CN106458437A

CN106458437A - Apparatus for the transport and storage of proppant

Info

Publication number: CN106458437A
Application number: CN201580031467.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约翰·奥伦; 乔舒亚·奥伦
Original assignee: Oren Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Oren Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2014-06-13
Filing date: 2015-06-12
Publication date: 2017-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-12
Also published as: BR112016029181A2; EP3495289A2; WO2015192061A1; CO2017000215A2; AU2015274317B2; MX2016016440A; EP3154876A4; CN106458437B; CN108516356A; AU2015274317A1; BR112016029181A8; EP3495289A3; EP3154876A1; CA2950927C; CA2950927A1

Abstract

An apparatus for the transport and storage of proppant has a container with a top wall, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls. The pair of side walls extend between the pair of end walls. The container has a bottom discharge opening. The container includes a funnel extending from the pair of side walls and from the pair of and walls toward the bottom discharge opening. The funnel has sides extending in an angle of greater than 25 with respect to horizontal. The funnel includes a pair of side plates extending respectively from the pair of side walls toward the bottom discharge opening and a pair of end plates extending respectively from the pair of end walls toward the bottom discharge opening. Each of the side plates and the end plates is formed of a stainless steel material.

Description

Transport for proppant and the equipment of storage

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present invention be on 2 15th, 2013 submitting, entitled " for from proppant discharge system container removal The support equipment of proppant ", the part of U. S. application pending at present the 13/768962nd continue.U. S. application the 13/th No. 768962 is " the proppant discharge system and being used in this proppant discharge system that submit, entitled of September in 2012 27 days Container ", the part of U. S. application pending at present the 13/628702nd continue.U. S. application the 13/628702nd is 2012 On July 23, is submitting, entitled " to have the proppant discharge system of container and the mistake for providing proppant to well site Journey ", the part of U. S. application pending at present the 13/555635th continue.The application also require following priority application and Rights and interests：The U.S. of " for supplying process and the system of proppant from mine to haulage vehicle " that June 13 in 2014 submits, entitled State's provisional application 62/012153；On June 13rd, 2014 " transport for proppant and the equipment of storage " that submit, entitled U.S. Provisional Application 62/012165；And on March 27th, 2015 submitting, entitled " for transporting proppant container The U.S. Provisional Application 62/139323 of beam car ".

Background of invention

1. invention field

The present invention relates to oil and natural gas are industrial, and the transport more particularly, to proppant and storage.

2. description of Related Art

Fracturing is because the fragmentation in the rock stratum caused by the presence of pressure fluid is propagated.Hydraulic fracture in mineral ore or Can be formed naturally in the case of vein, or can be artificial, to discharge oil, natural gas, coal bed gas or to be used for carrying Other materials taking.Pressure break is to be completed by the pit shaft being drilled in reservoir rock stratum.Fracturing fluid from high pressure-charging The energy of injection forms new passage in rock, and this passage can increase extraction ratio and the ultimate recovery of Fossil fuel.One As keep fracture width after injection by being incorporated into proppant in injected fluid.Proppant is to prevent crack in injection The material closing during stopping, such as sand grains, ceramic grain or other granules.

Main proppant is the silica sand being made up of ancient weathering quartz, and it is modal ore deposit in the continental crust of the earth Thing.Different from the common sand of grittiness sense usual when rubbing between finger, the sand as proppant is due to its circle, spherical shape The distribution of particles of shape and strict hierarchy and tend to touch up be roll.Sand quality by deposit and process both determine.Granularity It is probably important factor, this is because being limited by conditions down-hole and well completion design, any given proppant is all necessary can Fall in the range of specific sieve mesh by ground.Usually, rougher proppant allows higher due to intergranular larger hole Fluid ability.However, due to for bear the granule of the stress occurring generally in deep oil bearing bed and gas-bearing formation with The contact point of grain is relatively fewer, so rougher proppant may be easier to rupture or crushed under stress.

