Graphite-coated particulate materials

Abstract

An coated particulate is provided with a graphite-impregnated resin coating. The oil field particulates may comprise any of gravel-pack sand, granular betonite, ground Gilsonite, calcium carbonate, glass beads, rock wool, shredded paper, metal spheres, ceramic beads, nut hulls, ground rubber, plastic beads, muscovite mica, calcined petroleum coke, and perlite. The resin may comprise as a binder one or more of a natural, synthetic, water-soluble, and organic resins. More specifically, the resins may comprise an organic film-forming resin such as an alkyd, polyurethane and epoxy. Alternatively, the resin may comprise a film-forming water-soluble polymer, such as a starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and xanthan gum. In a further alternative, the resin may comprise a resin-dispersed emulsion, such as a latex or acrylic.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.