Ethane production in North America (NA) has expanded dramatically with the onset of shale production and associated hydraulic fracturing. Ethane concentrations in fractured shale gas are typically 10% or higher vs. a traditional range of 4%–7% in associated gas.
Ethane production in North America (NA) has expanded dramatically with the onset of shale production and associated hydraulic fracturing. Ethane concentrations in fractured shale gas are typically 10% or higher vs. a traditional range of 4%–7% in associated gas. FIG. 1 shows the increase in US ethane production, which corresponds with the rapid increase in shale exploration that started around 2007.
FIG. 1. US gas plant production of ethane/ethylene. Source: US EIA.
During the early phases of the US shale revolution, a large surplus of ethane had a negative effect on the Mont Belvieu commodity pricing index. During this time, prices depressed t
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