Intermodal Container for Frac Sand Storage and Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of frac sand to well sites often results in traffic issues due to the need for continuous trucking of large volumes, leading to disruptions in the supply of sand or water, which can cause inefficiencies and significant costs when well drilling equipment is shut down.
Innovation Solution
An intermodal container system that allows for the storage, transportation, and distribution of frac sand using a single unit for initial loading, transportation, storage, and discharge, utilizing a conveyor belt supported by a base unit for efficient unloading and distribution at the well site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If frac sand is transported using multiple trucks continuously, then large volumes of sand can be delivered to the well site, but traffic issues arise and supply disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large volume of frac sand into multiple standardized intermodal containers (e.g., 20-foot or 40-foot containers), each capable of holding significant quantities of sand. This segmentation allows the sand supply to be distributed across multiple independent units, reducing traffic issues and improving supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where intermodal containers are placed on base units, which can be stacked or arranged in configurations that maximize space utilization. Multiple containers can be nested or stacked on single base units, allowing large volumes of sand to be stored and delivered efficiently without requiring continuous truck traffic.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple trucks are used to transport frac sand, then large volumes can be supplied, but traffic congestion and supply disruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-loading intermodal containers with frac sand at the source location before transportation. Containers are filled in advance and then transported to the well site, eliminating the need for continuous trucking operations and reducing transportation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuity of useful action by creating an integrated system where intermodal containers are loaded, transported, stored on base units, and discharged in a continuous workflow. The base units with integrated conveyors enable seamless transfer from storage to discharge, maintaining continuous sand supply without interruptions.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional trucking and storage methods are used, then frac sand can be delivered, but transportation costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermodal containers serve multiple functions: they are used for loading frac sand at the source, transporting it to the well site, storing it on base units, and discharging it onto conveyors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage facilities and multiple handling operations, reducing both time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit acts as an intermediary between the intermodal containers and the well site operations. It provides a platform for storing multiple containers and includes an integrated conveyor system that automatically discharges sand, eliminating manual handling and reducing discharge time.
4Productivity
If the same intermodal container is used for loading, transporting, storing, and discharging, then transportation efficiency improves, but the container design must accommodate multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The intermodal container is designed as a universal unit that performs multiple functions: it is loadable at the source, transportable by various modes (truck, rail, ship), storable on base units, and dischargeable onto conveyors. This multi-functionality is achieved through standardized dimensions, robust construction, and integrated loading/discharge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates dynamic elements such as movable gates or doors for loading and discharging, allowing the container to adapt to different operational requirements. The container can be configured for efficient loading at the source and efficient discharge at the well site, optimizing productivity across different stages of the supply chain.
Data Source
AI summary
An intermodal container for transporting frac proppant, such as frac sand, and/or other types of granular material is disclosed. The intermodal container is designed to receive frac sand from a quarry or other frac sand supply source. Once the container is filled with material, the container is loaded onto a transportation device and transported to a well site. Once received at the well site, the containers can be stacked and the frac sand stored until needed. Once the frac sand is needed, the containers are placed on a base unit and the container discharges its contents onto a conveying system formed as part of the base unit. The conveying system directs the frac sand to a blending location. The empty intermodal containers can be removed from the base unit and loaded onto a transportation device to be refilled at a mine site.