U.S. patent application number 15/475354 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-20 for proppant storage vessel and assembly thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Oren Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to John Oren.
Application Number | 20170203915 15/475354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48653494 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170203915 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oren; John |
July 20, 2017 |
PROPPANT STORAGE VESSEL AND ASSEMBLY THEREOF
Abstract
A proppant storage vessel has a container having a first end
wall, a second end wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a
top wall and a bottom wall. The first and second end walls extend
between opposite ends of the first and second side walls. The walls
define an interior volume of the container. The walls have a
rigidity suitable for retaining no less than 30,000 pounds of
proppant therein. A top hatch is formed centrally on the top wall
and is movable between an open position and a closed position. A
bottom hatch is formed generally centrally on the bottom wall of
the container and is movable between an open position and a closed
position.
Inventors: |
Oren; John; (Houston,
TX) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oren Technologies, LLC |
Houston |
TX |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
48653494 |
Appl. No.: |
15/475354 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15285105 |
Oct 4, 2016 |
9643774 |
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15475354 |
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15191578 |
Jun 24, 2016 |
9511929 |
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15285105 |
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14831905 |
Aug 21, 2015 |
9403626 |
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15191578 |
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13949693 |
Jul 24, 2013 |
9296518 |
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14831905 |
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13660840 |
Oct 25, 2012 |
8505780 |
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13949693 |
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13332937 |
Dec 21, 2011 |
8827118 |
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13660840 |
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15191592 |
Jun 24, 2016 |
9527664 |
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15285105 |
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14831905 |
Aug 21, 2015 |
9403626 |
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15191592 |
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13949693 |
Jul 24, 2013 |
9296518 |
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14831905 |
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13660840 |
Oct 25, 2012 |
8505780 |
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13949693 |
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13332937 |
Dec 21, 2011 |
8827118 |
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13660840 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 65/40 20130101;
B65D 88/32 20130101; B65D 90/12 20130101; B65G 65/42 20130101; B65D
88/542 20130101; B65D 25/08 20130101; B65D 90/14 20130101; B65D
90/10 20130101; B65D 88/022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/02 20060101
B65D088/02; B65G 65/42 20060101 B65G065/42; B65D 90/10 20060101
B65D090/10; B65D 90/14 20060101 B65D090/14; B65D 88/32 20060101
B65D088/32; B65D 88/54 20060101 B65D088/54 |
Claims
1. A container structurally strengthened to transport and store
large volumes of proppant effectively therein, the container
comprising: a top region; a bottom region having an outlet formed
therein; a plurality of sidewalls connected to and extending at
least partially between the top region and bottom region, so as to
define an interior volume within the container thereby to store the
proppant therein; a plurality of sidewall supports positioned to
provide structural support to the sidewalls when large volumes of
proppant are positioned within the interior volume of the
container, the proppant comprising sand; ramps downwardly inclined
and extending inwardly from the sidewalls to direct the sand toward
the outlet in the bottom region when the sand is stored therein; a
hatch positioned proximate the outlet, the hatch being moveable
between open and closed positions; and a container frame connected
to the plurality of sidewalls and structurally arranged to support
another container when filled with large volumes of proppant and
when positioned in a vertically stacked arrangement thereabove, and
the large volumes of proppant weighing 30,000 or more pounds.
