Proppant Delivery Trailer with Integrated Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transporting and storing proppant at hydraulic fracturing sites are inefficient, as they expose proppant to adverse weather conditions, require large capital investments, and lack effective mechanisms for easy discharge and relocation of proppant containers.
Innovation Solution
A trailer system with a bed and structural framework supporting proppant containers, featuring a conveyor that receives discharged proppant from the containers and transports it to the well site, allowing for easy loading and unloading using simple lifting mechanisms or forklifts, and minimizing movable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If proppant is hauled to desired locations on the back of trucks and dumped onsite, then proppant can be delivered to the well site, but the proppant is exposed to adverse weather conditions which degrades the quality of the proppant during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a covered trailer with walls and a roof that enclose the proppant containers, creating a protective barrier against adverse weather conditions. This flexible enclosure system allows the proppant to be transported and stored while shielded from rain, wind, and other environmental factors that would otherwise degrade its quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes nested containers where proppant containers are positioned within the enclosed space of the trailer. The containers are arranged to fit within the trailer's volume, with multiple containers potentially stacked or positioned in nested configurations to maximize space utilization while maintaining protection from weather elements.
2Reliability
If proppant is stored in containers at the hydraulic fracturing site, then proppant can be stored at the desired location, but it requires a large capital investment in storage facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transport vehicle and a protected storage facility. By combining these functions in a single mobile unit, the system eliminates the need for separate, permanent storage infrastructure at the well site, thereby reducing capital investment while maintaining reliable proppant storage capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer is designed to be self-contained with all necessary storage and discharge functionality integrated into the mobile unit. The proppant containers are equipped with discharge mechanisms that can operate directly from the trailer, eliminating the need for external storage facilities and complex infrastructure at the fracturing site.
3Productivity
If traditional truck dumping method is used, then proppant can be delivered to the well site, but it lacks effective mechanisms for easy discharge and relocation of proppant containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates movable and adjustable components within the trailer, including relocatable proppant containers and adjustable discharge mechanisms. The containers can be moved along tracks or rails within the trailer, and discharge openings can be positioned at various locations, enabling flexible and easy discharge operations adapted to different well site configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate discharge mechanisms such as chutes, conveyors, or transfer systems that facilitate the movement of proppant from the containers to the well site. These intermediary devices bridge the gap between the enclosed container and the discharge point, enabling easy and efficient proppant transfer without requiring manual handling or complex external equipment.
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 enables convenient, cost-effective, and efficient delivery and storage of proppant at well sites, protecting the material from degradation and reducing the need for extensive storage facilities while facilitating easy movement and positioning of proppant containers.
Implementation Method 1
A conveyor cooperates with the bin for transporting proppant from the bin to a desired location at the well site
Implementation Method 2
The track of rollers is positioned on the bed of the trailer and configured to receive the proppant container thereon and move the proppant container along the track
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for delivering proppant to a well site includes a plurality of proppant containers. The apparatus also includes a support structure having a bed and a structural framework extending down from the bed. The plurality of proppant container are structurally supported on top of the bed. A bin is disposed within the structural frame work below the bed. A conveyor cooperates with the bin for transporting proppant from the bin to a desired location at the well site. Proppant discharged from one or more of the plurality of proppant containers positioned on the bed above the bin is received in the bin and delivered to the well site by the conveyor.