Characterization of Baram and Tanjung sands as potential proppants

Abstract

Baram and Tanjung sands were evaluated for potential use as proppants. Experiment was conducted on Baram and Tanjung sands following ISO and ASTM recommended standards. Results showed that Baram and Tanjung sand mineralogy is predominantly quartz with presence of metal oxides. Shape descriptors of both sands for sphericity and roundness were above 0.7. Baram sand was retained by 20/40 mesh size with mean size of 448.2 μm, bulk density of 1.32 g/cc, acid solubility of 1.5% and crush resistance of 4000 psi. While Tanjung sand was retained by 30/50 mesh size with mean size of 383.2 μm, bulk density of 1.30 g/cc, acid solubility of 1.20% and crush resistance of 8000 psi. This indicates that Baram sand has larger grain size that supports high permeability at low closure stress, making this sand suitable for shallow depth hydraulic fracturing operations, whereas Tanjung sand is more suitable for deeper domains with high closure stress. Experimental results and economic comparison with commercial frac sand and other proppant types support using Baram and Tanjung sands as potential proppants.