Solvents have traditionally been derived from petroleum. These petroleum-based solvents are now being replaced by bio-based solvents, derived from renewable feedstocks such as corn, soybeans and orange peels. Bio-based solvents emit few to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to human health and the ozone layer. In addition, bio-based solvents are less toxic and have less environmental impact; hence, they can be considered substitutes for traditional solvents.
In the oilfield industry, bio-based solvents have applications in drilling, production, completion fluids, fracturing, packer fluids, and more. The major types of bio-based solvents are hydrocarbons, alcohols, glycols, ketones, esters and ethers. Solvents also act as dissolving solids, heat management, enhance mixing, etc.