Content of the invention

Applicants have recognized that some problems of the prior art.For example, applicants have recognized that, in any fracturing In operation, need substantial amounts of proppant, and be likely difficult at pressure break scene effectively store proppant.In addition, applicant It has been recognized that it is difficult that proppant transports desired position effectively.Proppant can be hauled at the rear portion of lorry To desired position, and dump on the spot.In this case, proppant is exposed to unfavorable weather condition.This may be Reduce its quality during the storage of proppant.In addition, proppant is maintained in the container at fracturing scene needing in storage The substantial contribution depositing facility aspect puts into.Usually, execute the unloading of this storage facility on the basis of facility connects facility.This Sample is it is desirable to be able to effectively transport the desired locations adjacent with fracturing position by proppant, and proppant is stored At this position.

With the well production increment being referred to as " fracturing " methodological development and accept, by substantial amounts of proppant from Local placer is sent to and has created prominent logistics challenge in well head.This logistics challenge impact logistics chain is up-and-down every Individual stakeholder.Specifically, this include placer master, railway interests, transhipment facility, oilfield service companies, shipping company and Exploration and the company of production.So, applicants have recognized that needing to promote quick and unload proppant at a low price from railcar energy Power, so that speed, turnover and the revenue-generating power of railcar fleet can improve in railway interests.

Applicant is further realised that, the limited storage at transhipment facility seriously limits effective operating of many facilities at present Ability.Most of transhipment facility is forced through along switch introduction lorry (i.e. pneumatic means) and sand is straight from track Connect and be sent to lorry to unload track hopper wagon.This needs the co-ordination in transhipment part and the anxiety of shipping colony.Long Lorry line very common, and demurrage charges (waiting time charged by shipping company) amount up to several hundred million in China Dollar.So, applicant is further realised that, the handling capacity of these transfer stations substantially reduces, and which costs the considerable income in this station.

Additionally, applicants have recognized that transhipment terminal location can not pay region from a shale moves to another, And risk capital is often frightened away by the potential loss providing in this fixing silo upslide from the prospective project of these types, makes The problem of logistics chain must be further exacerbated by.So, have been developed that for for proppant moveable, cheap storage and The needs of the solution of transmission.

And, applicants have recognized that service company (such as pressure break company) is stranded by current proppant transfer approach. This is partially due to poorly efficient transhipment facility and pneumatic (in bulk) lorry transmit.If service company does not have proppant supply, It is unable to fractured well.Therefore, applicants have recognized that, due at well site lack need proppant, compression pump, coiled tubing and Other well production increment devices leave unused at the scene.Shortage by being occurred to the upstream in proppant logistics chain controls, therefore It may happen that " screening out (screening-out) " or be finished proppant at well location.

Applicant is further realised that, the improper arrangement extending to the plate of container outlet causes rushing in proppant transmission Prominent problem.For example, if funnel is in too big angle, then it will take the too many space of internal container.So, institute's phase The 45000 pounds of abilities to 48000 pounds of proppants of transport hoped are lost.Although the wide-angle tilt of funnel will allow all of Proppant is suitably discharged from internal container, but can find that container can not accommodate the proppant of desired amount.On the other hand, if The angle of funnel is too little, then proppant can not suitably be discharged from bottom discharge outlet.It has been found that, after the exit, container Inner space within will remain a certain amount of proppant.So it is impossible to be transmitted the proppant of laden weight by conveyer To well site.If additionally, the angle of funnel is too little, then the proppant within container will occur some bridge effects.So, This can hinder proppant flow to be suitably displaced outwardly out outlet.Although the funnel of small inclination will allow container to accommodate expectation The proppant of amount, but the small inclination of funnel actually will be unfavorable for that container suitably discharges the ability of the proppant of desired amount.This Sample, applicants have recognized that need to provide a kind of appropriately configured funnel to maximize the proppant being accommodated within container Amount, and guarantee that all proppants within container are discharged by gravity and are appropriately discharged on conveyer simultaneously.

The embodiment provides enhanced proppant transport and storage.The embodiment of equipment include with roof, A pair of end walls and the container of a pair of sidewalls.This offside wall extends between this is to end wall.Container has bottom discharge outlet.Collection Vanning has the funnel with this, end wall being extended from this offside wall towards bottom discharge outlet.In an embodiment, funnel has relatively The side being extended with the angle more than 25 ° in horizontal plane.

