Collapsible Silo for Flowable Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for flowable materials, such as those used in oilfield fracking, lack portability and efficiency in storing and discharging large volumes of granular or liquid materials, particularly in remote locations where hydraulic fracturing operations are conducted.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible storage system comprising a base frame, a discharge mechanism, and an upper frame that supports a tubular wall assembly, allowing the system to be easily transported and expanded for storage and discharge of flowable materials, with features like telescopic support posts and flexible tubular walls for efficient material handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a storage system uses a rigid fixed structure to store large volumes of flowable materials, then storage capacity is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system employs dynamic elements including telescopic support posts that can extend and retract, and a flexible tubular wall assembly that can expand and collapse. This allows the silo to transition between a deployed state with large storage capacity and a collapsed state for easy transport, directly resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its physical parameters (height, volume, shape) by extending or collapsing the telescopic support posts and adjusting the flexible tubular wall assembly. This parameter transformation enables the same structure to provide both large storage capacity when needed and compact form for transport, eliminating the need for separate storage and transport configurations
2Ease of operation
If a storage system uses a collapsible structure to improve portability, then ease of transport is improved, but structural integrity and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows the structure to be collapsed into a compact form for transport while maintaining the ability to extend to full height with structural integrity during operation. Each segment contributes to the overall strength when extended
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines rigid telescopic support posts with a flexible tubular wall assembly. The rigid posts provide structural strength and stability when extended, while the flexible wall material provides containment. This composite approach ensures both portability during collapse and structural integrity during deployment
3Ease of operation
If a storage system uses flexible tubular walls to enable collapse, then portability is improved, but material containment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a flexible tubular wall assembly that can expand and collapse while maintaining its containment function. The flexible wall is designed to hold flowable materials such as granular proppant, liquids, or powders when the silo is in the deployed position, while allowing the entire structure to be collapsed for transport without damage to the containment material
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible storage system for flowable material, for example granular material, includes a base frame and an upper frame which is movable between a collapsed position and a working position spaced above the collapsed position. A plurality of storage silos are supported in a row, each including a hopper discharge cone on the base frame and a collapsible tubular wall assembly connected between the discharge cone and the upper frame. Redundant loading conveyors are provided in communication with the silos across the upper frame for loading and redundant unloading conveyors are provided in communication with the silos across the base frame.