While fracking has been around for a number of years, it has been a fixture in the news over the past couple of years. The United States has worked hard to become one of the top fracking nations on the planet. Hydraulic fracking, which uses water, is the most common type of fracking in the country. In fact, an estimated 95% of the fracking that occurs in the country is hydraulic. Many are not happy about this. In fact, they are finding that in some areas of the country, water is scarce, and fracking is simply taking up too much of it. Texas is a prime example. The state can become quite dry and often goes into a drought. Then, the fight for water begins.
Fracking companies need the water to do their jobs, but the people in the area need the water to live. This has caused many conservationists to rail against hydro-fracking. Even though the amount of water used in fracking is a mere fraction of that used for residential and agricultural needs, it does nothing to silence the critics. They feel that agricultural and residential needs should come first.
Fortunately, a new method of fracking may be able to put an end to this debate. Instead of fracking with water, some are now fracking using liquefied petroleum gas. This is relatively new technology, having only been developed a few years ago in Canada. The liquefied gas petroleum, which could be propane, butane, or pentane, or even a mixture of them, works as a great water substitute. This helps to reduce the criticism from water conservationists for a couple of reasons. Not only are these companies not using water for the fracking, they are not doing any damage to water. With hydro-fracking, around 20% of the water used returns to the surface, and it then needs to be treated. This newer method is going to reduce costs for the oil and gas companies.
They are also finding that the yield they receive when fracking with the LPG is higher, since it has lower surface tension than water does. When you look at all of the benefits that this method of fracking can offer, it is easy to see why more and more companies are starting to look into it. It reduces conflict with locals over water, it doesn’t require treatment of water, and it can provide a higher yield at each well. It’s a great solution.
About Oil Works Inc.
Oil Works, Inc. is a complete drilling rig equipment manufacturer and service provider based in the Permian Basin for over 20 years. OWI’s product and service offerings include Derricks, Substructures, Drawworks, Mud Systems, Rig Walking Systems, Power Generation, Control Systems, Iron Roughneck Repair. We are a complete Drilling Equipment Manufacturer and build to API and ISO standards. OWI is also proud to offer 24/7 Service and Support.
