Last Updated on May 2, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a controversial technique to extract natural gas and oil deep underground. It involves injecting large amounts of water and chemicals into shale rock formations at high pressure to release the gas trapped inside. Proponents argue that fracking provides an essential source of energy that can help reduce our dependence on foreign sources.
At the same time, opponents cite environmental concerns such as air and water pollution and seismic activity caused by the process itself. This guide will provide an overview of fracking, including its history, benefits, risks associated with it, regulations, and laws governing it in different countries worldwide.
What is Fracking?
Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, is a process that involves injecting pressurized fluid deep below the earth’s surface to crack sedimentary rock formations such as shale, sandstone, and limestone. The high-pressure fluid creates fractures in the rock, which allows oil, natural gas, or geothermal energy to flow more freely and be extracted. Fracking has been used commercially for over 65 years and is a proven drilling technology for extracting natural resources from deep underground.
However, fracking has been controversial due to environmental concerns. The injection of fluids into the wells can contaminate nearby ground and surface water sources with chemicals, which may pose a health hazard. Additionally, the process of drilling and fracking can cause earthquakes and contribute to air pollution.
Despite these concerns, supporters argue that fracking has economic benefits and is an essential energy source for many countries.
Brief History of Fracking
Fracking, a technique used to extract oil and natural gas from rock formations, has a fascinating history dating back to 1865. A Civil War Union veteran, Lt. Col. Edward A. L. Roberts, first invented this technique, filed a patent for an “exploding torpedo.” The torpedo could be lowered into an oil well and detonated to fracture the surrounding rock. Water would then be pumped into the well to flush out the oil.
However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that hydraulic fracking, as we know it today, was first used commercially in the United States. Since then, fracking has undergone significant technological advancements, allowing for more efficient and widespread use in recent years.
Today, fracking is a major energy source in the US, accounting for more than half of the country’s natural gas production. However, the practice remains highly controversial due to potential environmental risks such as water contamination and increased seismic activity.
While much debate surrounds the ethics and sustainability of fracking, it remains a critical component of the US energy industry.
How Does Fracking Work?
Fracking is a complex process that involves several steps and specialized equipment. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how fracking works:
- Site Inspection: Before drilling, the potential fracking site is inspected and analyzed to determine the best location for drilling.
- Drilling: Once the site is selected, a hole is drilled vertically into the shale rock. The drilling can extend for thousands of feet below the surface.
- Horizontal Drilling: In some cases, a horizontal drilling technique is used to increase the amount of gas that can be extracted. This involves drilling a vertical hole and a horizontal extension into the shale rock.
- Fracturing Fluid Injection: After the drilling, a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals known as “fracturing fluid” is pumped into the well at high pressure. This pressure causes the rock to fracture and create fissures or passageways.
- Gas Extraction: The fissures created by the fracturing fluid allow the trapped gas to be released and flow out of the well. The gas is then collected, treated, and transported for use.
While this is a simplified overview of the fracking process, it illustrates the basic steps of this complex drilling technology.
Benefits of Fracking
Fracking, despite its controversies, provides several benefits to the energy industry and the economy. Here are some of the notable benefits of this drilling technology:
Energy Independence
Fracking makes countries less reliant on foreign oil and natural gas sources. With the ability to extract domestic energy resources, countries can become more self-sufficient in meeting their energy demands.
Job Creation
The fracking industry has created millions of jobs, from drilling and well operations to transportation and logistics. These jobs provide decent wages and benefits, making it an attractive employment opportunity for many.
Economic Impact
Fracking has a significant economic impact on local and national economies. Apart from job creation, it generates revenue for oil and gas companies, landowners, and also local governments. This revenue source can contribute to the growth of infrastructure, education, and also healthcare systems.
As technology advances, it is important to continue exploring ways to minimize the environmental impact of fracking while maximizing its benefits to the economy.
Risks of Fracking and How to Mitigate Them
While fracking has benefits, it poses several environmental and social risks that can affect local communities and ecosystems’ health and safety. Here are three major dangers of fracking and how to prevent them.
