This module introduces key processes in the upstream sector of the natural gas industry—well site selection, preparation, and drilling, completion, production, water recycling, and reclamation. When you complete this module, you will be able to:

1. Understand how a natural gas well site is selected and prepared for drilling including social and environmental considerations.

2. Describe drilling processes including advantages and disadvantages of different drilling methods.

3. Understand completion including hydraulic fracturing.

4. Understand the role and importance of water in upstream natural gas processing.

5. Understand how a well site is reclaimed including environmental considerations.

Industry Sector Classification

This module, and the next two, focus on describing processes, features, and other characteristics of the natural gas industry by sector. Looking at activities by sector makes it a bit easier to understand just what is involved in taking natural gas from the ground and ultimately delivering it to market for residential, industrial, and commercial uses.

In the WiNG program, we describe the natural gas industry using a three- sector classification system: upstream, midstream, and downstream. Sometimes, you may encounter reference to a two-sector system: upstream and downstream. In the two-sector system, all of what is referred to as midstream processing is included in the downstream sector.