Queensland farmers have raised concerns about the risks of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, after France banned the controversial procedure which is used to extract oil and natural gas.
The French parliament has passed a law banning fracking, while the US state of New Jersey has made moves in a similar direction.
Dalby landholder and Basin Sustainability Alliance committee member Anne Bridle says she is unsure about the safety of hydraulic fracturing.
"The practice certainly needs serious scrutiny because what’s happening overseas could happen here," she said.
Fracking is a process used by the coal seam gas industry where water, sand and chemicals are injected into wells at high pressure, in the process splitting open coal fissures to release more gas.
Landholders in numerous parts of Australia have expressed fears about the chemicals used in fracking contaminating underground water supplies and damaging the environment.
Queensland has banned a group of cancer-causing chemicals known as BTEX from being used in fracking fluid, but the process of hydraulic fracturing itself is allowed.
Ms Bridle has first-hand experience of the risks of hydraulic fracturing.
Two years ago a gas well near her property was hydraulically fractured, connecting the Springbok sandstone aquifer to the Walloon Coal Measures seam below.
"With all that is happening overseas you do start to wonder what does it mean and should we be equally concerned here," she said.
"The Queensland Government is saying things will be different in Queensland from the US because the Queensland industry is so highly regulated on fracking.
"I recognise they have improved some of the regulations around this practice, however I am very concerned, as I know of one coal seam gas company that is currently strongly lobbying to have the Government radically weaken its conditions on fracking."
‘Ban unnecessary’
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association's director of coal seam gas operations in Queensland, Ross Dunn, says France's decision to ban fracking was political, rather than being based on science.
“Every scientific study has come down in favour of the process and found it doesn’t pose a risk to adjoining aquifers,” Mr Dunn said.
“Hydraulic fracturing has been used in Australia for a number of decades and is only occasionally used in the coal seam gas industry.
“It is a large part of the petroleum industry and is also used in the geothermal industry and sometimes in water bores.”
Mr Dunn says an Australian ban on hydraulic fracturing is unnecessary.
“Hydraulic fracturing is a much-maligned and misunderstood practice.
“As long as wells are designed and constructed to industry expectations then you don’t get gas leaking from them.”
2011年7月17日星期日
2011年4月28日星期四
Cold Water Pressure Washer Supports 1500 PSI, 3 GPM
Daimer Industries, Inc.®, a large-scale supplier of cold water pressure washer equipment, is shipping an electric-powered, non-heated system supporting 1500 psi and 3 GPM. Daimer®'s Super Max™ 8700 model features a high size-to-power ratio for ease of use and low cost.
"This cold water pressure washer offers a blend of power, pressure and size that many customers find appealing," announced Matthew Baratta, a commercial pressure washer systems representative for Daimer.com. "These power washers increase worker productivity and carry a modest price tag."
Cold Water Pressure Washer with All the Trimmings
Each Super Max™ 8700 offers pressure levels of no more than 1500 psi and flow rates topping at 3 GPM. As a result, the machines are ideal for use on fragile surfaces.
The unit is powered by a 3 HP NEMA motor with a direct drive pump guaranteed for up to 5 years of use. For enhanced cleaning, the cold water pressure washer supports chemical infusion/injection with a low pressure system.
The cold water pressure washer is mounted on commercial-grade wheels and is sold with 25 feet of hydraulic/high pressure hose. (Other hose sizes are available as options.) The machine also comes with four nozzles, including a blast option. The bundled 3-foot trigger wand includes the company's Quick-On-Off disconnect capability.
Though the unit is designated as a cold water pressure washer, the system supports an optional hot water feature for temperatures approaching 180°F. The commercial pressure washer comes in a housing that measures 19 inches by 31 inches at the base and 26 inches in height.
"This cold water pressure washer offers a blend of power, pressure and size that many customers find appealing," announced Matthew Baratta, a commercial pressure washer systems representative for Daimer.com. "These power washers increase worker productivity and carry a modest price tag."
Cold Water Pressure Washer with All the Trimmings
Each Super Max™ 8700 offers pressure levels of no more than 1500 psi and flow rates topping at 3 GPM. As a result, the machines are ideal for use on fragile surfaces.
The unit is powered by a 3 HP NEMA motor with a direct drive pump guaranteed for up to 5 years of use. For enhanced cleaning, the cold water pressure washer supports chemical infusion/injection with a low pressure system.
The cold water pressure washer is mounted on commercial-grade wheels and is sold with 25 feet of hydraulic/high pressure hose. (Other hose sizes are available as options.) The machine also comes with four nozzles, including a blast option. The bundled 3-foot trigger wand includes the company's Quick-On-Off disconnect capability.
Though the unit is designated as a cold water pressure washer, the system supports an optional hot water feature for temperatures approaching 180°F. The commercial pressure washer comes in a housing that measures 19 inches by 31 inches at the base and 26 inches in height.
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