Vast reserves of natural gas can be found trapped in densely packed rock such as shale. Here is how it is reached
1
A vertical hole is drilled into the shale rock
The drill can run horizontally once it enters the shale layer
2
Bore is lined with steel and cement and small holes made in the casing and the shale
3
High-pressure water and sand and chemicals are pumped into the bore to fracture the shale
Bore
Fissue
4
Gas in the rock is forced into the bore and flows to the surface
Vast reserves of natural gas can be found trapped in densely packed rock such as shale. Here is how it is reached
1
A vertical hole is drilled into the shale rock
The drill can run horizontally once it enters the shale layer
3
High-pressure water and sand and chemicals are pumped into the bore to fracture the shale
4
Gas in the rock is forced into the bore and flows to the surface
Bore
2
Bore is lined with steel and cement and small holes made in the casing and the shale
Fissue