Current opinions on foam-based hydro-fracturing in deep geological reservoirs

Abstract

Natural gas extraction is a greener solution to world energy resource depletion and water-based hydraulic fracturing is traditionally used to produce gas from deep and tight geological formations. However, since this practice fails to produce a commercially viable amount of gas and raises many environmental issues, better alternatives are being tested in the field, among which the usage of foam-based fluid is a comparatively novel but effective technique. The aim of this review is to understand the current opinion on foam-based fluid fracturing, its merits and demerits and the associated environmental footprint. Foams are made by mixing a gas phase with a liquid phase using a suitable surfac..