Comparative characterization study of Malaysian sand for possible use as proppant

This paper presents a review on published literature and experimental works on Malaysian sands for possible use as proppant, specifically those from Terengganu coastal area. This includes examination on characteristics of sand samples and selection of experiments for proppant testing. Sand samples from identified areas were tested according to particle size distribution, density, roundness and sphericity, and shear strength. Results from sand samples were compared against proppant specifications set by API RP 56 and selected commercial proppants. Performed direct shear tests revealed that there is also a close relationship between the local sand properties and industry proppant. The present study found that the size distribution, sphericity and bulk density of Terengganu sands are at par with some of commercial proppants. The performance of Terengganu sand in shear strength is significantly higher than commercial proppants. Nevertheless, Terengganu sand samples do not completely surpass the required roundness for use as proppant.