Oilfield Chemistry Roundtable

The ACS Green Chemistry Institute Oilfield Chemistry Roundtable (OCR) is a collaboration between the ACS Green Chemistry Institute® and oil and gas companies to advance green chemistry and engineering in their industry. The OCR is a science-focused forum that provides member companies a collective platform to prioritize research needs, inform the research agenda, and leverage resources towards the design and implementation of green chemistry and engineering tools specific to the industry.

Established in 2014 and originally focused on hydraulic fracturing, the Roundtable expanded its mission in 2020 to advance green chemistry and engineering in the broader oil and gas industry. 

Projects and Activities

Key Research Areas

  • OCR is evaluating innovative alternatives for friction reducers—the oilfield stimulation chemical used in the largest volumes. See the open RFP.
  • Another research area of interest is finding alternative biocides or a way to reduce the use of biocides in wells. In 2019, the Roundtable engaged in a research collaboration with Montana State University’s Center for Biofilm Engineering to investigate enzymatic approaches to reduce biofilms.
  • To encourage research innovations, the Roundtable published a paper in Energy & Fuels defining the Grand Challenges & Opportunities for Greener Chemical Alternatives in Hydraulic Fracturing.  

Education and Engagement

  • The OCR will be presenting a symposium at ACS Spring 2022 in collaboration with the Energy and Fuels Division (ENFL).
  • The OCR actively organizes and sponsors sessions at ACS GCI’s annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference, including “Bio-Based Materials and Processes for the Energy & Petrochemical Industry” at the 2021 event. In previous years, sessions organized have included greener chemicals alternatives for hydraulic fracturing, among other topics.
  • In September 2020, the OCR presented an ACS Webinar, Grand Challenges and Opportunities for Greener Alternatives within the Oil and Gas Industry, to educate and engage scientists on new research (the recording can be viewed).
  • Roundtable members collaborated with the ACS on the current position statement, Science and Technology of Hydraulic Fracturing.

Mission & Strategic Priorities

Mission

To systematically integrate green and sustainable chemistry and engineering principles and practices into the chemical supply chain for oilfield chemistry.  This scientific collaboration will seek to enable informed decisions about those chemicals commonly employed in oilfield chemistry and will work to promote the prioritized development of more sustainable chemical alternatives.

Strategic Priorities

  • To develop and disseminate scientific information related to the application and impact of green and sustainable chemistry and engineering principles in the chemical supply chain for oilfield chemistry.
  • To provide a scientific framework and tools to facilitate the integration of green and sustainable chemistry and engineering principles and practices into oilfield chemistry.
  • To identify, assess and prioritize chemicals in the oilfield chemistry manufacturing process that may warrant more sustainable alternatives. 
  • To promote effective communication and collaboration with key stakeholders, as appropriate, to facilitate the integration of green and sustainable chemistry and engineering principles and practices into the chemical supply chain of oilfield chemistry.
  • To advocate for and foster high-quality, risk-based, evidence-based, scientific approaches to green and sustainable chemistry and engineering and the use of innovative additive technology in the pursuit of more sustainable practices in oilfield chemistry.

Membership

Membership Eligibility

The ACS GCI Oilfield Chemistry Roundtable welcomes the active participation of companies meeting the following description:

Companies self-identified as meeting the definition of one of the following NAICS codes or a manufacturer of chemicals that directly supplies a company in one of the following NAICS codes.

  • 211111: Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas Extraction
  • 213112: Support activities for oil and gas separations

Global participation is encouraged.

Membership Participation

Member companies pledge their support and contribute to the Roundtable by making available their knowledge and experience as well as providing financial support. Member companies participate in monthly meetings and work with committees to direct and develop resources to meet the needs of the member companies. Each member company may designate employees to participate in the Roundtable. Diversity in expertise including but not limited to chemistry, environmental, health and safety, toxicology, etc., provides an opportunity to address the green chemistry and engineering needs of the oilfield chemistry industry from a wider perspective.

Membership Fees

Membership fees are restricted for the purpose of meeting the project needs of the Roundtable. Annual fees range from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on the price of oil. Fees are prorated the first year according to month of membership, but no less than half the annual fee.

Recommended Publications

In accordance with the Roundtable’s strategic priority to develop and disseminate scientific information related to the application and impact of green chemistry and engineering principles in the chemical supply chain for oilfield chemistry, the ACS GCI Oilfield Chemistry Roundtable recommends the following publications.

    Disclaimer: The American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute’s Oilfield Chemistry Roundtable (“the Roundtable”) has created this list of publications to inform about green chemistry application in oilfield chemistry. The Roundtable has used reasonable efforts in collecting, preparing and providing quality information and material, but does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, adequacy or currency of the information contained in the list. By downloading, viewing and utilizing information from the list, visitors assume full responsibility for their own actions and any damages or liabilities that may result from the utilization of information obtained. Should you have any questions or comments, please send an e-mail to gciroundtables@acs.org.


    Member Companies

     

    BASF
    CES Canadian Energy
    IFF - International Flavors and Fragrances
    Rockwater
    Shell

    ACS GCI's Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference

    The 2025 Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference will be held June 23-26 in Pittsburgh, PA, with the theme Good Health & Well-Being Through Sustainable Chemistry.