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FAQ
Is proppant quality /
performance important?
The most important component left behind
after a frac job is the proppant. The ability to
remove hydrocarbons from a known reservoir
depends entirely on the performance
characteristics of the proppant pack. If the
proppant placed in the fracture does not meet
designed specifications, then well performance
will likely not meet calculated production
expectations.
Do my proppant performance characteristics
match my frac design?
Different well conditions require different
types of proppants. When designing a frac job,
one must consider the performance
characteristics of the proppant. If the
performance characteristics of a proppant have
changed due to handling/storage issues, the well
performance from that proppant will not be
realized. A 10% loss in median particle diameter
results in 20% loss in conductivity.
Is what I buy similar to the manufacturer’s
published numbers?
Proppant manufacturer’s produce their product
specifications from their own internal
laboratories as well as from external
independent sources. This data is used to design
well completion and expected hydrocarbon
recovery. Ask your proppant suppliers to provide
you with the exact product specifications that
were tested for data in the public domain (e.g.
websites or fracturing models). PropTester®, Inc. will
then verify field samples and compare those
results to the manufacturer’s specifications.
The API (ISO) checks have already been done;
do I really need to do them again?
In order to satisfy API RP 56, 58 and 60
recommended practices, the proppant sample must
be taken from a flowing stream at the wellsite.
The only way to gather an API sample is from a
flowing proppant stream, typically as the
proppant drops from the storage bin belt into
the blender hopper, during the job. A visual
inspection, a turbidity test and maybe a sieve
analysis will be performed. However, it is most
likely the job will be completed before a
potential problem is realized. Some service
companies gather a static sample from the field
bins or trucks. This procedure has proven to be
inaccurate and is not in accordance with API
recommended practices. PropTester®, Inc. conducts a
full suite of tests on location from our mobile
laboratory units prior to the stimulation
treatment.
Who can benefit from PropTester services?
Operating, consulting, pumping service,
transport, storage, manufacturing, and other
companies contributing to the proppant supply
chain can benefit from our services.
- PropTester®, Inc. provides primary
verification of proppant condition.
- PropTester®, Inc. encourages data parity
between wellsite and public domain.
- PropTester®, Inc. ensures process ownership &
one year sample retention post-analysis.
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