Katherine Hull, senior scientist, Saudi Aramco explained a significant sand treatment that allows for more efficient use of Saudi sand. Hull discussed the technology behind the innovation at CERAWeek by IHS Markit.

“Typically the proppant used in hydraulic fracturing, whether its sand or ceramic is imported from outside the kingdom, from other countries. The challenge with that is that such a high volume is required, that it is very costly. The goal of this work has been to develop a way to utilize the sand which is a huge natural resource within Saudi Arabia so that it can be utilized within the kingdom,” said Hull.