U.S. patent application number 13/802265 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for systems and methods for controlling particulate release from large equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Government of the U.S.A. as represented by the Secretary of the Dept of Health & Human Services. The applicant listed for this patent is The Government of the U.S.A. as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, The Government of the U.S.A. as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Invention is credited to Michael Breitenstein, Eric J. Esswein, Michael G. Gressel, Jerry L. Kratzer, John E. Snawder.
Application Number | 20140020346 13/802265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49945389 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140020346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Esswein; Eric J. ; et
al. |
January 23, 2014 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING PARTICULATE RELEASE FROM LARGE
EQUIPMENT
Abstract
A containment system for reducing the release of harmful
respirable particles through surface openings in equipment that
carries sand includes a filter-receiving member configured to be
coupled over an opening in a surface of the equipment and a filter
member configured to be coupled to the filter-receiving member. The
filter-receiving member can have a first side, a second side, and a
passageway extending from the first side to the second side. The
filter can have a porosity that permits air to flow through the
filter member and restricts the flow of solid particulates.
Inventors: |
Esswein; Eric J.; (Conifer,
CO) ; Breitenstein; Michael; (Cincinnati, OH)
; Snawder; John E.; (Williamstown, KY) ; Gressel;
Michael G.; (Cincinnati, OH) ; Kratzer; Jerry L.;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Department of Health and Human Services; The Government of the
U.S.A. as represented by the Secretary of the |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Government of the U.S.A. as
represented by the Secretary of the Dept of Health & Human
Services
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
49945389 |
Appl. No.: |
13/802265 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61673658 |
Jul 19, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
55/304 ; 29/428;
29/450; 55/378; 55/381; 55/495 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 46/02 20130101;
B01D 46/4272 20130101; B01D 2275/203 20130101; Y10T 29/4987
20150115; Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
55/304 ; 55/495;
55/378; 55/381; 29/428; 29/450 |
International
Class: |
B01D 46/02 20060101
B01D046/02 |
Claims
1. A containment system for reducing the release of harmful
respirable particles through surface openings in equipment that
carries sand, the system comprising: a filter-receiving member
configured to be coupled over an opening in a surface of the
equipment, the filter-receiving member having a first side, a
second side, and a passageway extending from the first side to the
second side; and a filter member configured to be coupled to the
filter-receiving member, the filter member having a porosity that
permits air to flow through the filter member and restricts the
flow of solid particulates.
2. The containment system of claim 1, wherein the passageway of the
filter-receiving member transitions from a first profile on the
first side to a second profile on the second side.
3. The containment system of claim 2, wherein the first profile is
a square profile and the second profile is a round profile.
4. The containment system of claim 1, further comprising a base
plate secured to the filter-receiving member, the base plate
comprising a plurality of securing mechanisms that are moveable
between a first unsecured position and a second secured
position.
5. The containment system of claim 4, wherein the base plate
comprises a compressible member on a lower surface for engagement
with the surface of the equipment that surrounds the opening, the
plurality of securing mechanisms being configured to apply pressure
to the base plate when in the second secured position and compress
the compressible member.
6. The containment system of claim 1, wherein the filter member has
an open end that is sized to be coupled to the second side of the
filter-receiving member.
7. The containment system of claim 1, wherein the filter member
comprises an elastic member at the open end, the elastic member
having a non-stretched diameter that is smaller than a diameter of
the second end of the filter-receiving member, and wherein the
filter-receiving member comprises a recessed portion spaced away
from the second end, the recessed portion being sized to receive
the elastic member at the open end of the filter member.
8. The containment system of claim 7, further comprising an
external attachment member, the external attachment member being
configured to secure the open end of the filter member to an
external surface of the filter-receiving member.
9. The containment system of claim 6, wherein the filter member
comprises a flexible bag filter.
10. The containment system of claim 6, wherein the filter member
comprises an accordion-style member that has an interior coiled
spring to permit the filter member to collapse in a generally
consistent and predictable manner.
