Hydraulic fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a process used to extract energy from underground wells, specifically targeting resources held within tight shale formations. Put simply, it is the process of injecting liquid and materials at high pressure to create small fractures within these formations. This technique is employed after the drilling has ended and the rig and derrick are removed from the site.
The Process Explained
Hydraulic fracking is a multi-step process designed to stimulate the production of oil or natural gas that is trapped in dense rock layers where conventional drilling alone isn't sufficient.
Here's a breakdown of the core steps involved based on the reference:
- Injection: A key part of the process involves injecting liquid and materials into the wellbore. This liquid is primarily water, mixed with sand or ceramic proppants, and a small percentage of chemical additives.
- High Pressure: The mixture is injected at high pressure. This immense pressure is necessary to overcome the strength of the surrounding rock.
- Fracturing the Rock: The high-pressure injection causes the rock formation, specifically the tight shale formations, to break apart, creating small fractures.
- Stimulating Production: These newly created fractures serve as pathways, allowing trapped oil or natural gas to flow more easily from the rock formation into the wellbore. This is how the process is used to stimulate the production of hydrocarbons.
- Extracting Energy: Once the fractures are created and flow is stimulated, the well can then safely extract energy (oil or gas) from the underground reservoir.
- Timing: Importantly, this hydraulic fracturing activity occurs after the drilling has ended and the surface equipment like the rig and derrick are removed from the site.
This process is essential for accessing significant reserves of oil and natural gas that are locked within low-permeability rock like shale, which wouldn't otherwise flow efficiently to a wellbore.
