Shooters – A “Fracking” History

by | Mar 15, 2026 | Petroleum Technology

Evolution of technologies for fracturing geologic formations to increase oil and natural gas production.

 

Ever since the earliest U.S. oil discoveries, detonating dynamite or nitroglycerin downhole helped increase a well’s production. The geologic “fracking” technology commonly used in oilfields after the Civil War would be significantly enhanced when hydraulic fracturing arrived in 1949. 

Modern hydraulic fracturing — popularly known as petroleum well “fracking” — can trace its roots to April 1865, when Civil War Union veteran Lt. Col. Edward A. L. Roberts received the first of his many patents for an “exploding torpedo.” He founded the Roberts Petroleum Torpedo Company, which would continue its oilfield work the next 125 years. (more…)

This Week in Petroleum History, January 19 – 25

by | Jan 19, 2026 | This Week in Petroleum History

January 19, 1922 – USGS predicts Oil Shortage, Again  –

The U.S. Geological Survey predicted America’s oil supplies would run out in 20 years. It was not the first nor last false alarm. Warnings of shortages were made for most of the 20th century, according to A Case History of Oil-Shortage Scares, a 1950 report that documented six claims prior to that year alone. (more…)

Pin It on Pinterest