Walter Stephens

US Patent:

20160160120, Jun 9, 2016

Filed:

Dec 28, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/142779

Inventors:

- Worcester MA, US
Kevin R. Dickson - Little Rock AR, US
Walter T. Stephens - Cleveland OH, US

Assignee:

Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. - Worcester MA

International Classification:

C09K 8/80

Abstract:

A proppant for use in fracturing geological formations is made from bauxitic ores and a calcium containing compound. The proppant has a calcium containing crystalline phase.

US Patent:

20140374938, Dec 25, 2014

Filed:

Jun 25, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/925899

Inventors:

- Worcester MA, US
Laurie San-Miguel - Cavaillon, FR
Kevin R. Dickson - Little Rock AR, US
Walter T. Stephens - Cleveland OH, US

International Classification:

C04B 38/00

US Classification:

264 43

Abstract:

Disclosed is a process for producing ceramic particles, such as proppants, that have at least 10 percent total porosity. The process includes forming a particle precursor that includes 5 percent to 30 percent of a first ceramic material and at least 40 percent of a second ceramic material. The sintering temperature of the first ceramic material may be lower than the sintering temperature of a second ceramic material. Heating the precursor to a maximum temperature above the sintering temperature of the first material and below the sintering temperature of the second material. Also disclosed is a ceramic article that has a particular combination of chemistry and alumina crystalline phase.