Upstream Dust Collection Hood for Proppant Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dust collection systems in oilfield operations, such as fracking, are inefficient in separating dust particles from usable proppant due to undirected air flow and suction points inside the hood assembly, leading to delayed separation and reduced material delivery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A de-dusting system with a compact hood assembly and upstream de-dusting encasement that attaches to the delivery chute, featuring a controlled air source and suction point positioned upstream of the discharge point, along with a flexible curtain and diffuser to direct and capture dust-laden air before it reaches the discharge point, ensuring efficient dust removal and minimal capture of usable proppant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If suction point is placed inside the hood assembly, then dust particles can be captured, but upward turbulent air flow is created causing delayed separation of dust from usable material
Solution Approach 1:
The suction point is relocated upstream of the hood assembly, performing dust capture before the material reaches the discharge point. This preliminary action separates dust from usable material earlier in the process, preventing turbulent air flow at the discharge point and improving material delivery efficiency while maintaining dust capture effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing hood assembly is used, then dust collection is achieved, but cross-flow source air delays separation of dust from usable material
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs dust separation upstream of the hood assembly, before the material discharge point. This preliminary separation action reduces the time required for dust removal by capturing dust particles earlier in the material flow path, eliminating the delay caused by cross-flow source air in the traditional hood assembly configuration
3Productivity
If air-movers are used to move particulate material, then material transport is achieved, but dust particles are generated and remain airborne
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts dust particles from the air stream upstream of the hood assembly using a suction point connected to a dust collector. This extraction removes the harmful airborne dust particles generated during material transport by air-movers, while maintaining the material transport function. The separated dust is then collected and removed from the system
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 effectively removes dust particles from the air upstream of the discharge point, reducing health hazards and equipment damage while maximizing the delivery of usable proppant, by creating a laminar flow and directing dust-laden air into a dust collector, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an air-mover that is configured to provide suction to the hood
Implementation Method 2
by creating a laminar flow and directing dust-laden air into a dust collector
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a system for capturing dust and dust-laden air caused by the agitation, movement or transfer of particulate material. The system includes a dust collection assembly positioned proximate and associated with the delivery of particulate material to capture dust particles released by movement and settling of the particulate material when being dispensed and delivered. The dust collection assembly is positioned to direct an air flow in a flow path overlying the dust particles to capture the dust particles and move the dust particles away from the proppant thereby reducing risk of dust exposure.