Utilities Tech Outlook Weekly Brief
Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from Utilities Tech Outlook
Fracking works by first drilling deep into the Earth to create a pathway for high-pressure fluids to be injected into shale or other types of rock formations containing hydrocarbons, which are the primary components of fossil fuels.
Fremont, CA: Fracking has received a lot of attention in the last decade, and it's not without controversy. Those in the fracking industry frequently extol the "fracking boom" in natural gas production in the United States, which has resulted in the creation of numerous jobs. Meanwhile, some argue that fracking is harmful to the environment and should be prohibited. Despite the controversy, many people still wonder, "What exactly is fracking?"
What is Fracking?
Fracking is an abbreviation for hydraulic fracturing. It's also referred to as hydrofracking or hydrofracturing, though these are less common terms. Hydraulic fracturing is a contentious method of extracting fossil fuels, such as oil or natural gas from rock formations deep beneath the Earth's surface. It entails using pressurized fluids to fracture bedrock formations in order to release trapped fossil liquids and gases. This activity has a significant impact on the underlying subterranean rock structures.
How does Fracking Work?
Fracking works by first drilling deep into the Earth to create a pathway for high-pressure fluids to be injected into shale or other types of rock formations containing hydrocarbons, which are the primary components of fossil fuels. After drilling the desired hole, a highly pressurized mixture of water, sand, and chemicals is delivered directly to the rock area to release the trapped oil and gas. The newly released hydrocarbons then rise to the surface to be collected.
How is Natural Gas Collected in Fracking?
After injecting high-pressure fluids containing sand, chemicals, water, and other additives into natural gas-containing rocks, the fluids flow through the drilled hole towards the wellhead. When trapped gases flow through the fractures, they enter collection wells, which are similar to traditional oil and gas wells in that they can be collected.
Is Natural Gas a Byproduct of Fracking?
In the true sense of the term, natural gas is not a byproduct of fracking. It is, however, a desired byproduct of fracking, along with oil. Other byproducts of fracking include sandy chemical deposits formed as a result of injecting high-pressure liquids into the ground. Natural gas, on the other hand, is not one of these byproducts; rather, it is simply released from within rocks where it has been trapped.
