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| Image courtesy of Forbes |
What Is A Proppant?
When it comes to hydraulic fracturing, having a strong, quality proppant is key. What is a proppant? As the name implies, a proppant is implemented to “prop” open fractures and cracks made deep within the earth’s shale layers. These shale layers run anywhere from 5,000 to 9,000 feet underneath the earth’s surface. The pressure at this depth is immense. Therefore, when fractures are made within these layers, they do not stay open on their own.
In hydraulic fracturing, a high pressured liquid of various chemicals, water, and a proppant is pumped through a well and into these shale layers. The pressure from the water forces cracks and fracturing to occur within the shale rock, releasing the valuable natural gases within. However, once the water ebbs, the fractures close unless a proppant is supplied. Frac sand is one such proppant to maintain these fractures remain open so that the natural gases can be released.
In hydraulic fracturing, a high pressured liquid of various chemicals, water, and a proppant is pumped through a well and into these shale layers. The pressure from the water forces cracks and fracturing to occur within the shale rock, releasing the valuable natural gases within. However, once the water ebbs, the fractures close unless a proppant is supplied. Frac sand is one such proppant to maintain these fractures remain open so that the natural gases can be released.
Frac Sand
Not just any type of sand is used, but high quality, round sand granules with a high “crush factor” are mined from locations such as the northeast United States. Once the sand is mined, it goes through a series of filters, screens, and tests in order to collect the strongest, highest quality frac sand granules. Most of the mined, frac sand are coated with a resin to add strength, maximize the fracture width, and the outer resin coating allows better redistribution of force, minimizing particles that are crushed.
From strength and shape to coatings and crush factor, there are many areas to consider when it comes to choosing frac sand proppants. There are different grades of frac sand, some of which can be seen here on the Del Sol Industrial Services website. Del Sol Industrial Services is a frac and foundry consulting and product representation company located in Central Texas.