Investigation of Proppant Particle Size and Shape for Quartz Sandstone Using Image Processing Techniques
Arif Rahutama (a*), Bagus Haryono(a), Novan Akhiriyanto (b), Yohanes Gunawan (c), Umi Yuliatin (b), Rendy Bagus Pratama (d)

a) Program Studi Teknik Produksi, Politeknik Energi dan Mineral Akamigas
Jl. Gajah Mada No.38,Cepu, Blora, Jawa Tengah 58315
*arif.rahutama[at]esdm.go.id
b) Program Studi Teknik Instrumentasi Kilang, Politeknik Energi dan Mineral Akamigas
c) Program Studi Teknik Mesin Kilang, Politeknik Energi dan Mineral Akamigas
d) Program Studi Logistik, Politeknik Energi dan Mineral Akamigas

Abstract

Proppant hydraulic fracturing, also known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, is a widely utilized technique in the extraction of oil and natural gas from unconventional reservoirs such as shale formations. This process involves injecting a high-pressure fluid mixture, typically water, sand, and chemicals, into underground rock formations to create fractures. The proppant, usually sand or ceramic beads, is carried by the fluid into the fractures, holding them open once the pressure is released. This allows the hydrocarbons to flow more freely to the wellbore, enhancing extraction rates. Proppants used in hydraulic fracturing often originate from quartz sand due to its abundance, affordability, and favorable physical properties. Quartz sand, also known as silica sand, is composed primarily of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is characterized by its high crush resistance, roundness, and uniform grain size distribution.

Characterization of quartz sandstone for proppant involves several steps and methods to determine its suitability for use in hydraulic fracturing operations. Some key aspects of characterization include: Grain size analysis- Crush resistance testing- Particle shape analysis- Density and specific gravity- Chemical composition- and Porosity and permeability. The size and distribution of proppant particles, as well as their roundness and sphericity, play a significant role in determining the proppant^s permeability and its ability to prop open the fractures created during hydraulic fracturing treatments. The accurate selection of proppant types and sizes is essential, as it directly impacts the size of the fractures that propagate and the overall effectiveness of the hydraulic fracturing process. This paper explores the use of image processing techniques for sand analysis, focusing on particle size distribution, roundness, and sphericity measurements. By utilizing digital images captured through microscopy or specialized imaging equipment, image processing algorithms can automate the analysis process, providing accurate and objective measurements of sand particles. The sample used to carry out image processing tests was using quartz sandstone from the Ngrayong Formation in the East Java Basin.

Keywords: Proppant, Hydraulic Fracking, Unconventional Reservoir, Ngrayong Formation, Image Processing

Topic: Engineering of Drilling, Production, and production surface and facility