The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) has developed a method of testing frac sand that has improved the standard methods of the ISO 13503-2 recommendations. The analysis is done using a Quanta 650F QEMSCAN®, with typically 3,000-5,000 grains analyzed for sphericity, roundness and composition.

In ISO documentation, only a visual estimate of 20-40 grains is required for adequate testing, which can increase bias and is more difficult to consider representative or thorough.

SRC’s method provides superior statistics and a more reliable, reproducible and representative measurement.

We test for the most important frac sand parameters:

• >99% quartz (silica) content

• Conforms to a specific size range (typically 20/40 Mesh size)

• Well rounded

• Spherical

• High-crush resistance

• Low fines content

In addition to the morphological measurements, the quantitative mineralogy is determined for each sample and reported in weight percent (wt.%) values.

Any mineral detriments (e.g., iron oxide) will be recognized and a strategy can be developed in conjunction with SRC’s Mineral Processing group to remove the contaminants and upgrade a marginal deposit (beneficiation).

www.src.sk.caMINING AND MINERALS

Frac Sand ServicesTesting natural (sand) and synthetic proppants used in hydraulic fracturing operations

125-15 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK, S7N 2X8 306-385-4066 minerals@src.sk.ca

Mining and Minerals

Quanta 650F QEMSCAN®

The following table outlines the measurements that can be conducted at SRC’s Advanced Microanalysis Centre™ and the associated ISO 13503-2 and API RP56*. Please contact us for a quote.

TesT IsO 13503-2 API RP56

Sample preparation

§5 Sample handling and storage

§4 Sand samples handling and storage

Sieve analysis §6 Sieve analysis

§5 Frac sand sieve analysis

Grain morphology and quantitative mineralogy

§7 Proppant sphericity and roundness

§6 Frac sand sphericity and roundness

Acid solubility §8 Acid solubility

§7 Evaluation of sand solubility in acid

Turbidity §9 Turbidity test

§8 Recommended silt test

Bulk density §10.3 Bulk density

Apparent density §10.4 Apparent density

Crush resistance (K-value)

§11 Proppant crush-resistance test

§9 Recommended frac sand crush resistance test

Crush resistance (single stress)

* The methods of API P56 have been incorporated into and superseded by the more recent ISO 13503-2.

www.src.sk.caMINING AND MINERALS

06/17

A false colour grain image taken using the Quanta 650F QEMSCAN®. Pink grains represent quartz, with other colours representing detriment minerals, such as feldspar, mica and iron oxide.