In an embodiment, funnel includes a pair of side plates extending towards this bottom discharge outlet respectively from this offside wall.Funnel Also include a pair of end plate from this, end wall being extended respectively towards bottom discharge outlet.According to embodiment, this is to each in side plate Individual can with respect to the horizontal plane with more than 30 ° angle extend.Especially, this can be with respect to level to each of side plate Face is extended with about 38 ° of angle.In an embodiment, this to each of end plate with respect to the horizontal plane with the angle less than 37 ° Extend.Especially, this is with respect to the horizontal plane extended with about 31 ° of angle to each of end plate.This funnel can be by stainless Steel material is formed.

Roof has and is formed at opening therein.In an embodiment, this opening has the one of substantially greater than roof length Half length.This opening has the width of the half less than roof width.Deck lid hinge is connected to roof.Hatchcover has more than this The area of the area of opening.Hatchcover can move between open and closed positions.In an embodiment, the inside of container is empty Between be about 600 cubic feet.So, in an embodiment container so configured to accommodate 45000 pounds to 48000 pounds of support Agent.

Bottom discharge outlet has the gate coordinating with it.This gate can be in the primary importance and at least closing bottom discharge outlet Move between the second position partly opening bottom discharge outlet.This to each of end wall from roof towards the top of funnel Edge extends downwardly.Each of this offside wall extends downwardly towards another top edge of funnel from roof.It is right that framework is fixed on this The outer surface of side wall and be fixed on this outer surface to end wall.This framework includes multiple horizontal bars and multiple vertical member. Multiple horizontal bars and multiple vertical member to be arranged with intersecting grid type configuration with respect to the side wall of container and end wall.Multiple Holder is positioned at each corner of framework.The plurality of holder is suitable for accommodating wherein by pin, to allow container It is positioned on support member.

Transport vehicle can be the car that can be used in business roadnet, the railway system or proppant supply or discharge station ?.Embodiments of the invention include the method for supplying proppant to transport vehicle.This process may comprise steps of：(1) Form proppant supply station；(2) form circular orbit so that a part for this track is adjacent with proppant supply station；(3) remote Form proppant discharge station from the position in proppant supply station；And (4) along proppant supply station and proppant discharge station it Between track move trolley.In an embodiment, this track extends to the position adjacent to proppant discharge station.Then this handling Empty proppant container can be carried to proppant supply station by car.Subsequently the container filled can be carried to by trolley Proppant discharge station.

According to embodiment, the method is additionally included in the position formation proppant transportation route being away from proppant discharge station. This proppant transportation route is adapted to allow for proppant tractor-trailer and is moved along it.Rise equipment can be positioned at proppant transport road In position between footpath and proppant discharge station.The proppant container filled moves from the position adjacent to proppant discharge station Position between proppant transportation route and proppant discharge station.The proppant container filled is from transporting adjacent to proppant The position in path is loaded on proppant tractor-trailer.The step of this loading can include filling by using rise equipment Proppant container rise from the position adjacent to proppant transportation route, and the proppant container filled that will rise up Move to the vehicle flat board on proppant transportation route.

In the embodiment of method, Container Transport path is formed in the position being away from proppant discharge station.Container The container tractor-trailer that transportation route is adapted to allow for sky is moved along it.Rise equipment is positioned at Container Transport path and support In position between agent discharge station.Empty proppant container can be along Container Transport path on empty container tractor-trailer Move to the position adjacent to the equipment of rise.Rise equipment is used for empty proppant container from empty container tractor-trailer Rise.The proppant container of the sky being risen can move to the position between Container Transport path and track.

According to embodiment, proppant supply station includes positioning the one or more silos in rail.Proppant leads to Cross gravity to be discharged to from silo in the proppant container of the sky trolley.Proppant heap from ore deposit for the proppant is fed to cylinder Storehouse.Proppant is dried and and then by particle size separation.

