Course NumberCH-02-616
PDH Hours2
Price$60
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Introduction to Oil Well Hydraulic Fracturing Operations

Recorded Webinar: Introduction to Oil Well Hydraulic Fracturing Operations

Author: Ed Chesny

The oil and gas production operation of Hydraulic Fracturing or “Fracking” has become a controversial practice over recent years. Why? This operation has been a common stimulation practice across the oilfield for over 70 years. One reason for the controversy is a lack of public understanding of geology, plate tectonics, concept of relative size, 3-dimensional processes, materials used to treat a well as well as a lack of knowledge of what fracturing actually does.

This On-Demand webinar course introduces the basic science, materials, and equipment used to hydraulically fracture an oil well. It defines the oilfield processes used and defines the fracking practices in detail. It also covers the methodology used to design the operation, subsurface geological setting in which it is pumped, and the chemicals used in the process. The tools and equipment on site to pump the costly engineering project are also displayed and discussed.

This course includes a review of state-of-the-art methods used to optimize hydrocarbon recovery from subsurface reservoirs. It also discusses the evolving nature of the technology including methods to make the operation more environmentally friendly.

Other key topics covered in this coursework include:

  • Provide historical background on the origins, growth, and evolution of the fracturing stimulation process and how the pumping service companies involved are continually working to improve them.
  • Learn the geological conditions under which a given type of fracturing stimulation treatment is best utilized.
  • Learn how and why hydraulic fracturing is used to enhance crude oil and natural gas production from many different types of subsurface reservoirs.
  • Describe how fracturing mechanically and chemically works to stimulate reservoir rock and facilitate greater hydrocarbon flow to the wellbore for production.
  • Describe the conditions under which the various fracturing fluid blends best function to safely optimize production and facilitate sales.
  • Describe the conditions under which fracturing does not work increase well productivity.
  • Describe the potential workplace challenges posed by a fracturing stimulation project and how good safety practices keep all field personnel safe and effective in a remote outdoor workplace.

Learning Objectives

This Recorded Webinar course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:

  • What is fracturing (fracking) and why is it utilized in oil & gas well stimulations during completions and workovers.
  • Learn what analytical factors are used when preparing to design and pump a fracture stimulation treatment (frack or frac job).
  • Understand roles in the fracturing process of:
  • Operating companies
  • Wireline contractors
  • Fracturing Pressure Pumping contractors
  • Other independent service contractors
  • Learn how a rock formation’s dominant lithology dictates how a fracturing treatment should be designed and implemented.
  • Learn what steps, products, and support services are needed to support an oil well fracturing operation.
  • Learn how hydraulic fracturing effects ground water (for drinking) resources.
  • Learn that hydraulic fracturing is conducted within the earth’s crustal sediments and consequently its effects on tectonic stresses are minimal.
  • Recognize and understand the role of the many pieces of equipment needed to fracture treat an oil well.
  • Understand that fracturing is also a chemical process, and that the chemical blends used for the work depend on the existing condition of the subsurface reservoir. These chemicals have been modified to become increasingly environmentally safe over time.
  • Understand that the final product of a fracturing treatment is a well prepared to produce crude oil and/or natural gas at a higher more profitable rate than otherwise would be possible. In fact, without fracturing the wells would never be drilled for the cost would be prohibitively expensive.

We provide technical courses for PDH credits that meet Board requirements for Professional Engineers, Geologists and Land Surveyors. This course is guaranteed to be accepted in AK, AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, ID, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, and WY. Before purchasing this course, please confirm that your state Board is listed above.