Using Hydraulic Fracturing for Hydrocarbon Extraction Research Paper

Using Hydraulic Fracturing for Hydrocarbon Extraction - Research Paper Example While this process is a simple in principle, the geological differences at the well site affects the exact fracturing process hence raises both safety and efficiency concerns (Golden, John and Hannah, 998). Hydraulic fracturing was commercially explored for the first time in Velma, Oklahoma by Halliburton in the year 1949 to extract gas from limestone deposits. Since then, there have been several technological advancements especially in 1980s that resulted to the discovery of diamond-studded drill bits and horizontal drilling. These technological advancements opened room for gas access in shale formations thus resulted into what is today known as â€Å"shale gale† (Bolonkin, Joseph and Shmuel, 234). Benefits of Hydraulic fracturing as a technology cannot be underestimated given the adverse effects of burning coal and generating nuclear energy. Research shows that Hydraulic fracturing accounts for more than 70% of the development of natural gas which will reduce cost of manufacturing and increase employment opportunities (Middleton et al, 505).Hydraulic fracturing is inevitable as well as a vital aspect of many countries energy’s policy due to its tremendous economic benef its and is estimated that the industry will employ over one million users in the US by 2025 (Middleton et al, 506). However, it is estimated that the cost of a gas well ranges between 2.5 and 3 million dollars depending on the area, local taxes, depth of formation as well as other effects of operating costs such as fresh water availability, equipment and transportation while the United States energy information estimates the costs at about 5.3 million dollars (Middleton et al, 505). This is high compared to the other methods of extraction but economical in the short run. Despite the many benefits of Hydraulic fracturing, the process poses serious risks to the human health and quality of fresh water. One of the serious concerns of Hydraulic fracturing is the large quantities of water used.