11. The containment system of claim 10, wherein the
filter-receiving member comprises a hatch positioned at the second
end of the filter-receiving member, and wherein the passageway of
the filter-receiving member is sized to receive the filter member
when in a collapsed configuration.
12. The containment system of claim 1, wherein the filter-receiving
member comprises a gate member that is operable between an open
position that permits air to flow into the filter member and a
closed position that restricts the flow of air into the filter
member.
13. The containment system of claim 1, wherein the filter-receiving
member comprises a strikeplate for causing vibrations in the
filter-receiving member.
14. A method of securing a particle containment system on a top
surface of a truck containing sand, the method comprising: securing
a filter-receiving member to an opening in the top surface of the
truck, the filter-receiving member comprising a first side, a
second side, and a passageway extending from the first side to the
second side; and attaching a filter member to the filter-receiving
member, the filter member having a porosity that permits air to
flow through the filter member and restricts the flow of solid
particulates.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the passageway of the
filter-receiving member transitions from a first profile on the
first side to a second profile on the second side and the act of
securing the filter-receiving member causes the opening in the top
surface of the truck to change from the first profile to the second
profile.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first profile is a square
profile and the second profile is a round profile.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the act of attaching the filter
member to the filter-receiving member comprises positioning an open
end of the filter member over the second side of the
filter-receiving member.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the filter member comprises an
elastic member at the open end and the filter-receiving member
comprises a recessed portion, and the act of attaching the filter
member to the filter-receiving member comprises stretching the
elastic member to a diameter that can fit over the second end of
the filter-receiving member and positioning the elastic member into
the recessed portion.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the act of attaching the filter
member to the filter-receiving member comprises securing an
external attachment member to the open end of the filter member and
an external surface of the filter-receiving member.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising collapsing the
filter member into the filter-receiving member and closing a hatch
over the filter-receiving member.
21. The method of claim 14, further comprising opening a gate
member on the filter-receiving member to restrict air flow to the
filter member.
22. The method of claim 14, further comprising striking a
strikeplate on the filter-receiving member to vibrate the
filter-receiving member and reduce buildup of materials on the
filter-receiving member.
23. The method of claim 14, wherein the act of attaching the filter
member comprises providing a hanging attachment that extends above
the filter member and suspending the filter member from the hanging
attachment.
24. The method of claim 14, wherein the act of securing the
filter-receiving member comprises: positioning a plurality of
securing mechanisms inside of the opening in the top surface of the
truck; and moving the plurality of securing mechanisms from a first
unsecured position to a second secured position, the secured
position increasing an amount of pressure on a compressible member
associated with a base plate secured to the filter-receiving
member.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of securing
mechanisms are rotated from the first unsecured position to the
second secured position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/673,658, which was filed on Jul. 19, 2012 and is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure is directed to methods and systems for
reducing emissions and subsequent exposures to harmful particulates
and, in particular, for controlling the release of harmful
respirable particulates from large equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand,
granite, and many other minerals. When reduced to respirable size
particles, however, crystalline silica (including quartz,
tridymite, and crystobalite) is a known human lung carcinogen and
the mineral responsible for the lung disease silicosis. Respirable
silica exposure is a serious concern for workers in industries that
use silica sand and other silica-containing materials in their
processing operations. For example, in the oil and gas industry,
most new oil and gas wells are hydraulically fractured to stimulate
well production. In these operations, silica sand is often used in
combination with a fracturing fluid and large amounts of silica
sand continually being filled and unloaded during these
operations.
[0004] Certain vehicles that are used to move and transfer silica
sand (i.e., sand movers, also called sand hogs, sand chiefs and
sand masters) are not designed with occupational health
considerations in mind; that is the machines are not configured
with any means or mechanisms for containing, preventing or
controlling the release of respirable size particles of silica and,
as a result, significant quantities of respirable silica are
released into workplace atmospheres, presenting a significant
occupational health hazard for workers. Although personal
respiratory protection (air-purifying respirators) are generally
worn by workers, respirable dust containing crystalline silica is
present in concentrations in the immediate vicinity of the sand
movers that regularly exceeds the maximum use concentration for
half-mask and sometimes for full-face air purifying respirators.
