Extracting Natural Gas From Shale Formations - 1854 Words

Natural gas produced from shale formations has become important in the energy supply market for the United States. Extracting natural gas from shale reserves was not considered feasible until recently because of low permeability of the shale rock formations. New developments in hydraulic fracturing technology have led to a boom in domestic shale gas production. The United States has experienced economic benefits through revenue and job creation in predominantly rural areas while increasing the energy security of the U.S. by decreasing dependence on foreign oil supplies. However, the resounding question remains: at what cost? Hydraulic fracturing, or â€Å"fracking,† is a process used to extract natural gas from deep shale reserves 5,000-8,000 feet below the ground surface. This process allows energy companies to access previously unavailable energy sources in states that have deep oil and gas reserves. The fracking process involves pumping a mixture of water, chemicals and sand at high pressure into a well, which fractures the surrounding rock formation and props open passages that allow natural gas to freely flow from rock fractures to the production well. Once the well is developed, the carrying fluid can then flow back to the ground surface along with the gas. Shale gas has become embroiled in controversy over alleged impacts on public health and the environment. Some segments of the public have become deeply suspicious of the veracity and motives of gas companies. TheseShow MoreRelatedExtracting Natural Gas From Shale And Other Rock Formation1465 Words   |  6 Pagesimproving the ability of extracting natural gas from shale and other rock formation. The popularity of hydraulic fracturing remains leading in the direction of new venture opportunities and increasing growth for the natural gas and oil production industry. With the development, comes risk and scrutiny. According to Robert W. Howarth and Anthony Ingraffea natural gas extracted from shale comes at too great a cost to the environment, and must be illegal. Natural gas from shale remains vastly proposedRead MoreA Brief Note On Shale Gas And Natural Gas1745 Words   |  7 PagesShale gas is a natural gas that can be extracted from the fabric of shale rocks by means of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. There is controversy surrounding this extraction process, as in the process of building facilities in which gases are extracted, people are made aware of the hazards that are involved both with building the site of extraction and with extracting the gas itself. This essay aims to assess the extent to which these hazards can affect those residing in Lancashire. ThroughoutRead MoreThe Importance of a Secure Energy Supply for the Future826 Words   |  3 Pagesby energy sources from one form or anther. Petroleum, coal and natural gas are the most produced and used energy sources. Mining technologies are required to obtain the raw materials of these energy sources from nature. The energy crisis is due to the limited amount of the natural storages of the energy resources. A higher production rate of the raw materials is desired so that more resources can be extracted to meet the demand. There have been conventional technologies for gas drilling for overRead MoreNo Fracking in California820 Words   |  3 Pages No Fracking In California How does California get its natural gas? Well California gets its natural gas by a process known as fracking. Fracking is the process of extracting natural gas from shale rock layers deep within Earth’s ground. Fracking is also known as hydraulic fracturing which releases high pressured liquid into the ground to withdraw oil or gas. Fracking makes it possible for the Earth’s commercial, residential, and industrial uses to help people live a better life. For Example,Read MoreShell Fracking1615 Words   |  7 Pagescalled, is a global company which seeks to be the leader in the gas and oil industry. Founded in 1907, Shell’s mission is to deliver the best value to its shareholders, while helping to meet energy demands all around the world. In addition to its role as an energy company, Shell strives to drive innovative ideas and to create technology solutions. One of these innovative ideas is known as â€Å"fracking†. Gaining financial information from Sh ell as it relates to the profits and losses due to fracking isRead MoreFracking : Its Impact On The United States931 Words   |  4 Pagesdrilling technique known as fracking. Fracking is an unconventional drilling process that is accomplished by using high-pressured water to release oil and natural gas from rock formations, known as shales. The use of fracking in the United States has made it one of the top oil producing countries in the world. However, this newfound oil and gas drilling method has not come without its costs. Despite the economic boom near drilling locations, politically, fracking has caused some international relationshipsRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing : A Common And Widespread Technique1637 Words   |  7 PagesHydraulic fracturing has become a very common and widespread technique, especially in North America, due to technological advances that have allowed extracting natural gas from so-called unconventional reservoirs (tight sands, coal beds and shale formations). The socalled high volume hydraulic fracturing (with treatments typically an order of magnitude larger than the conventional fracturing procedures) began in 1968. This was complemented by horizontal drilling since the late 1980s, and the useRead MoreCritical Analysis of Fracking1054 Words   |  5 Pagesalternative source of energy. Question Can the natural gas deposits in the Marcellus Formation, extracted through fracking, be the solution to the United States’ energy problem? Purpose The purpose of this analysis is to examine the process of extracting natural gas in shale deposits—Horizontal High Volume Slickwater Hydraulic Fracturing, or â€Å"Fracking†Ã¢â‚¬â€and determine the long-term viability of this process. Information †¢ The Marcellus Formation is a region of marine sedimentary rock that stretchesRead MoreWhat is Hydraulic Fracking?1027 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Hydro-fracking† is a controversial technique on extracting oil and shale gas from the Earth’s surface. This technique was developed in the late 1940’s to access fossil energy by drilling down the Earth. The process of Hydrofracking is explicit due to the controversial manner in which it is done. Vertical well bores are drilled thousands of metres into the earth, through sediment layers, the water table, and shale rock formations in order to reach the oil and gas. The drilling is then angled horizontallyRead MoreThe Oil And Natural Gas Industries1686 Words   |  7 Pages Around the globe, the oil and natural gas industries are a major part of stable and growing economies, as well as, the individual lives of most people. As individuals we use it to run our vehicles, heat our homes, cook, and much more. Economi es, on the other hand, rely on the oil and natural gas industries for the jobs they create, the product they supply, and the added value created by government revenues. In 2011, these industries in the United States made up 5.6 percent of the nation’s total