Hydraulic Fracturing
What is hydraulic fracturing?
Hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as fracing, is a process that creates fractures deep underground allowing natural
gas and oil to flow free from geologic formations
formations. Starting at the beginning of the long horizontal section of a well,
segments of the wellbore are isolated and casing is perforated. Water, sand and other additives are then pumped under
high pressure to create the fissures, which is “propped” open by the sand. This allows natural gas and oil to flow up the
wellbore so that it may be collected at the surface. The process is heavily regulated throughout,
throughout ensuring the utmost
protection freshwater aquifers. Current rules requ
require multiple layers of protective
tive steel casing be installed and
surrounded by cement, so that all groundwater is fully protected. In the 65 years hydraulic fracturing has been utilized,
there has not been a single proven case of drinking water contamination rrelated to fracing.
What is in the frac fluid?
Approximately 98 percent of frac fluid used is composed of water and sand. The remaining 2 percent includes specialpurpose additives to facilitate the process and make it more efficient. These include additives such as friction reducers
and corrosion inhibitors.
Frac Fluid Composition
Water and Sand
Other
Why is this method used?
Hydraulic fracturing has allowed producers the ability to extract natural gas and oil found in deep shale formations. This
technological advancement will allow extensive production across the United States, dramatically decreasing our
reliance on foreign fuel sources. This development is leading to a new energy revolution, ushering in a robust resurgence
of domestic production. In the next 10 years, experts predict up to 80 percent of all wells drilled in the United States will
require fracturing to remain profitable and operating.
History of hydraulic fracturing
In the late 1940s, hydraulic fracturing was used in Kansas for the first time to stimulate
e oil and gas wells.
wells However, it was
not until the 1980s when George Mitchell combined fracture designs, rigorous reservoir characterization, horizontal
drilling and lower cost approaches that hydraulic fracturing became an efficient alternative to allow production from
unconventional reservoirs. Gas production reached historic levels in the Barnett Shale in 2005, with nearly 5 billion cubic
feet of gas produced each day. Since then, there has been extensive development of other major shale plays in other
basins across the country.