Green Fracking Fluids?
Thursday, October 4, 2012
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Chesapeake Energy Corp. is testing fracking fluids that are more environmentally friendly.
The fluids in testing are pumped into rock formations at high pressures in order to fracture the formation and release the gas inside. The fluids currently used mostly consist of water and sand, but also contain small amounts of hydrochloric acid and other hazardous components.
Though fracking hasn’t been shown to contaminate ground water, the spilling of waste fluids can contaminate local water supplies. That’s the reason behind Chesapeake’s experimental fracking fluid.
The employees working at the drill sites will also benefit from the possible change. They’ll be exposed to fewer dangerous chemicals during the process.
» Via: The Akron Beacon Journal › Chesapeake tests fracking fluids
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Shale FAQ
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.