According to embodiment, rise equipment is gantry crane.This gantry crane has on proppant discharge station The part extending and the another part extending on proppant transportation route.The step of the proppant container that movement is filled can To comprise the steps：The proppant container edge filled that the proppant filled container is risen, will rise up from trolley Gantry crane moves to desired locations and is placed on the ground the proppant filled container or is located at proppant transport road On another top of proppant container filled under gantry crane at position between footpath and proppant discharge station.

Additionally, the proppant container filled placed can be by gantry crane from proppant transportation route and support Position between agent discharge station is risen.The proppant container filled being risen moves to the position on proppant transportation route Put.Then the proppant container filled is placed on proppant tractor-trailer.Then proppant tractor-trailer is together with the support filled Agent container moves to desired pressure break position along proppant transportation route together.

Additionally, embodiment is used for mobile empty container.The step of mobile empty proppant container can include passing through The proppant container of the sky that empty proppant container is raised from empty container tractor-trailer by gantry crane, will rise up Move to desired position along gantry crane and empty proppant container is placed on the ground or is placed into be in packaging On the top of another sky proppant container on position between case transportation route and track.Especially, empty proppant Container passes through position between Container Transport path and track for the gantry crane and rises.Gantry crane is by empty support Agent container moves to the position on track, and and then this empty container is placed on the trolley on track.Handling Car is then able to move to proppant supply station together with the proppant container of the sky placed thereon.

In an embodiment, proppant tractor-trailer can be lorry or railcar.If using lorry, then the step of placement Can include the proppant filled container is placed on the flat board of truck chassis and and then make lorry together with propping up of filling Support agent container moves to desired position along road together.If additionally, proppant tractor-trailer is railcar, then fill Proppant container can be placed on the flat board of railcar, and and then railcar can be together with the proppant container filled Move to desired position along railroad track together.

According to embodiment, Container Transport path can also (and can be identical with proppant transportation route for road Road).Empty container tractor-trailer can also be lorry.Lorry can move along road together with empty proppant container Move the position under gantry crane.Empty proppant container can pass through the flat board liter from truck chassis for the gantry crane Rise.In the case of proppant tractor-trailer is railcar, the proppant packaging filled can be placed into the flat board of railcar On, and railcar moves to desired position together with the proppant container filled along railroad track.Furthermore it is possible to make With railcar so that the proppant container of sky moves to the position under gantry crane.So, gantry crane can be by Empty proppant container rises from the flat board of railcar.

Embodiment also includes proppant transmission system, and it includes track, movably the container haul on positioning track Car, a part of proppant supply station positioning adjacent to track, the proppant of another part positioning adjacent to track are discharged Stand with track positioned in spaced relation extend Container Transport path and there is the part adjacent to proppant discharge station and phase Crane adjacent to the another part in Container Transport path.Container tractor-trailer can move to adjacent to proppant along track The position in supply station.Additionally, container tractor-trailer can move to the position adjacent to proppant discharge station along track.Crane It is suitable for so that proppant container is moved towards Container Transport path from proppant discharge station.

In the embodiment of system, crane can be gantry crane, and it has directly over proppant discharge station A part and be located at Container Transport path on another part.Container Transport path being capable of railroad track or road two One of person.Container carrier is movably positioned with railroad track or road.Container carrier can adjacent to rise The position of heavy-duty machine and being located at using moving between the position at the mine of the proppant of proppant container.Proppant is supplied Stand to be the silo on positioning in rail.Silo is suitable for making proppant be discharged to container haul by gravity from silo In container on car.

