Ensuring the Safe Production of Natural Gas

Growing demand for natural gas in the U.S. has led to an increase in hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale region of PA. The goal of this project was to recommend best practices to the U.S. Department of Energy for hydraulic fracturing. First, industry practices for well drilling, cementing, and casing were analyzed. A System-Theoretic Process Analysis was used to identify weaknesses that could lead to loss of wellbore integrity; and a blowout preventer system was designed to mitigate this hazard. Second, contaminants in hydraulic fracturing fluids were identified and a mobile onsite wastewater treatment system using reverse osmosis was designed to remove fracturing chemicals, radium, and solids. Lastly, recommendations were made to improve the safety of natural gas recovery