Proppant Container Reloading System with Load Cell and Expandable Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in hydraulic fracturing operations is efficiently and cost-effectively storing and reloading proppants in containers at well sites, given the abrasive nature of the fracturing fluid and the limitations of existing containerized storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A system for reloading proppant containers is introduced, comprising a transloader with a conveyor belt and discharge device, a bulk material storage bin with a proppant receiving area and expandable loading tube, and a reloader with a load cell and automated control system to manage the reloading process efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional containerized storage systems are used for proppants, then storage capacity is provided, but the number of containers required increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple containers within a single bulk storage bin. The bulk bin serves as an outer container that can hold multiple smaller containers, allowing the system to store large quantities of proppant in a compact footprint. This nested arrangement directly reduces the number of separate containers needed at the well site while maintaining adequate storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple containers are used to store sufficient proppant, then storage capacity is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases due to multiple handling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple container storage operations into a single bulk storage bin. Instead of handling multiple separate containers individually, the system consolidates proppant storage in one location with a single discharge point. This consolidation allows all containers to be refilled from one bulk bin, reducing the number of handling operations and improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing large quantities of proppant in the bulk bin before containers are needed. This advance preparation allows containers to be quickly refilled without requiring repeated deliveries or manual handling of bulk material, thereby improving operational efficiency during fracturing operations.
3Ease of operation
If manual reloading operations are performed, then container refilling is achieved, but time consumption increases and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated controls that manage the reloading process. The bulk bin automatically dispenses proppant to containers based on predetermined criteria, reducing the need for manual intervention. This automation significantly reduces reloading time and minimizes human exposure to hazardous materials during the refilling operation.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional storage and handling methods are used, then proppant storage is achieved, but safety risks increase due to manual handling and multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-service by automatically managing proppant dispensing and container refilling operations. This reduces human involvement in hazardous manual handling tasks, thereby improving operational safety while maintaining the required storage capacity for fracturing operations.
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
This system allows for rapid and efficient reloading of proppant containers, reducing the number of containers needed at the well site, minimizing space requirements, and enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a reloader having a loading bay including a load cell. The method includes situating the container in the loading bay atop the load cell
Implementation Method 2
a proppant dispensing device having an expandable loading tube, and a gate. The method includes opening the gate and causing the expandable loading tube to expand to deliver the proppant from the bulk material storage bin into the container
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reloading a container with proppant. The system includes a transloader having a conveyer belt and a discharge device. The system includes a reloading system comprising a bulk material storage bin having a proppant receiving area, a funnel having an expandable loading tube, and a gate for controlling flow of the proppant from the funnel into the container. The system comprises a reloader comprising a loading bay having a load cell and the container disposed on the load cell.