Conserving Water With Nitrogen Drilling

Image source: virgin.com

One of the most concerning challenges of fracking is its use of a substantial amount of water in fracturing shale rocks to reach trapped oil and gas reserves. An average of two million gallons of water are consumed in an average fracking well.

The industry has been on the receiving end of complaints and worries, so there has been increasing pressure to limit water use. Watersheds are seeing their levels decrease over time. Rainfall has also been historically low, while temperatures are higher than ever.

There are various fluid alternatives to water that have been implemented successfully in fracking. One of these is nitrogen. Different iterations of nitrogen can be employed for fracking or drilling.

Some frackers use pure nitrogen almost exclusively, with only a minimal quantity of water in the mix. The nitrogen in this alternative is maintained in its low-density and compressible gaseous state. In this condition, it is only effective in shallow depths and on very specific formation types.

Nitrogen-energized fracking uses a fluid with less than 53 percent nitrogen, along with water and small amounts of chemical additives. This amount of nitrogen energizes the fluid to maximize the flowback of water and fracturing of low-pressure formations.

Image source: nationaldriller.com

The most widely used and most water-efficient formula is nitrogen foam fracking. Containing 53 to 95 percent nitrogen gas, the composition is cooled and transformed into a foam-like liquid. The increased density and viscosity makes it an improved proppant carrier and vehicle for drilling into deeper formations.

Brian Alfaro leads Primera Energy, LLC in its drive to make the country self-sufficient in energy supply while minimizing the negative impact of oil and gas extraction on the environment. To read more on the company’s work, visit this website.