Accordingly, there is a need to control primary emission sources to
reduce the amount of respirable dust containing crystalline silica
released during hydraulic fracturing and other similar operations
that require moving large amounts of silica sand or other materials
capable of generating and releasing potentially harmful
particulates.
SUMMARY
[0005] In the embodiments disclosed herein, various containment
systems and methods of using containment systems are disclosed.
Such containment systems and methods of using the same can reduce
the release of potentially harmful particulates from openings in
equipment containing sand and other similar materials, including
for example, sand moving trucks.
[0006] In one embodiment, a containment system for reducing the
release of harmful respirable particles through surface openings in
equipment that carries sand is provided. The system can include a
filter-receiving member configured to be coupled and sealed over an
opening in a top surface of the equipment and a filter member
configured to be coupled to the filter-receiving member. The
filter-receiving member has a first side, a second side, and a
passageway extending from the first side to the second side. The
filter has a porosity that permits air to flow through the filter
member and restricts the flow of solid particulate, including
respirable and non-respirable particulate.
[0007] In some embodiments, the passageway of the filter-receiving
member transitions from a first profile on the first side to a
second profile on the second side. For example, the first profile
can be a square profile and the second profile can be a round
profile.
[0008] In some embodiments, the filter member can have an open end
that is sized to be coupled to the second side of the
filter-receiving member. The filter member can include an elastic
member at the open end, with the elastic member having a
non-stretched diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the
second end of the filter-receiving member. A recessed portion can
be provided on the filter-receiving member, spaced away from the
second end so that the recessed portion can receive the elastic
member at the open end of the filter member, thereby securing the
filter member to the filter-receiving member. In other embodiments,
an external attachment member such as a band, strap, or clamp, can
be provided and configured to secure the open end of the filter
member to an external surface of the filter-receiving member.
[0009] The filter member can be a flexible bag filter. In some
embodiments, the filter member is a tensioned accordion-style
member that is collapsible inward in a generally predictable
manner. The filter-receiving member can also include a hatch
positioned at the second end of the filter-receiving member and the
passageway of the filter-receiving member can be sized to receive
the filter member when in a collapsed or detensioned configuration.
In other embodiments, the filter-receiving member comprises a gate
member that can be operable between an open position that permits
various amounts of air to flow into the filter member and a closed
position that restricts or completely occludes the flow of air into
the filter member. In some embodiments, the filter-receiving member
comprises a strikeplate for causing vibrations in the
filter-receiving member.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method is provided for securing a
particle containment system on a top surface of a truck containing
sand. The method can include sealing and securing a
filter-receiving member to an opening in the top surface of the
truck and attaching a filter member to the filter-receiving member.
The filter-receiving member can have a first side, a second side,
and a passageway extending from the first side to the second side
and the filter member can have a porosity that permits air to flow
through the filter member and restricts the flow of solid
particulates.
[0011] In some embodiments, the passageway of the filter-receiving
member transitions from a first profile on the first side to a
second profile on the second side and the act of securing the
filter-receiving member causes the opening in the top surface of
the truck to change from the first profile to the second profile.
The first profile can be a square profile and the second profile
can be a round profile. In other embodiments, the act of attaching
the filter member to the filter-receiving member comprises
positioning an open end of the filter member over the second side
of the filter-receiving member. The filter member can include an
elastic member at the open end and the filter-receiving member can
include a recessed portion, and the act of attaching the filter
member to the filter-receiving member can include stretching the
elastic member to a diameter that can fit over the second end of
the filter-receiving member and positioning the elastic member into
the recessed portion. In other embodiments, the act of attaching
the filter member to the filter-receiving member comprises securing
an external attachment member such as a band, strap, or clamp, to
the open end of the filter member and an external surface of the
filter-receiving member.
