Saurabh SharmaHydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as Fracking Technology, has been responsible for a surge in the oil and natural gas production in the United States. For over six decades, this technology has been utilized by the global oil and gas industry.
Fundamentals of Fracking
The fundamental principle of fracking technology involves the tapping of shale and tight-rock formations, first with vertical drilling a mile below the surface, and then turning horizontal, to continue for thousands of feet. In this way, firms can drill several wells in a single site, and case and cement them. The next step involves creating micro-fractures in the rock, by making perforations in the horizontal well pipe and using a typical mixture of water, sand, and additives, in a proportion of 90%, 9.5%, and 0.5% respectively. The selection of additives plays a vital role, as these chemicals help reduce friction, decrease pumping power, prevent pipe corrosion and air emissions, thus boosting the efficiency of oil wells and protecting the environment.
The image below represents the overview of shale gas extraction and the role of hydraulic fracturing in the process.
Contributions of Fracking to the Oil and Gas Industry
As this technology lets oil and gas companies explore previously unexplored territories, it is estimated that up to 95% of the natural gas wells drilled over the next decade would employ fracking. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects that the shale gas share of the total oil and gas production in the United States would increase to 53% by 2040, a prime contributor to which is hydraulic fracturing.
In the 1990s, with the utilization of electronic telemetering equipment and new steerable drill bit motors, the fracking technology entered a new phase of modernization. These equipments allowed operators to monitor and drill holes with extreme precision. These methods prompted oil and gas companies to consider the production of natural gas from methane gas located in the fractures and joints of coal seams, tight gas locked in limestone and sandstone formations, and shale gas in dense microporous shales.
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Environmental Concerns Posed by the Technology
It is to be noted that the fracking technology poses significant environmental threats, as it has been observed that the hydraulic fracturing and related activities could cause seismic activities, and utilize significant quantities of fresh water. Depending on the extent of fracturing required to release the gas and the size of the well, approximately 7.5-20 million litres of water is required. Various environmental groups opine that in areas where shale gas reserves are being explored only in the recent times, the process could lead to unsustainable use of fresh water. However, the industry experts argue that the process consumes lesser water than conventional oil production.
There are also reports which indicate that fracking could cause seismic vibrations. In 2011, two earthquakes of 1.5 and 2.2 magnitudes had hit Blackpool in Lancashire, where an energy company called Cuadrilla was conducting tests related to fracking unexplored shales reserves. Studies suggested that it was highly probable that fracking-induced seismic activities in the region, thus causing tremors. A governmental panel suggested that operators should continuously monitor seismic activities and immediately halt their operations if tremors of over 0.5 magnitudes are observed. There are also concerns that indicate that carcinogenic chemicals used as proppants and catalysts might contaminate groundwater.
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The Way Forward
As fracking is an extreme measure that poses challenges to living spaces and global warming, energy firms could also opt for other methods, such as Underground Coal Gasification, Coalbed Methane Extraction, and Tar Sands Extraction. David Burnett, the Head of the Environmentally Friendly Drilling Systems Program, Texas A&M University, opines that although several green fracking technologies are being gradually implemented, the newer, more eco-friendly technologies could cost around 25% more than conventional fracking, in addition to the requirement of highly skilled labour. The latest trend is that of a switch from diesel to natural gas as a fuel for fracking equipment, which is beneficial in terms of costs and carbon emissions.
There are also alternative technologies that can reduce that quantity of waste associated with the process. According to Anthony Brino of InsideClimate News and Brian Nearing of the Times Union, the latest technology is that of Liquefied Propane Gas (LPG), which is already being used in Canada. This method uses lesser amounts of chemicals and water and is therefore proposed as an alternative. As opined by Lisa Jackson, the Agency Administrator of EPA, fracking can be done in a responsible manner, without causing environmental damages. As a historic opportunity for the industry, it presents considerable opportunities to tap into unexplored reserves and rework on closed wells. For this to happen, companies need to employ smart technologies and innovative processes that abide by the stringent regulations and norms.
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