Phase 1: Seismic Phase

The Seismic Phase is the process of acquiring 3-D seismic information to evaluate the subsurface. “Thumper Trucks” are used during this process.

Thumper Trucks used for gas drilling

Phase 2: Drilling Phase

The Drilling Phase is the process of constructing the drill site area and drilling through the subsurface. Typically a well takes 20 to 45 days to drill.

Gas drilling site

Phase 3: Completion Phase

Completion Phase is the process of fracture stimulating or "fracking" the well to allow the natural gas to flow. It can take 3 to 4 days to fracture and complete the well for production.

Fracking a well to allow natural gas to flow

Phase 4: Production Phase

Production Phase, the quiet, long-term phase, is the process of producing the natural gas from the well and transporting it via pipelines to market. A wellhead or “Christmas tree” is placed on top of the existing well site to control and regulate the flow of gas. This phase can last approximately 30 to 50 years.

A wellhead or Christmas tree is placed on top of the existing well site to control and regulate the flow of gas

Phase 5: Abandonment Phase

Abandonment Phase occurs once production is complete. The well is plugged, all of the equipment and debris is removed from the site, and the site is abandoned.

Gas drilling site
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