2. A system structurally strengthened to transport and store large
volumes of proppant effectively therein, the system comprising: a
first container comprising: a first top region, a first bottom
region having a first outlet formed therein to allow large volumes
of proppant to flow therefrom when the outlet is in an open
position, the proppant comprising sand, the large volumes having a
weight comprising 30,0000 or more pounds of the sand, a first
plurality of sidewalls connected to the first top region and first
bottom region, so as to define a first interior volume of the first
container thereby to store the proppant therein, a first plurality
of structural supports positioned to provide structural support to
the first plurality of sidewalls when large volumes of proppant are
positioned within the first interior volume, the proppant having a
substantially spherical shape and a tightly graded particle
distribution, the first plurality of structural supports defining a
first container frame connected to the first plurality of sidewalls
and structurally arranged to support another container when filled
with large volumes of proppant and when positioned in a vertically
stacked arrangement thereabove, and a first plurality of ramps
downwardly inclined and extending inwardly from the first plurality
of sidewalls to direct the proppant toward the first outlet when
the proppant is stored therein; and a second container positioned
below the first container, the second container comprising: a
second top region, having an opening formed therein, a second
bottom region, having a second outlet formed therein to allow large
volumes of proppant to flow therefrom when in an open position, the
proppant comprising sand, the large volumes having a weight
comprising at least 30,000 pounds of the sand, a second plurality
of sidewalls connected to the second top region and second bottom
region, so as to define a second interior volume of the second
container thereby to store the proppant therein, a second plurality
of structural supports positioned to provide structural support to
the second plurality of sidewalls when large volumes of proppant
are positioned within the second interior volume, the proppant
having a substantially spherical shape and a tightly graded
particle distribution, the second plurality of structural supports
defining a second container frame connected to the second plurality
of sidewalls and structurally arranged to support another container
when filled with large volumes of proppant and when positioned in a
vertically stacked arrangement thereabove, orientation, and a
second plurality of ramps downwardly inclined and extending
inwardly from the second plurality of sidewalls to direct the
proppant toward the second outlet when the proppant is stored
therein, the first container and the second container being
vertically aligned in a stacked orientation.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first container further
comprises a first hatch movable toward the second container to
transition the first hatch to the open position to allow proppant
to flow from the first outlet, wherein the second container further
comprises a second hatch movable toward the first container to
transition the second hatch to an open position, and a distance
between the first and second containers is great enough to allow
the first hatch and the second hatch to be in respective open
positions at the same time.
4. The system of claim 2, further comprising a conveyor adapted to
be positioned below either the first outlet or the second outlet
such that proppant exiting the second container through the second
outlet is deposited on the conveyor and transported away from the
second container.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the first plurality of
structural supports and the second plurality of structural supports
includes a first plurality of support braces, the first plurality
of support braces comprises a first set of one or more support
braces connected to a first pair of sidewalls and a second set of
one or more support braces connected to a second pair of sidewalls,
the first set of support braces extending in a planar direction
transverse to the second set of support braces.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the first container further
comprises a plurality of support members attached to respective
bottom surfaces of the first plurality of ramps, the plurality of
support members extending downwardly toward the first bottom region
to support the ramps, and the plurality of support members extend
in a substantially horizontal position.
7. A method for delivering large volumes of proppant to a site, the
method comprising: positioning a first container to structurally
support large volumes of proppant and being filled with large
volumes of proppant near a fracturing site, the proppant comprising
sand, the first container having a first opening in a first top
region with a first hatch moveable between a first open position
and a first closed position, and a first outlet in a first bottom
region to allow proppant to flow therefrom when in an open position
and to prevent proppant to flow therefrom when in a closed
position; stacking a second container also to structurally support
large volumes of proppant when positioned therein in a vertically
stacked positioned above the first container, the second container
being filled with large volumes of proppant having a weight
comprising at least 30,000 pounds of sand, having a second opening
in a second top of the second container with a second hatch
moveable between a second open position and a second closed
position, and having a second outlet in a second bottom of the
second container to allow proppant to flow therefrom when in an
open position; and moving one or more of the first container and
the second container to a position to allow proppant to flow from
the first container onto a conveyor positioned at an elevation
below a corresponding respective one or more of the first outlet
and the second outlet of the corresponding respective one or more
of the first container and the second container.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first and second containers
each comprises a plurality of support braces positioned to provide
structural support to the sidewalls.
9. The method of claim 7, comprising moving the one or more first
container and second container when the one or more first container
and second container is empty of the proppant and replacing the one
or more first container and second container with a third container
to structurally support large volumes of proppant therein and being
filled with the large volumes of proppant, the third container
having a third outlet formed in the bottom region thereof and being
adapted positioned at an elevation to overlie the conveyor thereby
to dispense the proppant through the third outlet and onto the
conveyor.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein each of the first, second, and
third containers includes a container frame structurally arranged
to support another container when filled with large volumes of
proppant and positioned in a vertically stacked arrangement
thereabove such that each of the first and second containers is
structurally adapted to support the other container when the
proppant is positioned therein.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of, is related to
and claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 15/285,105, filed Oct. 4, 2016, titled
"Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof," which is a
continuation of, U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
15/191,578, filed Jun. 24, 2016, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel
and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,511,929, issued Dec. 6,
2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application
Ser. No. 14/831,905, filed Aug. 21, 2015, titled "Proppant Storage
Vessel and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,403,626, issued
Aug. 2, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 13/949,693, filed Jul. 24, 2013, titled
"Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No.
