Portable Support Structure for Gravity-Fed Bulk Material Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk material handling systems at well sites face inefficiencies and material losses due to pneumatic transfer methods, which generate dust and require auxiliary power, and mechanical conveying systems that can cause spillage.
Innovation Solution
A portable support structure that elevates bulk material containers above a blender inlet, allowing for direct gravity-fed transfer of bulk material into the blender, eliminating the need for pneumatic or mechanical conveyance and reducing dust generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If pneumatic transfer methods are used to transfer bulk material, then material transfer is achieved, but dust generation increases and auxiliary power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pneumatic transfer system from the bulk material handling process. By removing the pneumatic conveying infrastructure (air lines, compressors, etc.), the solution eliminates dust generation and auxiliary power consumption associated with pneumatic operations, while still achieving material transfer through gravity-fed chutes and conveyors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system with a mechanical gravity-fed system. Instead of using air pressure to move material, the invention uses gravitational force and simple mechanical conveyors (belt conveyors, augers, bucket lifts) to transfer bulk material, eliminating the need for pneumatic power while maintaining transfer efficiency
2Loss of substance
If mechanical conveying systems are used to transfer bulk material, then material transfer is achieved, but material spillage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bulk material handling process into discrete, controlled stages: loading material onto the portable support structure, transferring via gravity-fed chutes, and conveying to the blender. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, preventing spillage through controlled transfer points while keeping the overall system simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable support structure with elevated chutes as an intermediary between the bulk material storage and the blender. This intermediary structure provides a controlled, contained path for material transfer, preventing spillage by guiding material flow through fixed chutes and conveyors rather than open mechanical systems
3Ease of operation
If portable containers are used to transport bulk material, then ease of manipulation is improved, but transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the portable containers onto a support structure that raises them above ground level. This vertical dimensionality change allows gravity to assist material flow directly into the blender inlet, creating a continuous gravity-fed transfer path that maintains the ease of manipulating portable containers while significantly improving transfer efficiency through unimpeded gravitational flow
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 portable support structure improves energy efficiency by eliminating the need for auxiliary power, reduces material spillage and dust generation, and simplifies the bulk material transfer process.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for direct gravity-fed transfer of bulk material into the blender
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for efficiently managing bulk material are provided. The disclosure is directed to a portable support structure used to receive one or more portable containers of bulk material and output bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. The portable support structure may include a frame for receiving and holding the one or more portable bulk material containers in an elevated position proximate the blender hopper, as well as one or more gravity feed outlets for routing the bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. In some embodiments, the portable support structure may be transported to the well site on a trailer, unloaded from the trailer, and positioned proximate the blender unit. In other embodiments, the portable support structure may be a mobile support structure that is integrated into a trailer unit.