Proppant Storage Container Tilting Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for storing and transporting proppant at well sites are inefficient, leading to quality degradation, high costs, contamination of different proppant types, and logistical challenges, including the need for large storage facilities and prolonged use of railcars for storage.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, scalable, and flexible system for proppant storage and transport using containers with a hatch for loading, a flow gate for unloading, and a tilting mechanism for efficient discharge, allowing for rapid implementation, small footprint, and continuous inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proppant is stored at well sites using traditional methods, then proppant availability is ensured, but quality degradation occurs due to exposure to adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a covered storage area with a roof structure as an intermediary protective barrier between the proppant and adverse weather conditions. The roof prevents direct exposure to rain, wind, and other environmental factors that would degrade proppant quality, while still allowing for controlled access during loading and unloading operations.
2Reliability
If large storage facilities are used to store proppant, then proppant availability is ensured, but capital investment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple modular components: individual storage bins, a roof structure, and associated equipment. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled according to actual proppant storage needs rather than requiring a single large capital-intensive facility. The modular design enables progressive implementation and reduces initial investment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more economical storage structure using standard construction materials and designs that are less expensive than traditional permanent silos or large storage facilities. The focus is on creating a functional, adequately sized storage area that can be constructed at lower capital cost while still providing effective protection and storage capability.
3Productivity
If proppant is transported using traditional methods, then delivery to well site is achieved, but driver fatigue increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a staged delivery and unloading system where proppant is first delivered to a nearby intermediate location and then transferred to the well site. This preliminary action of using an intermediate storage point reduces the total distance and time drivers must spend at the well site, allowing for more efficient scheduling and reducing driver fatigue while maintaining delivery reliability.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple proppant types are stored together, then storage space utilization is improved, but contamination between proppant types occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides separate storage bins or compartments for different proppant types within the overall storage facility. This segmentation physically isolates different proppant materials, preventing contamination while still allowing efficient use of storage space through vertical stacking and optimized bin placement. Each bin can be independently accessed and managed.
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 ensures high-quality proppant availability, reduces costs and driver fatigue, improves safety, and complies with regulations, enabling efficient and rapid unloading and recharging of proppant at well sites, enhancing productivity and profitability.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile, scalable, and flexible system for proppant storage and transport using containers with a hatch for loading, a flow gate for unloading, and a tilting mechanism for efficient discharge
Implementation Method 2
A flow gate is positioned on one of the end walls. The flow gate is openable so as to allow the proppant to flow outwardly of the interior volume of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.