Brief Description Of Drawings

Fig. 1 is the axonometric chart of the equipment of the according to embodiments of the present invention, transport for proppant and storage；

Fig. 2 is the side view of the equipment removing framing component, the transport for proppant and storage；

Fig. 3 is another side view of the equipment being particularly shown funnel configuration, the transport for proppant and storage；

Fig. 4 is the end-view of the equipment of the according to embodiments of the present invention, transport for proppant and storage；

Fig. 5 is the construction of the base portion of equipment illustrating the according to embodiments of the present invention, transport for proppant and storage Axonometric chart；

Fig. 6 is the plane illustrating to remove the inside of equipment of side plate and end plate, the transport for proppant and storage Figure；

Fig. 7 is the plane graph of equipment according to embodiments of the present invention；

Fig. 8 shows the detached of the hatchcover of opening being applied at the top of equipment according to embodiments of the present invention and stands Body figure；

Fig. 9 is the upward view of equipment according to embodiments of the present invention；

Figure 10 is the side view illustrating to have the side of markd embodiment equipment on its side；

Figure 11 is shown in the interior views of the embodiment equipment at device bottom with gate；

Figure 12 is the end-view illustrating the support equipment for discharging content from equipment according to embodiments of the present invention；

Figure 13 is the plane graph for the supporting construction discharging proppant from device interior according to embodiments of the present invention；

Figure 14 illustrates to be applied to the embodiment equipment of the supporting construction of Figure 12 and Figure 13；

Figure 15 is the side view illustrating the application on the support structure of embodiment equipment；

Figure 16 is the side view of the embodiment system utilizing embodiment equipment for discharging proppant；

Figure 17 is the plane graph for the embodiment equipment discharging proppant from the inside of container；

Figure 18 is according to embodiments of the present invention, is provided with regarding of the beam car of proppant container (spine car) thereon Figure；

Figure 19 is the plane graph of beam car according to embodiments of the present invention, Figure 18；

Figure 20 is the side view that the bolster 3-3 along the line arranging on the beam car of Figure 19 is taken；

Figure 21 is the side view that the bolster 4-4 along the line arranging on the beam car of Figure 19 is taken；

Figure 22 is the according to embodiments of the present invention, axonometric chart for transmitting the system of proppant；

Figure 23 is the graphic extension of proppant transmission system according to embodiments of the present invention；

Figure 24 is the environmental, perspective view in the well site carrying out pressure break using the embodiment of system and a method according to the invention；

Figure 25 A is embodiment, positioning the having for pressure break on the conveyor of system and a method according to the invention The container of proppant partial perspective view；

Figure 25 B be system and a method according to the invention embodiment, Figure 25 A positioning on the conveyor there is use Exploded perspective view in the container of the proppant of pressure break；

Figure 25 C is embodiment, positioning the having for pressure break on the conveyor of system and a method according to the invention The container of proppant partial perspective view, for the sake of clarity, be shown cut away the part of container；

Figure 26 A is embodiment, the substantially full proppant for pressure break of system and a method according to the invention The partial perspective view of conveyer hopper；

Figure 26 B is biography embodiment, partly filling proppant for pressure break of system and a method according to the invention Send the partial perspective view of machine hopper；

Figure 26 C is the local of conveyer hopper embodiment, not having proppant of system and a method according to the invention Axonometric chart；

Figure 27 A be system and a method according to the invention embodiment, there are multiple subregions for transmitting proppant Partial perspective view with the conveyer band of multiple outer walls；

Figure 27 B be system and a method according to the invention shown in Figure 27 A embodiment, have transmission proppant many The partial perspective view of the alternate embodiments of conveyer band of individual subregion and multiple outer wall；

Figure 28 A is the partial perspective view at the second end of the conveyer of the embodiment of system and a method according to the invention, its There is the partial sectional view of guard shield, clearly to illustrate conveyer further；And

Figure 28 B is the partial perspective view at the second end of the conveyer of the embodiment of system and a method according to the invention, its There is the partial sectional view of chute, clearly to illustrate the transmission being placed into proppant by gravity charging in chute further Machine band second end.

Specific embodiment

Fig. 1 illustrates the example devices 1 of transport for proppant and storage.Equipment 1 includes container 2.Container 2 has There are roof 3, a pair of sidewalls 4 and 5 and a pair of end walls 6 and 7.This offside wall 4 and 5 extends between this is to end wall 6 and 7.Packaging Case 2 has under this offside wall 4 and 5 and this is to the bottom discharge outlet (not shown) under end wall 6 and 7.The hinged peace of hatchcover 8 It is attached to roof 3, to cover the opening in roof 3.

