Nested Chamber Fluid Storage for Frac Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The environmental impact of traditional frac tanks used for storing fluids during hydraulic fracturing operations is significant due to their large size and transportation needs, necessitating a solution for increased fluid storage capacity with reduced environmental footprint.
Innovation Solution
A portable fluid storage container system comprising a lower and upper chamber with a lift system and seal unit, allowing the upper chamber to be moved between collapsed and extended positions to create a water-tight compartment, connected to a trailer axle and wheels for easy transportation and deployment, capable of holding approximately 40,000 gallons of fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional semi-trailer sized frac tanks are used for fluid storage, then storage capacity is achieved (500 barrels per tank), but environmental impact increases due to large numbers of tanks needed and significant site preparation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the upper chamber inside the lower chamber when collapsed, allowing the tank to occupy minimal space during transportation. The upper chamber is positioned within the lower chamber's interior volume, enabling compact storage and reduced environmental footprint while maintaining full storage capacity when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the movable upper chamber that can transition between collapsed and extended positions. The lift system enables the upper chamber to move vertically, transforming the tank from a compact transport configuration to a full-capacity storage configuration at the deployment site, thereby reducing environmental impact during transportation while maintaining storage capacity during operation
2Quantity of substance
If multiple traditional frac tanks are deployed to increase storage capacity, then fluid volume increases, but device complexity and transportation requirements increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves increased storage capacity within a single tank unit by nesting the upper chamber inside the lower chamber. This configuration allows the tank to provide the equivalent storage capacity of multiple traditional tanks while requiring only one unit to be transported and deployed, thereby reducing device complexity and transportation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical dimensionality by extending the upper chamber upward from the lower chamber. This vertical expansion allows the single tank to achieve the storage capacity of multiple horizontal tanks without requiring additional units, simplifying the overall system while maintaining required fluid volume
3Productivity
If traditional frac tanks are transported individually by semi-tractor, then delivery to site is achieved, but time and resources for positioning multiple tanks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple traditional tanks into a single integrated unit with nested chambers. This consolidation allows one tank to be transported and deployed in place of multiple tanks, reducing the time and resources required for positioning while maintaining the required total storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic collapse and extension capability allows the tank to be transported in a compact configuration and quickly deployed to full capacity at the site. This reduces the time required for positioning and setup compared to multiple traditional tanks that would need to be individually positioned and connected
Data Source
AI summary
A portable fluid storage system for use during frac jobs or other operations requiring storage of water or other fluids. The system comprises a lower chamber and an upper chamber sized to fit within the lower chamber. A lift system, such as screw jacks or rack and pinion gears, is disposed to move the lower chamber from a collapsed position to an extended position where the upper chamber is positioned above the lower chamber. A seal is disposed to engage the upper chamber and the lower chamber when the system is in the extended position. The upper chamber, the seal, and the lower chamber form a water tight compartment when the system is in the extended position. The system is transported as a traditional frac tank with a tractor or other truck. When positioned for use, the storage system is expanded to hold twice as much fluid as a traditional tank.