Search
Close this search box.

MSI

Shale 101 – Understanding The Basics

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Understanding the classification of rocks, including the essential characteristics of shale, provides valuable insight into geological processes and the methods used for extracting natural resources. Rocks are classified by a combination of their chemical and mineral composition, the texture of their particles, and the process by which they were formed. There are three basic classifications of rock.

First, igneous rocks are formed when molten magma cools. When a volcano releases molten magma to the earth’s surface, it is lava. Second, metamorphic rocks are formed from rocks that were subject to be changed by extreme temperature and pressure changes causing the minerals to actually be transformed either into other kinds of minerals or varying forms of the same minerals.

Third, sedimentary rocks are formed over millions of years from weathering agents (such as wind, water, and ice) having worn away larger rocks into gravel, pebbles, sand, etc. Then, once again over long periods of time, these broken down pieces of rock are pressured into flat layers of new rocks called sedimentary rock. This process is known as compaction.

Characteristics of Shale

Shale is a sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks can be found all over the world; however, generally they were under water when they were formed. They are very prevalent with an estimated 70% of the earth’s rocks being sedimentary. Shale rocks, with their smooth and even grain, are a mixture of gravel, pebbles, and sand, as well as flakes of clay minerals and silt-sized particles of certain minerals like calcite and quartz.

Fissility in Shale

The way rocks split depends upon the differing planes of weakness in their construction. This property is referred to as fissility in geology. Shale has varying degrees of fissility but tends to be very splintery. This structural feature contributes to shale being receptive to fracking.

Understanding Fracking

Fracking is technically a slang term for “hydraulic fracturing” and refers to the procedure of initiating or furthering fractures in rocks and rock formations by forcefully injecting fluid into cracks to open them up. The larger the fissure, the more oil and gas are allowed to flow out of the formation and into the wellbore. A wellbore is a hole drilled for the purpose of exploration or extraction of gas or oil (or even water). From the wellbore, it can be extracted for processing and production.

Specially designed connections, including Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG), are necessary to triumph over challenges routinely faced in offshore and land-based operations, as well as extended reach drilling and horizontal drilling techniques (such as those necessary to recover shale gas by hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”).

Protect pipes with MSI, the world’s best pipe protection company.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

View More

tubular-handling-systems-storage-application

Top Reasons to Utilize Tubular Handling Systems

If you work with oil and gas pipe, you know that it is a significant asset. Without pipe, drilling could not be done. While it is one of the most important assets on any job, it is also exposed to rough elements and often rough handling. So, many don’t think twice about how tubular products

Read More »
enhanced efficiency and safety

Lifting Bails: Offering Enhanced Efficiency and Safety

Lifting bails are an excellent device to have on hand when you are working on any project where lifting heavy tools, pipe, subs, collars, bits, and stabilizers is necessary. Lifting or moving heavy items is necessary in the oil industry, which is innately rough, so an investment in lifting bails is an investment in your

Read More »
Translate »
Scroll to Top