SERVICES :2
FORMATION FRACTURING:
Commonwealth Energy Group offers two distinct formation fracturing processes. Depending upon the rock type, we either use the hydraulic method, or the propellant method. Both are very dependable and usually succeed in opening the fractures that the oil/gas is flowing in. Limestone is the rock type usually encountered here in south central Kentucky. Limestone is not very porous, therefore oil does not travel through the rocks (via capillary action) as it would if the stone was very porous like sandstone for instance which is very porous. Since the oil and/or natural gas has to travel around the limestone more than through it, then we count on fractures to act like conduits for the oil to travel underground under pressure of natural gas. Kentucky is very Karst which means there are many caves, caverns and fissures under the surface, which does help in oil/gas recovery efforts.
The Hydraulic method of fracturing uses water, HCL acid, and high pressure to fracture the producing formation, thus opening the natural fractures a lot more. Sand is also added to the pressurized water and acid so as to act as a propagant, propping up the formation fractures after the high pressure is released, and the well "exhales".
The Propellant method of fracturing uses, slow-burning chemicals that when ignited produces a pressure wave of about 10 Million foot pounds of energy. This energy blast lasts only for a fraction of second, but provides the energy required to not only open the existing fractures, but actually create new fractures adding to the number of entry point of oil/gas into the well.
The Radial Jet Horizontal method of fracturing consists of a high pressure hose lowered into the vertical bore-hole to the pay zone, then turning and drilling with high pressure water (or acid) horizontally. This method of increasing the pay zone surface area has been proven to enhance oil/gas recovery in new and older wells. Think of this method as making a wagon wheel spokes out from the center which of course is the well bore itself. We have documented proofs of radial drainage channels being drilled out from the center up to 400 feet! The increased production can easily pay for the operation quickly.
Formation fracturing is customary in the industry as it does usually allow much more hydrocarbons to be pushed into the well, compared to just natural production.