Modular Mobile Silos for Granular Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling systems for granular materials, such as those used in hydraulic fracturing, face challenges including large and costly storage facilities, extensive setup times, dust creation, and limited portability and scalability, which are not efficiently addressed by prior solutions.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising mobile storage and delivery modules that can be reconfigured for transportation and operational use, allowing for adjustable storage capacity, rapid setup, and efficient dispensing of granular materials, including the use of gravity-assisted dispensing and interchangeable components for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large permanent storage facilities are built to hold sufficient granular material, then storage capacity and reliability are improved, but cost and site space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple modular silos that can be independently transported and assembled. Each silo is a self-contained unit that can be manufactured separately and then combined on-site to achieve the required total storage capacity, reducing the need for large permanent facility construction
Solution Approach 2:
The storage facility transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic temporary installation that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The silos are designed to be transported on flat-deck trailers and erected using mobile cranes, allowing the storage capacity to be deployed only when needed for drilling operations
2Quantity of substance
If fixed vertical silos are transported on flat-deck trailers and hoisted using large cranes, then storage capacity is achieved, but setup time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple smaller silo units that can be transported and assembled in parallel. Rather than moving and erecting one large silo, multiple smaller silos can be simultaneously handled by mobile cranes and quickly connected to the delivery module, significantly reducing total setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The silos are pre-assembled and prepared for transport in a standardized configuration that facilitates rapid deployment. The modular design includes pre-attached mounting features and standardized interfaces that eliminate the need for complex on-site fabrication or customization during setup
3Productivity
If dry-bulk blowers are used for silo filling, then filling capability is achieved, but noise and dust generation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic conveyance through sealed chutes and hoses to transfer granular material into the silos, replacing the open dry-bulk blower method. This enclosed pneumatic system contains dust within the transfer mechanism and directs it to a controlled discharge point, dramatically reducing airborne dust while maintaining efficient filling rates
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed intermediate transfer system is introduced between the material source and the silo interior. The pneumatic chute acts as an intermediary conduit that allows material transfer without direct exposure to the atmosphere, preventing dust generation at the transfer interface while still achieving high filling productivity
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile storage modules are used instead of permanent facilities, then portability and setup time are improved, but storage capacity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mobile storage modules are combined in parallel to achieve the required total storage capacity. Each module maintains its portability and mobility characteristics, but when assembled together in a configuration of multiple silos feeding a central delivery module, they collectively provide sufficient capacity for large-scale drilling operations while remaining relocatable
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
The system provides efficient, scalable, and portable storage and delivery of granular materials, reducing setup time, operational costs, and environmental impact while maintaining high operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
each of the one or more mobile storage modules configured, in a mobile storage module operational configuration, to hold and dispense said granular material downward to the delivery module
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for handling granular material, such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling, is provided. In an operational configuration, a delivery module having conveyors receives and conveys granular material to a delivery location, and one or more mobile storage modules receive, hold and dispense granular material downward to the delivery module. The mobile storage modules comprise a raised, angular container portion for holding granular material. Each module may comprise a rock-over chassis for support against ground. In a transportation configuration, each of the delivery modules and mobile storage modules are separately transportable as semi-trailers. System redundancy features such as hydraulic power packs are also provided for.