Integrated Material Blending and Storage System for Oilfield Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oilfield operations, space constraints and high energy consumption are exacerbated by the need for extensive equipment and long-distance transfer of materials, particularly in fracturing operations, where bulk materials and chemicals are moved from central storage units to blending equipment, contributing to energy consumption and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
An integrated material blending and storage system comprising storage units, a blender located beneath them, a liquid additive storage module with a pump for maintaining constant pressure, and a pre-gel blender, where gravity directs contents to the blender, reducing the need for conveyer systems and energy-intensive transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If materials are stored in central storage units and transferred to blending equipment, then material storage capacity is improved, but space availability deteriorates and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines storage units and blending equipment into a single integrated system. The storage units are positioned directly above the blender, merging the functions of storage and blending into one compact structure. This eliminates the need for separate storage areas and transfer equipment, thereby improving space availability while maintaining material storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage units are nested vertically above the blender in a compact arrangement. This nesting configuration allows the storage function to be embedded within the overall blending system structure, maximizing space utilization by using vertical space rather than horizontal spread.
2Reliability
If conveyer belts and screw conveyers are used to transfer materials, then material transfer reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage units are positioned directly above the blender at a height that allows gravity to naturally drive material flow into the blender. This gravitational flow eliminates the need for energy-consuming conveyer belts and screw conveyers, while the direct vertical alignment ensures reliable material transfer without mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity as a free energy source to automatically transfer materials from storage to blending. The materials self-flow downward without requiring external power input, making the transfer process both energy-efficient and reliable through passive gravitational force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is mounted on trucks and brought to location, then mobility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple equipment functions into a single modular unit that combines storage units, blending equipment, and transfer mechanisms into one assembly. This integrated design can be mounted on a truck as a complete system, maintaining mobility while reducing the overall complexity compared to transporting and assembling multiple separate pieces of equipment at the job site.
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
This system optimizes space usage, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes environmental impact by integrating storage and blending, ensuring efficient and controlled material transfer directly to the blender, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
wherein gravity directs the contents of the storage unit, the liquid additive storage module and the pre-gel blender to the blender
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for integral storage and blending of the materials used in oilfield operations are disclosed. An integrated material blending and storage system is disclosed with a storage unit, a blender located under the storage unit, a liquid additive storage module having a pump to maintain constant pressure at an outlet of the liquid additive storage module and a pre gel blender. Gravity directs a first input from the storage unit, a second input from the liquid additive storage module and a third input from the pre-gel blender to the blender.