9,296,518, issued Mar. 29, 2016 which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/660,840, filed Oct.
25, 2012, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof,"
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,780, issued Aug. 13, 2013, which is a
continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
13/332,937, filed Dec. 21, 2011, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel
and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 8,827,118, issued Sep. 9,
2014, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by
reference. U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/285,105 is
also a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
15/191,592, filed Jun. 24, 2016, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel
and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,527,664, issued Dec. 27,
2016 which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application
Ser. No. 14/831,905, filed Aug. 21, 2015, titled "Proppant Storage
Vessel and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,403,626, issued
Aug. 2, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 13/949,693, filed Jul. 24, 2013, titled
"Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No.
9,296,518, issued Mar. 29, 2016 which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/660,840, filed Oct.
25, 2012, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof,"
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,780, issued Aug. 13, 2013, which is a
continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
13/332,937, filed Dec. 21, 2011, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel
and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 8,827,118, issued Sep. 9,
2014, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to storage containers. More
particularly, the present invention relates to storage container
assemblies whereby a product in one container can flow to an
interior volume of a lower container. Additionally, the present
invention relates to containers that are suitable for the
transport, storage and dispensing of proppants therefrom.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Hydraulic fracturing is the propagation of fractions in a
rock layer caused by the presence of pressurized fluid. Hydraulic
fractures may form naturally, in the case of veins or dikes, or may
be man-made in order to release petroleum, natural gas, coal seam
gas, or other substances for extraction. Fracturing is done from a
wellbore drilled into reservoir rock formations. The energy from
the injection of a highly-pressurized fracking fluid creates new
channels in the rock which can increase the extraction rates and
ultimate recovery of fossil fuels. The fracture width is typically
maintained after the injection by introducing a proppant into the
injected fluid. Proppant is a material, such as grains of sand,
ceramic, or other particulates, that prevent the fractures from
closing when the injection is stopped.
[0006] With the rise of hydraulic fracturing over the past decade,
there is a steep climb in proppant demand. Global supplies are
currently tight. The number of proppant suppliers worldwide has
increased since 2000 from a handful to well over fifty sand,
ceramic proppant and resin-coat producers.
[0007] By the far the dominant proppant is silica sand, made up of
ancient weathered quartz, the most common mineral in the Earth's
continental crust. Unlike common sand, which often feels gritty
when rubbed between the fingers, sand used as a proppant tends to
roll to the touch as a result of its round, spherical shape and
tightly-graded particle distribution. Sand quality is a function of
both deposit and processing. Grain size is critical, as any given
proppant must reliably fall within certain mesh ranges, subject to
downhole conditions and completion design. Generally, coarser
proppant allows the higher flow capacity due to the larger pore
spaces between grains. However, it may break down or crush more
readily under stress due to the relatively fewer grain-to-grain
contact points to bear the stress often incurred in deep oil- and
gas-bearing formations.
[0008] Typically, in any hydraulic fracturing operation, a large
amount of such proppant is required. Typically, it has been
difficult to effectively store the proppant at the fracturing
sites. Additionally, it has been found to be rather difficult to
effectively transport the proppant to the desired location. Often,
proppant is hauled to the desired locations on the back of trucks
and is dumped onsite. Under such circumstances, the proppant is
often exposed to adverse weather conditions. This will effectively
degrade the quality of the proppant during its storage.
Additionally, the maintenance of proppant in containers at the
hydraulic fracturing site requires a large capital investment in
storage facilities. Typically, the unloading of such storage
facilities is carried out on a facility-by-facility basis. As such,
there is a need to be able to effectively transport the proppant to
and store the proppant in a desired location adjacent to the
hydraulic fracturing location.
[0009] In the past, various patents have issued relating to storage
and transport facilities. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No.
