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How To Know High Quality Ceramic Proppant

Views: 12     Author: Bella     Publish Time: 2026-09-17      Origin: SEPPE Technologies


In hydraulic fracturing operations, the quality of ceramic proppants directly determines the conductivity of downhole fractures and the ultimate recovery rate.

The quality of ceramic proppants shall be comprehensively evaluated in combination with industry standards and specifications (API RP 19C / ISO 13503-2) and physical performance parameters.

The following are the key elements for identifying high-quality ceramic proppants:

Crush Resistance

Particle breakage under closure stress generates fines that block flow paths. Therefore, at rated closure stress (such as 52 MPa/7,500 psi or 86 MPa/12,500 psi), the crush ratio is generally below 5%–10%.

Sphericity and Roundness

API requires both indicators to be ≥ 0.8. The closer the particles are to a perfect sphere, the higher the porosity of the proppant pack, and the more uniform the force applied to the particles, making them less prone to breakage.

Particle Size Distribution

Concentrated particle size maintains pore space and flow conductivity between particles. According to API standards, the proportion of valid particles within the specified sieve range must be ≥ 90%, and the proportion of undersized or oversized stray particles must be strictly controlled below 1%.

Acid Solubility and Turbidity

In addition, acid solubility and turbidity are also measured, which respectively evaluate the corrosion resistance of ceramic proppants and reflect the surface cleanliness of the particles. High turbidity is likely to contaminate the formation.

Quick On-site Identification

Without laboratory precision equipment, samples can be taken for quick on-site identification through visual inspection and tactile feel.

●No Clusters: No two or more adhered particles shall be observed when handled (API requires a clustering rate of < 1%).

●Surface Smoothness: High-quality ceramic proppants have a smooth surface, free of burrs, obvious cracks, or under-fired pits.

Reminder: Visual and tactile inspection can only be used to quickly detect obvious agglomeration, dust, or cracks. A smooth surface does not guarantee qualified crush resistance or long-term conductivity performance.

SEPPE Ceramic Proppant Product Range

As a leading manufacturer of high-performance proppants for oil and gas fracturing, SEPPE strictly controls every stage of production to meet stringent downhole operating requirements.

SEPPE offers ceramic proppants in three series: lightweight, intermediate-density, and high strength, each with different density and closure stress resistance ranges.

GradeProduct TypeApparent DensityBulk DensityCrush Test RangeAvailable Sizes
SEPLITE LWPLightweight proppantApprox. 2.70–2.90 g/cm³Approx. 1.60–1.60 g/cm³7,500–10,000 psi16/30, 20/40, 30/50, 40/70
SEPROP ISPIntermediate strength proppantApprox. 3.00–3.25 g/cm³Approx. 1.60–1.80 g/cm³7,500–12,500 psi16/30, 20/40, 30/50, 40/70
SEPREM HSPHigh strength proppantApprox. 3.25–3.50 g/cm³Approx. 1.80–2.00 g/cm³10,000–15,000 psi16/30, 20/40, 30/50, 40/70

For crush resistance test data and related information for different proppant specifications, please visit:

How to Understand Ceramic Proppant Crush Test?

Take SEPLITE LWP as an example:

GradeCrush Ratio @ 7,500 psiCrush Ratio @ 10,000 psi
16/307.5%9.6%
20/403.3%5.9%
30/502.4%4.7%
40/702.0%3.9%

Grade Selection and Technical Support

Different closure stresses and fracturing operation schemes require matched ceramic proppant specifications. Proppant transport, settling velocity, target conductivity, and operation cost shall also be considered during grade selection.

Visit https://www.seppe.cn/ceramic-proppant.html to compare the density, mesh size, and pressure rating of SEPLITE LWP, SEPROP ISP, and SEPREM HSP.

