Vertical Storage Bins for Sand Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for storing and handling bulk dry materials like silica sand at well sites are inefficient, leading to increased site footprint, environmental impacts, and damage to sand particles, resulting in lower extraction rates and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongate storage bins that can be trucked horizontally and vertically positioned on a skid, with a bottom conveyor for gravity discharge and a vertical elevator for efficient filling, reducing site congestion and minimizing sand damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If horizontal storage trailers are used on the ground, then sand can be stored at the well site, but the site footprint increases and environmental impacts worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from horizontal storage trailers on the ground to vertical storage bins positioned upright on a skid. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical orientation dramatically reduces the ground footprint while maintaining or increasing storage capacity, directly resolving the contradiction between storage quantity and site area occupation.
2Productivity
If pneumatic loading and unloading is used, then sand can be transferred efficiently, but sand particles are damaged and well conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the pneumatic system (which uses compressed air) with a gravity-based mechanical system. Sand is loaded via a conveyor belt that gently places material into the top of vertical bins, and unloaded by opening a gate at the bottom to allow gravity-driven flow. This mechanical substitution eliminates the high-velocity pneumatic forces that damage sand particles, preserving particle integrity while maintaining transfer efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If free-standing silo units are used vertically, then site footprint is reduced, but filling time increases and equipment transfer is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple individual silo units into a single integrated system where multiple vertical bins are mounted together on a common skid. This consolidation allows a single conveyor belt to fill all bins simultaneously through the top, and a single gate mechanism at the bottom can discharge to one conveyor. The merging eliminates the need to transfer equipment between units and dramatically reduces total filling time while maintaining the space-efficient vertical configuration.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple discrete silo units are used, then storage capacity increases, but space between units is wasted for truck and equipment access
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple storage bins into a single integrated assembly on one skid, with all bins positioned closely together. This merging eliminates the need for spacing between discrete units, maximizing the use of site space. The integrated design allows trucks to access a single discharge point rather than multiple scattered units, improving space utilization while maintaining total storage capacity.
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 significantly reduces site footprint, enhances storage capacity, and decreases the time required for unloading and storing materials, while minimizing manpower and truck requirements, resulting in improved extraction efficiency and site safety.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical elevator, such as a high-capacity bucket elevator, installable on an end portion of the skid. The elevator lifts material to be stored to the level above the top of the positioned bins
Implementation Method 2
The bins are filled with sand from the top and the sand can then be gravity-drained or discharged from each bin through a chute extending from the side of the bin
Implementation Method 3
A downward-facing end of each bin has a discharge outlet that can be controllably opened and closed to allow sand or other product in the bins to be discharged downwards due to gravity onto a conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
A system that can be assembled at a well drilling or other site for storing bulk material such as sand includes a plurality of storage bins configured as trailers, a skid that includes a lower conveyor, a bucket elevator and a top conveyor system. At the site, the bins and the elevator are vertically oriented and stood on the skid, resulting in discharge outlets on the bins becoming positioned over the lower conveyor. The top conveyor is installed on top of the bins. In operation, the elevator lifts the material and discharges it onto the top conveyor system. The top conveyor system discharges the material into the bins for storage. The stored material is controllably discharged from the discharge outlets of the bins onto the lower conveyor from which the material is conveyed to one end of the skid for transport to a new location or directly into a blender.