2008/0179054, published on Jul. 31, 2008 to McGough et al., shows a
bulk material storage and transportation system. In particular, the
storage system is mounted on the trailer of a truck. The storage
system includes walls that define an interior volume suitable for
receiving the aggregate material therein. There are hoppers
provided at the bottom of the container. These hoppers have
inclined walls. The hoppers can extend so as to allow the material
from the inside of the container to be properly conveyed to a
location exterior of the container. Actuators are used so as to
expand and collapse the container.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,681, issued on Jul. 10, 2007 to L. Saik,
describes a trailer-mounted mobile apparatus for dewatering and
recovering formation sand. The trailer is mounted to a
truck-towable trailer so as to receive sand therein. The container
has a pair of sloping end walls. The back end of the container is
suitably openable so as to allow the sand to be removed therefrom.
A pneumatic or hydraulic ram is provided on the forward part of the
container so as to allow the container to be lifted angularly
upwardly so as to allow sand to be discharged through the gate at
the rear of the container.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,228, issued on Jan. 27, 1981 to Gray et
al., describes a dump truck or trailer with a pneumatic conveyor.
The container is mounted to a frame on wheels. A hydraulic ram
tilts the container for dumping through a rear outlet. A pneumatic
conveyor is carried by the frame with an intake at the rear of the
container. A gate allows the solids to be dumped conventionally by
gravity or to be blown to a storage facility by the pneumatic
container. The container has a top hatch formed therein so as to
allow the solids to be introduced into the interior of the
container.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 2,865,521, issued on Dec. 23, 1958 to Fisher
et al., shows a bulk material truck that has an interior volume
suitable for the receipt of bulk material therein. A pneumatic
conveyer is utilized so as to allow the removal of such material
from the bottom of the container. A pair of sloping walls are
provided on opposite sides of the container so as to allow the bulk
material within the container to be passed toward the bottom of the
container. A top hatch is provided on the top of the conveyer. The
pneumatic conveyer is connected to the bottom of the container.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
proppant storage vessel that allows proppant to be easily
transported and stored.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
proppant storage vessel that allows the proppant that is contained
within the storage vessel to be easily and efficiently discharged
through the bottom thereof.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
proppant storage assembly which allows for the effective storage of
proppant at the fracturing site.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
proppant storage assembly which allows proppant to be efficiently
removed from a stacked configuration of containers.
[0017] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached
specification and appended claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention is a proppant storage vessel that
comprises a container having a first end wall, a second end wall, a
first side wall and a second side wall. The container also has a
top wall and a bottom wall which serve to define an interior volume
therein. A hatch is formed on the bottom wall of the container. The
bottom hatch is movable between an open position and a closed
position. A first inclined surface is positioned in the interior
volume. The first inclined surface extends from the first end wall
to the bottom hatch. A second inclined surface extends from the
second end wall toward the bottom hatch. A third inclined surface
extends from the first side wall toward the bottom hatch. A fourth
inclined surface extends from the second side wall toward the
bottom hatch. The walls have a rigidity suitable for containing at
least 30,000 pounds of proppant therein. The container can have up
to 100,000 pounds of proppant therein.
[0019] A top hatch formed on the top wall. The top hatch is movable
between an open position and a closed position.
[0020] Each of the first and second end walls and the first and
second side walls have a middle. The first inclined surface has an
upper end affixed to the first end wall below the middle thereof.
The second inclined surface has an upper end affixed to the second
end wall below the middle thereof. The third inclined surface has
an upper end affixed to the first side wall below the middle
thereof. The fourth inclined surface has an upper end thereof
affixed to the second side wall below the middle thereof.
[0021] A first support brace is affixed to the first and second end
walls and extends therebetween. A second support brace is affixed
to the first and second side walls and extends therebetween. A
first support member has one end affixed to the bottom wall and
extends angularly upwardly. The first support member has an
opposite end affixed centrally to the first inclined surface. A
second support member has one end affixed to the bottom wall and
extends angularly upwardly therefrom. The second support member has
an opposite end affixed centrally to the second inclined surface.
Each of the first, second, third and fourth inclined surfaces has a
bottom edge positioned adjacent a perimeter of the bottom hatch.
