A process of opening up “channels” in an underground hydrocarbon reservoir by pumping special fluids down the well under high pressure. Fracturing causes the formation to crack open, creating passages for the reservoir fluids to more easily flow into the wellbore. Hydraulic fracturing is an effective method for enabling the recovery of oil and gas from hard to access reserves. Fracing involves shooting a mix of sand, water and chemicals into gas wells to crack brick-like sandstone, releasing gas trapped in tiny pores