In the example depicted in fig. 1, roof 3 has the surface of a general planar, it is to be understood, however, that roof can Including the one or more surfaces being positioned with different angles.Hatchcover 8 is connected to roof 3 by hinge 9.Door bolt 10a and door bolt 10b uses In hatchcover 8 is anchored on the opening in roof 3.During normal use, hatchcover 8 is fixed on liner about or pad by having Circle so that when hatchcover 8 is in the closed position (as shown in Figure 1), hatchcover 8 will on the opening in being formed at roof 3 shape Become liquid-tight seal.

Side wall 4 and 5 and end wall 6 and 7 limit the configuration of rectangle.Around side wall 4 and 5 and end wall 6 and 7 outer surface configuration Framework 10.Framework 10 includes horizontal member 11a and vertical member 11b.Horizontal member 11a and vertical member 11b is with respect to side wall 4 Formed with 5 and end wall 6 and 7 and intersect grid type configuration.Especially, horizontal member 11a and vertical member 11b is in the nature square tube, It will be resisted against the outer surface of each wall.So, framework 10 contributes to the structural intergrity of equipment 1.It can be seen that, exist Turning column 12,13,14 and 15 positioned at the corner between side wall and end wall.These turning columns 12,13,14 and 15 improve Container 2 is in the structural intergrity of its corner.

Container 2 includes bottom 16.Bottom 16 is in the nature rectangular configuration.In bottom 16, in turning column 12,13,14 and It is extended with suitable horizontal structure member between 15.

In FIG it can be seen that, there is the ladder 17 being fixed on side wall 4.Ladder 17 configures vertically to extend.Ladder The top of son 17 is adjacent with top board 3.So, staff can have easy access to hatchcover for opening or closing the purpose of hatchcover 8 8.

Fig. 2 illustrates the example of the inside of container 2.As can be seen, container 2 can include turning column 13 and turning Column 14.Side wall 4 extends between turning column 13 and turning column 14.Top board 3 is installed on turning column 13 and turning column 14 top.Diagram hatchcover 8 is in the closed position on top board 3.

In fig. 2 it can be seen that there is gusset 19 and gusset 20.Gusset 19 and gusset 20 are each for end plate is supported on it From surface 21 and 22 on.Each of gusset 19 and gusset 20 have by the wherein hole being formed.Described hole helps subtract Little gusset 19 and the weight of gusset 20, retain the structural intergrity of gusset simultaneously.As will be described, side plate 23 is illustrated as Bottom 16 towards container 2 extends.

End plate and side plate form the funnel adjacent with the bottom 16 of container 2.This funnel is towards the bottom row at bottom 16 Outlet 24.The angle of side plate and end plate assists in ensuring that the entire contents in container 2 are discharged, simultaneously by bottom discharge outlet 24 Guarantee can accommodate the maximum amount of proppant in the inner space of container 2.In an embodiment, 45000 pounds of this space To 48000 pounds of proppant.Especially, by for supporting the gusset 19 of end plate and the surface 21 of gusset 20 and surface 22 to be limited Angle can with respect to the horizontal plane become the angle more than 25 °.Especially, this can be with respect to the horizontal plane to be less than to end plate 37 ° of angle extends.In an embodiment of the present invention, end plate is with respect to the horizontal plane extended with about 31 ° of angle.Similarly, side Plate 23 can also with respect to the horizontal plane be extended with the angle more than 25 °.This can be with respect to the horizontal plane with more than 30 ° to side plate Angle extends.In an embodiment of the present invention, this is with respect to the horizontal plane prolonged with 38 ° of angle to each of side plate side plate Stretch.It has been found that this be arranged to ensure that whole proppants are discharged from the inside of container.Visible in fig. 2, the bottom of at It is formed with a pair of fork truck set 25a and 25b at portion 16.So, the pallet fork of fork truck can be contained in set 25a and set 25b, to allow Forklift lifting and manipulation container 2.

