Caracterização de rejeitos de mineração para uso como propante em poços de petróleo e gás

Abstract

This study intended to do the technological characterization of materials from iron ore tailings dams and carry out tests based on the API 19C Standard, which aims to define whether the materials can be used as proppants in hydraulic fracturing processes. The technological characterization was done in terms of size-by-size analysis and chemical analysis via XRF. The study was divided in two stages. Stage 1, which refers to the materials named Sand A1, A1 Non-Magnetic Rougher and V1 in size between – 180 + 150 µm; and Stage 2, referring to materials called Sand A1 and V1, in size between -212 + 106 µm. The procedures differ in each of the stages due to the absence of part of the equipment required by API 19 C. Due to the fact that the API 19C Standard does not define specific testing procedures for materials of particle in sizes between – 180 + 150 µm (Stage 1), there is some difficulty in evaluating the performance of the material. In the case of the materials tested in the particle size range between -212 + 106 µm (Step 2), they partially reached the expected specifications for natural sand proppants, where particle size analysis, acid solubility and crushing resistance tests presenting acceptable values for proppants of natural sand, although the results have to be considered with caution due to changes made to the procedures due to the partial absence of equipment. Tests required by the API such as: absolute density, apparent density and turbidity must be carried out for more conclusive results. Although there are technical issues, the results present acceptable values for natural sand proppants and are relevant in the use of iron ore waste as coproducts.