Q & A on frac sand and barite testing
Published: Tue, 12/17/13
and barite testing.
Q1: I wonder you're lab can test "quartz or silica
content" of sand? per your expertise, which method to use:
X-ray, chemical analysis, or other ? pls advise.
A1: [I don't do x-ray analysis]... inhouse, but I can outsource
this for you to a reputable lab. X-ray diffraction test should be
used.
Alternately, I can perform acid solubility and turbidity tests to
determine the non-silica impurities present. These are API
required tests for fracsand. Cost = $300 USD for acid and $100 USD
for turbidity [2013 prices].
Q2: What would be the best way to determine if the sand was even
worth getting a sample to send in for testing? Is there any way a
lay person can get an idea as to whether or not the sand is worth
sending to your lab?
A2: Yes, here are some things to do when looking at the sand:
* 1. Is the sand pale or white in color, or is it dark, with a
variety of colored sand pieces? Most frac sand tends to be white
silica sand.
* 2. Look at some of the individual grains under a magnifying
lens. Spread the grains into a single particle layer. Do you see
any round pieces, or all they all angular? Frac sandneeds to be
round.
* 3. How large are the sand particles? Most frac sand sizes are
smaller grained. If you can rub it between your fingers and the
particles feel large, individual, and angular, it may not be of
frac sand quality.
Q3: We checked with our supplier and they have Barite ... they
wanted to know if the USA market needs white or grey Barite?
A3: The barite will range in color from white-gray-brown. Most
important is the quality.
Q4: When the washing is done can you please give us a detailed
report of how much wastage and downgradation was there [on sand]?
A4: Yes, I always do a wet sieve analysis report showing mass
before and after washing.
Q5: How will you clear the lumps in the sand.
A5: Depends; my wet sieve is done using different mesh sizes, and
usually I can break them down as they pass through the wet sieve.
If they are extremely hard, I may break them down using a pestle
before the wet sieve.
- - - - -
Ok, that's enough Q & A for today. (that rhymes)
Hows-about a pitch?
The frac sands in the hourglass are running out to lock in the 2013
prices for frac sand and drilling grade barite testing.
If you want to get your testing done with 2013 prices (even though
you can wait to ship the sand until early January 2014 if you
want), give me a call right away, reply to this e-mail, or go here
so you can get on my lab schedule:
http://www.globalenergylaboratories.com/