Quality Frac Sand for Any Operation in the Oil and Gas Industry

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 frac sand’s role in the oil and gas industry and the selection offered by Pontotoc Sand & Stone.

The Importance of Frac Sand for Oil and Gas Companies

Frac sand holds pivotal importance for oil and gas companies, serving as an agent in hydraulic fracturing, a process essential for unlocking hydrocarbons from underground reservoirs. The unique properties of frac sand, including high crush resistance and conductivity, facilitate creating and stabilizing fractures in rock formations, enabling efficient oil and gas extraction. As a proppant, frac sand sustains fracture apertures, enhancing fluid flow and maximizing resource recovery. Its role in optimizing well productivity underscores the strategic significance of high-quality frac sand in oil and gas ventures’ operational success and economic viability.

The Fracing Process Explained

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:

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.

Vegetation Removal

Most frac sand mining operations occur in remote locations, and removing trees and vegetation is required before mining begins.

Sand Stone 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.

Are you looking to partner with a mining company that cares about the environment? Pontotoc has multiple green initiatives designed to minimize our environmental impact.

OUR GREEN INITIATIVES

Frac Sand Options Offered By Pontotoc Sand & Stone

Finding the right frac sand supplier is critical to ensure 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.

The Future of the Frac Sand Industry for Oil and Gas Applications

The future of frac sand for oil and gas companies is poised for evolution driven by technological advancements and sustainability imperatives. Innovations in proppant technology aim to enhance conductivity and reduce environmental impact. Engineered alternatives, such as ceramic proppants and resin-coated sands, offer improved durability and conductivity, potentially reshaping the landscape of hydraulic fracturing.

There’s a growing emphasis on sustainable sourcing and processing methods to mitigate environmental concerns associated with traditional frac sand extraction. As the industry adapts to these changes, the future of frac sand will likely witness a blend of efficiency-driven advancements, eco-friendly practices, and a continued quest for proppants that strike an optimal balance between performance and environmental responsibility in the dynamic landscape of oil and gas extraction.

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 we deliver has undergone a thorough quality assurance process and is ready for immediate use. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure our customers’ needs are met. Contact us today to learn more about our frac sand options.