Experimental Investigation of Iranian Quartz Sands for Proppant Production Used in Hydraulic Fracturing Operations

Appropriate proppant selection is one the most important parameters for the success of hydraulic fracturing operations. In this study, the performance of proppants has been investigated in accordance with ISO and API standards. Sieve analysis, crush resistance, sphericity and roundness and bulk density were conducted for this purpose. 10 quarts sand mines, located in different parts of Iran, were considered as target sand resources in this study. From samples arrived, four quartz sand samples from three mines successfully passed the preliminary tests and selected for final experimental studies. The results showed that, Kerman 16/30 sand has potential for frac-sand application up to 4000Psi while Kerman 20/40 sand showed potential for frac-sand application up to 3000Psi. Malayer 20/40 sand showed no potential for use as proppant and Firoozkooh sand could be used as frac-sand only in formation with low closure pressure up to 1000Psi. Finally, the hydraulic conductivity and permeability of samples at different closure stresses were measured by an in-house conductivity cell and the results were consistent with the results of the initial tests.