Preferred Technology, an affiliate of Preferred Sands and one of North America’s leading proppant-technology companies, recently completed a series of successful DustPRO proppant pilot wells in Colorado.
Designed to meet OSHA regulations regarding crystalline silica and create a safer workplace for employees, DustPRO third-party industrial hygiene results came back below both the existing and proposed silica permissible exposure limits.
Launched through a collaborative partnership between Preferred and The Dow Chemical Co., the DustPRO proppant application system is “a cost-effective preventative solution featuring patent-pending technology from Preferred Technology that helps to control respirable silica and fugitive dust during all sand transfer points,” according to the company. DustPRO proppant is based on Dow’s patent-pending Preferred DC technology, which is highly compatible with frac fluids and does not alter proppant characteristics.
“DustPRO provides the ability for oilfield service companies and operators to meet existing and future limits as outlined by OSHA,” said Michael O’Neill, founder and CEO of Preferred Sands. “We are very pleased with the results we received from the DustPRO proppant trials. All personnel samples taken during pilot operations were below both the current and proposed silica exposure limits. The introduction of DustPRO to our award-winning line of products is an example of our dedication to providing innovative solutions to meet our customers’ needs.”
The DustPRO proppant pilot wells were completed with several of the largest oilfield service companies in the world. In addition to all personnel samples falling below both the current and proposed silica exposure limits, customers reported a significant increase in on-site efficiency.
Applied at the sand origin site or terminal, DustPRO eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming mechanical silica dust solutions on-site and allows employees to conveniently and safely access critical equipment.