Fracturing in petroleum engineering Research Paper

Fracturing in petroleum engineer - Research Paper ExampleTherefore, this research paper addresses hydraulic fracturing with respect to fracturing process, mechanics of fracturing, history of fracturing, types of fracturing precariouss and additives and the types of fracturing processes. Hydraulic Fracturing Hydraulic fracturing involves the use of fluid, which is pumped at a determined gamy pressure into a given section of the wellbore, to enhance oil production. The high pressure liquid finds its way into the rock makeup containing oil and creates fractures from the wellbore, which extends into the oil containing rock formation (Yew 1). The naturalised fractures provide flow paths of oil into the wellbore, which is then pumped out of the oil well. Figure 1 shows the hydraulic fracturing process. As shown in figure 1, the pressured fluid pumped through the well bore leads to fracture annex in the fracturing stages of the process. Figure 1 Hydraulic fracturing process (EPA) Hi story and Examples of Fracturing The use of fracturing in petroleum engineering to stimulate oil production started in the 1860s, long after oil production was invented. Over time, substantial advancement has been experienced in the field of hydraulic fracturing particularly with respect to the development of hydraulic fluid combinations for maximum efficiency (EPA 1). Other developments include the development of enhanced equipments for injecting fluid and monitoring relevant info especially fluid pressure, fracture depth and fracture width (Yew 6). Hydraulic fracturing has been widely applied in the petroleum industry. For example, statistics show that fracturing is usually conducted to about 90 percent of oil wells in the linked States to stimulate oil production (Earthworks). Mechanics and the Process of Hydraulic Fracturing Hydraulic fracturing can be through on oil wells that have been drilled horizontally, vertically or directionally (slanting) (EPA 1). Fluids used in hydr aulic fracturing are comprised of water (or methanol, oil or a combination of methanol and water in strategical proportions) and chemical additives. Water-based hydraulic fracturing fluids are the most common of the four types of hydraulic fluids. Water content in hydraulic fracturing fluids is highly dependent on the rock formation and the site of fracturing, and it can be up to 99 percent implying that additives can be as little as 1 percent of the fluid content (EPA 1). The measuring stick of fluid for hydraulic fracturing also depends with site (depth of oil well) and rock formation. Generally, water quantity may vary between 50,000 gallons (189 m3) to about 350,000 gallons (1325 m3) (EPA 1). Silica sand or other small particles (technically know as proppant or propping agents) are added into the hydraulic fracturing fluid, which serves to maintain the open position of the established fractures (propping/supporting). The principle ass hydraulic fracturing is that the hydrosta tic pressure of the injected fracturing fluid should exceed the parting pressure of the target rock formation thereby inducing a network of fractures through the rock (Spellman 11). The fractures arising from the fracturing process are technically referred to as hydraulic induced fractures. Since fracturing operation is usually conducted at enormous depths (oil exploration occurs at large depths), hydraulic