The bottom hatch is hingedly affixed to the bottom wall. The bottom
hatch resides against the bottom wall when in the closed
position.
[0022] The present invention is also a proppant storage assembly
that comprises a first container having an interior volume and a
second container supported in spaced relation above the first
container. The first container has a bottom wall having a bottom
hatch affixed thereto. The hatch is movable between an open
position and a closed position. The first container has an opening
at a top wall thereof. The second container has bottom hatch formed
on a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch of the second container
is aligned with the opening of the first container such that a
proppant in the first container can flow through the hatch thereof
into the interior volume of the first container.
[0023] In particular, the first container has a top hatch hingedly
affixed at the opening thereof. The top hatch of the first
container is movable between a closed position and an open
position. The bottom hatch of the second container has a length
dimension. The length dimension is slightly less than a distance
between the first container and the second container. The top hatch
of the first container extends in parallel relation to the bottom
hatch of the second container when each of the top hatch of the
first container and the bottom hatch of the second container are in
the open position.
[0024] A first spacer is positioned on the top wall of the first
container and extends upwardly therefrom. The first spacer abuts
the bottom wall of the second container. A second spacer is
positioned on the top wall of the first container and extends
upwardly therefrom. The second spacer abuts the bottom wall of the
second container. The first spacer is in spaced relation to the
second spacer. A pad is positioned against the bottom wall of the
first container. The pad supports the bottom wall of the first
container a desired distance above an underlying surface. The
bottom hatch of the first container has a length dimension. This
length dimension is less than a desired distance between the bottom
wall and the underlying surface. As such, a portable conveyer can
be placed thereunder. The portable container has a surface
positioned between the bottom wall of the first container and the
underlying surface. The surface of the portable container is
directly below the bottom hatch of the first container.
[0025] Each of the first and second containers has a first end
wall, a second end wall, a first side wall and a second side wall.
A first inclined surface is positioned in the interior volume of
the container so as to extend from the first end wall toward the
bottom hatch. A second inclined surface is positioned in the
interior volume of the container so as to extend from the second
end wall toward the bottom hatch. A third inclined surface is
positioned in the interior volume so as to extend from the first
side wall toward the bottom hatch. A fourth inclined surface is
positioned in the interior volume so as to extend from the second
side wall toward the bottom hatch.
[0026] A third container can be supported in spaced relation above
the second container. The second container has a top hatch formed
on a top wall thereof. The third container has a bottom hatch
formed on a bottom wall thereof. The bottom hatch of the third
container is aligned with the top hatch of the second container.
Each of the containers is ocean freight container.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
first container has the first side wall, a second side wall, a
first end wall and second end wall hingedly mounted to the bottom
wall thereof. A first slot and a second slot are affixed to the
bottom wall of the container. The first and second slots are
suitable for the receipt of forks of a forklift therein.
[0028] The foregoing Summary of the Invention is intended to
describe, in summary, the preferred embodiments of the present
invention. However, this section is not intended, in any way, to
limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present
invention should be defined by the claims herein and their legal
equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the proppant storage
assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is an end view of the proppant storage assembly of
the present invention showing, in particular, the portable conveyer
located at a bottom thereof.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a transparent plan view of the proppant storage
container in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing of the proppant storage
container of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view as taken from an end of the
proppant storage container of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view as taken across a side of the
proppant storage container of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the proppant storage container of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the proppant storage
assembly 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The proppant storage assembly 10 includes a
first container 12 having an interior volume 14 and a second
container 16 having a interior volume 18. The first container 12 is
in spaced relationship to the second container 16. The first
container 12 has a bottom wall 20. The bottom wall 20 has a bottom
hatch 22 affixed thereto. The hatch 22 is movable between a closed
position and an open position (illustrated in broken line fashion).
The first container 12 has an opening 24 at a top wall 26 thereof.
The second container 16 has a hatch 28 formed on a bottom wall 30
thereof. The bottom hatch 28 of the second container 16 is shown as
aligned with the opening 26 of the first container 12 such that a
proppant within the second container 16 can flow through the hatch
28 into the interior volume 14 of the first container 12.
[0037] In particular, in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the first
container 12 has a hatch 32 extending over the opening 24 thereof.
