Chemical Additive Unit – Precision Dosing for Fracturing & Stimulation Fluids

Product Overview

A chemical additive unit (also known as a chemical additive skid, chemical injection unit, or liquid additive system) is a critical component of any modern fracturing spread. Its primary function is to precisely meter and inject liquid chemical additives into the fracturing fluid stream—at controlled rates and concentrations—to achieve the desired fluid properties for effective well stimulation.

In hydraulic fracturing and acidizing operations, the performance of the treatment fluid depends heavily on the precise addition of various chemicals. These include friction reducers to lower pumping pressures, corrosion inhibitors to protect downhole equipment, biocides to control bacterial growth, clay stabilizers to prevent formation damage, surfactants to improve fluid recovery, and breakers to reduce viscosity after the job-. Even though chemical additives typically account for only 0.5 to 2 percent of the total fracturing fluid volume-, their correct dosing is essential to treatment success.

Our chemical additive unit is available in truck-mounted, trailer-mounted, or skid-mounted configurations, offering the flexibility to match any operational requirement—from small single-well treatments to large-scale multi-well pad fracturing programs.

How a Chemical Additive Unit Works

The chemical additive unit operates on a precise and automated principle: continuously metering and injecting liquid chemicals into the fracturing fluid stream at the correct concentration.

Step-by-Step Operation

Chemical Storage – Liquid chemical additives are stored in dedicated tanks, with volumes ranging from 1 to 4 m³ (customizable) depending on the additive type and job requirements.

Precise Metering – Each chemical is independently drawn from its tank and metered using high-precision mass flowmeters that ensure accurate, reliable dosing regardless of fluid viscosity or temperature changes.

Injection – The metered chemicals are pumped into the fracturing fluid stream using chemical additive discharge pumps. The number of pumps is customizable to accommodate different additive types and flow rate requirements.

Rate Control – The flow rate of each additive system automatically adjusts in proportion to the plunger pump displacement, ensuring consistent additive concentration even as pumping rates change during the job.

System Integration – The unit interfaces with the fracturing spread’s intelligent control system, allowing operators to monitor and adjust additive rates in real time from a central control point.

The entire process is managed by an advanced control system that provides “what you see is what you get” visualization, making operation intuitive and reducing the risk of human error.

Key Features – Engineered for Precision, Reliability, and Flexibility

1. First Self-Developed Integrated Chemical Additive Unit in China

Our chemical additive unit represents a significant engineering achievement—it is the first self-developed integrated chemical additive unit in China, designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern fracturing operations.

2. Independent Power Pack for Easy Maintenance

The unit features an independent power pack that simplifies maintenance and servicing. This design allows the additive system to be serviced or repaired without affecting other equipment in the fracturing spread.

3. Multiple Liquid Additive Systems

The unit can be equipped with multiple independent liquid additive systems, each with its own tank, pump, and metering controls. This allows the simultaneous injection of different additives—such as friction reducers, corrosion inhibitors, and biocides—at independently controlled rates.

4. High-Precision Mass Flowmeter Control

Each additive line is controlled by a high-precision mass flowmeter that ensures accurate, reliable dosing. This is critical for maintaining consistent fluid properties and avoiding costly overdosing or underdozing.

5. Integrated Water Tank for Cleaning and Maintenance

An optional water tank can be installed for cleaning and maintenance after operations. This feature allows operators to flush the additive system, significantly improving the service life of the chemical additive pumps and reducing downtime.

6. Standby Hydraulic System for Reliability

The unit can be equipped with a standby hydraulic system that provides interchange and backup capability. This redundancy ensures operational reliability even in the event of a primary system failure.

7. Manifold Design for Diverse Media

The manifold design allows for the simultaneous delivery of various media, meeting diverse working conditions and fluid formulations.

8. Flexible Mounting and Power Options

Available in truck-mounted, trailer-mounted, or skid-mounted configurations, with engine or electric motor drive options.

9. Customisable Configuration

The unit can be customized with:

Customizable number of chemical additive discharge and fill pumps

Customizable tank quantity and volume (1 to 4 m³ per tank)

Mass flowmeter metering for precise control

10. Intelligent Control System Integration

The unit integrates with the fracturing spread’s state-of-the-art intelligent control system, developed with the idea of “what you see is what you get” for easier operation and real-time monitoring. The flow rate of each additive system automatically adjusts with the plunger pump displacement.

Technical Specifications

Applications

Our chemical additive unit is suitable for a wide range of well stimulation and oilfield operations:

Hydraulic Fracturing – Precise dosing of friction reducers, surfactants, clay stabilisers, biocides, breakers, and other additives-

Acid Fracturing – Injection of acid additives, corrosion inhibitors, and surfactants

Matrix Acidizing – Controlled chemical addition for formation stimulation

Multi-Well Pad Operations – High-volume additive injection for large-scale fracturing programs

Onshore and Offshore Operations – Flexible mounting options suit both land-based and offshore environments

Complete Frac Spread Integration – Works alongside fracturing units, sand blenders, hydration units, data vans, and manifolds as part of a complete fracturing spread

Why Choose Our Chemical Additive Unit

Precision dosing – High-precision mass flowmeters ensure accurate, reliable additive control

Flexible configuration – Customizable tanks, pumps, and mounting options to match your specific needs

Proven reliability – Independent power pack, standby hydraulic system, and robust construction for demanding field operations

Easy maintenance – Optional water tank for cleaning and maintenance extends pump service life

Intelligent control – State-of-the-art control system with real-time monitoring and automatic rate adjustment

Complete frac spread integration – Part of a comprehensive fracturing equipment package

Proven performance – Successfully deployed in major oilfield regions including North America, Middle East, and Central Asia

Contact us to learn more about our chemical additive unit and how it can enhance the precision, reliability, and efficiency of your fracturing or stimulation operations.