Microbes could prolong Marcellus shale production
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Microbial life, living in the Marcellus Shale, has scientists optimistic they may have discovered a biogenic source of methane. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratories believes some species of the microbial life it discovered has the potential to replenish natural gas reservoirs by producing methane, according to Oil and Gas Journal.
NETL discovered extremophiles, a species of microbes, living in the extreme conditions of the Marcellus Shale. Scientists believe these microbes may also be methogens — methane producers.
If the microbes produce methane, it would mean faster regeneration of natural gas in shale and the potential for secondary gas recovery as biogenic methane has a faster generation rate than methane generated by inorganic thermogenic processes, which takes place over millions of years.
Learn more: Oil and Gas Journal > Microbes may prolong Marcellus shale production, NETL research finds
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What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.