Pivotable Silo Trailer for Bulk Material Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silos for delivering bulk materials, such as cement and proppant, face limitations in transportability, ease of setup, and delivery efficiency at well sites.
Innovation Solution
A pivotably mounted silo system on a trailer with an actuator, adjustable suspension, and foldable design for transition between transport and operational positions, including pivotable wings and a conveyor system for stable and precise delivery of bulk materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a silo is constructed or positioned at the wellsite to provide bulk material delivery, then bulk material delivery capability is achieved, but transportability and ease of setup are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The silo system is divided into modular components including the silo body, trailer chassis, support legs, and conveyor system that can be independently assembled and transported. This segmentation allows the system to be easily transported and set up at different wellsites while maintaining reliable bulk material delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The silo is mounted on a trailer with movable support legs that can be extended or retracted. The support legs transition from a retracted position during transport to an extended position during operation, enabling easy setup and teardown while ensuring stable bulk material delivery when deployed.
2Reliability
If a silo is constructed or positioned at the wellsite to provide bulk material delivery, then bulk material delivery capability is achieved, but transportability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The silo system is divided into modular components including the silo body, trailer chassis, support legs, and conveyor system that can be independently assembled and transported. This segmentation allows the system to be easily transported and set up at different wellsites while maintaining reliable bulk material delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs provide vertical stabilization by extending downward to contact the ground, adding a vertical dimension to the transport solution. This allows the silo to be transported on a trailer while maintaining stability during operation, effectively resolving the transportability constraint.
3Length of moving object
If the trailer frame is elevated for transport, then transportability is improved, but operational stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The silo is mounted on a trailer with movable support legs that can be extended or retracted. The support legs transition from a retracted position during transport to an extended position during operation, enabling easy setup and teardown while ensuring stable bulk material delivery when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs provide vertical stabilization by extending downward to contact the ground, adding a vertical dimension to the transport solution. This allows the silo to be transported on a trailer while maintaining stability during operation, effectively resolving the transportability constraint.
4Reliability
If a fixed silo structure is used for bulk material delivery, then delivery reliability is improved, but adaptability to different wellsite conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The silo system is divided into modular components including the silo body, trailer chassis, support legs, and conveyor system that can be independently assembled and transported. This segmentation allows the system to be easily transported and set up at different wellsites while maintaining reliable bulk material delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer-mounted silo system with adjustable support legs and conveyor can adapt to various wellsite conditions and deliver different types of bulk materials. The modular design and adjustable components provide universal applicability across different wellsite environments while maintaining reliable delivery performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates delivery of bulk materials at a desired site, such as a wellsite. According to an embodiment, a silo is pivotably mounted to a trailer, such as an over-the-road trailer. An actuator is coupled between the silo and the trailer to enable transition of the silo between a transverse position for transport and an upright position which facilitates outflow of the bulk material. The system also may comprise various other features used alone or in combination, such as pivotable wings, a foldable trailer, and an adjustable suspension which allows a frame of the trailer to be positioned firmly on the ground.