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Microstructure, strength and environmental degradation of proppants

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Abstract

The microstructures of four manufactured proppants are described. As-received, all are stronger in diametral compression than quartz sand; and exposure to 3 N NaCl or MgCl2 brines at 423 K and 69 M Pa for up to 336 h does not change this. Exposure to 12 wt% HCl + 3 wt% HF at the same temperature and pressure reduces the strengths of the manufactured proppants faster than that of sand. The rate of loss of strength depends on the ratio of proppant to acid present during hydrothermal treatment. After a few hours, however, only the strongest and most acid-resistant manufactured proppants retain any significant strength advantage over sand.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Research Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University, 16802, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

    E. Breval, J. S. Jennings, S. Komarneni & N. H. MacMillan

  2. General Abrasive, Division of Dresser Industries, Inc., 2000 College Avenue, 14305, Niagara Falls, New York, USA

    E. P. Lunghofer

Authors
  1. E. Breval
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  2. J. S. Jennings
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  3. S. Komarneni
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  4. N. H. MacMillan
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  5. E. P. Lunghofer
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Also associated with the Department of Agronomy.

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Breval, E., Jennings, J.S., Komarneni, S. et al. Microstructure, strength and environmental degradation of proppants. J Mater Sci 22, 2124–2134 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01132949

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01132949

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