Hydraulic fracturing is a stimulation process that maximizes extraction of underground natural resources such as oil, natural gas, water and geothermal energy. Hydraulic fracturing enhances subsurface fracture systems allowing natural gas and oil to move freely to the production wells located on the surface from the rock pores. The process is common in about nine out of ten gas wells in the U.S. The process uses gallons of sand, chemicals and water to rupture the rocks that hold gas, causing release of gases. This method is advancement in technology since it has the potential to lower over reliance of import of fuel. In addition, the technology will reduce the emission of carbon dioxide in the environment.
The process commences with the building of infrastructure at the drilling site. The constructors drill the production wells either vertically or horizontally. Horizontal drilling extends from about 1000 to 6000 feet from the well while vertical drilling extends to thousands of feet. After drilling, the constructors insert steel pipes into the well bore. Perforation takes place within the target zones that contain gas or oil.
This enables the injected fracturing fluid to flow through the holes into the target regions. The target zone is usually unable to absorb the fracturing fluid at the same rate the fluid injection occurs. This creates pressure within the formation causing the formation to crack (MacDermott, 2011). Once the fracturing fluid creates the fractures, the experts do not inject any more fluid in the formation and the fluids freed from the rocks start to flow to the surface. Proppants such as ceramic beads and sand, which are part of the fracturing fluid, remain below to hold the fractures. Experts continuously monitor pressures, proppants and fluids, analyzing the reaction of sand as it hits the wellbore bottom. The experts also examine the increase in density of sand to water and impact of density to the fractures. The experts repeat this stage several times to attain the required fractures.
The removal of the fracturing plugs from the wellbore follows and well tested, and results analyzed. After reduction of water pressure, the fluids rise up the wellbore for treatment in case of re-use or disposal. In most cases, experts pump a combination of chemicals, proppants and water into the coal or rock. Other times they create fractures using gases such as nitrogen and propane. Acidizing can also occur whereby the miners pump acid such as hydrochloric acid in the formation. This dissolves rocks and cleans pores, enabling gas and fluids to flow quickly into the wells (MacDermott, 2011).
Oil and gas fracturing differ in the materials used to pump the resources to the wellbore surface. Oil fracturing uses Proppants such as acids and gases.
Hydraulic fracturing technology is significantly beneficial in the gas and oil industry. Although hydraulic fracturing is expensive, it is financially viable if compared to the rising price of oil barrel. Fracturing can reduce natural gas imports. Another benefit is it reduces financial costs since no need for equipment installation in most production sites. Areas where the technology is in use include Barnett Shale, Bossier Shale, Haynesville Shale and Utica Shale. Other areas are Quebec in Canada, Karoo basin in South Africa, South Wales in
Australia. France banned the technology due to public pressure (MacDermott, 2011).
Hydraulic fracturing faces significant opposition because of its negative impact. For instance, it causes air and water pollution. These possess a threat to both aquatic life and human beings. Some of The additives used such as Isopropanol, Ethylene glycol and petroleum distillates are health hazards. The technology also consumes a lot of water. Some wells require one to eight million gallons of water to open up rocks.
References
MacDermott, M. (2011). Facts On Fracking, Pros & Cons of Hydraulic Fracturing For Natural Gas (Infographic) : TreeHugger. TreeHugger. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://www.treehugger.com/fossil-fuels/facts-on-fracking-pros-cons-of-hydraulic-fracturing-for-natural-gas-infographic.html
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Hydraulic fracturing background information. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturing/wells_hydrowhat.cfm
