Biodegradable Oil Coating for Additive Particle Dust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling dusting in additive particles, such as proppants in the oil and gas industry, are inefficient as they require frequent reapplication of liquids or the use of cumbersome equipment, which can evaporate or be costly.
Innovation Solution
Applying biodegradable oils to additive particles, which adhere to or attract dust, reducing airborne particulates without evaporating and eliminating the need for additional equipment, maintaining flowability and stability at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water is sprayed onto particles to control dusting, then dusting is reduced, but the liquid evaporates requiring frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the liquid by using biodegradable oil instead of water. The biodegradable oil has lower volatility and different adhesion properties, allowing it to remain on particles for extended periods without evaporating, thus providing long-lasting dust control without frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses biodegradable oil that naturally degrades over time, replacing the need for persistent chemical coatings. The biodegradable nature allows the substance to break down into harmless components, providing effective dust control during its functional lifetime while eliminating long-term environmental concerns
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum equipment is used to remove dust, then airborne particulates are reduced, but the equipment is expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the particle system to control its own dusting problem by coating particles with biodegradable oil, which reduces dust generation at the source. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external vacuum equipment to remove airborne particulates, simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies biodegradable oil to particles before they become airborne, preventing dusting proactively rather than reacting to airborne particulates afterward. This preliminary action eliminates the need for vacuum equipment by stopping the dusting problem before it requires mechanical intervention
3Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid is applied to particles before each transfer, then dusting is controlled, but frequent reapplication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The biodegradable oil coating provides continuous dust control throughout the particle lifecycle, from storage through multiple transfers. The coating remains effective over extended periods and through multiple handling operations, eliminating the need for repeated application cycles and associated downtime
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Biodegradable oils effectively reduce dusting during transfers by adhering to particulates, maintaining flowability and stability, and eliminating the need for frequent reapplication or costly equipment, providing long-term dust control.
Implementation Method 1
biodegradable oils may be used to treat additive particles. Biodegradable oils may modify the surface of at least some of the additive particles in which particulates of dust may become stuck to or at least attracted to the particles
Implementation Method 2
particulates of dust may become stuck to or at least attracted to the particles
Data Source
AI summary
Application of biodegradable oils to additive particles to control dusting. A method of reducing an amount of dust produced during transfer of additive particles comprising: treating at least some of the additive particles with one or more biodegradable oils; storing the additive particles; and transferring the additive particles prior to and after storage, wherein biodegradable oil reduces the amount of dust produced during at least one of the transfers of the additive particles.