HYDROFRACTURING
Hydrofracturing, commonly referred to as hydrofracking, is a well development
process that involves injecting water under high pressure into a bedrock formation via the well.
This is intended to increase the size and extent of existing bedrock fractures, thereby
enlarging the network of water bearing fractures and size of the area supplying water to the
well.
The procedure is often used to increase well yields of new deep drilled wells with marginal or
inadequate production rates. It may also be applied to older existing wells that have progressively
diminished recovery rates over time usually caused by mineralization and incrustation of rock
features.
The Hydrofracturing Process
The procedure involves the installation of an inflatable or mechanical packer which is placed in
the well bore at least 20' below the well casing and drive shoe seal and at least 60' below the
ground surface to insure that the process does not "break" the seal or allow surface water
contaminants to enter the well. The packer is inflated or locked into position and water is
pumped through the packer under pressure. Most applications require between 500 and 2000psi and
in some cases 3000psi pressure may be needed in tight rock formations.
If successful, pressure will steadily rise to a maximum level as the rock formation resists flow
then will suddenly drop off and stabilize at a lower pressure. The drop in pressure indicates that
the formation is accepting water and the resistance to flow is diminished. Water is pumped into the
formation for 5 to 30 minutes. Injection pump delivery rates of 50 to 75 GPM have proven successful.
Generally, 1500 to 2000 gallons of water or more are pumped into the bedrock formation.
It is extremely important that only clean, disinfected water is used for
injection water because of the extreme pressures involved and potential for
forcing contaminants deep into the bedrock aquifer.
STARTING AT $1500.00
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