API Publishes Hydraulic Fracturing Best Practices Document
November 4, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The American Petroleum Institute (API) published a document outlining current industry best practices for the proper drilling and cementing of wells that are being hydraulically fractured.
The document, API HF1, Hydraulic Fracturing Operations - Well Construction and Integrity Guideline, is designed to ensure that shallow ground water aquifers and the environment are protected throughout the drilling, completion and production phases of a well's life.
It is intended to provide industry and state regulators a framework for well construction and integrity that will supplement state regulations already in place or under development.
Over 1 million wells have been drilled in the U.S. using hydraulic fracturing over the past 60 years. As geographical formations being drilled become more complicated, hydraulic fracturing will be used even more, especially when drilling for natural gas.
A 2006 government-industry report cited by API found that between 60 and 80% of natural gas wells drilled in the next decade will require hydraulic fracturing.
"Natural gas has the potential to serve as an important bridge to our nation's energy future, but we need hydraulic fracturing to develop this gas," said API Upstream Director Doug Morris.
"Hydraulic fracturing is a safe and proven technology that is critical to developing the natural gas needed to heat homes, generate electricity, and create basic materials for fertilizers and plastics. This guidance document helps supplement and support existing state regulations to ensure that development of our nation’s abundant natural gas resources is safe and effective."
API HF1 is the second of four documents that API has been developing to address the increasing role of hydraulic fracturing to the nation's energy supply.
In August, API published a guidance document on environmental and reclamation practices.
The final two documents under development will address cradle-to-grave water handling practices for hydraulic fracturing operations and surface environmental considerations.
Source: American Petroleum Institute (API).