In particular, the hatch 32 is hingedly mounted to the top wall 26
of the first container 12 so as to be movable between a closed
position and an open position (illustrated in broken-line fashion).
In particular, the bottom hatch 28 of the second container 16 will
extend downwardly perpendicularly to the bottom wall 30. Similarly,
the top hatch 32 of the first container 12 will extend upwardly in
generally transverse relationship to the top wall 26. The hatches
28 and 32 will be in generally parallel relationship in this
configuration. As such, the hatches 24 and 28 will form a unique
and guided flowpath whereby the proppant in the interior volume 18
of the second container 16 can flow directly into the opening 24
and into the interior volume 14 of the first container 12. The
length dimension of the hatches 28 and 32 will be less than the
distance between the top wall 26 of the first container 12 and the
bottom wall 30 of the second container 16.
[0038] A first spacer 34 is positioned on the top wall 26 of the
first container 12 and extends upwardly therefrom. The first spacer
34 abuts the bottom wall 30 of the second container 16. A second
spacer 36 is positioned on the top wall 26 of the first container
12 and extends upwardly therefrom. The second spacer 36 abuts the
bottom wall 30 of the second container 16. The first spacer 34 is
in spaced relationship to the second spacer 36. The spacers 34 and
36 serve to assure a proper distance between the containers 12 and
16 whereby the hatches 28 and 32 can be properly opened so as to
allow for the flow of proppant therebetween. A pad 38 is positioned
against the bottom wall 20 of the first container 12. The pad 38
serves to support the first container 12 above an underlying
surface 40 (such as the earth). It can be seen that the pad 38 is
in the nature of a concrete structure that has a base 42 embedded
into the earth. As such, the pad 38 is configured so as to rigidly
support the containers 12 and 16 in their desired positions above
the earth.
[0039] Pad 38 support the container 12 in a suitable distance above
the underlying surface 40 such that the hatch 22 can move from its
closed position to its open position while allowing a certain
amount of space therebetween. As a result, a portable conveyer can
be placed below the bottom hatch 22 so as to allow the proppant
within the interior volume 14 to be discharged therefrom.
[0040] A third container 44 is supported in spaced relationship
above the top wall 46 of the second container 16. As can be seen,
the third container has a bottom hatch 48 located on the bottom
wall 50 thereof. The top wall 46 has a top hatch 52 hingedly
connected thereto. As a result, when the bottom hatch 48 is opened
and the top hatch 52 is opened (as illustrated in broken-line
fashion), the proppant within the interior volume 54 of the third
container 44 can flow directly into the interior volume 18 of the
second container 16. Suitable spacers 56 serve to support the
bottom wall 50 of the third container 44 a proper distance above
the top wall 46 of the second container 16. Third container 44 also
has a top hatch 58 that is movable between a closed position and an
open position (illustrated in broken-line fashion).
[0041] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, volumes of proppants
can be easily stored at the fracturing site. It is only necessary
to stack each of the containers 12, 16 and 44 upon one another in
the manner described in FIG. 1. Each of the containers 12, 16 and
44 has an exterior configuration similar to that of an ocean
freight container. As such, these containers can be easily
transported on the bed of a truck, on a freight train or on a ship
to the desired location. Because of this stacking arrangement,
special proppant storage facilities are not required at the
fracturing site. Each of the hatches 28, 32, 48, 52 and 58 can be
in a liquid-tight sealing relationship over the respective openings
thereof when in the closed position. As such, the arrangement
illustrated in FIG. 1 of the proppant storage assembly 10 can avoid
any liquid intrusion into the proppant contained within each of the
containers 12, 16 and 44. Typically, a forklift, or other lifting
device, can be utilized so as to properly stack the containers.
Within the concept of the present invention, two containers, three
containers, or more can be utilized in the construction of the
proppant storage assembly 10. Each of the containers 12, 16 and 44
has an interior structure in the nature illustrated in FIGS. 3-6
herein, as will be described hereinafter. The present invention
provides a suitably modular arrangement whereby a proppant storage
facility can be easily constructed on-site. After the fracturing
operation is completed, the containers can be easily removed from
this stacked configuration and transported to another location.
