Listed below are several critical tests you need to
know to ensure your proppant meets
manufacturer specification and is suitable for your
stimulation objectives and overall well design.
| API Particle Sieve
Distribution |
| Median Particle Diameter
(MPD) |
| API Crush Test Profile |
| API Turbidity Test |
| API Bulk Density &
Specific Gravity |
| API Krumbein Roundness &
Sphericity |
| Unconfined Compressive
Strength (UCS) |
| PT Crush Profile |
|
| Resin Coating Efficiency |
| pH of Water Extract |
| Acid Solubility Test |
| Wettability Test |
| % Resin Content / Loss
On Ignition (LOI) |
| Resin Curability Test |
| Microscopic Examination
& Photomicrograph |
| Store Retain Proppant
Sample for One Year |
|
| |
|
 |
LS™ 13320 Series Laser
Particle Size Analyzer
- Laser particle size analyzer
(LPSA) for full particle size
distribution for frac and gravel
pack applications.
- Identify Distribution of
Flowback Solids
- Test Wet or Dry Materials
|
Hot/Wet Crush Testing:
This robust suite of tests helps
determine the actual crush strength
of proppant under realistic well
conditions. Simulating the proppant
pack in situ stress profile under
hot/wet conditions found in the
field, allows the client to select
the optimum proppant of choice under
their reservoir conditions.
Base Laboratory Fluid Testing:
PropTester®, Inc. experts have extensive, hands on, field experience
to determine what fracturing fluid is best suited for your specific field
application. Pre-job fluid rheology profiles and breaker schedules can be
obtained with recommended formulations using a high pressure / high temperature
rheometer. Customize your tests to suit your needs. Shear rates from 1 to 1000
sec-1, up to 500˚F and 2000 psi. All data is maintained centrally by PropTester®, Inc.
for future comparison or application, as needed
Conductivity Testing:
Past research has shown as little as 5% fines may
reduce flow capacity by at least 50% via a change in
median particle diameter (MPD). However, this is
just one of several damaging mechanisms (e.g.
polymer residue, fines migration, embedment, cyclic
loading, etc.) that can harm proppant pack flow
capacity.
To better understand and address issues that can
impact fracturing results PropTester®,
Inc. at our Cypress, TX research laboratory
evaluates your supply chain proppant choices with
industry standard (ISO TC/67 13503-5), reservoir
specific, and regained / retained conductivity
procedures.
ISO conductivity testing is a quality control
procedure that permits comparison of proppants under
a standardized set of conditions. A PS-50® test
provides answers to proppant flow capacity at your
specific reservoir pressure and temperature
environment. Regained / retained propped fracture
conductivity measures the impact of fracturing fluid
on the proppant pack performance. Any quarried
sandstone, limestone or downhole core can also be
shaped by an automated surface grinder to simulate
formation material in these conductivity tests.
You specify your testing parameters, up to
20,000-psi stress and 500°F, and proppants screened
for initial consideration. PropTester®,
Inc. will then work with you to reveal and
finalize those products that best meet the needs of
your specific fracturing application.
Click here
for more information about Conductivity
Testing
Regained Fluid Testing:
Fracturing fluid can do 90% damage to a proppant pack as it is
being placed in the formation. Maximize production by minimizing fluid damage.
PropTester®, Inc. can maximize your breaker schedule and use the Chandler 5500 to make
sure you still have the rheology to place the proppant.
Laboratory Certification/Qualification:
PropTester®, Inc. has the portable
flexibility and industry testing knowledge to
help build, qualify, train, and certify your
field personnel and laboratory testing
equipment. Let PropTester®, Inc. design a quality
control program designed around API/ISO testing
protocols.
Market Research:
PropTester®, Inc. has over 100 years
of combined industry knowledge specific to
hydraulic fracturing proppants and fluid
systems. We are available to provide in depth
market analysis and assist with your market
research needs pertaining to frac sand, gravel
pack products, resin coated proppants, ceramic
proppants, fracturing fluid, and other
commercially available products used in
hydraulic fracturing operations.
Polymer Injection QC
PropTester®, Inc.
can provide on-site quality control services to
ensure proper mixing and application of your
polymer injection treatment.
Reservoir conformance sometimes
employs a polymer injection process to block
high permeability fractures and channels in both
injection well and producing well applications.
A synthetic polymer (e.g. polyacrylamide) which
is cross-linked can provide an effective means
to modify a water injection profile and/or
improve oil recovery. However, a successful gel
treatment is based on effective quality control
(QC) practices to ensure proper mixing and
performance. Polymer injection QC oversight by PropTester®, Inc.
includes the following:
-
Pre-job review of treatment
objectives, gel technology, available
equipment (e.g. mixing tanks, weigh scales,
eductor), & rig-up procedures
-
Pre-job analysis &
compatibility testing of mixing water (e.g.
brine or sea water)
-
Pre-job preparation &
grading of gel samples with chemicals &
water to be employed
-
Observation of treatment
mixing procedures & metering during the job
-
Sampling, evaluation,
grading, & comparison of in-line samples
retrieved during the job
-
Physical inventories (Final
- Initial)
-
Material balance
calculations
-
Photographs
PT Safety Services:
PropTester®, Inc., dba PT Safety & Environmental, provides the
following training:
