Fracking works by injecting a high-pressure fluid deep underground to fracture rock formations and release trapped hydrocarbons.
Understanding Hydraulic Fracturing
"Fracking" is a common term that is short for "hydraulic fracturing." This process is a key technique used in the extraction of natural gas and oil from deep underground reservoirs.
The Process Explained
At its core, hydraulic fracturing involves creating or enhancing fractures in subterranean rock layers. Here's a breakdown of the process:
- A wellbore is drilled down into the target rock formation containing oil or natural gas.
- A specially formulated fluid, often consisting primarily of water, sand, and chemicals, is pumped into the wellbore.
- This fluid is injected at very high pressures — significantly exceeding the strength of the surrounding rock.
- The intense pressure causes the rock formation to crack open or enlarge existing fractures.
- The sand (often called proppant) within the fluid plays a crucial role. When the pressure is released, the sand grains hold these new or expanded cracks open.
- With the fractures propped open, the trapped oil or gas can then flow more freely towards the wellbore and be extracted to the surface.
As described in the provided reference, the core mechanism is injecting "water, sand, and chemicals... underground at very high pressures to crack open rock layers and release the oil or gas trapped inside."
Key Components Used in Fracking
The fluid mixture is essential to the process. While compositions vary, the primary elements mentioned in the reference include:
| Component | Role in Fracking Process |
|---|---|
| Water | Primary base fluid for injection |
| Sand | Acts as a proppant to keep fractures open |
| Chemicals | Modify fluid properties, reduce friction, etc. |
By utilizing this method, companies can access hydrocarbon reserves that were previously uneconomical or impossible to extract using conventional drilling techniques.
