Devji Exports - Silica Sand

Silica Sand

Silica sand, also known as quartz sand, white sand, or industrial sand frac sand, is made up of two main elements: silica and oxygen. One of the earth’s three most common rock-forming minerals. It is a highly durable mineral resistant to heat and chemical attack and it is these properties that have made it an essential material in manufacture and construction. Specifically, silica sand is made up of silicon dioxide (SiO2). Commercial Silica Sand is widely used as a proppant by companies involved in oil and natural gas recovery in conventional and unconventional resource plays. The resource is also used in industrial processing to make everyday items such as glass, construction materials, personal care products, electronics, and even renewable materials.
Industrial sand is a term normally applied to high purity silica sand products with closely controlled sizing. It is a more precise product than common concrete and asphalt gravels. For industrial and manufacturing applications, deposits of silica-yielding products of at least 95% SiO2 are preferred. Silica is hard and chemically inert and has a high melting point, attributable to the strength of the bonds between the atoms. These are prized qualities in quartz sand applications like foundries and filtration systems. Industrial sand’s strength, silicon dioxide (SiO2) contribution, and non-reactive properties make it an indispensable ingredient in the production of thousands of everyday products.

Frac Sand Specifications

High content of SiO2 from 98.5% to 99.5%
Colour: Tan / White (We manufacture white silica for frac sand quartz based).
Bulk Density: 95 - 100 lb/ft3 (1520-1600 kg/m3) Varies with particle size. Values are determined for individual projects if required. Typical values are: Frac Sand 1.50 tonnes per m³
Mohs hardness: 7-6.5.7
Specific Gravity: 2.65
Moisture Content: 0.1% weight
Acid Solubility: 5% weigh

Quartz Sand Application

Fracking in oil and gas:

Silica sand also known Frac sand gets its name from its use in hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), a completion method used by oil and natural gas companies to produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil from unconventional, low permeability reservoirs such as shale. Fracking sand grains are unique in their resistance to being crushed, as well as their very round granule shape. This makes them ideal for use in the process of fracking.
Silica sand plays an important role in the process of fracturing the shale to release natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids from pores in the rock. When the high-pressure water stream forces the small perforations to become larger fractures, fracking sand holds these fractures open to continue releasing fossil fuels. White sand (or any other type of natural or synthetic substance), when used to prop open these fractures, is called a “proppant.”
When the water pumps are turned off, the fractures need to be held open so that they don’t deflate and close the pores from which the natural gas and oil are derived. That’s why it’s so important that a proppant is as durable and crush-resistant as possible. The longer the proppant holds up against the enormous pressure of the fractures, the more petroleum can be extracted, maximizing the efficiency of the well.

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Industrial Abrasives

Silica sand is commonly used as a mineral abrasive for industrial blasting. Though blasting with silica sand can create dangerous dust, exposure is easily avoided by following recommended PPE (personal protective equipment) guidelines and/or by coating the sand with solutions designed to control dust.

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Water Filtration

One of the most common uses of silica sand is in water filtration, whether processing well water or filtering your tap water. Because of its uniform shape and size, white sand is an effective filtration bed that consistently removes contaminants from water. Also, it does not degrade when exposed to acidic chemicals.

Glassmaking

Silica sand is a major ingredient in the production of glassmaking—in fact, silica is the primary component in standard glass products ranging from windows to beer bottles. The purity of the silica sand used plays a role in determining the color, strength and clarity of the final product.

Paints & Coatings

Silica sand is used in paints and coatings to improve the overall look and durability of the paint. Silica fillers improve paint’s tint reduction and dirt resistance, and because of white sand’s oil-absorption properties it makes a durable coating that’s rich in pigment and resistant to wear and tear.

Ceramics & Refractories

Silica is an important component in the construction and glazing of all types of ceramics including tableware, floor tiles, wall tiles, and more. Silica serves as the structural backbone of ceramic products helping to regulate expansion and shrinkage, ensuring ceramics dry properly, and improving the overall durability of the ceramic items.

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Construction Materials

Silica sand (often called industrial sand when used for this purpose) is the main structural component in a number of construction products. Flooring, mortars, cement, roofing shingles, asphalt, and other industrial materials all use silica to improve durability and structural integrity. As silica is resistant to weather, wear and corrosion, it is often used as a caulk or sealant.
Silica sand has a range of uses in everyday life across multiple industries.

Ingredients	Chemical Formula	Typical % By weight	CAS
Crystalline Silica (Quartz)	SIO2	99.0 - 99.9	14808-60-7
Aluminium Oxide	Al2O3	< .8	1344-28-1
Iron Oxide	Fe2O3	< .1	1309-37-
Titanium Oxide	TiO2	< .1	13463-67-7