Portable Silo Vertical Conveyor Proppant Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to provide a portable storage system for flowable particulate materials, such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing, that can efficiently store and transfer large volumes of material between different oilfield sites and other industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A storage silo apparatus comprising a base frame, a storage silo, and a vertical conveyor with a discharge arrangement that can direct flowable material either into the storage silo or externally to a secondary silo, allowing for flexible storage and transfer capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single storage silo is used, then the storage capacity is limited, but adding a second silo increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical conveyor's discharge arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it can discharge material into the same silo for replenishment, or redirect to a second silo for increased storage capacity. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt between different operational modes (single silo vs. dual silo configuration) without requiring separate conveyor systems for each scenario.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage silo is made portable for transport between sites, then mobility is improved, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The storage silo system is divided into separable components: the silo body can be detached from the base frame, and the vertical conveyor can be removed from the silo. This segmentation allows each component to be transported independently, improving portability while maintaining structural integrity during transport. The components can be reassembled at the destination to restore full functionality.
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 efficient storage and transfer of large volumes of flowable particulate materials, enhancing operational flexibility and capacity by allowing the storage silo to function as both a primary and secondary storage unit.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical conveyor mounted on the storage silo; the vertical conveyor being arranged to convey the flowable material from an intake hopper of the vertical conveyor below the storage silo to a discharge arrangement of the vertical conveyor
Implementation Method 2
a gate operable between a first position directing the outlet duct to communicate with the first discharge duct according to the first configuration of the discharge assembly and a second position directing the outlet duct to communicate with the second discharge duct
Implementation Method 3
the restricted opening being sized and positioned relative to the elevator housing so as to prevent overfilling of material gravity fed into the elevator housing from the intake hopper
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary silo on a second portable frame is independently portable relative to a primary silo and a vertical conveyor on a first portable frame. The vertical conveyor conveys flowable proppant material from an intake hopper below the primary silo into either one of the silos. The silos have gravity discharge chutes that are gravity fed directly into a proppant blender unit. An unloader on wheels is self-propelled and steerable relative to the silos. The unloader can be lowered relative to the wheels to sit on the ground to allow vehicles to drive over the unloader for discharge. Intake hoppers of the unloader can be raised up against the vehicle to form a closed duct discharging from the vehicles into the unloader. A discharge of the unloader forms a closed passage with the intake hopper of the vertical conveyor.