Hydraulic Fracturing Explained
Evaluation, Implementation, and Challenges

Erle C. Donaldson (Author), Waqi Alam (Author), Nasrin Begum (Author)

9781933762401, Elsevier Science

Hardback, published 1 April 2013

224 pages
23.4 x 15.6 x 2 cm, 0.49 kg

Rocks mechanics legend Erle Donaldson, along with colleagues Waqi Alam and Nasrin Begum from the oil and gas consultant company Tetrahedron, have authored this handbook on updated fundamentals and more recent technology used during a common hydraulic fracturing procedure. Meant for technical and non-technical professionals interested in the subject of hydraulic fracturing, the book provides a clear and simple explanation of the technology and related issues to promote the safe development of petroleum reserves leading to energy independence throughout the world.

• Dedication
• Foreword
• Preface
  • Acknowledgments
• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Nomenclature
  • Acronyms/Abbreviations
  • Symbols
  • Greek Letters
• CHAPTER 1. Hydraulic Fracturing Explained
  • 1.1 Introduction
  • 1.2 Petroleum Hydrocarbons
  • 1.3 Petroleum Reserves in Shale
  • 1.4 Petroleum Demand
  • 1.5 Achieving Production of Hydrocarbons to Meet Demand
  • 1.6 Hydraulic Fracturing
  • 1.7 Environmental Issues Related to Hydraulic Fracturing
• CHAPTER 2. Evaluation of Gas-Shale Formations
  • 2.1 Sedimentary Formations
  • 2.2 Shale Formations
  • 2.3 Multistage Fractures
  • 2.4 Fracture Design (Frac-Implementation)
  • 2.5 Well Design from Surface to Reservoir
  • 2.6 Gas-Shale Reservoir Characterization
  • 2.7 Gamma-Ray Well-Log
  • 2.8 Density/Neutron Log
  • 2.9 Use of Seismic Data
• CHAPTER 3. Rock Mechanics of Fracturing
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Young's Modulus of Elasticity (E)
  • 3.3 Poisson's Ratio (v)
  • 3.4 Bulk Modulus (K_B)
  • 3.5 Shear Modulus (G)
  • 3.6 Effective Stress
  • 3.7 Mohr Stress Diagram
  • 3.8 Initiation of Fractures
  • 3.9 Propping the Fracture Open
• CHAPTER 4. Fracture Fluids
  • 4.1 Introduction
  • 4.2 Oil-Based Fracturing Fluids
  • 4.3 Water-Based Frac-Fluids
  • 4.4 Alcohol-based Frac-fluids
  • 4.5 Acid Frac-Fluid
  • 4.6 Foams
  • 4.7 “Slick-Water?
  • 4.8 Surfactants
  • 4.9 Clay Stabilizers
  • 4.10 Temperature Stabilizers
  • 4.11 Fluid-Loss Additives
  • 4.12 Viscosity Breakers
  • 4.13 Biocides
  • 4.14 Buffers
  • 4.15 Frac-Fluid Preparation
  • 4.16 Conclusion
• CHAPTER 5. Field Implementation of Hydraulic Fracturing
  • 5.1 Introduction
  • 5.2 Protecting Groundwater
  • 5.3 Waste Water Management in Hydraulic Fracture
  • 5.4 Fresh Water Management in Hydraulic Fracturing
  • 5.5 Reducing Surface Disturbance
  • 5.6 Controlling Noise, Lighting, and Traffic at Fracturing Job Sites
  • 5.7 Technical Considerations for the Success of Hydraulic Fracture Treatments
  • 5.8 Case Studies of Hydraulic Fracturing
• CHAPTER 6. Environmental Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing
  • 6.1 Surface and Subsurface Environmental Effects
  • 6.2 Water Withdrawals
  • 6.3 Surface Spills
  • 6.4 Wastewater Management
  • 6.5 Air Emissions
  • 6.6 Water Impoundments
  • 6.7 Human Health Impacts
  • 6.8 Where to Get Toxicity Information
  • 6.9 Chemicals Present In Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid
  • 6.10 Chemicals Present in Flow-Back Fluids
  • 6.11 Regulations for Protecting the Environment
  • 6.12 Regulations Currently Applicable
• APPENDIX A. Viscosity
  • A.1 Power-Law Fluids
• APPENDIX B. Surfactants, Emulsions, Gels, Foams
  • B.1 Surfactants
  • B.2 Emulsions
  • B.3 Foams
• APPENDIX C. Calculations
  • C.1 Subsurface Overburden and Horizontal Stress
  • C.2 Fracture Initiation Pressure
  • C.3 Fracture Propagation Pressure
  • C.4 Matrix Permeability
  • C.5 Fracture Size
  • C.6 Rock Matrix Mechanical Properties
  • C.7 Summary
• Glossary
• References
• Index

Subject Areas: Fossil fuel technologies [THF]