Compact Screw Articulation Mechanism for Deployable Proppant Silos
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the oilfield industry is the practical limitation of erecting and filling large proppant silos due to the need for significant space and hydraulic support, especially when dealing with heavy and complex well architectures, which requires efficient and compact solutions for proppant delivery and storage.
Innovation Solution
A compact articulation mechanism using a screw device with a housing and screw jack, allowing for lateral movement and secure locking, is employed to support joints in oilfield equipment, enabling the deployment and transport of large-scale silos and auger arms without the need for extensive hydraulic systems, thus reducing space requirements and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hydraulic systems are used to erect and position heavy proppant silos and equipment, then the equipment can be deployed and positioned, but the system requires significant space, complexity, and constant power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic systems with a simpler mechanical screw device and jack system. The screw device (110) with threaded engagement provides mechanical advantage for lifting and positioning heavy equipment, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic pumps, valves, and fluid systems while reducing space requirements and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The screw device functions as a self-locking mechanism where the threaded engagement inherently maintains position without requiring constant power supply or active control systems. Once the equipment is positioned, the mechanical threads self-lock to maintain the elevated position, eliminating the need for continuous hydraulic pressure or power consumption
2Area of stationary object
If large proppant silos are erected vertically to reduce footprint, then space requirements are minimized, but the equipment becomes heavier and requires more powerful hydraulic support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heavy equipment into modular segments that can be assembled in a collapsed, space-efficient configuration for transport. The silo and supporting structures are segmented into sections that fold or collapse together, reducing the transport footprint while maintaining full vertical capacity when deployed at the destination
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment transitions from a three-dimensional expanded configuration during operation to a compressed, multi-dimensional collapsed state for transport. The structure utilizes folding mechanisms and nested arrangements that reduce the equipment envelope in multiple dimensions simultaneously, allowing heavy equipment to be transported in compact form
3Quantity of substance
If multiple small loaded silos are delivered to provide sufficient proppant supply, then the total proppant capacity is achieved, but the number of deliveries and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple proppant storage capacities into a single integrated silo structure. Rather than delivering and assembling multiple separate silos, the design provides one large-capacity silo that accommodates sufficient proppant for extended operations, reducing the number of deliveries and assembly operations required
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 solution allows for the efficient deployment and transport of heavy oilfield equipment, reducing the footprint and operational complexity, while ensuring stability and safety, even in vibrating environments, by eliminating the need for constant power supply and minimizing space requirements for hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a screw device (110) that has one end pivotally secured to a first of the elongated portions but insecure at an opposite end
Implementation Method 2
a screw jack (120) that is coupled to the housing between the ends of the device for sake of lateral and substantially locking engagement therewith
Data Source
AI summary
An articulation mechanism for large scale mobile aggregate system equipment. The mechanism includes a screw device that is pivotally secured to an elongated portion of the equipment to drive its movement to and from a collapsed position. The screw device is driven by a screw jack and moved within a housing while the housing itself is pivotally secured to another portion of the equipment. Rollers within the housing may be used to stabilize the lateral movement of the screw device during the opening, closing or self-locking of the elongated portion by the mechanism.