Oil and gas companies that practice fracing need significant amounts of frac sand to extract oil and natural gas from shale. Frac sand is made of high-quality quartz silica sand and needs to have specific characteristics, including:
- Contaminant free
- Perfectly matched grain sizes
- Roundness that creates a route for oil and gas
- Extreme durability to prevent closing fractures
Read more about the role frac sand plays in the oil and gas industry and the selection offered by Pontotoc Sand & Stone.
What Is the Fracing Process?
Hydraulic fracing is when water, frac sand, and other chemicals are injected at high pressure to unlock natural gas and oil reserves beneath the earth’s surface. The process starts by installing a vertical or angled well deep into the earth. Steel pipes are inserted into the well, and cement is poured to fill the space between the rock and casing. Once the cement is poured, small holes are made in the casing and fracing fluid is pumped in to create new fractures. This allows oil or gas to flow to the surface for gathering. Frac sand is then used to prevent the fracture from closing.
How Is Frac Sand Mined?
Frac sand is mined from the ground and processed using this five-step process:
Vegetation Removal
Most frac sand mining operations take place in remote locations, and removing any trees and vegetation is required before mining begins.
Removal of Topsoil and Rock Layers
Below the soil is a layer of overburden that’s removed using scrapers and tracked excavators. The removed material is stockpiled and used later as a light and noise barrier.
Sandstone Removal
Sandstone layers are removed either by hand or using explosives.
Excavation
Front-end loaders and backhoes scoop sandstone rocks from the mine pit that are loaded onto trucks.
Rock Reduction
Truckloads of sandstone rocks are broken up in crushers. The sand is then sifted and separated into different products depending on size and durability. Once processed, the sand is washed and tested before delivery.
Frac Sand Options Offered by Pontotoc Sand & Stone
Finding the right frac sand supplier is critical for making sure you always have a steady supply. Our high-quality frac sand is sourced from the Permian layer and is available in three types:
100 Mesh
100 mesh sand is the most popular type of frac sand because it’s durable enough to meet growing demand. Other benefits include:
- Long-term conductivity
- Generates minimal fines due to high roundness
- Capable of withstanding closure pressure of 14,000 PSI
40/70 Mesh
Our 40/70 mesh sand enhances a frac mine’s productivity by withstanding extreme underground pressure while maximizing gas and oil flow. Other advantages of this frac sand include:
- Low turbidity that reduces dust
- High silica content for elite crush performance
- Strength that handles closure pressure of 10,000 PSI
40/80 Mesh
We formulate our 40/80 mesh sand to meet specific standards while delivering high crush resistance. Other benefits of this product include:
- Low acid solubility
- Elite crush performance
- High cracking points that withstand closure pressure of 10,000 PSI
Pontotoc’s Innovative Truck Loading Process
We understand the impact load time has on the sand mining industry. That’s why we’ve developed a truck loading process that minimizes downtime at our facility. While other companies have a system that takes hours, our process takes less than seven minutes and maximizes driver safety.
Each truck has an automated bill of lading attached to its license plate number. Once you arrive at our facility, one of our team members scans the license plate to view the cargo manifest and directs your driver to the pickup line. After loading the sand into your truck, the driver weighs the load at our check station and heads back to your facility. Our process makes getting your frac sand easier than ever and keeps your driver in the truck the entire time.
Source Your Frac Sand From Pontotoc Sand & Stone
At Pontotoc, it’s our goal to become an industry-leading frac sand provider. Every truckload of sand that we deliver has undergone a thorough quality assurance process and is ready for immediate use. Our team goes above and beyond to make sure the needs of our customers are met. Contact us today to learn more about our frac sand options.