Similarly, if desired, the containers 12, 16 and 44 can be suitably
replaced by another container so as to provide the desired proppant
to the fracturing site.
[0042] FIG. 2 shows an end view of the proppant storage assembly 10
of the present invention showing of the present invention. In FIG.
2, it can be seen that the first container 12 is spaced from the
second container 16. The second container 16 is suitably spaced
from the third container 44. The bottom hatch 22 of the first
container is openable so that the proppant within the first
container 12 can be discharged through the hatch 22 onto a portable
conveyer 60. The portable conveyer 60 can be easily transported to
a location below the hatch 22 of the first container 12 so as to
allow the proppant from the containers to be transported to another
location. Each of the containers 12, 16 and 44 is vertically
aligned in a stacked orientation. The first container has a
capacity for storing 100,000 pounds of proppant. The second
container 16 and the third container 44 can store 30,000 pounds of
proppant. As such, a very large amount of proppant can be provided
to the fracturing site, in a simple easy and convenient manner.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates the interior construction of the first
container 12. The top wall of the first container 12 has been
removed for the purposes of illustration. The container 12 has a
first end wall 70, a second end wall 72, a first side wall 74 and a
second side wall 76. The end walls 70 and 72 extend between the
side walls 74 and 76 so as to define the interior volume of the
first container 12. A first inclined surface 78 extends from the
first end wall 70 to the bottom hatch 22. A second inclined surface
80 extends from the second end wall 72 toward the bottom hatch 22.
A third inclined surface 82 extends from the first side wall 74
toward the bottom hatch 22. Similarly, a fourth inclined surface 84
extends from the second side wall 76 toward the bottom hatch 22.
Lower ends of each of the inclined surface 78, 80, 82 and 84 are
aligned with the perimeter of the bottom hatch 22. The inclining of
the side walls 78, 80, 82 and 84 serves to assure that the proppant
contained within the interior volume thereof is suitably funneled
toward the bottom hatch 22. Each of the inclined surface 78, 80, 82
and 84 is has a smooth surface so that a constant flow of proppant
can occur.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates the bracing associated with the first
container 12 so as to assure the structural integrity of the
container. As can be seen, a first support brace 90 is affixed to
the first end wall 70 and extends across the interior volume of the
container 12 to the second end wall 72. The first support brace 90
is suitably welded to the end walls 70 and 72 so as to provide a
rigid structural support therebetween. A second support brace 92
has one end affixed to the side wall 74 and an opposite end affixed
to the side wall 76. The second support brace 92 extends
transversely to the first support brace 90. The second support
brace 92 provides a rigid support for the side walls 74 and 76. The
first support brace 90 and the second support brace 92 structurally
enhance the strength of the container 12 so as to as to withstand
the weight of the proppant that is contained therein. The second
support brace 92 can also include another support brace 94
extending between the side walls 74 and 76 in generally parallel
relationship to the first support brace 90. Within the concept of
the present invention, various other support braces, in the nature
of angle irons, can be utilized so as to suitably support the
structure of the container 12.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container
12. As can be seen, the container 12 has the bottom hatch 22
located on the bottom wall 20 thereof. A top hatch 32 is hingedly
mounted to the top wall 26 thereof. Hatch 32 serves to cover the
opening 24 in the top wall 26. The bottom hatch 22 is hingedly
mounted to the bottom surface of the bottom wall 20 and can be
suitably latched to the bottom wall 20 so as to retain the proppant
100 therein. The container 12 has its side walls 74 and 76
extending vertically upwardly from the bottom wall 20. The first
inclined surface 78 and the second inclined surface 80 are
illustrated as funneling the proppant 100 toward the bottom hatch
22. The first inclined surface 78 has one end mounted adjacent to
hatch 22 and an opposite end affixed to the side wall 74. In
particular, the inclined surface 78 has its opposite end at the
side wall 74 located below the middle of the side wall 74.
Similarly, the second inclined surface 80 extends from the hatch 22
toward the side wall 76 at a location below the middle of the side
wall 76. The second support brace 92 is illustrated as extending
across the interior volume 14 of the first container 12 between the
side walls 74 and 76.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows another cross-sectional view of the first
container 12. First container 12 is illustrated also as having the
top hatch 32 hingedly mounted to the top wall 26 and the bottom
hatch 22 hingedly mounted to the bottom wall 20. The third inclined
surface 82 extends from the bottom hatch 22 to the side wall 74.
