WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Oct. 12, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plateau Mineral Development, Inc. (Pink Sheets:PMDP) issued a statement today detailing the fracking process. Fracking is a procedure that results in the creation of fractures in rocks; the goal of which is to increase the output of a well. The most important industrial use is in stimulating oil and natural gas wells. Gas is held inside the shale, so the rock needs to be opened up before the gas can flow.
After the formation has been selected, and the depths of the top and bottom have been determined, a means of isolating the formation is determined. The treatment may be done to an open hole or with casing in place. If cased, the casing is perforated by a compressed gas-driven shot. In either case, packers are set just above and just below the formation to be treated. To begin, an acid is applied under pressure to eat way rock. When that is completed, the remaining acid is then neutralized by an appropriate solution, usually potassium chloride (KCL). In the case of shale formations, the next step involves pushing water under pressure into the formation, and then using more water to push sand into the formation. Mixtures such as water and diesel fuel have also been used.
Typically, fracking results in the generation of a lot of leftover water polluted with chemical solutions that are carcinogens. This water is usually forced into the formation by a gas (usually nitrogen) under high pressure. When the nitrogen flows back, it drives the water to surface tanks of open pits.
However, when Plateau's solvent is used instead of water, it flows back with the nitrogen and oil, is collected in the storage tank, and can be sold along with the oil to the refineries. In short, no large quantities of polluted water result from fracking with Plateau's dilution solvent.
According to the industry, fracturing has been used in roughly 90 percent of wells in operation today and 60 to 80 percent of new wells will require fracturing to remain viable. The industry contends the process is safe. But hydraulic fracturing operations have been linked to environmental risks that could have significant financial implications for the companies involved and are leading to increased regulatory scrutiny. Congress has directed the EPA to study the potential impact of fracking on drinking water, human health and the environment after complaints by residents were seen on the television program, "60 Minutes." (Source: http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=52629 ) The fracturing operations involve the movement, storage, and disposal of millions of gallons of water and thousands to tens of thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals.
To learn more about Plateau Mineral Development, please visit www.plateaumineral.net.
About Plateau Mineral Development, Inc.: Plateau Mineral Development, Inc. specializes in the exploration and development of energy sources. Its partner, Plateau Mineral Development LLC, has been in existence for over five years with successful new wells and rework wells selling both gas and oil.
Safe Harbor Statement: This information includes certain "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, expectations, objectives and goals of the Company management with respect to future events and financial performance. They are based on assumptions and estimates, which are believed reasonable at the time such statements are made. However, actual results could differ materially from anticipated results. Important factors that may impact actual results include but are not limited to commodity prices, political developments, legal decisions, market and economic conditions, industry competition, the weather, changes in financial markets and changing legislation and regulations. Matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include but are not limited to risks and uncertainties associated with the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company. Forward-looking statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
CONTACT: Plateau Mineral Development, Inc. Investor Relations 410-242-0763