
Silica sand is a term normally applied to high purity silica sand products with closely controlled sizing. Silica is the name given to a group of minerals composed solely of silicon and oxygen, the two most abundant elements in the earth’s crust. In spite of its simple chemical formula, SiO2, silica exists in many different shapes and crystalline structures. Found most commonly in the crystalline state, it also occurs in an amorphous form resulting from weathering or plankton fossilization. Silica sand is pumped down holes in deep well applications to prop open rock fissures and increase the flow rate of natural gas or oil. In this special application, round, whole grain deposits are used to maximize permeability and prevent formation cuttings from entering the well bore. Silica’s hardness and its overall structural integrity combine to deliver the required crush resistance of the high pressures present in wells. Its chemical purity is required to resist chemical attack in corrosive environments.
Sources: National Industrial Sand Association
Packing: in 50 kg. Supplied in multiwall paper bags
PROPERTY |
REQUIRED |
Particle size distribution |
Between 20 – 40 mesh |
Material Safety Data Sheet
1. Other Names
Silica Sand.
2. SAP No
1000064990.
3. Supplier
Oman Drilling Mud Products Co.LLC.
4. Composition
Proprietary Chemicals: SiO2.
5. Appearance and odour
Free-flowing, White, grey or colourless grains.
6. Usage
For use in gravel Pack.
7. Physical properties at 20 C, 1013 mbar
Density (kg/m3): 1.67 – 1.7.
Boiling Point (°C):
Melting Point (°C):
Flash Point (°C):
Auto ignition temp (°C):
Flammability limit (%v/v):
Rel. vapour density (air=1):
Vapour pressure (mbar):
Kinematic viscosity (mm2/s):
Solubility in water (kg/m3): insoluble.
pH:
Particle size (micron):
8. Important characteristics
Incompatibilities: none.
Occupational exposure limit TLV (ACGIH): TWA 10mg/m3 (respirable dust) |
9. Safety hazards
Fire: Non-combustible
Stability: stable under normal conditions.
10. Safety precautions
None
11. Fire extinguishing agents
No limitations
12. Fire fighting precautions
Breathing apparatus.
13. Health hazards
Inhalation: irritant.
Skin: slight or no effect.
Eyes: irritant.
Ingestion: slight or no effect.
14. First aid
Remove to fresh air.
Wash with water, use soap.
Flush with water, obtain medical attention if eye irritation persists.
Obtain medical attention.
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.
15. Personal protection
Normal usage: chemical mono-goggles, PVC gloves.
In the event of inhalation risk wear general purpose dust respirator NPF 7 – 10.
Spill control/clean-up: as above.
16. Environmental hazards
Insignificantly toxic to aquatic life.
Non-biodegradable. |
17. Environmental precautions
Avoid gross contamination of soil and water
18. Spillage mitigation (see also 15)
Scoop up and collect in container, disperse
remainder with plenty of water
19. Disposal options
Preferred: dispose of at (controlled) landfill site
Acceptable: as above.
THE DISPOSAL OPTION CHOSEN MUST BE ACCEPTABLE WITHIN THE REQUIREMENTS OF OPERATIVE LEGLISATION.
20. Storage
Keep dry, ventilate dust to a minimum.
21. Packing and labelling
Multiwall sacks or big bags.
UN number:
Label: no label required.
22. Supplementary information
Health: can cause lung fibrosis.
Safety:
Environment: finely divided solids may cause hindrance to aquatic life. |