Frac Sand Proppants

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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.

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.

Types of Proppants

When you are in involved in hydraulic fracturing, then you understand the importance of using a quality proppant. From the common frac sand to synthetic resins, the options from which to choose for your hydraulic fracturing job are multiple. The following is a breakdown of different types of proppants and their qualities.

Ceramic Proppants

The benefit of man made, ceramic proppants is their consistency. Each grain is the same size and shape, allowing them to be uniform across the board. Because of the uniformity, ceramic proppants stack more efficiently, allowing more natural gases to flow through unimpeded.

Frac Sand Proppants

When silica sand is used as a proppant, the smoothness and uniformity of shape are both important factors in determining the strength and quality of the frac sand proppant. Even the smoothest and most uniform frac sand granules don’t stand up to the strength of a ceramic proppant. However, frac sand is a naturally occurring proppant, causing it to be much more environmentally friendly. Also, it is lower priced and completely untreated. The compromise is the reduction in strength and permeability.

Resin Coated Frac Sand Proppants

Resin coated proppants, known as RCP’s are a compromising mix between frac sand and ceramic proppants. RCP are high quality granules of silica sand that have been coated by a strengthening outer layer of resin. The resin is applied via hot or cold coating. This increases the performance, strength, and quality of the frac sand.

From the strongest ceramic proppant to the weakest RCP’s, there are multiple options from which to choose for your hydraulic fracturing process. Each has their own benefits and range in price.

For more information on hydraulic fracturing and frac sand equipment, visit the Frac Sand sections of the Del Sol Industrial Services website.