Pollution
Fracking can contribute to air pollution by releasing methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful chemicals. To mitigate this, companies can use technologies such as flares that capture and burn off the gasses before releasing them into the atmosphere. They can also implement measures to reduce the flaring and venting of gas, which can significantly reduce air pollution.
Damage to Water Resources
The injection of fluids used in the fracking process can contaminate nearby ground and surface water sources. To mitigate this, companies must follow strict regulations and best practices for handling and disposing of fluids. They should conduct a test regularly to make sure that there is no contamination in the water sources. In addition, companies can use alternative fracturing fluids that are less toxic and reduce water pollution risks.
Seismic Activity and Land Disruption
Fracking can cause increased seismic activity, leading to earthquakes that can damage infrastructure and homes. The land disruption caused by drilling and fracking can also negatively impact local ecosystems. To mitigate this, companies must conduct thorough seismic assessments to identify potential risks and implement measures to prevent and minimize damage. One possible solution is to use less-intensive fracking techniques, such as “zipper fracking,”.
Other Ways to Mitigate the Effects of Fracking
In addition to mitigating the risk of pollution, damage to water resources, and seismic activity, there are several other ways to minimize the negative effects of fracking. Here are some additional measures to take:
Conducting Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs)
JHAs help identify potential hazards and risks associated with specific job tasks and activities. By identifying these risks, companies can take appropriate measures to minimize or eliminate them to prevent accidents and injuries.
Conducting Risk Assessments
Before commencing drilling operations, companies should conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards and risks to workers, communities, and the environment. These assessments should be ongoing to identify all risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
Assigning the Right Personnel
Assign personnel with the appropriate skills, training, and experience to operate fracking equipment and perform similar tasks to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Companies should also provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to keep personnel up-to-date on the latest best practices and safety measures.
Implementing Corrective and Preventive Actions
Companies should regularly review and evaluate their drilling operations to identify areas for improvement. Implement corrective and preventive actions promptly to prevent recurring incidents and improve fracking operations’ overall safety and environmental performance.
By implementing these measures and continuing to explore new ways to minimize the environmental and social impacts of fracking, companies can safely and responsibly extract natural resources while protecting the welfare of workers, communities, and the environment.
Promote Fracking Safety Using a Low-code Platform
Despite its benefits, we can’t deny that fracking brings higher risks than conventional natural resource extraction methods. Companies must ensure that their fracking operations are carried out safely and responsibly, requiring a comprehensive approach. Low-code platforms like DATAMYTE can help companies manage, monitor, and optimize the safety and performance of their fracking operations in real-time. With its easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface and intuitive visual models, DATAMYTE enables companies to quickly build customized applications that address their unique needs and promote safe and responsible use.
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a low-code workflow automation software with a built-in checklist and smart form builder. This feature, along with its drag-and-drop interface, allows you to create any kind of checklist and form template you need—including ones for managing and monitoring the safety of fracking operations.
To create a checklist or form template using DATAMYTE, follow these steps:
- Log in to DATAMYTE and navigate to the ‘Checklist’ module.
- Click “Create Checklist” to create a new checklist or form template.
- Add a Title to the checklist or form template; select the category it belongs to.
- Click “Add Item” to add items to the checklist or form template.
- Add appropriate descriptions to each item, the type of answer it requires, and other relevant specifications.
- Assign the personnel responsible for completing the checklist.
- Indicate any required approvals from other relevant personnel, such as supervisors or quality assurance managers.
- Save your checklist; it will now be available on any device. You can also print a physical copy of your checklist.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, a systematic review of critical process steps. This auditing method focuses on the areas with the highest risk of failure or non-compliance. By conducting LPA using DATAMYTE, you can effectively identify and correct defects before they escalate.
With DATAMYTE, you have the perfect solution for creating and implementing safety processes and procedures. Book a demo today to learn how DATAMYTE can help you optimize your production and promote safe fracking operations.
Conclusion
As the energy demand continues to grow, fracking has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional sources of energy production. While it can potentially be an efficient and cost-effective energy source, it also carries higher risks than traditional methods of natural resource extraction.
Companies need to create and implement comprehensive safety processes to ensure that fracking operations are carried out safely and responsibly. Low-code platforms like DATAMYTE can help companies quickly build custom applications that promote the safe and responsible use of fracking.
