The natural process of hydraulic fracturing was originally a naturally observed process seen during cold weather, when liquid inside cracks in boulders solidified, forcing the two parts farther apart. Some other contexts where it is observed is in dikes and sills of volcanoes. Humans have seen the potential in using fracking water to break materials up, in the context of mining.
Splitting layers of dense rock material is now becoming common practice in awkward areas underground to get to reserves of oil and natural gas. This technique involves the use of pressurized fluid that is sent down boreholes, deep into the earth. The pressure must be sufficiently strong to produce a crack in the rocky layer.
It is the strong stream of liquid that provides the necessary energy to produce the required fissure. Once started, the crack is lengthened by continuing to expose it to the jet of fluid, until it reaches the required length. It then becomes necessary to find a way to keep the separated sections from moving back afterwards.
The way this is accomplished is to combine solid substances with the hydrofluid. The so-called 'proppants' remain in the opening, keeping the two sides apart when the pressured jet of liquid is switched off. The proppant provides a permeable pathway for oil or natural gas to pass into the well. There is usually one percent of solid water added to the liquid.
This fracturing procedure is especially beneficial when dealing with rock layers that are from 5000 to 20 000 ft below the surface. These layers are compressed by the tons of earth above them and become far less porous. As a result, the required gas or oil percolates through exceedingly slowly, making it uneconomical to retrieve these resources.
The contents of the fluid being used to crack open rock layers may vary widely depending on what is needed for that particular situation. Anything, from gels, foam through to nitrogen gas or air, can be used. The type of solid fines added into it, is also chosen to meet certain requirements. Sometimes sand that contains radioactive elements in it is used in order to get information about the crack.
Hydraulic fracturing is a technique that has improved markedly since it was first introduced. Nevertheless, sub-surface aquifers can still be in danger of becoming contaminated with elements such as arsenic, copper or vanadium. Tests carried out on fracking water have revealed that potentially carcinogenic and endocrine disruptive compounds are present in it. Accordingly, both the welfare of humans and the environment should always be considered when using this method.
Splitting layers of dense rock material is now becoming common practice in awkward areas underground to get to reserves of oil and natural gas. This technique involves the use of pressurized fluid that is sent down boreholes, deep into the earth. The pressure must be sufficiently strong to produce a crack in the rocky layer.
It is the strong stream of liquid that provides the necessary energy to produce the required fissure. Once started, the crack is lengthened by continuing to expose it to the jet of fluid, until it reaches the required length. It then becomes necessary to find a way to keep the separated sections from moving back afterwards.
The way this is accomplished is to combine solid substances with the hydrofluid. The so-called 'proppants' remain in the opening, keeping the two sides apart when the pressured jet of liquid is switched off. The proppant provides a permeable pathway for oil or natural gas to pass into the well. There is usually one percent of solid water added to the liquid.
This fracturing procedure is especially beneficial when dealing with rock layers that are from 5000 to 20 000 ft below the surface. These layers are compressed by the tons of earth above them and become far less porous. As a result, the required gas or oil percolates through exceedingly slowly, making it uneconomical to retrieve these resources.
The contents of the fluid being used to crack open rock layers may vary widely depending on what is needed for that particular situation. Anything, from gels, foam through to nitrogen gas or air, can be used. The type of solid fines added into it, is also chosen to meet certain requirements. Sometimes sand that contains radioactive elements in it is used in order to get information about the crack.
Hydraulic fracturing is a technique that has improved markedly since it was first introduced. Nevertheless, sub-surface aquifers can still be in danger of becoming contaminated with elements such as arsenic, copper or vanadium. Tests carried out on fracking water have revealed that potentially carcinogenic and endocrine disruptive compounds are present in it. Accordingly, both the welfare of humans and the environment should always be considered when using this method.
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