Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a technique used in the oil and gas sector to release fuel underground. It involves injecting water, chemicals, and sand into shale plus other tight rock formations under high pressure.
That way, industries can access natural gas and oil that would have been otherwise unreachable. The water pressure and chemicals create cracks in the rock around the injection site, while the sand keeps the cracks open after releasing the pressure.
The process involves several steps and chemicals. The chemicals used change depending on the company doing the work, so ensure to research and compare.
Environmental Concerns And Disposal Methods
When the pressure from the process is released, fluid will come from the injection site to the surface, after which natural oil and gas will follow.
The fluid, also known as flow back water, includes the flac fluid plus formation water. Formation water is water from underground with high brine content from targeted gas-rich rocks. It might also contain radioactivity and toxic metals.
Fracking has been associated with drinking and surface water contamination, plus methane gas leaks.
One of the most common disposal methods is injecting it into deep wells or old drained oil or gas wells. The only flac water treatment required for that disposal method is mainly filtration.
Companies can also dilute the fluid using a 20:1 fresh water to flac liquid ratio. Without worrying about its chemical composition, companies can dump the liquid into rivers or nearby sewers.
Companies can also choose frac water treatment for reusing the water. The treatment methods vary from company to company and might include chemical precipitation, filtration, or softening.
Flatirons Chemicals offers customized services to clients in the oil and gas industry. They have production chemicals tailored to maximize every client’s operations and provide cost-effecting drilling solutions. Visit www.flatironschemicals.com today for additional information and online orders.