The fourth inclined surface 84 extends from the bottom hatch 22
toward the side wall 76. Each of the ends of the inclined surfaces
82 and 84 will joined to the respective walls 74 and 76 at a
location below the middle of each of the side walls 74 and 76. The
first support brace 90 extends between the side walls 74 and 76 so
as to provide structural integrity.
[0047] In FIG. 6, there is a first support member 102 that extends
from the bottom wall 20 upwardly toward a location centrally of the
third inclined surface 82. Another support member 104 extends from
the bottom wall 20 upwardly toward a center of the fourth inclined
surface 84. These support members 102 and 104 enhance the strength
of the inclined surface 82 and 84 so as to withstand the weight and
forces imparted thereto by the proppant 100.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the container 110
of the present invention. Container 110 includes a first end wall
112, a second end wall 114, a first side wall 116, and a second
side wall 118. Each of the end walls 112 and 114 and each of the
side walls 116 and 118 are illustrated as extending upwardly from a
bottom wall 120.
[0049] Within concept shown in FIG. 7, each of the end walls 112
and 114 and each of the side walls 116 and 118 are hingedly mounted
to the bottom wall 120. It can be seen that there are latch members
122, 124 and 126 that serve to secure the walls 112, 114, 116 and
118 in their upright configuration. Latch members 122 join the side
wall 116 to the end 112. Latch members 124 join the side wall 116
to the end walls 114. Latch members 126 secure the end wall 114 to
the side walls 118. An additional latch member (not illustrated)
will secure the end wall 112 to the side wall 118. As such, the
structure of the container 110 can be in a sand-receiving
orientation.
[0050] Importantly, since each of the walls 112, 114, 116 and 118
are hingedly secured to the bottom wall 120, the walls can be
pivoted about the hinges so as to overlie the bottom 112 once the
latch members 122, 124 and 126 are released. A handle 128 is
provided on the end walls 112 and 114 so as to allow the container
110 to be moved, as desired. Wheels 130 extend downwardly from the
bottom wall 120 so as to allow the container 110 to be rolled to a
desired position.
[0051] In FIG. 7, there is first slot 132 and a second slot 134
formed on the bottom of the bottom surface 120. Slots 132 and 134
allow for the receipt of the forks of a forklift therein. As such,
the container 110 can be moved to a desired location in a simple
and efficient manner.
[0052] The present application is a continuation of, is related to
and claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 15/285,105, filed Oct. 4, 2016, titled
"Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof," which is a
continuation of, U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
15/191,578, filed Jun. 24, 2016, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel
and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,511,929, issued Dec. 6,
2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application
Ser. No. 14/831,905, filed Aug. 21, 2015, titled "Proppant Storage
Vessel and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,403,626, issued
Aug. 2, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 13/949,693, filed Jul. 24, 2013, titled
"Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No.
9,296,518, issued Mar. 29, 2016 which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/660,840, filed Oct.
25, 2012, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof,"
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,780, issued Aug. 13, 2013, which is a
continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
13/332,937, filed Dec. 21, 2011, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel
and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 8,827,118, issued Sep. 9,
2014, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by
reference. U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/285,105 is
also a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
15/191,592, filed Jun. 24, 2016, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel
and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,527,664, issued Dec. 27,
2016 which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application
Ser. No. 14/831,905, filed Aug. 21, 2015, titled "Proppant Storage
Vessel and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,403,626, issued
Aug. 2, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 13/949,693, filed Jul. 24, 2013, titled
"Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No.
9,296,518, issued Mar. 29, 2016 which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/660,840, filed Oct.
25, 2012, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel and Assembly Thereof,"
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,780, issued Aug. 13, 2013, which is a
continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.
13/332,937, filed Dec. 21, 2011, titled "Proppant Storage Vessel
and Assembly Thereof," now U.S. Pat. No. 8,827,118, issued Sep. 9,
2014, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by
reference.
[0053] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is
illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the
details of the illustrated construction can be made within the
scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit
of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by
the following claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *