Hydraulic Fracturing – Flowback
Introduction
After fracturing the entire well, workers decrease the pressure at the wellhead and drill out the isolation plugs. A mixture of fracturing fluid and gas or oil flows back out of the well through flow lines into pits or tanks.
Process: Flowback
Hazards
- Struck by high pressure lines
- Fires and explosions
- Inhaling hazardous gases or vapors
- Exposure to high noise levels
Solutions
- Direct all non-essential personnel to stay clear of the work zone.
- Follow procedures to release trapped pressure safely.
- Ground and bond tanks used to hold flowback fluid (also known as frac tanks).
- Route flowback fluid through a gas buster system.
- Use wood gauges to monitor fluid volume in frac tanks.
- Use monitors with lower explosive limits to warn of the presence of flammable gases.
- Wear proper personal protective equipment, such as respiratory, skin and hearing protection, as appropriate for the hazards present.
Source: Occupational Safety & Health Administration © 2012, 2015, 2017 Zywave, Inc.
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