Modular Bulk Material Container for Oil and Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bulk material handling systems for oil and gas well operations lack an efficient method for metering and introducing dry additives into blender units, leading to manual handling, dust generation, and susceptibility to adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular portable container with multiple compartments allows for the secure transportation and controlled release of different dry materials directly into a blender unit, eliminating the need for manual lifting and reducing container swaps, using a support structure with gravity feeds and outlets for efficient metering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling methods are used to transfer dry additives to the blender, then operator flexibility is maintained, but operator workload increases and dust generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A portable container serves as an intermediary device between bulk material storage and the blender. The container receives bulk material via pneumatic conveying and automatically dispenses it to the blender through controlled discharge gates, eliminating manual handling and dust-generating transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable container is equipped with automatic discharge mechanisms including controlled discharge gates and pneumatic systems that enable the container to dispense bulk material autonomously without operator intervention, reducing workload and preventing dust generation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate containers are used for different dry additives, then material segregation is achieved, but the number of container swaps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable container is divided into multiple separate compartments, each capable of holding different dry additives or bulk materials. This segmentation allows different materials to be stored separately while maintaining a single integrated container unit that can be positioned once at the blender.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple compartments for different materials are merged into a single portable container unit with a common base structure and unified positioning system. This combining allows the container to function as one unit while maintaining internal segregation of different materials.
3Quantity of substance
If large supply tank trailers are used at the well site, then bulk material capacity is increased, but manipulation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large supply tank is segmented into multiple smaller portable containers, each with its own base structure and positioning capabilities. This segmentation maintains adequate bulk material capacity while significantly improving ease of manipulation and repositioning at the well site.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates a modular base structure with standardized mounting features that enable easy repositioning across different locations. This dimensional approach to mobility allows the container to be moved and repositioned without the manipulation difficulties associated with large fixed tank trailers.
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 enables efficient, dust-free, and weather-resistant handling of multiple dry additives, reducing operator workload and increasing operational efficiency by allowing for single-unit transportation and positioning of the modular container, which can output different types of dry materials as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a support structure with gravity feeds and outlets for efficient metering
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for efficiently managing bulk material and dry additives to be mixed with bulk material in a blender are provided. The disclosed systems include a modular portable container that can be used to hold multiple types of dry flowable material for transportation about a work site. The different types of dry materials can be selectively released from the modular container for mixing with liquid and bulk material in a blender. The modular container generally includes a base structure that supports a number of individual, separable, and fully enclosed compartments. The compartments may each hold a different type of dry material, and the compartments may be arranged onto the base structure adjacent one another and removably secured to the base structure so that the compartments can be transported as a single unit about the work site.