Elastic Dust Screen for Bulk Storage Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dust filtering systems are complex, expensive, and not readily adaptable to mobile equipment used in oil and gas drilling sites, leading to significant silica dust release during the transfer of frac sand, posing environmental and health hazards.
Innovation Solution
A dust screen apparatus comprising an elongated bag made of low-density twill fabric with a predetermined air permeability, secured over inspection hatches using an elastic band, which inflates to trap airborne dust particles within the storage unit without the need for additional support or dust collection containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional dust filtering systems are used, then dust collection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential filtering function from complex industrial dust collection systems. By using a simple porous fabric bag placed directly over the inspection hatch, it isolates the dust trapping function from the rest of the storage unit operations, achieving effective dust collection without complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The dust screen is designed as an inexpensive, replaceable fabric bag that can be easily disposed of or cleaned after use. This eliminates the need for expensive, maintenance-intensive industrial filtration systems while providing adequate dust collection for the specific application of frac sand transfer
2Object-affected harmful factors
If industrial bag house systems are used, then dust separation efficiency is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The porous fabric bag serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a dust filter, maintains structural simplicity for easy manufacturing, and adapts to the existing inspection hatch opening on mobile storage units. This universal approach eliminates the need for custom-built industrial dust collection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible porous fabric bag instead of rigid industrial filtration housings. This flexible membrane approach allows the dust screen to conform to the inspection hatch opening and be easily installed on various mobile storage unit configurations without substantial modification
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filter elements are placed in active air path, then dust collection is improved, but loss of time for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dust screen is positioned in the exhaust air path where it automatically captures dust-laden air leaving the storage unit through the inspection hatch. The bag's own position in the airflow allows it to self-collect dust without requiring active suction systems or frequent maintenance intervention
4Object-affected harmful factors
If bag-type filter elements are used, then filtering surface area is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential filtering function from complex multi-element bag house systems. By using a single porous fabric bag with sufficient surface area to cover the inspection hatch, it achieves adequate dust separation without the complexity of multiple filter elements, housings, and associated maintenance systems
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
The solution effectively reduces dust pollution and health hazards by allowing high-volume air flow while trapping silica dust, is cost-effective, portable, and requires no modification to existing storage units, making it suitable for mobile drilling facilities.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated bag formed of a porous fabric to provide a filtering surface area
Implementation Method 2
an elastic band or cord placed within the hem to provide a securing force
Data Source
AI summary
A dust screen for an inspection hatch disposed in the roof or a side wall of a dry bulk storage unit for use during pneumatic loading of aggregate material from a pneumatic trailer via air pressure ducted into the bulk storage unit. The dust screen includes an elastic cord in a hem surrounding an open end of the screen to secure the dust screen to the inspection hatch. An alternative embodiment may include a binding strap having a ratchet buckle to supplement the elastic cord. As the dust screen extends upward in the presence of said air pressure, the dust is allowed to settle into the storage unit. No separate container to contain the dust is required, and no separate structure is required to support the dust screen during operation. The dust screen is light weight, portable and reusable, and low in cost.