Vacuum Dispensing Dry Materials Load Cell Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for dispensing dry flowable materials in wellbore operations are inefficient and labor-intensive, requiring manual handling and repeated lifting of large bags, which is time-consuming and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
Vacuum dispensing systems that use vessels with load cells to measure weight and a common vacuum manifold to automate the dispensing process, reducing human involvement and improving precision and efficiency by directing dry flowable materials through a controlled vacuum pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and repeated lifting of large bags is used, then the system is simple in structure, but the operation is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated vacuum dispensing system that uses vacuum pressure to transfer dry flowable materials from storage containers to mixing equipment. Load cells automatically measure material weight and control the dispensing process, eliminating the need for manual lifting and handling of large bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic weight measurement and control features where load cells continuously monitor the weight of dry flowable materials in storage containers and automatically regulate the vacuum dispensing process to maintain precise material ratios without human intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual dispensing is used, then the device complexity is low, but the precision and accuracy of material metering is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual metering operations with an automated system using load cells that provide continuous, precise weight measurements. The electronic control system processes this data to accurately regulate material flow rates and ensure precise dosing of dry flowable materials according to predetermined formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs load cells that continuously monitor the weight of materials being dispensed and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows for automatic adjustment of vacuum pressure and flow rates to maintain precise material metering and correct any deviations from the desired dispensing parameters.
3Productivity
If mechanical conveying systems are used, then the materials can be transferred efficiently, but the system requires significant manual intervention and is prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical conveying systems with a vacuum-based pneumatic conveying system. Vacuum pressure draws dry flowable materials through sealed hoses and conduits from storage containers to mixing equipment, eliminating the need for mechanical conveyors and significantly reducing manual intervention while maintaining high transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vacuum pressure (pneumatic force) to move dry flowable materials through a closed-loop system. The vacuum dispensing equipment creates negative pressure to draw materials through hoses and deliver them to the mixing point, providing efficient automated material transfer without mechanical contact or manual handling.
4Extent of automation
If vacuum dispensing with load cells is implemented, then the automation and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified vacuum dispensing system: the vacuum source, load cells for weight measurement, control electronics, and material transfer pathways are combined into a single coordinated system. This consolidation automates the entire dispensing process while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent components.
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 vacuum dispensing systems enhance the efficiency and accuracy of dispensing dry flowable materials, reducing operational costs and minimizing human error, while simplifying the process by automating the metering and transfer of materials.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source for creating a pressure difference to move the dry flowable materials from the vessel through the conduit to the discharge location
Implementation Method 2
a load cell for measuring a weight of the vessel to determine an amount of dry flowable materials contained within the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for dispensing dry flowable materials used in wellbore operations. In some embodiments, the methods include: providing at least one vessel that contains dry flowable materials, each vessel including an outlet connected to a common vacuum manifold; providing a vacuum source for directing a flow of the dry flowable materials from at least one vessel to the common vacuum manifold; discharging the dry flowable materials from the vessel to the common vacuum manifold through an outlet connected to at least one vessel, wherein a discharge valve is disposed on the outlet; determining an amount of dry flowable materials in at least one vessel at least in part using at least one load cell disposed underneath the vessel; and determining the amount of dry flowable materials being routed to the common vacuum manifold based at least in part on the amount of dry flowable materials measured in the vessel.