For project-specific grade selection, you can provide your target mesh size, density class, crush resistance requirements, and other physical performance indicators. Contact us at: info@seppe.cn

Technical Data Sheets

How To Know High Quality Ceramic Proppant

Views: 12     Author: Bella     Publish Time: 2026-09-17      Origin: SEPPE Technologies


In hydraulic fracturing operations, the quality of ceramic proppants directly determines the conductivity of downhole fractures and the ultimate recovery rate.

The quality of ceramic proppants shall be comprehensively evaluated in combination with industry standards and specifications (API RP 19C / ISO 13503-2) and physical performance parameters.

The following are the key elements for identifying high-quality ceramic proppants:

Crush Resistance

Particle breakage under closure stress generates fines that block flow paths. Therefore, at rated closure stress (such as 52 MPa/7,500 psi or 86 MPa/12,500 psi), the crush ratio is generally below 5%–10%.

Sphericity and Roundness

API requires both indicators to be ≥ 0.8. The closer the particles are to a perfect sphere, the higher the porosity of the proppant pack, and the more uniform the force applied to the particles, making them less prone to breakage.

Particle Size Distribution

Concentrated particle size maintains pore space and flow conductivity between particles. According to API standards, the proportion of valid particles within the specified sieve range must be ≥ 90%, and the proportion of undersized or oversized stray particles must be strictly controlled below 1%.

Acid Solubility and Turbidity

In addition, acid solubility and turbidity are also measured, which respectively evaluate the corrosion resistance of ceramic proppants and reflect the surface cleanliness of the particles. High turbidity is likely to contaminate the formation.

Quick On-site Identification

Without laboratory precision equipment, samples can be taken for quick on-site identification through visual inspection and tactile feel.

●No Clusters: No two or more adhered particles shall be observed when handled (API requires a clustering rate of < 1%).

●Surface Smoothness: High-quality ceramic proppants have a smooth surface, free of burrs, obvious cracks, or under-fired pits.

Reminder: Visual and tactile inspection can only be used to quickly detect obvious agglomeration, dust, or cracks. A smooth surface does not guarantee qualified crush resistance or long-term conductivity performance.

SEPPE Ceramic Proppant Product Range

As a leading manufacturer of high-performance proppants for oil and gas fracturing, SEPPE strictly controls every stage of production to meet stringent downhole operating requirements.

SEPPE offers ceramic proppants in three series: lightweight, intermediate-density, and high strength, each with different density and closure stress resistance ranges.

GradeProduct TypeApparent DensityBulk DensityCrush Test RangeAvailable Sizes
SEPLITE LWPLightweight proppantApprox. 2.70–2.90 g/cm³Approx. 1.60–1.60 g/cm³7,500–10,000 psi16/30, 20/40, 30/50, 40/70
SEPROP ISPIntermediate strength proppantApprox. 3.00–3.25 g/cm³Approx. 1.60–1.80 g/cm³7,500–12,500 psi16/30, 20/40, 30/50, 40/70
SEPREM HSPHigh strength proppantApprox. 3.25–3.50 g/cm³Approx. 1.80–2.00 g/cm³10,000–15,000 psi16/30, 20/40, 30/50, 40/70

For crush resistance test data and related information for different proppant specifications, please visit:

How to Understand Ceramic Proppant Crush Test?

Take SEPLITE LWP as an example:

GradeCrush Ratio @ 7,500 psiCrush Ratio @ 10,000 psi
16/307.5%9.6%
20/403.3%5.9%
30/502.4%4.7%
40/702.0%3.9%

Grade Selection and Technical Support

Different closure stresses and fracturing operation schemes require matched ceramic proppant specifications. Proppant transport, settling velocity, target conductivity, and operation cost shall also be considered during grade selection.

Visit https://www.seppe.cn/ceramic-proppant.html to compare the density, mesh size, and pressure rating of SEPLITE LWP, SEPROP ISP, and SEPREM HSP.

For project-specific grade selection, you can provide your target mesh size, density class, crush resistance requirements, and other physical performance indicators. Contact us at: info@seppe.cn

Technical Data Sheets

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