[0012] In some embodiments, the method includes collapsing the
filter member into the filter-receiving member and closing a hatch
over the filter-receiving member for transport storage and from
protection from certain elements including snow, ice and in some
cases rain. In other embodiments, the method can include opening a
gate member on the filter-receiving member to restrict volumes of
air flow to the filter member. In other embodiments, the method can
include striking a strikeplate on the filter-receiving member to
vibrate the filter-receiving member and reduce buildup of materials
on the round profile and to some degree the filter-receiving
member.
[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a partial view of a top surface of
equipment for transporting sand or other similar materials and
having a plurality of hatches, such as a sand moving truck.
[0015] FIG. 1B illustrates a partial view of a top surface of
equipment for transporting sand or other similar materials shown
with a hatch in an open position.
[0016] FIG. 1C illustrates a partial view of a top surface of
equipment for transporting sand or other similar materials shown a
containment system in operation.
[0017] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate views of a hatch provided on a
top surface of equipment for transferring sand or other similar
materials.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial exploded view of a containment
system for reducing the release of potentially harmful particulates
from within equipment for transferring sand or other similar
materials.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates another partial exploded view of a
containment system.
[0020] FIG. 5A illustrates another exploded view of a containment
system.
[0021] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line
5B-5B in FIG. 5A.
[0022] FIG. 6A illustrates another exploded view of a containment
system.
[0023] FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line
6B-6B in FIG. 6A.
[0024] FIG. 7A illustrates a view of another containment system,
shown in an expanded configuration.
[0025] FIG. 7B illustrates another view of the containment system
of FIG. 7A, but shown in a collapsed configuration.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of a top surface of
equipment for transporting sand or other similar materials shown a
containment system in operation.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial view of an attachment mechanism
for a containment system.
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates another partial view of the attachment
mechanism shown in FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a containment system having an
attachment mechanism as shown in FIG. 9.
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates another partial view of the attachment
mechanism shown in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not
intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the
invention in any way. Various changes to the described embodiment
may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements
described herein without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0032] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term
"includes" means "comprises." Further, the terms "coupled" and
"associated" generally mean electrically, electromagnetically,
and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or
linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements
between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary
language.
[0033] As used herein, the term "filter" or "filter member" refers
to a device that removes solid particulates, such as silica dust
and other small particles, from air by permitting air to flow
through the filter or filter member and restricting the flow of
solid particulates therethrough. As used herein, the term
"respirable" means particles with a mass median aerodynamic
diameter (MMAD) of less than 10 microns in diameter. The term
non-respirable, as used herein, means particles with a MMAD greater
than 10 microns in diameter.
[0034] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order
for convenient presentation, it should be understood that disclosed
embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the
particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations
described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed
concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in
association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that
embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed.
[0035] Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures
may not show the various ways (readily discernible, based on this
disclosure, by one of ordinary skill in the art) in which the
disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination
with other systems, methods, and apparatuses. Additionally, the
description sometimes uses terms such as "produce" and "provide" to
describe the disclosed method. These terms are high-level
abstractions of the actual operations that can be performed. The
actual operations that correspond to these terms can vary depending
on the particular implementation and are, based on this disclosure,
readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0036] As used herein, terms of degree, such as "generally" and
"substantially" refer to the structures or methods as described or
claimed, and also include those structures and methods that
approximate the same. When numerically appropriate, these terms
refer to difference that involve plus or minus 10% of the number
noted. For example, unless otherwise stated (explicitly or
implicitly), if two lengths are considered "generally" or
"substantially" the same, the lengths are within 10% of one
another.
