Shale Gas Extraction Filter Assembly for Aquifer Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shale gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing poses challenges in minimizing contamination of aquifers and other formations due to potential leaks of shale gas and chemicals, which can lead to environmental contamination and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for extracting shale gas that includes a production pipe surrounded by filter means located below a water permeable layer to capture contaminants, utilizing a filter assembly with a collapsible and expandable design, cement for securing, and aspirator pipes with magnetic fields to attract ferrofluids, along with sensors for monitoring contamination levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is used to extract shale gas, then gas extraction efficiency is improved, but contamination of aquifers and formations increases
Solution Approach 1:
A filter assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the production pipe and the aquifer. The filter assembly includes a filter screen that captures contaminants (shale gas, chemicals, sand) before they can enter the aquifer, while still allowing water to pass through. This mediator structure enables continued gas extraction operations while protecting the aquifer from contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful contaminants (shale gas, chemicals, sand particles) are extracted from the flow path by the filter assembly before they can reach the aquifer. The filter screen physically removes these substances from the fracturing fluid and produced water, separating the harmful components from the benign water that can safely interact with the aquifer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If filter means are added to capture contaminants, then environmental protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters contaminants from the flow, provides structural support for the production pipe, creates a sealed zone around the production area, and enables both production and environmental protection functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter screen is nested within the filter assembly structure, which itself is positioned around the production pipe. The collapsible filter portions are nested within the rigid housing, allowing compact installation while providing extensive filtration surface area when expanded.
3Ease of operation
If filter assembly is made collapsible and expandable, then installation ease is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly transitions from a collapsed state during installation to an expanded state during operation. The collapsible filter portions can be compressed into a compact form for easy lowering into the borehole, then expanded against the borehole wall to provide effective filtration and zonation. This dynamic transformation simplifies installation while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively reduces contamination of aquifers and other formations by capturing leaks and recovering fracking fluid components, thereby minimizing environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation Method 1
aspirator pipes with magnetic fields to attract ferrofluids
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to system and method for extracting shale gas through a bore hole located within a geological area. The system and method comprises a production pipe surrounded by a filter assembly, where the production pipe passes through different geological layers, such as a water permeable layer above an underlying shale layer. During extraction of gas from the shale layer, the filter assembly can capture and filter out any contaminants that are released before they enter the water permeable layer. The filter assembly includes lower expandable bell and a stacked arrangement of filters. A vacuum may be used to encourage filtration.