In article post #7 (B-FSM-007) produced solids were defined as “inorganic, insoluble, particulate material that are produced from oil & gas wells.” These produced solids have a physical, chemical, and mineralogical nature that will be discussed, but the physical properties are exploited in the separation and handling processes.
Below is a listing of the particulate solids physical properties that are measured for design of a Facilities Sand Management system. Each of these properties will be detailed in future article posts, including methods, calculations, and conversions.
Density
- Bulk: density of all the particles in a specific volume, needed for volume filling and weight conversion
- Apparent: density of individual particle (inclusive of pores space and cracks), needed for determining particle movement
- True: density of base material, primarily used in determining mineral character
Volume Fraction
- How solids fill or pack in a specific volume, also called packing density
- Inverse of void space or effective porosity
Morphology
- Form and shape of individual particle (includes roundness and sphericity)
- Affects particle stacking, flow, abrasiveness, and oil coating
Angle of Repose
- Steepest angle of descent relative to horizontal plane where material is on verge of sliding for piling of sand
Particle Size
- Includes particle size distribution (PSD), average/mean size, min/max size, volume or weight or area basis, individual vs cumulative percent, and imperfection
The next article will discuss the three densities of particulate solids.
Bibliography
- Lowell, S., Shields, J.E., Thomas, M.A., Thommes, M. Characterization of Porous Solids and Powders: Surface Area, Pore Size and Density – Particle Technology Series Book 16. 2006.
- Merkus, H.G. Particle Size Measurements – Particle Technology Series Book 17. Springer. 2009.