Today we will go over some frequently asked questions on frac sand 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?
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.
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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 early January 2014 if you want), give me a call right away.
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