Hydraulic fracturing, often called “fracking,” is a well-stimulation technique used to extract oil and natural gas from deep bedrock formations. By injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into the wellbore, energy companies create cracks in the rock, allowing trapped resources to flow more freely.
How the Process Works?
Drilling and Casing: A well is drilled vertically deep underground (often thousands of feet) and then extended horizontally through the target rock formation. Steel pipes and cement casings are installed to seal the well and protect groundwater aquifers from contamination.
Perforation: A perforating tool creates small holes in the casing and cement at the level of the target rock (e.g., shale).
Injection: A fluid (usually 98–99% water and sand, and 1–2% chemical additives) is pumped into the well at extremely high pressure. This pressure cracks the rock layer.
Propping: The sand or other coarse particles act as “proppants”. When the pumping pressure is released, the sand keeps the fractures open, allowing oil or natural gas to travel into the wellbore and up to the surface