Hydraulic fracturing is the process most commonly used to release natural gas and oil from deep BENEATH the surface of the earth. Hydraulic fracturing is particularly important in the context of shale gas development. As shale gas reservoirs are trapped within ROCK formations of very low permeability, the gas can only be released into the well by stimulating the shale formation through hydraulic fracturing.

Fracturing fluid – on average 99.95% water and sand with a small proportion of additives – is injected at HIGH pressure into the rock strata on average 3km below the surface. The force of the water creates a network of tiny fissures in the rock and the water flow acts as a delivery mechanism for the sand, which finds its way into these newly created cracks to ensure they remain open. This creates passageways through which natural gas can travel to get to the wellbore.

The hydraulic fracturing process is usually performed at the start of the life of a well and normally lasts between three to five days after a well is drilled, cased and CEMENTED, and the DRILLING rig is removed.

Hydraulic fracturing is the process most commonly used to release natural gas and oil from deep beneath the surface of the earth. Hydraulic fracturing is particularly important in the context of shale gas development. As shale gas reservoirs are trapped within rock formations of very low permeability, the gas can only be released into the well by stimulating the shale formation through hydraulic fracturing.

Fracturing fluid – on average 99.95% water and sand with a small proportion of additives – is injected at high pressure into the rock strata on average 3km below the surface. The force of the water creates a network of tiny fissures in the rock and the water flow acts as a delivery mechanism for the sand, which finds its way into these newly created cracks to ensure they remain open. This creates passageways through which natural gas can travel to get to the wellbore.

The hydraulic fracturing process is usually performed at the start of the life of a well and normally lasts between three to five days after a well is drilled, cased and cemented, and the drilling rig is removed.