Fracking (Pt. 4)

Proppant Selection After the pumping process has been completed and the fracture created, it must now be held open. This requires the proppant, it will physically hold or prop the fracture open thus promoting the flow. The most important characteristic of the proppant is its ability to withstand compressive forces, thus its compressive strength is …

Fracking (Pt. 3)

The design process: Select a fracturing fluid Select a proppant Determine the maximum allowable pressure Select a fracture propagation model Select treatment size Perform production forecast Perform NPV analysis Once in the field the following must be known: Specifications of the fracturing fluid and the type of proppant Fluid volume and proppant weight requirements Fluid …

Fracking (Pt. 2)

The process is typically divided into 2 stages, the pad and the slurry. In the first stage the slurry is injected into the well to break down the formation and thus create the pad. At this stage the fluid injection rate is greater than the rate at which the fluid can escape the formation. The …

Fracking (Pt. 1)

This is the process whereby the fissures and existing cracks within a geological formation are expanded and enlarged by the application of pressure. The process seeks to increase the permeability of fluid bearing rocks so as to increase the flow of the fluids through it. The process is employed within the oil and gas sector …