Process for producing an aggregate

Abstract

An aggregate processing assembly is provided. The processing assembly includes a separator assembly having a central member extending from a first end to a second end, the central member supporting at least one helical flight provided between the first and second ends, the helical flight having a width provided between a proximal end and a distal end. An assembly housing is provided around a portion of the separator assembly, the assembly housing includes a collection portion for receiving processed feed stock which exits the separator assembly radially away from the central member outward past the distal end, and the collection portion includes a first outlet. A second outlet is coupled to the separator assembly for receiving processed feed stock which exits the separator assembly at the second end of the at least one helical flight. A proppant, an aggregate, a system for processing feed stock to produce a proppant or aggregate, and a method of producing a proppant or aggregate is also provided.

1 . A proppant resulting from a separator means comprising a plurality of particles, the particles have an average Krumbein and Sloss Sphericity Value of 0.6 or above, and an average Krumbein and Sloss Roundness Value of 0.6 or above. 
     
     
         2 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the particles have an average Krumbein and Sloss Sphericity Value of 0.8 or above, and an average Krumbein and Sloss Roundness Value of 0.8 or above. 
     
     
         3 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the particles have an average Krumbein and Sloss Sphericity Value of between 0.8 and 0.9, and an average Krumbein and Sloss Roundness Value of between 0.8 and 0.9. 
     
     
         4 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the particles have an average Krumbein and Sloss Sphericity Value of at least 0.9, and an average Krumbein and Sloss Roundness Value of at least 0.9. 
     
     
         5 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the particles include sand particles. 
     
     
         6 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the particles include silica sand particles. 
     
     
         7 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the proppant is greater than or equal to 0.1% by weight of a total weight of feed stock prior to processing by the separator means. 
     
     
         8 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the proppant is greater than or equal to 5% by weight of a total weight of feed stock prior to processing by the separator means. 
     
     
         9 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the proppant is greater than or equal to 10% by weight of a total weight of feed stock prior to processing by the separator means. 
     
     
         10 . The proppant of  claim 1 , wherein the proppant has an average particle size of 100 to 4,000 microns. 
     
     
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