Fracking and Better Alternatives.

Though Fracking is not very environmentally friendly, it does help produce fossil fuels. We already have to deal with the Fracking process, but finding different alternatives is a great way to get started.  I’ve done some research online and found numerous ideas and methods that some companies are already using, I suggest that you guys check it out!

Water-Free Fracking – There are other systems of fracking, one way uses a gelled fluid containing propane. Gel retains the sand better than water, this gets the results with just 1/8 of the liquid that is normally used, but it has to pump at a slow rate. This eliminates the need to dispose of the contaminated water and haul it away in trucks. The excess water usually ends up at a deep well injection site.

Eliminating Diesel Fumes -  Diesel-powered equipment is used in the drilling and pumping process, which is harmful to the environment and contributes to global warming.  Even by using equipment powered by natural gas you can leave a little bit less of a carbon footprint, by doing this it can also save on fuel cost.

Plugging Methane Leaks – Like I mentioned before, unregulated fracking can lead to  possible methane leaks among drilling sites.  Methane is 34 times stronger than carbon dioxide and a recent study has shown that methane emissions are about 50% higher (you can check out more regulations that will be passed at this website http://energyblog.nationalgeographic.com/2012/04/18/air-pollution-from-fracked-natural-gas-wells-will-be-regulated-under-new-u-s-rules/.

Treating Wastewater – The amount of water exceeds the amount of oil actually produced. The fluid that comes returns to the surface is chemically treated frack water, rock formation that contains numerous different materials.  This water then is transported to deep well sites. There are a few treatment options, one being the “Clean Wave System”, which uses positively charged ions and bubbles to remove particles from the water at the Fracking site. This would help clean the water used and reduce expenses for water that needs to  be transported and removed from the fracking site.