What’s the Difference Between Frac Sand and Sand

Defining Frac Sand

Frac sand is a specialized, high-purity quartz sand used primarily in the energy industry. It is utilized in the hydraulic fracturing process, where sand is injected into deep wells along with water and chemicals to create fractures in underground rock formations. These fractures help release trapped oil and gas, allowing it to be extracted. The frac sand keeps these fractures open so the oil and gas can flow freely back to the surface. The defining characteristics of frac sand include:

Purity: Frac sand is typically over 99% pure quartz.
Shape: It has a round, spherical shape that allows it to pack tightly and efficiently.
Strength: Frac sand is extremely resistant to crushing, ensuring it holds up under high-pressure conditions deep underground.

Exploring Regular Sand

Regular sand, used in construction, glass manufacturing, and other industries, can come from various sources, including riverbeds, beaches, and deserts. It’s primarily composed of silica (SiO2), which also forms the basis for frac sand. However, regular sand can contain other materials, such as feldspar, mica, and iron oxides, affecting its color, shape, and strength. These impurities make regular sand unsuitable for hydraulic fracturing.

The industry sometimes refers to regular sand as “silica sand,” especially when it’s composed primarily of silica. The term “silica” refers to the atomic structure of silicon dioxide, which is the same chemical composition as quartz.

Key Differences Between Frac Sand and Regular Sand

These differences explain why frac sand is preferred for hydraulic fracturing and why regular sand is inadequate for such purposes.

Purity: More Than Just Quartz

Frac sand is more than 99% quartz, meaning it has almost no impurities. This purity is critical for frac sand’s role in hydraulic fracturing. Impurities such as feldspar, mica, or iron oxides can weaken the sand’s strength or create irregular shapes, making it unsuitable for the high-pressure environment it needs to withstand.

Regular sand, on the other hand, can contain various other minerals and particles, depending on its source. River sand may have organic material, while desert sand can be coated with layers of dust or other impurities. While these impurities may not affect sand’s use in construction, they prevent regular sand from being used in frac applications.

Shape: Spherical Grains for Maximum Efficiency

Frac sand is known for its highly spherical shape, which allows it to pack tightly in the fractures created during hydraulic fracturing. This spherical shape is important because it maximizes the flow of oil and gas through the fractures by leaving enough open space for these resources to move.

Regular sand grains are usually more irregular in shape, varying from angular to subangular. These jagged shapes prevent tight packing, reducing the sand’s ability to keep fractures open. In hydraulic fracturing, this would result in less efficient oil and gas extraction because the fractures would close too quickly.

Strength: Crushing Resistance Under Pressure

When injected into fractures during hydraulic fracturing, the sand is subjected to immense pressure—thousands of pounds per square inch (PSI). If the sand particles break down under this pressure, the fractures can close, reducing the well’s efficiency.

Frac sand is specifically chosen for its extreme hardness and ability to resist crushing under such high pressures. The Mohs hardness scale, which measures the hardness of minerals, ranks quartz at 7 out of 10, meaning it is very resistant to deformation.

In contrast, regular sand doesn’t need to withstand such high pressures. Its use in construction, manufacturing, or glass production doesn’t require it to hold open underground fractures. As a result, regular sand doesn’t have the same level of crushing resistance, making it unsuitable for hydraulic fracturing.

Usage in Hydraulic Fracturing

Frac sand is indispensable in the hydraulic fracturing process, while regular sand has no role in this industry. In fracing, frac sand is mixed with water and chemicals to create “frac fluid,” which is injected into wells to blast open shale rock. Once the rock is fractured, the frac sand keeps the cracks open, allowing oil and gas to flow to the surface. Regular sand, meanwhile, finds its uses in other industries. For example:

Construction: Regular sand is used to make concrete, which is essential in building infrastructure.
Glass Manufacturing: High-purity silica sand (similar to frac sand but used differently) is a key component in glass production.
Landscaping: Regular sand is used for leveling surfaces and for various landscape design purposes.

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Tier-1 Sand Material

Where Does Frac Sand Come From?

Frac sand is primarily mined from sandstone deposits found in the Midwest of the United States. States like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan are home to large frac sand mining operations. The sand is mined from sandstone formations, washed, and processed to meet the industry’s strict purity, shape, and strength standards.

In contrast, regular sand is often sourced from riverbeds, beaches, and deserts. Its availability is widespread, making it easier to source, but less specialized for niche applications like hydraulic fracturing.

Environmental Impact During Mining and Sustainability

Both frac sand and sand mining have environmental impacts, but frac sand mining tends to have a larger footprint due to the scale of the operations and the specific geological formations that need to be accessed. This mining often requires large amounts of land, water for washing the sand, and energy to transport it to hydraulic fracturing sites.

Regular sand mining can be less disruptive depending on its source. For instance, river sand mining can be done on a smaller scale compared to the large quarries needed for frac sand extraction. However, both types can lead to issues like erosion, habitat destruction, and water contamination if not properly managed.

The Future of Frac Sand and Regular Sand

As demand for energy continues to rise, the need for frac sand is likely to grow. Advances in fracing technology could also increase the demand for higher-quality frac sand, making it a critical resource in the energy sector.

Meanwhile, regular sand will continue to be indispensable in traditional industries like construction and manufacturing. Its accessibility and versatility ensure it will remain a staple material for countless applications worldwide.

Pontotoc: Your Go-To Source for Frac Sand and Sand Mining Deliveries

At Pontotoc, we are your trusted partner for frac sand. With our innovative seven-minute loading process, we ensure fast, efficient service to keep your operations moving smoothly. Reach out to get started today!