Modular Proppant Container Support Frame for Controlled Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently transporting, storing, and delivering proppant to fracturing sites while maintaining moisture and turbidity specifications, requiring improved material handling equipment that can handle slippery proppant without additional processing.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with a frame assembly and chute system that elevates modular proppant containers, includes on-board subsystems for self-sufficiency, and features like vibration mechanisms and air injection to facilitate smooth proppant discharge to a feed station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If proppant is transported in modular containers to fracturing sites, then logistics efficiency is improved, but the complexity of handling and delivery systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular containers that can be independently handled and positioned. Each container is a self-contained unit that can be queued individually and discharged separately, allowing for segmented handling operations that improve logistics efficiency while keeping individual container management simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A support apparatus serves as an intermediary system between the modular containers and the feed station. This apparatus includes a frame assembly with posts that support containers in an elevated position, a chute assembly that directs proppant flow, and a gate actuator that controls discharge, thereby simplifying the overall handling complexity through a dedicated intermediary mechanism.
2Productivity
If proppant containers are positioned in an elevated location, then discharge efficiency is improved, but the structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly provides structural support at specific critical locations rather than uniformly throughout. Vertical posts are positioned at strategic points to support the elevated container position, and the chute assembly is integrated into the frame structure at specific locations to direct proppant flow, thereby achieving the required structural strength only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal container placement to vertical elevation by using the frame assembly with posts extending upward. This dimensional change allows containers to be positioned above ground level for more efficient discharge while the frame structure provides the necessary structural support in a compact configuration.
3Ease of operation
If a chute assembly with funnel section is used for proppant discharge, then material flow is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chute assembly includes a funnel section with a tapered geometry that smoothly directs proppant from the elevated container position down to the feed station. This curved, tapered design facilitates smooth material flow by gradually changing the cross-sectional area, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate actuator provides dynamic control of the chute assembly by selectively opening and closing the gate based on operational requirements. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to different discharge conditions and control proppant flow rates, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If gate actuator with drive mechanism is implemented, then discharge control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate actuator is designed to be selectively activated based on operational needs, allowing the system to maintain discharge control precision only when required. The actuator can remain in a static position during non-operational periods, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the capability for precise control when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate actuator operates in a periodic manner, being activated only during discharge operations and remaining inactive during storage or idle periods. This periodic operation pattern allows the system to achieve precise discharge control during active use while minimizing energy consumption during non-operational times.
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 efficient, reliable, and power-efficient delivery of proppant to fracturing operations, reducing the need for external utilities and minimizing post-mining processing, while ensuring consistent moisture and turbidity control.
Implementation Method 1
a chute assembly supported by the frame assembly beneath the elevated load surface... configured to receive the proppant container and direct proppant discharged from the proppant container to a feed station
Implementation Method 2
features like vibration mechanisms and air injection to facilitate smooth proppant discharge
Implementation Method 3
features like vibration mechanisms and air injection to facilitate smooth proppant discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus includes a frame assembly with an elevated load surface for supporting a modular proppant container in a position above a ground level. A chute assembly is supported by the frame assembly beneath the elevated load surface. A gate actuator has a coupling configured to engage with a gate assembly of the modular proppant container supported on the elevated load surface and a drive mechanism extending between the frame assembly and the coupling to selectively position the coupling for adjusting the gate assembly. The support apparatus may include a base frame section having a recessed region beneath the elevated load surface providing a feed station, an on-board subsystem attached to the frame assembly for operating the support apparatus in a stand-alone mode or an in-situ weigh station configured to measure the weight of the modular proppant container supported on an elevated surface in the rectangular container bay.