Mobile Oilfield Material Transfer Unit with Erecting Mast
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of oilfield materials in hydraulic fracturing processes is inefficient due to substantial dust creation and the large footprint of equipment, which complicates space management at well sites.
Innovation Solution
A mobile oilfield material transfer unit with a chassis, erecting mast assembly, and conveyor systems that can be moved between horizontal and vertical positions, allowing for space-efficient deployment and operation, including a gooseneck portion for trailer connection and multiple conveyor systems for efficient material transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pneumatic systems and blowers are used to move proppant to the blender, then material transfer is achieved, but substantial dust is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful pneumatic blowing process and replaces it with a closed conveyor system. The conveyor belt encloses the proppant transfer path, preventing dust from being generated and released into the environment, while still achieving efficient material transfer from storage to blender.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conveyor belt as an intermediary mechanism between the proppant storage and the blender. This intermediary system provides a controlled, enclosed pathway for material transfer, eliminating the uncontrolled dust generation associated with pneumatic systems while maintaining transfer efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple dust control devices and equipment are deployed, then dust is controlled, but the equipment footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the material transfer function and dust control function into a single integrated conveyor system. The enclosed conveyor structure simultaneously performs the dual role of transporting proppant efficiently and containing dust, eliminating the need for separate dust control devices and reducing overall equipment footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs both material transfer and dust containment. This universal system replaces multiple specialized devices (blowers plus separate vacuum or enclosure systems) with a single apparatus that achieves both objectives simultaneously.
3Productivity
If traditional material handling equipment is used, then material transfer is achieved, but the operational footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the material handling system into a compact, modular conveyor design. By dividing the transfer process into discrete conveyor sections that can be closely integrated, the system achieves efficient material handling in a condensed spatial footprint compared to traditional distributed equipment arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed with nested or closely integrated components where the conveyor belt, support structure, and enclosure elements are arranged to minimize wasted space. The system components are positioned to overlap or interlock spatially, reducing the overall operational footprint while maintaining full material handling capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile oilfield material transfer unit includes a chassis having a gooseneck and support base, the support base including a first portion and second portion, and the chassis further comprising a rear axle suspension system coupled with at least two wheels for movably supporting the chassis. The mobile oilfield material transfer unit further includes an erecting mast assembly having a mast movably connected with the chassis proximate to the second portion, and an actuator system coupled with the mast and with the chassis for moving the mast between a horizontal position and a vertical position. At least two vertical conveyor assemblies may be coupled with the erecting mast and moveable between the horizontal position and the vertical position, and at least two horizontal conveyor systems may be coupled with the support frame and engageable with the at least two vertical conveyor assemblies. Each of the at least two horizontal conveyor systems may have a horizontal section with an inlet and an inclinable section with a discharge chute. Also, each of the at least two horizontal conveyor systems may be adapted to move a volume of oilfield material from the inlet to the discharge chute.