[0037] As discussed above, workers in the vicinity of sand moving
trucks and other similar equipment can be exposed to a high degree
of potentially harmful particulates including respirable
particulates. At hydraulic fracturing operations, for example,
hundreds of thousands of pounds of sand are used as a proppant (to
hold open cracks, fissures and fractures in the geological
intersticies of a gas or oil well formation) for each stage of any
hydraulic fracturing job. Hydraulic fracturing jobs can include up
to 40 or more stages per well, so millions of pounds of sand are
transferred from sand movers to other machines such as blender
trucks. As a result, large quantities of respirable silica (e.g.,
alpha quartz) containing dusts are released into the workplace
atmosphere when sand transfer trucks are refilled on site (also
called "hot loading"). Depending on the number of wells at a
worksite, refilling (hot loading) can occur as little as several
times a day to almost on a continuing basis. Much of this silica
dust is released from openings (e.g., "thief hatches") located on
top of the sand moving trucks.
[0038] The methods and systems described herein exploit the
inherent pressurization (in a range of 10-15 pounds per square
inch) that occurs in sand movers during pneumatically driven refill
operations. Exploiting pressurization inherent in the sand bins can
be used to inflate containment systems allowing a filter cake to
form allowing mechanical filtration to occur which can
substantially control the release of silica dust and other small
particles from large equipment. In particular, in some embodiments,
novel containment systems are provided that can be sealed and
secured to thief hatches or other surface openings on equipment
configured for transporting silica sand and other materials. Such
containment systems can restrict the release of potentially harmful
particulates from the equipment and significantly reduce workplace
(and potentially community) exposure levels for respirable
particulates.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial, top perspective view of a sand
transfer truck 10. Sand transfer truck 10 has a plurality of
hatches 12 operable between a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1A)
and an open position (as shown in FIG. 1B). Although FIGS. 1A and
1B illustrate a specific number and location of hatches 12 on sand
transfer truck 10, it should be understood that the number and
location of hatches 12 can vary without departing from the scope of
the invention.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1B, hatch 12 can be moved to an open
position exposing an opening 14 in a surface (e.g., a top surface)
of sand transfer truck 10. If desired a grate 16 can be provided to
restrict access to opening 14 when hatch 12 is in the open
position. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, materials 18 within sand
transfer truck 10 (e.g., sand and other particulate matter) can be
released from within sand transfer truck 10 when hatches 12 are in
the open position or even when hatches are closed as hatches are
typically not configured with seals to prevent the release of
particulates as considerations to occupational health are not part
of the design parameters of sand movers.
[0041] FIG. 1C illustrates another partial, top perspective view of
a sand transfer truck 10. A particulate containment system 20 is
positioned on the top surface of sand transfer truck 10 over one of
the openings 14 to seal and restrict the flow of materials from
inside sand transfer truck 10 through opening 14.
[0042] Hatches 12 can be opened and configured with containment
systems 20 when loading sand transfer trucks with sand. As
discussed in more detail below, containment systems 20 can have
filter members 28 that permit air from within the sand transfer
truck 10 to flow out the filter member, but restrict particles of
sand from passing therethrough. As such, the containment systems
can reduce the release of silica dust (and other small respirable
particles) through hatches 12. In addition, because air flow is
permitted through the filter members, containment systems 20 can
prevent over-pressurization of the inside areas (e.g., bins) of
sand transfer truck 10. Thus, fill operators need not be as
concerned about over-pressurizing the bins when adding sand. In
some embodiments, one or more pressure relief valves and/or rupture
disks can be provided to prevent over-pressurization within the
bins. For example, a pressure relief valve can be positioned on a
square-to-round transition flange to prevent pressure buildup. This
can be especially useful when a gate member is provided as
described in some embodiments below.
[0043] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate top and side views of a hatch 12.
