5 indicators of high quality fracturing quartz sand | LZZG

5 indicators of high quality fracturing quartz sand | LZZG

Searching for high-quality fracturing quartz sand leads to several vital indicators that determine its effectiveness in the oil and gas industry. Based on various expert analyses, the five critical parameters to consider when evaluating fracturing quartz sand include its sphericity, acid solubility, turbidity, anti-crushing ability, and density characteristics.

1. Sphericity and Roundness

Sphericity measures how closely the fracturing proppant approaches a spherical shape, while roundness denotes how circular the cross-section of the particle is. Better sphericity and roundness correlate with improved performance in propping fractures, and natural quartz sand should have values not less than 0.6. Testing involves using special plates specifically designed to assess these characteristics.

2. Acid Solubility

Acid solubility defines the proportion of a given mass of proppant that dissolves in a specified acidic environment. High acid resistance is crucial for fracturing proppants, as it allows them to function effectively in acid-rich formations while maintaining good hydraulic conductivity. Notably, the acid solubility index remains consistent across different types of proppants including quartz sand and ceramsite.

3. Turbidity

Turbidity refers to the cloudiness of water resulting from adding proppant and is measured in FTU (Formazin Turbidity Units). This metric reflects the surface characteristics of proppant and the size distribution of particles. Regulations stipulate that quartz sand turbidity levels should not exceed 100 FTU, ensuring optimal performance in fractures.

4. Anti-Crushing Ability

The crushing rate of quartz sand under certain pressure conditions serves as a primary indicator of its anti-crushing capability. Factors influencing this rate include the roundness, sphericity, and microstructure of the proppant. A lower crushing rate indicates better fracture conductivity and overall effectiveness in maintaining open fractures.

5. Volume Density and Apparent Density

The volume density of quartz sand proppant denotes the total mass per unit volume, reflecting how well the proppant stacks. It is essential to differentiate this from apparent density, which only considers the mass per unit particle volume, excluding voids. Evaluations for different densities involve various testing criteria, ensuring that the final proppant characteristics meet industry standards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, assessing quartz sand for fracturing requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including uniform particle size, density, strength, and purity. Ensuring these quality indicators can significantly enhance the efficiency of oil and gas extraction processes.