Hydraulic Shale Fracturing Kyle Koliba Robert Stroud

Contents Overview Impact on Energy & Economy Health & Safety Concerns Future of Industry

Overview – “Fracking” Fluid is pumped underground at high pressure after an oil well is drilled The high pressure fractures porous shale rock, liberating the natural gas Cross Section of Porous Shale

Overview – History First used in 1947 to stimulate wells Initially uneconomic because of vertical drilling methods Addition of “proppants” in 1952 increased natural gas flow by physically keeping fractures open.

Overview – Drilling Drilling Mud is used to regulate well pressure, drill bit temperature, and lift cuttings to surface. Cement casing intervals. P T

Overview – Modern Techniques Horizontal Drilling (1998) Explosive Charges Parallel Well lines

Impact on Energy & Economy

Impact on Energy & Economy Shale fracturing has lead to an increase in natural gas use for electricity production in lieu of coal. Methane burns cleaner than coal Price of methane is comparable to price of coal (~$3.00/MMBtu)

Impact on Energy & Economy - Downstream Surplus of ethane from recent shale fracturing boom. This ethane is starting to replace naphtha as the primary precursor for ethylene production.

Heath & Safety Concerns Drinking Water Flow back water/Wastewater Fracking chemicals used The amount of water used

Heath & Safety Concerns - Contaminated Water There have been as many as 100 reported cases of contaminated drinking water where drilling has occurred Many of those claiming contaminated water wells blame the flow-back water waste or the drilling process itself

Heath & Safety Concerns - Water Consumption 2,859 GRADUATE Average of 5.5 million gallons per well Can be an issue in drought prone areas Ex. Eagle-ford Shale in southern Texas

Heath & Safety Concerns - Wastewater 60% to 80% of water used (80% of 5.5 million gallons) Contaminated waste No clear evidence whether wastewater is the cause of the contaminated drinking water

Heath & Safety Concerns - Fracking Fluid Chemicals

Industry Response to Concerns Insulated jacket installed around pipe to a depth of 800 feet. This layer is a precautionary device to isolate any leaks in the pipe from reaching any public water sources. 7 layers of protection in the well to protect the underground water sources

Industry Response to Concerns The fracturing occurs at 6,200 feet below sea level, and Fresh water is approximately 800 feet below sea level 5400 foot difference in position. Industry claims at this depth, cracks of gas will not seep into the fresh water chambers

Industry Response to Concerns Swellable organosilica media –99% extraction from hydrocarbons and BTEX (Mineral Oil) –50% dissolved non-ionic surfactants

Congressional Response to Concerns SWDA (Safe Water Drinking Act) is currently the primary law protecting the drinking water In 2004 the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) conducted a study on fracking environment impacts, and claimed that it is perfectly safe SWDA makes EPA administer the chemicals in the fracking fluid FRAC Act 2009 Public disclosure of chemicals used EPA study currently underway

Heath & Safety Concerns – On-site Safety BOP (blow out preventer) During implementation there are usually around 600 safety meetings –Shift Change –Hazard Change About 180 new safety procedures JSA (Job Safety Analysis) examine the risk analysis of the well during drilling –A binder is created every day stating all the risks, and the appropriate ways to handle them

Future of Industry Methane is a good “bridge fuel” By 2035, shale gas is expected to contribute towards ~45% of the USA’s electricity Extends time for petroleum dependent countries to seek out alternative energy sources f4b0d18f977c61.jpg

Future of Industry – Price of Natural Gas

Future of the Industry – “Greenness” Studies (many from A&M) are being conducted to remove acids and alcohols from the water used. More recycle of fracking fluid, –Reduced amount of water needed –Net decrease in amount of water contamination Additional EPA study still ongoing to determine the actual environmental hazards of the fracking fluid.

Future of Industry - Expansion Large reserves internationally New shale tracts are being discovered rapidly The shale fracturing industry is expected to grow rapidly over the next century.

References 1.Sakmar, S.L. "Shale Gas Developments in North America: An Overview of the Regulatory and Environmental Challenges Facing the Industry." SPE International. (2011): Web. 26 Sep Demong, Karl, Ron Hands, and Brad Affleck. "Advancements in Efficiency in Horn River Shale Stimulation." Society of Petroleum Engineers. (2011): n. page. Web. 26 Sep United States. U.S. Energy Information Administration.Natural Gas Futures. Washington, D.C.:, Web.

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