Print this pageHydraulic Fracturing Considerations
for Natural Gas Wells of the Marcellus Shale
J. Daniel Arthur, Brian Bohm, and Mark Layne
ALL Consulting, LLC, 1718 S. Cheyenne Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119
ABSTRACT
The issue of hydraulic fracturing has raised many concerns from the public as well as government officials. This paper
will review the history and evolution of hydraulic fracturing, including environmental and regulatory considerations. Additionally, technical and
environmental considerations applicable to hydraulic fracturing in the unconventional arena of gas shales, with an emphasis on the Marcellus Shale of the
Appalachians, will be presented. Topics addressed in the paper will include discussions on: (1) the process of hydraulic fracturing; (2) the
purposes and advantages of hydraulic fracturing; (3) applicable design and engineering aspects of well completions; (4) geological considerations such
as confinement of the fracturing process; (5) potential risks to groundwater and underground sources of drinking water; and (6) the use of hydraulic fracturing
fluids and associated technical considerations.
Arthur, J. D., B. Bohm, and M. Layne, 2009, Hydraulic fracturing considerations for natural gas wells of the Marcellus Shale: Gulf
Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 59, p. 49-59.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90093 © 2009 GCAGS 59th Annual Meeting, Shreveport, Louisiana