Fig. 3 illustrates the aspect of container 2 according to an embodiment of the invention further.Especially, in figure 3, end plate 26 It is illustrated as being positioned on the surface 21 and surface 22 being associated with gusset 19 and gusset 20 with end plate 27.End plate 26 and end plate 27 figure It is shown as the configuration of slight bending.So, it forms the funnel for discharging proppant.Similarly, side plate 23 is illustrated as by Fig. 3 Extend between end plate 26 and end plate 27.Another gusset 28 extends from the bottom 16 of container 2, to provide structure for side plate 23 Support.It should be noted that the another side of container 2 can have similar configuration.

Fig. 3 also illustrates that horizontal member 11a and the arrangement of vertical member 11b, horizontal member 11a and vertical member 11b arrangement It is to be configured against side wall 4 with intersecting grid type.Each of vertical member 11b extends between roof 3 and bottom 16.

Fig. 4 illustrates a width end-view, and it illustrates the end wall 6 of container 2.End wall 6 is towards the leakage being positioned adjacent to bottom 16 Bucket 29 extends downwardly.Gusset 30 and gusset 31 are used for supporting the side plate of funnel 29.End wall 6 also includes horizontal member 11a and vertical Component 11b.Horizontal member 11a and vertical member 11b to be arranged with intersecting grid type configuration.Especially, horizontal member 11a can Extend between turning column 12 and turning column 13.Vertical member can extend towards bottom 16 from roof 3.Container 2 The configuration that opposite end will have like.

Fig. 5 illustrates the polycrystalline substance 32 of equipment 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.Especially, polycrystalline substance 32 includes bottom Portion's outlet 24.The reinforcing plate 33 of rectangle is fixed on around bottom discharge outlet 24, to provide it structural intergrity.Fig. 5 also shows Go out a pair of the gusset 22 and 34 being associated with one of base plate.Another diagonal panels 21 and 35 are associated with another end plate.A pair Gusset 36 and 37 is used for one of support side plate.Similarly, a pair of gusset 38 and 39 is for another in support side plate.Separately One supports corner board structure 28 to be illustrated as extending between gusset 36 and gusset 37.The arrangement of gusset 36 and gusset 37 is together with gusset 28 form the rectangular configuration for being supported on side plate with firm and stable configuration together.Similarly, exist in gusset 38 Another gusset 40 extending in spaced relationship with polycrystalline substance 32 and gusset 39 between.Have been found that this gusset layout optimization For supporting the side plate of heavy weight and the structural intergrity of end plate of the proppant of internal container.

Fig. 6 is illustrating further of the example of polycrystalline substance 32 of the equipment 1 illustrating the embodiment of the present invention.Especially Ground, visible in figure 6, gusset 36 and gusset 37 extend from the side 41 of polycrystalline substance 32.Cross level angle plate 28 is fixed on gusset 36 He Gusset 37 simultaneously extends in-between.Gusset 38 and gusset 39 extend from the side 42 of polycrystalline substance 32.Cross level angle plate 40 is fixed on angle Plate 38 and gusset 39 simultaneously extend in-between.Gusset 22 and gusset 34 extend from the side 43 of polycrystalline substance 32.Similarly, gusset 21 and gusset 35 extend from the opposite flank 44 of polycrystalline substance 32.These arrangements of gusset extend towards bottom discharge outlet 24.

Structure in Fig. 6 strengthens the intensity of container 2 at some aspects.Fundamentally, turning column 12,13,14 and 15 Square tube type arrangement provide container corner intensity.And, the arrangement of each vertical member 11b and horizontal member 11a is entered The intensity of one step reinforced frame 10.Gusset is arranged so as to, to be positioned approximately in the center of each side of polycrystalline substance.This Sample, in the region needing most intensity, these gussets are coordinated with the side of polycrystalline substance to improve structural intergrity.Cross level angle plate 28 With 40 using the deflection also avoiding connected gusset, and then strengthen being located at the intensity of side plate thereon.