Although the size and configuration of hatch 12 can vary, the width
W and length L are generally between about 15 and 30 inches (and
more specifically, between about 20 and 24 inches). In some cases,
the width and length can be the substantially the same, creating a
generally square profile. As shown in FIG. 1C, hatch 12 can extend
from the top surface of the sand transfer truck 10 by a distance
D.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, containment system 20 can include a
filter-receiving member 22 that is configured to be secured over
opening 14. Filter-receiving member can have a first end 24 that is
coupled to a surface of the top of sand transfer truck 10 and a
second end 26 that is configured to receive a filter member 28. The
filter has a porosity that permits air to flow through the filter
member and restricts (e.g., by capturing and/or otherwise
containing) the flow of solid particulate, including respirable and
non-respirable particulate. The filter member can be sized based on
the air flow rate through the hatch. Air flow rates (ft.sup.3/min)
to filter member surface area ratios (ft.sup.2) can generally range
from 5:1 to 15:1, with higher ratios possible with suitable filter
member material.
[0045] Filter-receiving member 22 can be configured to be secured
over an opening 14 when hatch 12 is open. In some embodiments, the
filter-receiving member can be built into the hatch. For example, a
quick-connect bag can be fastened directly to the hatch providing a
robust seal on the hatch.
[0046] Alternatively, hatch 12 can be removable and
filter-receiving member 22 can be secured over opening instead of
hatch 12. Filter-receiving member can be coupled to the surface of
sand transfer truck 10 in various manners, depending on whether the
hatch is removed or not. For example, it can be mounted using
clamping devices and/or other mechanical fastening means such as
bolts, straps, bars, rod, toggle levers, spring-loaded pins, clips,
etc. If desired, a gasket or similar compressible material (e.g., a
rubber mat) can be positioned between the filter-receiving member
22 and a surface of sand transfer truck 10 to provide an air seal
to restrict movement of fine particulates from the baseplate and
the hatch opening perimeter, additionally this allows for a more
secure coupling (e.g., substantially leak-free) between the two
elements.
[0047] In some embodiments, filter-receiving member 22 can have a
profile that varies along its height. For example, as shown in FIG.
3, filter-receiving member 22 can have a square to round
transition. Other transitions are possible depending on the shape
of the opening 14 and the shape of the open end 30 of filter member
28. For example, some other possible transitions can be as square
to oval, rectangular to round, rectangular to square, etc. In
addition, filter-receiving member 22 can have a height that sets
second end 26 above the surface of sand transfer truck 10 to make
it easier to secure and remove filter members 28 on and off of
filter-receiving member 22.
[0048] Filter member 28 can comprise an open end 30 that is
configured to be coupled to second end 26 of filter-receiving
member 22. Open end 30 of filter member 28 can be coupled to
filter-receiving member 22 in various ways, including external
attachment members (e.g., devices that surround and/or otherwise
secure the two elements together) and internal attachment members
(e.g., devices that are integral with one or both of the two
elements to secure them together).
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates filter member 28 secured to
filter-receiving member 22 via an external attachment member that
is a screw clamp 32. In this embodiment, open end 30 is placed over
an outside surface of second end 26 of filter-receiving member 22,
and screw clamp 32 is placed over the portion of open end 30 that
overlaps with the second end and tightened, thereby securing filter
member 22 to filter-receiving member 22. Other options include
straps and spring-loaded lever clamps.
[0050] In some embodiments, filter-receiving members can be
configured so that a plurality of filter-receiving members can be
stacked together (either with or without a collapsible filter
member received thereon) for shipment and/or storage when not in
use.
[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment in which open end 30
of filter member 28 comprises an internal attachment member that is
an elastic member 34 (e.g., a snap ring or spring steel band) that
is capable of stretching to fit over the surface of second end 26
of filter-receiving member 22. To further secure elastic member 34
to second end 26, second 26 can have a recessed portion 36 (e.g., a
recessed lip) that has a reduced diameter so that elastic member 34
can contract to a smaller diameter within recessed portion, thereby
securing filter member 28 to filter-receiving member 22.
