SUSTAIN® improves frac performance through interfacial chemistry that changes how fluids move through the reservoir.
/ SUSTAIN®
Accelerate Cleanup. Improve Reservoir Contact. Drive Sustained Production.
Frac surfactants engineered for faster flowback and stronger early production
What Is SUSTAIN®?
SUSTAIN® is a glycolipid biosurfactant system of frac surfactants designed to improve fluid–rock interaction at the reservoir level. It integrates into existing fluid systems to reduce interfacial tension, enhance contact, and accelerate cleanup—delivering faster flowback, earlier production, and more efficient recovery.
Primary Applications
Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization
Improve fluid contact, reduce capillary trapping, and accelerate flowback during completion.
How SUSTAIN® Works
IFT Reduction
Reduces interfacial tension to mobilize trapped hydrocarbons
Deep Pore Penetration
Small micelles access micro- and nanopores within the formation
Wettability Alteration
Shifts rock toward water-wet conditions to improve fluid flow
Capillary Pressure Reduction
Reduces trapping forces to improve fluid recovery
Proven Production Impact
SUSTAIN® delivers measurable, field-validated gains across the production curve
- Faster cleanup and earlier oil production
- Improved reservoir contact and stimulation efficiency
- Sustained production uplift over time
- Lower intervention frequency
- More predictable well performance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SUSTAIN® used for?
SUSTAIN® is a biosurfactant-based frac additive designed to improve flowback efficiency, hydrocarbon mobility, and overall production performance in hydraulic fracturing operations.
How does SUSTAIN improve production?
SUSTAIN works by modifying fluid and rock interactions at the microscopic level:
- Reduces surface and interfacial tension
- Alters wettability to release trapped hydrocarbons
- Uses ultra-small micelles (~3–5 nm) to access nanopores
These combined effects improve fluid cleanup and increase hydrocarbon flow from the formation.
Why does chemistry matter in modern frac design?
Mechanical design (stages, sand, spacing) is already optimized in most shale plays.
Production gains are increasingly coming from chemical efficiency, how effectively fluids interact with the reservoir to mobilize hydrocarbons.
What kind of performance has SUSTAIN delivered?
Field results have shown:
- ~20% increase in oil production
- Improved flowback and lower water-oil ratios
- Up to 12× ROI with payout in under one month
How is this different from conventional surfactants?
Traditional surfactants:
- Require higher dosage
- Have limited penetration
- Often underperform in high salinity
SUSTAIN biosurfactants:
- Work at lower concentrations (low CMC)
- Penetrate deeper into the formation
- Maintain performance under variable reservoir conditions
Does it require changes to frac design or operations?
No. SUSTAIN is designed as a drop-in chemical upgrade, with minimal changes to mechanical design, equipment, or workflow.
Where is it NOT the right fit?
Wells already optimized for fluid recovery with minimal capillary trapping may see smaller incremental gains.
Greatest value comes in:
- tight formations
- high water retention systems
- wells with suboptimal cleanup
Optimize Your Next Completion with SUSTAIN®
Unlock better cleanup, higher early-time production, and stronger long-term recovery.