Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Thompson.
Bruce Thompson raised four children with his beautiful wife, Verena. As a farmer and rancher in Hartley, TX, Bruce worked in all aspects of the agriculture business for over 40 years. During the Barnett Shale boom of the early 2000’s, Bruce and Verena moved to Granbury, TX to join the service industry, from water hauling to renting frac tanks. When Bruce saw the expense of hazardous waste hauling and the danger of workers entering confined spaces, he designed a solution for many of the environmental and safety problems created by large sand fracs and new completion procedures. Based on his past experiences owning a feed yard, grain elevator, and fertilizer plant that used augers to handle material, Bruce applied his agricultural industry expertise to the fracing and service industry in order to create his first patented invention, the Sand X. The Sand X proprietary process separates oil from sand as it cleans and recycles flow back water to be stored and reused. This process reduces water costs and safety risks in both the drill out and flow back. After going through the Sand X process, the sand is then free of hydrocarbons and chlorides, which saves oil companies millions of dollars. Plus, the process is environmentally friendly and safe from start to finish. The Sand X continues to evolve as Bruce modifies the equipment to keep up with the needs of customers.
While using the Sand X on a location in South Texas, Bruce discovered a company that was struggling with an H2S gas hazard. Again, Bruce saw the problem and generated a solution. As a result, Bruce invented and patented the Super Loop, which closes the loop on hazardous gases. The Super Loop reduces virtually all emissions by sending emissions to a flare or containment system in order to mitigate on-site disasters. Although the problem that inspired the Super Loop was H2S emission specifically, the Super Loop is also widely used to make well sites safer by decreasing hydrocarbon emissions, even on wells without H2S.
Bruce has also invented the Sand L. which supplements the Sand X process, by dispensing the Sand X-filtered sand evenly and safely into a roll-off box or suitable container. As a truly great inventor, Bruce continues to develop other equipment to solve problems. The Sand X team is now currently manufacturing the Beast as well, which is a Sand X model that features a double auger. The Beast is used for high volume sand applications, including frac screen-outs. Beginning this month, the Royal Super Loop is available too. This model of the Super Loop will save even more money by doubling capacities and flow rates while separating hazardous gases from the flow back stream, post frac.
The team Bruce leads plays an integral role in the success of Sand X. In fact, many team members have worked with Bruce from the beginning of the first prototype of Sand X. The entire Sand X team is committed to the vision and success of the equipment they manufacture.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Taking a risk is always challenging. It is always a risk when you are developing something for a market and you don’t know if the market will be there or not. We are not market takers, but market makers.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sand X – what should we know?
Sand X is a family owned manufacturing company specializing in the design and production of innovative equipment that continues to revolutionize the way wells are completed. The technology for all of our equipment is green and safe and actually saves money. I am proud that I get to do what I love while working with my children. Nothing like having your own raising on your team!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Perseverance. Dig a hole so deep you can’t quit.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sandx.us
- Phone: 844sandx.us
- Email: [email protected]
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