Peracetic acid-based (PAA) biocides are rapidly being adopted by producers and service companies because of the fast-acting and environmentally responsible characteristics compared to traditional biocides. With rapid antimicrobial action and biodegradable by products, PAA supports safer water handling, cleaner infrastructure, and more efficient flow assurance across drilling, stimulation, and production phases while also reducing regulatory risks.
As Brian Miller, President of Brainerd Chemical Company, stated, “It [PAA] is safer, all the while protecting and cleaning the land during the production process”.
This emphasis on safety and environmental stewardship positions Brainerd Chemical as a valuable partner for oil and gas producers seeking effective and responsible chemical solutions in the Permian Basin.
PAA biocides are effective in preventing and minimizing MIC, reservoir souring, and biofilm formation that slows down production. Common target organisms include:
- Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB) – produce hydrogen sulfide, a corrosive and toxic gas.
- Acid-Producing Bacteria (APB) – generate organic and inorganic acids that corrode metal infrastructure.
- Slime-Forming Bacteria – produce biofilms that protect SRB and APB colonies and clog flow paths.
As operational demands and environmental expectations rise, producers are quickly shifting toward PAA as a reliable and responsible microbial control solution.
Properties and Performance of Peracetic Acid-Based Biocides
Peracetic acid is an oxidizing biocide formed from the reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. It decomposes into acetic acid, oxygen, and water, leaving no harmful residues.
Key attributes include:
- Broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and spores.
- Fast-acting microbial kill, often within minutes.
- Effective over a wide pH range, making it suitable for varied water chemistries.
- Biodegradable byproducts, which simplify environmental compliance and water reuse.
These characteristics make PAA suitable for treating both raw water and produced water used in hydraulic fracturing and well injection operations.
Applications in the Permian Basin
Operators in the Permian are applying PAA-based biocides in several key use cases:
- Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids – To prevent bacterial growth in frac water, especially when reusing produced water.
- Water Transfer and Storage Systems – To prevent biofilm buildup in temporary tanks, pipelines, and blenders.
- Hydrostatic Testing – To protect pipelines and surface equipment prior to startup.
- Well Maintenance – Periodic biocide treatments are used to control microbial fouling and corrosion.
Operational and Regulatory Considerations
PAA’s relatively low toxicity profile and minimal environmental persistence help operators address both operational risks and regulatory expectations. It is compatible with many water treatment systems and can help reduce the chemical load in discharge or re-injection scenarios.
The short half-life of PAA in the environment reduces concerns over long-term contamination, which is especially relevant near populated or environmentally sensitive areas.
Using The Right PAA Product
Selecting the correct peracetic acid (PAA) biocide formulation is essential to maintaining operating efficiency and microbial control across varying oilfield conditions. Products are engineered with specific concentrations, stability profiles, and compatibility characteristics suited for different applications, from high-temperature wells to water with elevated organic load. For example, stabilized versions like Brainerd Chemical Companies Terrastat® 1522-S or 22-S may be preferred in storage-intensive operations, while Terrastat® 15-OF offers similar properties but for instances that do not need an EPA registration.
Choosing the right formulation ensures optimal biocidal performance, minimizes dosing costs, reduces system downtime, and helps meet site-specific safety and environmental requirements. Collaboration with chemical suppliers and field engineers is critical to matching product selection with water chemistry, flow rates, and operational priorities.
Brainerd Chemical Company offers PAA Biocide solutions tailored to Permian basin production that include:
Terrastat® 1522-S is designed to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters. Terrastat® 1522-S PAA is typically used in:
- Well drilling operations
- Formation fracturing operations
- Productivity enhancement systems
- Secondary recovery systems
- Pipeline and tank maintenance
- Drilling muds, fracturing fluids, well squeezed fluids
- Flooding, injection and produced water sanitation
Terrastat® 15-OF is a non-registered PAA that is designed to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters. Terrastat® 15-OF PAA is typically used in:
- Drilling muds
- Workover & completion fluids
- Water flooding operations
- Saltwater disposals and injection wells
Terrastat® 22 is designed to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters. Terrastat® 22 PAA is typically used in:
- Drilling muds
- Workover & completion fluids
- Water flooding operations
- Saltwater disposals and injection wells
Terrastat® 22-S is designed to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters. Terrastat® 22-S PAA is typically used in:
- Drilling muds
- Packing fluids
- Secondary oil recovery systems
- Saltwater disposals and injection wells
A Smarter Path to Safer Production
PAA-based biocides are becoming a strategic asset because they enable operators reduce regulatory risks, lower environmental impact and in many cases – improve operating efficiency. Their rapid action, broad efficacy, and environmental profile make them well suited for modern production strategies that rely on water reuse and minimal environmental impact.
By controlling microbial threats with lower toxicity and higher efficacy, producers and service companies can drive sustainable productivity across the Permian Basin. That’s not just good chemistry — it’s good business.
Fast & Reliable Peracetic Acid Supply
As an Oklahoma-based, family-owned enterprise, we keenly aware of how important speed, reliability and safety are vital to your success. With multiple manufacturing locations and built-in supply chain redundancies, Brainerd Chemical’s reliability is second to none.
Count on Brainerd Chemical Company to provide:
Fast and Reliable Distribution
With six strategically located facilities and a robust hybrid distribution network, we ensure your mixed acids and specialty chemicals arrive safely, on time, and where you need them—minimizing downtime and maximizing supply chain efficiency. In fact, our Tuttle facility was specifically built to more efficiently serve our oil and gas clients.
Built-In Safety and Compliance
At Brainerd, safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into every process. Our team follows strict safety and regulatory protocols to handle and transport both hazardous and non-hazardous materials with the highest level of care and compliance.
Custom Solutions
Flexibility is central to our service model. Whether you need custom chemical blends, specialty packaging, or precise delivery schedules, our team works with you to develop tailored solutions that meet your exact operational requirements.
When you work with Brainerd Chemical, you gain more than a supplier—you gain a strategic ally dedicated to supporting your operations with quality, responsiveness, and innovation. We’re here to move your business forward, one delivery at a time.
For technical consultations on safe, responsible and effective oilfield biocide solutions, contact Brainerd Chemical Company at +1 (918) 622-1214.
About Brainerd Chemical Company
Brainerd Chemical Companies mission to safely supply our customers with the solutions they need, the support they want, and the reliability they depend on to meet the challenges they face every day.
Media Inquiries:
Brainerd Chemical Company: 1+ (918) 622-1214
SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company.
