Sand Quantification Skid Load Cell Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sand quantification in hydraulic fracturing processes is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring frequent weighing of sand collection socks, which leads to worker-related delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A sand quantification system that includes a box with a load cell to measure the weight of sand and slurry, allowing for automated sand measurement and adjustment of blowdown frequency in sand separators, using a gantry support and filters to separate liquids from solids, and an actuator to open the bottom for automated dumping into a tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual weighing of sand collection socks is used, then sand quantification can be performed, but worker-related delays and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a load cell to automatically measure the weight of the box containing sand, eliminating the need for manual weighing operations. The automated measurement system performs quantification without requiring worker intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical weighing process with an automated electronic measurement system using a load cell. This substitution eliminates manual labor and worker-related delays while providing continuous and accurate sand quantification data.
2Measurement precision
If frequent weighing of sand socks is performed, then sand production rate can be monitored, but time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell continuously monitors the weight of the box as sand accumulates, providing continuous measurement data without interruption. This continuous action eliminates the need for periodic manual weighing operations, maintaining monitoring precision while eliminating time losses associated with repeated manual interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated measurement system performs continuous sand quantification without requiring operator intervention. The system self-monitors sand production rate through continuous weight measurement, eliminating time spent on manual weighing operations while maintaining accurate monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If manual sand quantification is used, then sand amount can be measured, but operational delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement operations with an automated electronic weighing system using a load cell. This substitution maintains accurate sand amount measurement while eliminating operational delays caused by manual handling and weighing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically measures sand amount through continuous weight monitoring by the load cell, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while significantly improving operational speed by removing human-related delays.
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 enables accurate, automated measurement of sand production and adjusts blowdown frequency, reducing operational delays and improving efficiency by minimizing manual intervention and optimizing sand separation processes.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell configured to measure a weight of the box and the contents therein
Implementation Method 2
a filter configured to allow liquid to drain out of the box without opening the bottom
Data Source
AI summary
A sand quantification system includes a box configured to be positioned over a tank. The box includes an openable bottom configured, such that, when the bottom is open, contents within the box are dumped into the tank. The box also includes a filter configured to allow liquid to drain out of the box without opening the bottom. The system also includes a load cell configured to measure a weight of the box and the contents therein without measuring a weight of the tank.