[vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″]A wellbore is drilled to aid in the exploration and recovery of natural resources. This wellbore allows hydraulic fracturing fluids to travel down the well while natural gas  flows back up the well. To ensure natural gas exploration is done in an environmentally friendly way, wellbores are constructed in a very meticulous manner. They are made with multiple layers of thick industrial grade steel pipe casings and cement sheaths. Due to their great significance, wellbore construction is highly regulated.
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image css_animation=”” image=”5432″ border_color=”” img_link_large=”” link=”https://wellsaidcabot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/well-casing.gif” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The depths and number of the casings for each wellbore fluctuate depending on the well and rock formations in the area. Wellbores are specifically designed for the requirements of each formation which is why there isn’t a “cookie cutter” wellbore construction.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Typically, there are four casings used on a regular basis:
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The outermost layer is known as the Conductor Casing. It is placed into the surface hole and cemented. This layer is used as a barrier to keep surface sediments and water away from the frac’ing procedures, it also helps to stabilize the sides of the hole.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Next is the Surface Casing. This casing is cemented into place from bottom to top and it completely cuts off the well from all surrounding water aquifers.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Then, the Intermediate Casing, this is used for added stability and security. It separates the well from pressured rock formations that could potentially compromise the well’s production.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Finally, there is the Production Casing, this is the innermost layer. It is made to contain all of the frac fluid that is forced down the well in addition to all of the natural gas that flows up as a product. This casing is the longest, it reaches the bottom of the well and it is completely surrounded by cement.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Cabot’s operators use a rotating cement head to rotate each string of casing as cement is being pumped in. This step is necessary so that the cement goes completely around the whole circumference of the steel pipe.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Proper wellbore construction is critical to protecting groundwater, and we take great care to ensure the integrity of the wellbore[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]