Mobile Erector Assembly for Modular Silo Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for handling and transporting oilfield materials, such as proppants, for hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas wells are inefficient, as they require manual assembly and alignment of modular silos at the wellsite, which can be time-consuming and prone to misalignment, and lack a systematic approach for easy integration with blending systems.
Innovation Solution
A mobile support structure (MSS) and mobile erector assembly that includes a trailer-mounted support base, an extendable base, silo connectors, and a positioning assembly with actuators to align and mount modular silos efficiently, allowing for easy transportation, alignment, and integration with blending systems, enabling gravity-fed oilfield material processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual assembly and alignment of modular silos is performed at the wellsite, then the silos can be integrated with blending systems, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support structure is pre-configured with alignment features, connection points, and positioning mechanisms before arrival at the wellsite. The modular silos are pre-assembled on the mobile platform with alignment marks and connection interfaces already in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment and assembly operations at the wellsite.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support structure serves as an intermediary platform that facilitates the integration of modular silos with blending systems. It provides standardized connection interfaces and alignment mechanisms that mediate between the silos and the blending system, enabling quick and accurate integration without direct manual alignment operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular silos are transported and assembled at the wellsite, then material handling is flexible, but the assembly process is complex and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support structure combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform: it serves as the transportation vehicle, the assembly platform, the alignment reference, and the support structure for the modular silos. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate transportation equipment, assembly tools, and alignment devices, thereby reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining transportation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile support structure is designed with universal features that enable it to perform multiple functions: it can transport different configurations of modular silos, provide alignment references for various silo arrangements, and interface with different blending systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment and simplifies the overall assembly process.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional proppant handling methods are used with trucks and holding silos, then material storage is simple, but the transfer and blending process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile support structure enables continuous material flow from the modular silos directly to the blending system through integrated conveyors and gravity-fed chutes. The design eliminates idle transfer points and waiting periods between storage and blending operations, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the material handling process, thereby improving productivity while keeping the storage system simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile support structure (MSS) includes a frame structure for receiving modular silos, a base moveable between transportation and support configurations, and connectors coupling with the silos. A mobile erecting assembly includes a chassis, a lift structure rotatable between transportation and mounting orientations while engaged with a silo, an engagement structure movable between first and second positions while engaged with the silo, and an actuator to move the engagement structure and silo between the first and second positions. The silo is connected to the mobile erector assembly in the transportation orientation, and the mobile erector assembly is then aligned relative to the MSS, such as by engaging an alignment member of the mobile erector assembly with a chassis alignment post of the MSS. The mobile erector assembly is then operated to move the silo to the mounting orientation, and the silo is then coupled to the MSS.