Hydraulic fracturing has faced a great deal of criticism. In most cases, the criticism is due to the already existing shortage of clean water on earth. While some companies like GasFrac Canada are now using alternative frac waters, others need to do so. Although, excessive water use is not the only issue, drilling deep into the rock formation of earth has proved to be the cause of man-made earthquakes in different areas including, Texas and Oklahoma.
Regardless of such concerns, one company has introduced alternatives to water based operations. Developed by Canada-based GasFrac, the new process redefines the process by injecting liquids which are petroleum based deep into the earth rather than using chemical cocktails mixed with water. As a result, while seismic activity from the operations are still a concern, the new operation eliminates 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.
When it comes to the process, it is basically the same as traditional fracturing only with alternative liquids. In addition, waterless fracking operations start by drilling a well while traditional operations work with existing wells. When using a waterless operation, once the desired depth of the well has been reached, horizontal drilling continues.
Once the well is complete, the hole is injected with the proppant carrier which fractures the formation of the base rock allowing oil or gas to escape and reach the surface. While Canadian GasFrac uses liquid propane as a carrier, there are additional alternatives to water which have been proposed by others. In most cases, all alternatives are more expensive than water though GasFrac claims that there are numerous benefits in using propane.
Most often, liquid propane provides all the chemical aspects and benefits necessary to match that of water based operations. These benefits include, a more effective operation, the elimination of blockages in the well and the reversal of liquid propane to a gas form, which results in oil and gas flowing freely back to the surface.
Water-free fracking also helps to prevent pollutants from escaping to the surface. For, when a liquid version of propane vaporizes, the pollutants are left in the well. Whereas, operations which use water tend to carry these pollutants back to the surface, including chemicals used in the process and heavy metals which are a natural aspect of the rock formations which have been disturbed.
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.
Regardless of such concerns, one company has introduced alternatives to water based operations. Developed by Canada-based GasFrac, the new process redefines the process by injecting liquids which are petroleum based deep into the earth rather than using chemical cocktails mixed with water. As a result, while seismic activity from the operations are still a concern, the new operation eliminates 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.
When it comes to the process, it is basically the same as traditional fracturing only with alternative liquids. In addition, waterless fracking operations start by drilling a well while traditional operations work with existing wells. When using a waterless operation, once the desired depth of the well has been reached, horizontal drilling continues.
Once the well is complete, the hole is injected with the proppant carrier which fractures the formation of the base rock allowing oil or gas to escape and reach the surface. While Canadian GasFrac uses liquid propane as a carrier, there are additional alternatives to water which have been proposed by others. In most cases, all alternatives are more expensive than water though GasFrac claims that there are numerous benefits in using propane.
Most often, liquid propane provides all the chemical aspects and benefits necessary to match that of water based operations. These benefits include, a more effective operation, the elimination of blockages in the well and the reversal of liquid propane to a gas form, which results in oil and gas flowing freely back to the surface.
Water-free fracking also helps to prevent pollutants from escaping to the surface. For, when a liquid version of propane vaporizes, the pollutants are left in the well. Whereas, operations which use water tend to carry these pollutants back to the surface, including chemicals used in the process and heavy metals which are a natural aspect of the rock formations which have been disturbed.
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.