[0052] In some embodiments, a gate member 40 can be provided to
restrict access between the opening 14 and filter member 28. In
some embodiments, gate member 40 can be on or near the
filter-receiving member 22 to restrict materials from inside sand
transfer truck 10 from passing through filter-receiving member 22.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment wherein the gate member
comprises an iris damper that is configured to move between an open
and closed position (and, if desired, other positions therebetween
as shown in FIG. 5B). Gate members may be useful to restrict flow
in various situations. For example, if several bags are in place
and only one bin is being filled, it may be useful to close the
gate members on one or more openings. In addition, some systems
connect all the bins through a sandmover's body which allows air
movement from bin to bin. If only one bin were to be filled, you
might want to close gate members in other bins to retain velocity
pressure into the bag containing the dust in the bin being filled.
In some embodiments, the gate members (or other orifice limiting
members) can be configured to partially close their respective
openings, thereby restricting air flow into the filter without
overpressurizing the bin.
[0053] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment in which gate
member 40 comprises a sliding gate design that can move from a
closed position to an open position (and, if desired, other
positions therebetween).
[0054] In some circumstances, materials can build up or accumulate
in the vicinity of the filter-receiving members and/or gate
members. Accordingly, it can be desirable to provide a mechanism to
reduce these accumulations of materials. In this regard,
filter-receiving member 22 can comprise a strikeplate 42 or other
surface to which a force can be applied to cause vibrations in the
filter-receiving member 22 and/or gate members 40. Such vibrations
can cause the accumulations or build-up to disaggregate and fall
back into the inside of sand transfer truck 10.
[0055] In some embodiments, filter member 28 comprises a flexible
member such as a fabric bag that is capable of moving freely after
being secured to filter-receiving member 22. Since the large
equipment disclosed herein are capable of movement (e.g., vehicles
that can move when transferring sand or other materials), in some
cases, the movement of the vehicle can be used to help maintain the
functioning of the filter members. For example, because filter
member can be flexible and movable relative to the sand transfer
truck 10, filter member 28 can flap about when sand transfer truck
10 is moving, thereby causing build-up inside filter member 28
(e.g., dust cakes or other aggregate) to be broken up. However,
preferably the hanging assembly and other elements (e.g., filter
member) would be pushed down into the receiving member and/or hatch
for transport. By reducing build-up and other aggregate within
filter member 28, the filtering action of the filter member 28 can
be maintained.
[0056] In addition, by having a flexible filter member 28, the
filter member 28 can be easily collapsed. Collapse of filter member
28 can help break up build-up within the filter member 28. Also,
collapsing filter member 28 can allow filter member 28 to be pushed
into opening 14 so that a hatch 12 can be closed with filter member
28 inside (see, e.g., FIG. 7B).
[0057] In other embodiments, filter member 28 can comprise a
material that is capable of achieve a predicable shape when
collapsed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, filter member
28 can be configured with an accordion-style pleated structure 44
and an internal coil spring that allows the filter member to
collapse and retract in a predictable manner. As a result,
structure 44 will shed any accumulated dust cake, reduce bunching
of filter member 28 and permit automatic retraction of the filter
member 28 for storage within receiving hatch 12. For example, as
shown in FIG. 7B, filter member 28 can be collapsed and retracted
and stored neatly within hatch 12 when not in active use allowing
protection from the elements (rain, snow, ice) protecting the
filter member from elemental exposure, ice build-up and wetting of
filter fabric.
[0058] In some embodiments, a grounding device can be added to
prevent buildup of static electricity and a hazard to the workers.
The grounding device can comprise a strap or other similar
structure (e.g., a flat braided copper wire). The device can run
through the bag (e.g., it can be "sewn" into the bag).
Alternatively, the device can be configured to ground the
filter-receiving member, which will, in turn, ground the bag. In
some embodiments, a hanging attachment device 50 (as shown in FIG.
8) coupled to the filter member 28 can help further ground the
filter-receiving member 22 to dissipate a charge in the bag.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, if desired, the filter member can be
suspended from above using a hanging attachment device 50. For
example, filter member 28 can have a first connecting member 52
(e.g., a loop, bolt, or other such coupling member) at the top of
filter member 28 that can be secured to a second connecting member
52 (e.g., a clasp, threaded member, or other such connecting
member) at the end of hanging attachment device 50 to suspend
filter member 28 above the opening as shown in FIG. 8.
