Nested Tubular Silo for Remote Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for mobile, collapsible storage systems capable of storing and delivering large quantities of granular material at remote site operations, such as in hydraulic fracture drilling, where traditional storage methods are inefficient and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A mobile collapsible storage silo system comprising a collapsible silo shell made of concentrically nested tubular members, supported by a pivotable central mast with a rotatable auger for material handling, which can be expanded and collapsed for efficient storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional storage methods are used for granular material, then storage capacity is sufficient, but mobility and deployability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The silo shell is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be segmented for compact transport and assembled for large-scale storage. Each section contains tubular members that nest within each other, allowing the structure to be broken down into manageable segments for mobility while maintaining full storage capacity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic structure employs nested tubular members where inner tubes are inserted within outer tubes, creating a compact configuration for transport. When deployed, the nested members extend outward to form the full storage capacity, effectively solving both mobility and storage requirements simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a fixed storage structure is used, then storage stability is good, but adaptability to remote locations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The silo structure transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic telescopic structure that can adapt its configuration. The telescopic sections can be extended or retracted based on storage requirements and transport needs, allowing the same structure to provide stable storage when deployed and easy mobility when collapsed, thus adapting to various remote location requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If large-scale storage is implemented, then material availability is sufficient, but transportability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic sections with nested tubular members allow the large-scale storage structure to collapse into a compact form for transport. Each tubular member nests within the next larger member, creating a space-efficient configuration that maintains the full storage capacity potential while dramatically reducing transport dimensions.
4Ease of operation
If a collapsible structure is used, then transportability is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible structure is divided into discrete telescopic sections with standardized tubular members. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and disassembly, reducing the operational complexity despite the collapsible design. Each section can be independently managed, making the overall complex structure more controllable and easier to operate.
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
Enables reliable and efficient storage and delivery of granular materials at remote sites by providing a scalable, stable, and transportable solution that can be easily deployed and collapsed, addressing the challenges of large-scale material handling in remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
The central mast is tubular and includes within it a rotatable auger for moving granular material up the interior and out the top of the mast for loading the expanded silo shell
Implementation Method 2
a lift system operable to slidably expand the plurality of concentrically nested tubular members to place the silo in its expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible storage silo having an expanded configuration includes: (a) a shell for circumscribing storage space and comprising a plurality of concentrically nested tubular members that are collapsible; (b) a lift system operable to slidably expand the plurality of concentrically nested tubular members to place the silo in its expanded configuration; and (c) a mast operable to support the lift system, The mast is pivotable between horizontal and vertical positions relative to a frame. A winch attaches to the mast and a cable extends between the winch and an outermost tubular member to expand the silo such that inwardly and outwardly projecting lips of nested members engage each other and a conical hopper engages an innermost tubular member. A flexible inner liner attaches between an outermost tubular member and the hopper. A collapsible roof has a flexible roof membrane and a plurality of radially extending foldable rib members.