Gravity-Fed Fracturing Material Blending With On-Site Electric Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oilfield operations face challenges with space constraints due to the need for extensive equipment and energy-intensive material transfer, leading to increased carbon footprint and environmental emissions from diesel-powered systems.

Innovation Solution

An integrated material blending and storage system that utilizes gravity-fed modules for material transfer, combined with natural gas or electricity-powered pumps, to minimize space usage and reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If diesel-powered conveyance systems are used for material transfer, then material transfer capability is improved, but carbon footprint and environmental emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transfer capabilityVSAvoidcarbon footprint and emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces diesel-powered mechanical conveyance systems with electric-powered systems. The electric power supply unit provides electricity to drive conveyors, pumps, and other equipment that previously relied on diesel engines, thereby eliminating harmful emissions while maintaining material transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power source function from the conveyance system by separating the electric power supply unit from the mobile equipment. This allows the harmful diesel engine component to be removed and replaced with a clean electric power source, achieving decoupling of material transfer capability from carbon emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive equipment is deployed for oilfield operations, then operational capability is improved, but space availability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidspace availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple equipment functions into integrated systems. The electric power supply unit serves as a central hub that powers multiple pieces of equipment (conveyors, pumps, blenders) simultaneously, reducing the need for separate diesel engines at each location and consolidating equipment footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric power supply unit is designed as a universal power source that can operate multiple different types of equipment (conveyors, pumps, mixing equipment) from a single location. This multi-functional approach allows extensive operational capability to be achieved without proportionally increasing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If diesel-fired hydraulic systems are used for bulk material metering and pumping, then material handling capability is improved, but energy consumption and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial handling capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption and emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes diesel-fired hydraulic systems with electrically-powered systems. Electric motors driven by the on-site power supply replace diesel engines for driving hydraulic pumps and material handling equipment, maintaining full material handling capability while dramatically reducing energy consumption from fossil fuels and eliminating associated emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system optimizes space utilization and reduces the carbon footprint by eliminating the need for diesel-powered conveyance systems, while ensuring accurate and real-time monitoring of material levels.

Implementation Method 1

An integrated material blending and storage system that utilizes gravity-fed modules for material transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUSRE50536E1Methods of performing fracturing operations using an on-site electric power supply

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for integral storage and blending of the materials used in oilfield operations are disclosed. A modular integrated material blending and storage system includes a first module comprising a storage unit, a second module comprising a liquid additive storage unit and a pump for maintaining pressure at an outlet of the liquid additive storage unit. The system further includes a third module comprising a pre-gel blender. An output of each of the first module, the second module and the third module is located above a blender and gravity directs the contents of the first module, the second module and the third module to the blender. The system also includes a pump that directs the output of the blender to a desired down hole location. The pump may be powered by natural gas or electricity.