief that we are partners in solving industry challenges and that we have a responsibility to provide the public with the information they want and deserve. It simultaneously enables us to protect proprietary information that is critical to our growth.”

For each fracturing job the company performs on or after 1 October 2014, the policy mandates that Baker Hughes will disclose a single list of all of the chemical constituents of its products used, while also specifying their maximum concentrations.

Baker Hughes’ policy is fully compatible with the online national hydraulic fracturing chemical registry known as FracFocus. All of the company’s disclosure forms can be found here.