Researchers: Reusing oilfield wastewater is key to shale’s future
Monday, February 24, 2020
According to a pair of studies released earlier this month, reusing oilfield wastewater will be critical for shale operators to maintain productivity in U.S. basins.
Scientists with the University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences and three other universities studied the amount of wastewater eight major U.S. shale basins produced and then determined options for recycling and reusing that water, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Researchers found oil and natural gas wells from the shale basins produced more than 160 billion gallons of wastewater in 2017. They also determined natural-gas rich basins such as the Marcellus Shale of Pennsylvania produce much less wastewater than oil-rich shale plays such as the Permian Basin.
After studying and ruling out other methods for recycling the wastewater, researchers concluded treating the wastewater and reusing it for hydraulic fracturing was the best option and key for the future of the industry.
Learn more: Houston Chronicle > Reusing oil field wastewater is key to shale’s future, researchers say
Leave a Comment
Marcellus & Utica Shale Well Map
Additional Shale Maps
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.