Abstract: An ultra-white granular silica-based filler comprises at least 99.5 wt. % silica, wherein the crystal structure of the silica is such that the silica-based filler comprises 40 to 80 wt. % cristobalite, 1 to 25 wt. % tridymite, 2-60 wt. % quartz and <5 wt. % amorphous silica, wherein the temperature of the ultra-white granular silica-based filler is no higher than 50° C. and further wherein the ultra-white granular silica-based filler exhibits an L* value in the CIELAB color space of 95-98. In addition, an ultra-white powder filler is obtained by milling, grinding or comminuting the ultra-white granular silica-based filler. The ultra-white powder filler exhibits an L* value in the CIELAB color space of 95-98.5.

Abstract: A long term dust free mass of natural silica particles is produced by covering 10-60 percent of the total surface area of the particles with a thin film of white mineral oil with a low viscosity of less than 200 Saybolt SUS at 100° F. and preferably in the range of 60-100 Saybolt SUS at 100° F.

Abstract: Specifically identified products are produced using powder formed from particles of a naturally occurring organic oxide mineral with substantially no free silica, preferably nepheline syenite, where the powder is essentially dry with a moisture content of less than 0.8% and has a controlled maximum particle size with 99.9% of the particles of the powder having a particle size of less than 10 microns defined as “fine grain ultra-fine” powder, which fine grain ultra-fine powder is preferably less than 6 microns, and where the fine grain ultra-fine powder comprises 3-25% by weight of the identified product.

Abstract: A useable particulate nepheline syenite having a grain size to provide an Einlehner Abrasive Value of less than about 100 is described. The particulate nepheline syenite is generally free from agglomeration and moisture free. At least 99% of the nepheline syenite particles have a size less than 10 microns.

Abstract: A long term dust free proppant comprising a mass of free flowing particles, where the particles are coated with a dust suppression solution containing 90 to 99.5 percent by weight water, 0.05 to 3.0 percent by weight a soluble polymer and an added, small amount of a surfactant. The mass has a very low dosage of the solution so the mass has a moisture content of less than 0.30 percent by weight. Preferably the solution is applied to the particles by an air mist jet.

Abstract: A system for adding dust control solution to a vertically falling first stream of a substantially dry particulate proppant, where the first stream has effective diameter, the system including a stationary, generally horizontal, deflector plate with drop-off edge, the plate mounted into the stream whereby the proppant collides with the plate and cascades from the plate around the drop-off edge to create a second stream of the particulate proppant having the general shape of the drop-off edge with a stream thickness and nozzles for spraying dust control solution into the second stream.