Title: The influence of multi component powder characteristics on mechanical properties of ceramic proppants

Authors: R. Marinkovic-Neducin, J. Ranogajec, V. Mihalj

Addresses: Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, V. Vlahovica 2, Yugoslavia ' Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, V. Vlahovica 2, Yugoslavia ' Nafta-Gas, R&D, 21000 Novi Sad, Sutjeska 1, Yugoslavia

Abstract: The critical phase in production of specific ceramic materials for hydraulic fracturing in oil/gas production – proppants – is considered to be the formation of high green density spheres of defined diameter (0.4-1.25 mm) from the complex raw material mixture. The degree of sphericity and roundness, as well as the mechanical strength of proppants dependent on the physico-chemical characteristics of the starting powder (multi-component system) and on the procedure and parameters of sphere formation. Two systems, based on alumina and bauxite, both in combination with clay and feldspar, have been investigated as candidate mixtures for intermediate strength/intermediate density proppant (ISP) production. It has been shown that in obtaining the optimal properties of final system-proppant, good packing in green state is less important than the interaction of plastic and non-plastic components during sintering in the closed system. The physico-chemical properties of the liquid phase seem to play a dominant role in obtaining the desired microstructure and resulting mechanical properties.

Keywords: ceramic proppants; powder characteristics; alumina; bauxite; mullite; mechanical properties; hydraulic fracturing; oil and gas industry; sintering; microstructure.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1993.036558

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1993 Vol.8 No.2/3/4, pp.459 - 467

Published online: 04 Nov 2010 *

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