Integrated Trailer Fuel Delivery Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional natural gas delivery systems in oilfield operations require multiple components to be transported and connected manually, leading to increased setup time, expense, and the risk of gas leakage due to numerous connections.
Innovation Solution
A trailer-based apparatus for delivering fluid fuel, such as natural gas, that integrates components for easy transport and setup, allowing for crane-less assembly and reducing the number of connections needed, featuring a detachable design and a conduit system protected by a bridging surface for wheeled traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are transported and connected manually, then the system can be assembled with standard equipment, but the setup time and expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate natural gas delivery components (tank, hose reel, pump, control panel) into a single integrated trailer assembly. This merging eliminates the need for manual unloading and connection of multiple separate components, directly reducing setup time while maintaining assembly capability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the natural gas tank, incorporates the hose reel mechanism, includes the pump system, and integrates the control panel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing setup time without sacrificing assembly flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are connected manually, then the system can be configured flexibly, but the likelihood of natural gas leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the tank, hose reel, pump, and control panel into a single trailer assembly with pre-established internal connections, the patent eliminates multiple external connection points where leaks could occur. The system maintains configuration flexibility through the detachable trailer design that can be positioned and connected to different equipment locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated trailer acts as an intermediary unit that consolidates all natural gas delivery components and connections within a single sealed system. This intermediary structure protects the internal connections from environmental exposure and mechanical damage, reducing leakage risk while still allowing flexible deployment to various locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are transported individually, then each component can be optimized independently, but the transportation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all natural gas delivery components into a single integrated trailer, eliminating the need to transport multiple separate components individually. This reduces transportation complexity from managing multiple separate loads to a single unified unit, while each component remains optimized for its specific function within the integrated design.
4Strength
If crane or heavy lifting equipment is used for unloading, then components can be handled safely, but the expense and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all components into a single integrated trailer assembly with a total weight designed for standard vehicle transport, the patent eliminates the need for crane or heavy lifting equipment. The entire system can be unloaded using standard commercial vehicle capabilities, significantly reducing unloading time and expense while maintaining safe handling through proper weight distribution and attachment points.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for delivering fluids such as fluid fuel to equipment are disclosed. A fluid delivery apparatus may be detachably couplable to a towing vehicle. It may include a fluid inlet for detachable coupling to a fluid source, a conduit, and a trailer frame that doubles as a ramp permitting traffic to pass over the conduit, as well as a reel and hose for detachable coupling to a piece of equipment. The conduit may be in fluid communication with the fluid inlet such that the fluid may flow from the source, to the inlet, through the conduit, into the hose, and to the piece of equipment. Methods of using a fluid delivery apparatus may include delivering a fluid fuel to a piece of equipment at a first location, towing the apparatus to a second location, and delivering fluid fuel to a second piece of equipment at the second location.