Fractura Hidraúlica. Fracking. Video Informativo sobre la técnica del Shale.

Summary

The script discusses unconventional geological formations like shale that hold abundant gas and oil reserves. It details the process of hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking', developed in the 1940s, used to enhance permeability in these formations. The process involves drilling, well casing with multiple barriers to protect freshwater aquifers, and high-pressure fluid injection to create micro-fissures for hydrocarbon extraction. It also covers the use of chemical additives in the fracturing fluid, the monitoring of fracture growth, and the treatment of flowback water. Finally, it mentions well decommissioning and site restoration.

Takeaways

• 🌋 Unconventional geological formations like tight sandstone and shale can contain abundant oil and gas resources.
• 🚧 The hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking' technique, developed in the 1940s in the USA, is widely used to enhance permeability in these formations.
• 🔩 The process starts with the assembly of the well location, ensuring environmental care and adherence to strict regulations.
• 💧 The fracking fluid, over 99% water and special sands, includes a small percentage of chemical additives, typically less than 1%.
• 🛠️ A drill bit is used to bore the well, starting with a 30 cm diameter and often reaching depths of around 3000 meters.
• 🔄 The well is cased and cemented in multiple layers to create a secure barrier, especially in the initial 300 meters to protect freshwater aquifers.
• 📊 Diagnostic methods are employed to ensure the well's integrity before proceeding with drilling to the target formation.
• 🌐 Horizontal drilling is sometimes required, extending over 2000 meters, to access hydrocarbons within the formation.
• 💥 High-pressure pumping of the fracking fluid creates micro-fissures in the rock, allowing oil and gas to flow towards the well.
• ♻️ After the fracturing process, the 'flowback' water, which is returned to the surface, contains high levels of salts and must be treated for reuse or reinjection.
• 🏁 Once the well's productive life ends, abandonment procedures are carried out, which include removing surface valves, filling the well with cement, and sealing the wellhead.

Q & A

What are unconventional geological formations known for?

Unconventional geological formations are known for containing abundant resources of gas and oil, despite their low or null permeability.

How deep are the unconventional formations typically exploited?

Unconventional formations are exploited at depths of thousands of meters underground.

What is an example of a location where unconventional hydrocarbons are extracted?

An example is Vaca Muerta, where the hydrocarbons of interest are located on average at about 3000 meters below the surface.

What technique is used to extract hydrocarbons from low-permeability formations?

The technique used is known as hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking', which involves creating micro-fissures in the rock to improve permeability.

When was the hydraulic fracturing technique developed?

The hydraulic fracturing technique was developed in the United States in the late 1940s.

What does the fracking fluid consist of, and what is its primary purpose?

The fracking fluid consists of over 99% water and special sands, with about a dozen chemical additives in very low concentrations. Its primary purpose is to create and maintain micro-fissures in the rock for hydrocarbon flow.

What percentage of the fracking fluid is made up of chemical additives?

Chemical additives constitute less than 1% of the total fracking fluid.

What are the main components of the chemical additives in the fracking fluid?

The main components include hydrochloric acid, a gelling agent (usually guar gum), surfactants, and other substances like bactericides and anti-corrosives.

How is the well protected from potential contamination during the fracking process?

The well is protected by a triple barrier of steel and cement, which isolates it from geological formations and potential freshwater aquifers.

What is the purpose of the special inert sand used in the fracking process?

The special inert sand, known as a proppant, is used to keep the created fissures open, allowing gas and oil to flow through.

How is the flowback water, which returns to the surface after fracking, managed?

The flowback water, which contains high levels of salts and other minerals, must be treated and can be reused in new fracking operations or re-injected into deep underground formations, away from freshwater aquifers.

What happens to a well after its productive life is over?

After a well has ended its productive life, it undergoes abandonment procedures where surface valves are removed, the well is filled with cement, and the wellhead is capped with special plugs.