When it comes to hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, most criticism is due to water. For, there is already a massive clean water shortage on the planet. While some companies have started using alternative frac waters, more need to do so. Whereas, there are also other issues with regards man-made earthquakes due to the drilling into base rock formations deep below the surface.
While the concerns are real, one company is trying to create a better, cleaner and more efficient operation. The company, GasFrac out of Canada, has redefined the fracking process. In doing so, the company injects petroleum based liquids deep into a well rather than using a mixture of water and chemicals. As a result, while earthquakes due to seismic activity remain a real concern and issue, this new process strives to eliminate water table contamination.
Water-free fracking proponents believe the process to be one which will provide solutions to these concerns, especially with regards to waste water and dumping. Still, it is important to look at the drawbacks as well as benefits with regards to any new process or technology. While there are no reports of drawbacks, it is important to question that if it is such a positive process which would save valuable resources, why more companies are not already using the technology.
An answer might be found in the way in which traditional fracking works. For, while different liquids, the process is basically the same. One other difference is that waterless fracking starts by drilling a well while traditional fracking operations dig deep into the bottom of existing wells to acquire natural oil and gas. Whereas, once a new well has been drilled, the well is drilled horizontally.
A well once complete, is then injected with propane or other chemicals by a carrier. The carrier fractures the base rock formation which allows oil and gas to escape to the surface. While GasFrac uses propane as a liquid, there are other alternatives, though propane does appear to be the most popular substitute for water.
The benefits in using propane all result from the chemical aspects of propane compared to that of water. Such benefits include that fracking operations are more effective when using propane because of the reversal of liquid propane to a gas form. As a result of the pressure and heat in the well, oil and gas flow more freely back to the surface, thus eliminating blockages which often occur when water becomes trapped below the surface.
Waterless operations also prevent pollutants from reaching to the surface. For, when liquid gas vaporizes, most chemicals are left deep inside the well. Whereas, operations based on water tend to bring the pollutants up to the surface which can either be heavy metals from the rock formation or chemicals.
One of the biggest benefits of using liquid propane is that post-fracking propane can be sold. In addition, as produced water, which when companies consider the disposal cost, provides little savings. Whereas, propane which emerges from the a well can be reused or sold for profit. As a result, waterless fracking benefits the planet and creates a better, cleaner and safer operation for individuals and companies involved in the process.
While the concerns are real, one company is trying to create a better, cleaner and more efficient operation. The company, GasFrac out of Canada, has redefined the fracking process. In doing so, the company injects petroleum based liquids deep into a well rather than using a mixture of water and chemicals. As a result, while earthquakes due to seismic activity remain a real concern and issue, this new process strives to eliminate water table contamination.
Water-free fracking proponents believe the process to be one which will provide solutions to these concerns, especially with regards to waste water and dumping. Still, it is important to look at the drawbacks as well as benefits with regards to any new process or technology. While there are no reports of drawbacks, it is important to question that if it is such a positive process which would save valuable resources, why more companies are not already using the technology.
An answer might be found in the way in which traditional fracking works. For, while different liquids, the process is basically the same. One other difference is that waterless fracking starts by drilling a well while traditional fracking operations dig deep into the bottom of existing wells to acquire natural oil and gas. Whereas, once a new well has been drilled, the well is drilled horizontally.
A well once complete, is then injected with propane or other chemicals by a carrier. The carrier fractures the base rock formation which allows oil and gas to escape to the surface. While GasFrac uses propane as a liquid, there are other alternatives, though propane does appear to be the most popular substitute for water.
The benefits in using propane all result from the chemical aspects of propane compared to that of water. Such benefits include that fracking operations are more effective when using propane because of the reversal of liquid propane to a gas form. As a result of the pressure and heat in the well, oil and gas flow more freely back to the surface, thus eliminating blockages which often occur when water becomes trapped below the surface.
Waterless operations also prevent pollutants from reaching to the surface. For, when liquid gas vaporizes, most chemicals are left deep inside the well. Whereas, operations based on water tend to bring the pollutants up to the surface which can either be heavy metals from the rock formation or chemicals.
One of the biggest benefits of using liquid propane is that post-fracking propane can be sold. In addition, as produced water, which when companies consider the disposal cost, provides little savings. Whereas, propane which emerges from the a well can be reused or sold for profit. As a result, waterless fracking benefits the planet and creates a better, cleaner and safer operation for individuals and companies involved in the process.
About the Author:
Discover the latest articles that are published about the alternative frac waters and their technology. To get instant access to the main page click on the link http://www.seawatertechnologies.com.