Stackable Container System With Pass-Through Chute For Fracturing Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing container systems for bulk solids in the drilling and completion industry are inefficient in terms of manpower, time, and space usage, particularly in the transportation and processing of fracturing fluids, as they require manual handling and emptying of containers, which affects the cost-effectiveness and productivity of fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container system with a pass-through chute design that allows for the vertical flow of materials from one container to another, enabling selective release and dispensing of materials without the need to empty intermediate containers, facilitating efficient storage, transportation, and blending of fracturing fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional container systems are used for bulk solids, then material can be stored and transported, but manual handling and emptying of containers is required, increasing manpower requirements and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into multiple stackable containers with individual discharge mechanisms. Each container can be independently controlled to discharge material through its own chute, allowing selective dispensing without emptying entire stacks. This segmentation enables efficient material flow control and reduces manual intervention time.
Solution Approach 2:
A receiving member (such as a conveyor belt or hopper) is introduced as an intermediary between the stackable containers and the blending system. This receiving member automatically collects material discharged from multiple containers simultaneously, eliminating the need for manual emptying and transfer operations. The intermediary device bridges the gap between storage containers and processing equipment, enabling continuous operation.
2Productivity
If traditional container systems are used, then material storage is possible, but space efficiency is reduced due to inefficient stacking and handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal or scattered container placement to vertical stacking configuration. Multiple containers are stacked one above another, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal footprint. The chutes extend vertically through the stack, and the receiving member is positioned at the bottom to collect material from all containers. This dimensional change maximizes space utilization while maintaining efficient material flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving member serves multiple functions: it collects material from multiple containers simultaneously, acts as a buffer storage, and feeds material to the blending system. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate handling equipment for each container, reducing overall space requirements while improving processing efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If containers are stacked for efficient storage, then space is optimized, but material flow control becomes complex without direct discharge paths
Solution Approach 1:
The material flow control system is segmented into individual container-chute-receiving member units. Each container has its own chute that provides a direct discharge path to the common receiving member. This segmentation simplifies control because each container can be independently operated without affecting others, reducing the complexity of coordinating material flow from stacked containers.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual discharge paths from different containers are merged into a single common receiving member. This consolidation allows material from multiple containers to be collected and fed to the blending system through one centralized point, simplifying the overall flow control architecture while maintaining the benefits of vertical stacking and independent container operation.
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 design enhances the efficiency of fracturing operations by allowing materials to be dispensed directly into a receiving member, such as a conveyor belt or blender, without the need for manual handling, reducing time and labor costs, and enabling flexible stacking and orientation of containers for improved logistics.
Implementation Method 1
a chute that passes through the holding area, the chute extending from the first end to the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable container system configured to carry material includes at least one container having a first end and a second end, a holding area for the material, the holding area extending from the first end to the second end, a first opening at the second end, the material controllably releasable from the holding area through the first opening, and a chute that passes through the holding area, the chute extending from the first end to the second end, a first end of the chute including a receiving portion having a larger area than a combined area of the first opening and a second end of the chute.