Exploring the Hydraulic
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING : PART 2 OF 2
Fracturing Process
In This Issue
Hydraulic Fracturing Process
Frac Focus & Frac Fluids
Flaring
www.cabotog.com
To view a video on hydraulic
How Does Hydraulic Fracturing Work?
fracturing, use your
smartphone to photograph
this QR code. Lets explore the details of hydraulic fracturing - or fracing - and how Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation
safely performs this procedure deep within Pennsylvanias Marcellus Shale formation. What follows is a
step-by-step overview of the process after the horizontal section of a well has been drilled and a
protective barrier of cement and steel have been installed to separate the gas from surrounding
structures and protect groundwater sources.
Hydraulic Fracturing Process
Hydraulic fracturing happens in small sections called stages. It starts at the end of the wellbore and
moves toward the beginning.
Step 1 Perforating the Casing
First, a perforating gun is lowered into a targeted position within the horizontal portion of the well.
Then, an electrical current is sent down the well to set off a small explosive charge. This shoots tiny
holes through the well casing and out a short, controlled distance into the shale formation. The holes
2 created by the perf gun serve two purposes: they provide access for the fracturing fluid to enter the
formation and subsequently allows natural gas to enter the wellbore.
Step 2 Shale Fracturing
The fracturing of a well creates a complex network of cracks in the shale formation. This is achieved by
Cabot pumping water, sand and a small amount of additives down the wellbore under high pressure. After
these cracks are created the sand will remain in the formation propping open the shale to create a
pressure pathway for the gas to enter the wellbore and flow up the well.
tests
all well Step 3 Repeat in Stages
casings to During each stage experts will monitor, adjust and record all of the stage parameters to ensure
worker and public safety and to maximize the natural gas production from the shale. After each stage
ensure is completed, a plug will be set and new perforations created to direct the frac fluid to the next stage.
they protect By segmenting the well in stages, a greater amount of gas is produced from the lateral length of
groundwater. the well.
www.cabotog.com @CabotOG cabotsusquehanna
Step 4 Safe Frac Fluid Removal
After hydraulic fracturing is completed, all of the plugs placed between frac stages are drilled As part of
out to remove the restrictions in the wellbore. The completed well is then opened up to safely remove Cabots
the fracturing fluid so that natural gas can be harvested. The frac fluid that is recovered from each well closed-loop
is treated and reused in future frac jobs through Cabots closed-loop water recycling system. water system,
all water
Step 5 Flaring used in
Toward the end of the frac fluid removal process, gas will start to travel up the well along with the fluid.
operations
Since the amount of gas increases as the water decreases, a flare is set up to make sure the gas is
safely burned.
will be
trucked to
Step 6 Harvesting the Natural Gas the site and
After safely removing the fracturing fluid from the formation, the sand will remain in the shale to stored on a
provide a pathway for the gas to flow into the wellbore and to the surface. Once at the surface, the gas secondary pad
will be processed and delivered to nearly 70 million homes and businesses across the country. (pictured on the
front page).
Whats in Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid?
3
Water and sand make up over 99% of the fluid
Frac Fluid Composition used by Cabot during the fracing process. Less
(% by volume)
than 1% of everything pumped into a well is
chemical additives. The primary function of these
95.2% chemicals is to reduce friction, prevent
corrosion and to control bacteria. These chemicals
can generally be found in common household
items. Without the use of these chemicals, our
ability to effectively fracture the shale would be
limited. The exact ratio of the few chemicals used
varies depending on various characteristics of the
rock being fractured. Proppant
0.1% 4.7% Tiny sand-sized
As part of our commitment to openness and particles that hold
Water White Sand transparency, Cabot participates in Frac Focus
open cracks
Product Package created by the
a chemical disclosure registry. By visiting fracing process.
Anti Bacterial Agent
Iron Control Product FracFocus.org, you can search for wells by
Friction Reducer location or company to see the exact formula of
Scale Inhibitor
Corrosion Inhibitor hydraulic fracturing fluid in a specific well. Cabot
has included all of its wells since 2011. www.cabotog.com
Mee
Cabo t the
t Cr Chad Gorman
ew Water Resource Engineer
North Region
While relatively new to the natural gas
industry, Chad brings 12 years of
Environmental Remediation and
Water Treatment experience to the field as
Cabots Water Resource Engineer.
The position is an important one, bringing with
it the responsibility for the proper and safe management of water during all stages
of the hydraulic fracturing process. This water lifecycle includes obtaining and
transporting the water to the well site, followed by its storage and use in the
hydraulic stimulation process during the completions phase of a well.
4 The job not only calls for cost analysis and cost control relating to the water
management, but also demands keen organizational skills to juggle a full list of
daily tasks while coordinating water storage and transfer set-ups to new locations
that are changing weekly.
Raised in small communities not far from Susquehanna County, Chad thanks Cabot
Discover the for giving him the opportunity to return and work in this region. I like that you
Economic Benefits know your neighbors and I love experiencing the rolling hills, the winding roads
of the Natural Gas and the fresh, crisp air out here, says Chad. Its great to be back and working so
Industry in our close to home.
Next Issue
Job Creation
Roads
Royalties
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation is an independent natural gas producer
and a leading developer of the natural gas supply contained in the Marcellus Shale in
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
Visit www.cabotog.com to learn more.