[0060] Hanging attachment device 50 can comprise any structure that
is capable of extending from the base area of the system to suspend
filter member 28 so that the member is held generally erect. The
structure of the hanging attachment device 50 can be formed of
metal and/or other structural materials capable of supporting the
filter member, such as a composite material, wood, etc. During
pneumatic fill operations of sand, the filter member 28 can be
pressurized and depressurized, cycling the filter member through a
flaccid and turgid state to dislodge an accumulated filter cake
from the inside of the filter member 28, thereby preparing the
filter member for subsequent filtration operations or cycles.
[0061] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate another attachment system for
attaching the containment system to hatch openings of transfer
vehicles. As shown in those figures, a plurality of securing
mechanisms 60 are provided to secure the containment system 20 to a
structure associated with a hatch opening. Securing mechanisms 60
have a rotatable member that can move, when placed adjacent to a
thief hatch opening from a first unsecured position to a second
secured position in which securing mechanisms restrict movement of
the containment system relative to the transfer vehicle.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of securing mechanisms 60
are illustrated on a lower portion of the containment system 20. To
secure the containment system 20 to a transfer vehicle, the system
20 can be placed over a thief hatch opening with the securing
mechanism inside of the transfer vehicle. The rotation of securing
mechanisms 60 causes that member to move underneath the structure
of the truck adjacent the thief hatch opening so that the
containment system cannot be removed from the thief hatch opening.
The movement of the securing mechanisms can be restricted and/or
controlled by various structures, such as motion-limiting member
61. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, securing mechanism 60 can
have a slot or other groove to engage with motion-limiting member
61, thereby defining the amount of travel of the securing mechanism
when it is moved.
[0063] In one embodiment, the system can include four securing
mechanisms 60 (e.g., FIG. 10). However, it is contemplated that
other numbers securing mechanisms may be used (e.g., more or fewer
than four). In one embodiment, the securing mechanisms can comprise
angle iron capture bars that are 2''.times.2''.times. 3/16'' steel
meeting ASTM A36 standards.
[0064] A compressible member 62 can be positioned on a bottom
surface of a base plate 64 of the containment system. The
compressible member 62 contacts an upper surface of the transfer
vehicle (adjacent the thief hatch opening) and permit a better seal
between the containment system 20 and a surface of the transfer
vehicle.
[0065] The base plate 64 can be formed of any suitable rigid
material, such as steel. In some embodiments, the base plate can be
less than 1 inch thick. In one embodiment, the base plate can be
1/4 inch thick steel. The compressible member 62 can be any
suitable compressible material, such as rubber. In one embodiment,
the compressible member can also be less than 1 inch thick. For
example, the compressible member can comprise 1/4 inch thick
adhesive backed, buna-N rubber, 40A durometer.
[0066] The height of the securing mechanisms 60 can be adjusted by
a height adjustment member 66. This permits an operator to adjust
the amount of compression applied by the securing mechanisms 60 to
the compressible member 62 and/or base plate 64. In FIGS. 9-12, the
height adjustment member is illustrated as a threaded bolt system;
however, it should be understood that other height adjustment
systems can be utilized.
[0067] Although securing mechanisms 60 are illustrated with
rotatable members, it should be understood that other moveable
securing mechanisms can be provided. For example, instead of
rotating, the securing mechanism can be a slidable member (e.g.,
like a deadbolt) that moves from a first unsecured position to a
second secured position.
[0068] The hanging attachment device 50 illustrated in FIG. 11 has
a hook portion for receiving a loop from the containment system 20.
As discussed elsewhere herein, device 50 can be formed of various
materials, including for example, steel. In one embodiment, device
50 can comprise a 1/2 inch welded steel pipe.
[0069] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be
recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred
examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the
scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is
defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our
invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these
claims.
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