When used in the oil and gas industry, the silica sand is referred to as “frac sand”. When used elsewhere silica sand is referred to as “glass sand”, “filter sand”, “texture sand”, “traction sand”, “foundry sand”, “shingle sand”, “play sand”, etc.
Frac sand is a type of sand with small, uniform particles. It is injected into the rock formation along with the water used to fracture the rock in the process known as hydraulic fracturing ("fracking"). The sand is used to prop open the fractures that are created. Because the particles are uniform, fluids like water, oil, and gas are able to flow through the spaces between the particles.
Frac sand is known as a "proppant" because it props the fractures open. Other materials that have been used as a proppant include ceramic beads, aluminum beads, and sintered bauxite. Frac sand generally delivers the highest level of performance, and it is currently the proppant most frequently used by the petroleum industry.
Frac sand mining requires clearing land of forests, grasslands, meadows, and wetlands, eliminating valuable ecosystems and habitats. But it also generates alarming levels of air and water pollution. The mining process, especially the excavation and pulverization steps, release silica dust — a known carcinogen that causes lung cancer — into the air.
So frackers use frack sand to prop open the fractures to allow the oil and gas to be extracted. They use a lot of sand:, up to 10,000 tons of sand per well. Frack “sand” is actually tiny pieces of quartz- silicon dioxide (SiO2) also known as silica sand. It is not garden variety sand found in your kids sandbox.
• Frac sand mining, processing, and transportation increase fine dust particle levels (PM2.5, which include crystalline silica) in the air. • These particles are known to cause cardiovascular disease, lung disease and lung cancer. • Our measurements have found higher levels around sand plants, compared to
With original interviews, coverage of recent events and local music about frac-sand mining, this visually rich 57-minute film explores the controversy surrounding frac-sand mining. Minnesota and Wisconsin are experiencing a mining boom because both states have plentiful deposits of pure silica sand, a necessary component in hydraulic fracturing
Jul 17, 2017· It had fewer frac-sand operations — 17 — but those covered more land, with 4,648 permitted acres, of which 1,038 were being actively mined. The DNR's current regulations covering sand mining were adopted in 2000, well before the ongoing frac-sand boom.
Frac Sand Mining in Wisconsin: Risks to Respiratory Health Northwestern Wisconsin is experiencing a large expansion of frac sand mining and processing operations. Frac Sand is used to help extract oil and gas from previously hard to reach shale deposits.
The issue of frac sand mining is one of the most dangerous and hazardous components of the hydraulic fracturing process. People living in or near areas where a frac sand mining operation is taking place should be aware of the risks to health and safety that it poses, as well as the threats it presents to the natural environment.
On September 27, 2012 there was a meeting in Winona, MN to discuss frac sand mining. Environment Minnesota Research and Policy Center pushed for a three-year freeze on the future sand mining sites across Minnesota. People were concerned about the health effects. In addition, they explained that they want a time-out to take time and
Sep 25, 2014· Silica Particles from Frac Sand Mining Put Tens of Thousands at Risk . The boom in natural gas and oil exploration using hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, commonly called fracking, has created a huge demand for the sand that drilling companies mix with water and toxic chemicals and inject underground to free gas and oil trapped in deep rock formations.
Jun 08, 2014· "Mining frac sand is a lot like mining regular sand except it's wildly profitable, and that's why everyone wants to do it," said Todd Vencil, managing director of equities research at Sterne Agee
Nov 19, 2017· Find out my take on this experience
Frac Sand mining in Western Wisconsin Jim Drost is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Engineering School holding Bachelors and Masters degrees in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering. He has worked for ALCOA, Lead Smelters, Foundries, etc.
Sep 15, 2018· Most sand is a mixture of different types of rock and minerals. If you look closely at the sand, you’ll tend to see a mix of brown, black, grey and yellow. Sand for fracking is just silica which is harder wearing than other types of sand. Frac sand mining. Mining for Frac sand has a distinct process and number of steps to complete. Here are
Frac Sand AKA hydraulic fracturing proppants, is a very abrasive type of sand that causes a plethora of issues for pumps in the frack sand mining and oil/gas industries. Initially, the frac sand is mined from pits and sandstone formations.
Nov 05, 2013· The push sets up a showdown with local communities that are fighting to slow the pace of industrial frac sand mining, at least until its health and environmental effects are studied.
Feb 24, 2013· To understand the fracture sand industry it is imperative that one realizes it involves far more than the mining of silica sand in Wisconsin. It involves the transportation of silica sand from the mine to a processing plant. The sand must then be taken to