No, fracking does not use steam.
Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, is a process used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground. It involves injecting a high-pressure mixture into a wellbore to create or enlarge fractures in the rock formation, allowing hydrocarbons to flow more freely to the surface.
According to the provided reference, "Super hot water is not used in fracking." This indicates that steam, which is a form of super hot water, is not part of the standard fracking process.
What Fracking Typically Uses
Instead of steam, the fluid used in fracking is primarily water, mixed with proppants (like sand or ceramic particles) and a small percentage of chemical additives.
- Water: Makes up the vast majority of the fracking fluid.
- Proppants: Hold the fractures open after the pressure is released.
- Chemical Additives: Serve various purposes, such as reducing friction, preventing bacterial growth, and dissolving minerals.
Differentiating Fracking from Steam Enhanced Recovery
The reference clarifies that steam is used in a different oil recovery method: "Steam enhanced recovery is where steam is injected near the very heavy tar sand oil to heat and liquefy it so it can flow to the surface."
This method, also known as steam injection, is specifically designed to lower the viscosity of heavy or unconventional oil deposits like tar sands, making them easier to pump. It is distinct from the process of hydraulic fracturing which aims to create fractures in the rock to release trapped hydrocarbons, often in tighter shale formations.
Here's a simple comparison:
| Feature | Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) | Steam Enhanced Recovery (Steam Injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Fluid | Water, proppants, chemical additives | Steam |
| Main Purpose | Create/enlarge rock fractures | Heat/liquefy heavy oil |
| Typical Use | Shale gas/oil, tight formations | Heavy oil, tar sands |
In summary, while both are methods used in the oil and gas industry, fracking relies on high-pressure fluid injection for rock fracturing, whereas steam enhanced recovery uses heat from steam to mobilize heavy oil. Fracking does not utilize steam.
