Reloadable Proppant Container System for Well Site Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in hydraulic fracturing operations is efficiently and cost-effectively reloading proppant containers at well sites, given the abrasive nature of the fracturing fluid and the need for on-site blending.

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.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional containerized systems are used for proppant storage, then versatility and ease of transport are improved, but the number of containers needed increases and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility of box systemsVSAvoidnumber of containers needed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of silo systems (higher storage density) with containerized systems (versatility and transportability) by creating a reloadable container system where containers can be refilled from a bulk silo storage facility, combining the best features of both approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing proppant in a bulk silo facility before it is needed, allowing containers to be quickly refilled without waiting for proppant delivery, thus reducing the number of containers needed on-site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Volume of stationary object

If silo systems are used for proppant storage, then storage capacity per unit is improved, but reliability and ease of operation decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity per unitVSAvoidreliability of silo systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the storage function into two parts: a stationary bulk silo for high-capacity storage and mobile reloadable containers for reliable delivery. The silo provides capacity while the containerized reloadable system provides reliability through controlled dispensing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary reloadable container system between the bulk silo storage and the final application point. This intermediary provides reliable, controlled proppant delivery while allowing the silo to maintain its high-capacity advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If more containers are stored at the well site to ensure continuous operation, then operational continuity is improved, but environmental impact and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining a bulk silo storage facility that can continuously supply proppant to reloadable containers, eliminating interruptions caused by waiting for container deliveries while minimizing the number of containers needed on-site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 efficient reloading of proppant containers, reducing the number of containers needed at the well site, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing operational efficiency by blending the efficiencies of silo systems with the reliability and versatility of box systems.

Implementation Method 1

The reloader has a loading bay including a load cell. The method includes situating the container in the loading bay atop the load cell... removing the container from the loading bay after a weight of the container reaches a predetermined weight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad cell weight measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a proppant dispensing device having an expandable loading tube... causing the expandable loading tube to expand to deliver the proppant from the bulk material storage bin into the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExpandable tube mechanism:

Implementation Method 3

The system includes a transloader having a conveyer belt and a discharge device... disposing the proppant onto the conveyer belt and causing the discharge device to discharge the proppant into the bulk material storage bin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConveyor belt transport:

Data Source

PatentUS20250187818A1Reloadable Containerized System for Wet and Dry Proppants and Methods of Making and Using Same

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 ROCKY MOUNTAIN INVESTOR HOLDINGS INC

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.