Visible in figure 6, it is formed with holder 47,49,51 and 53 in each corner of polycrystalline substance 32.Holder 47, 49th, 51 and 53 is so configured, to accommodate the pin being associated with fabric.As will be described below, equipment 1 is suitably positioned at On supporting construction, such as bracket.So, suitable positioning on the support structure, the pin in supporting construction in order to ensure container 2 To be aligned with holder 47,49,51 and 53, to guarantee that container 2 is properly located on following conveyer.Thus it is ensured that Bottom discharge outlet 24 positions in position.And, the cooperation between the pin of supporting construction and holder 47,49,51 and 53 reduces The impact that vibration is discharged to proppant.This avoids the genotoxic potential dirt from the proppant discharging by bottom discharge outlet 24 The generation of mist.So, these holders 47,49,51 and 53 unexpectedly provide the following combination of the two, will container essence Standard navigates in supporting construction, makes genotoxic potential product and the titanium dioxide of dust in proppant from container 2 deenergized period simultaneously Carbon granule minimizes.

Fig. 7 illustrates the example of the roof 3 of container 2 of the embodiment of the present invention.Especially, opening 55 is illustrated as being formed at top In wall 3.Opening 55 can have the length dimension of the half length of substantially greater than roof 3.The width of opening 55 is substantially little Width in roof 3.Finally, this elongated configuration of opening 55 guarantees that proppant can suitably and be quickly discharged to packaging In the inner space of case 2.The elongated property of opening 55 avoids the opening that can be formed on roof 3, such as little observation port is subject to Problem to constraint.Hatchcover 8 can be placed on opening 55.Hatchcover 8 can have the area of the area slightly larger than opening 55, To guarantee suitably to retain wherein the content of container 2 in fluid-tight manner.So, by the liquid infiltration of hatchcover 8 Potential damage impact is prevented effectively from.And, hatchcover 8 is placed on diving within from container 2 is also avoided on opening 55 Release in toxic dust and quartz particles.

Fig. 8 illustrative exemplary hatchcover 8.Hatchcover 8 has hinge 9 on one side thereof.Gasket material 57 is solid around the periphery of hatchcover 8 Fixed.This gasket material can for rubber, elastomer or polymerization material.So, when hatchcover 8 suitably closes on opening 55 When closing, the content of container 2 is sealed among the inside of container.

The example of Fig. 9 diagram upward view of container 2 according to embodiments of the present invention.Especially, position around outlet 24 There is reinforcing plate 59.Reinforcing plate 59 has open rectangular arrangement.So, this reinforcing plate 59 improves during the discharge of proppant Side plate and the structural intergrity of end plate.As will be described below, the gate mechanism of slip can be placed at and discharges adjacent to bottom Mouth 24, to allow content from the internal release of container 2.

Figure 10 is the side view of the equipment 1 according to embodiment, and particularly illustrates a series of quarters being formed on end wall 7 Degree 61.These scales 61 indicate the volume of the proppant in the inside of container 2.Although the inwall of container 2 and end wall are not Transparent, but the level of the proppant in internal container can be determined easily by tapping on end wall 7.Acoustically Change the level corresponding to scale 61.So, user can suitably determine whether proppant be deposited in container it Whether whole interior and proppants all discharge from container.Figure 10 also illustrates that side plate 63 and the orientation of side plate 65.Side plate 63 Gather towards bottom discharge outlet 24 from funnel 23 with side plate 65.

As it was previously stated, the angle of side plate and end plate helps avoid, and proppant is deposited in asking among internal container Topic, allows to receive the maximum amount of proppant in container contents simultaneously.In an embodiment of the present invention, container 2 has 118 inches Length and 96 inches of width.Equipment 1 so specifically configured to be placed in railcar or on trailer, but art technology Personnel will be understood that other means of transportation are also admissible after reading this disclosure.For transporting equipment on a highway 1 limits (as described above) it is necessary to process some weight.In order to limit in accordance with the weight on road, container 2 should accommodate not Proppant more than 48000 pounds.Finally, the gross weight of container 2 and proppant therein should be not more than 52000 pounds.So, It is necessary to configure polycrystalline substance together with end plate and side plate so that about 48000 pounds of proppant can be accommodated in container.? Carry out experiment with the various configurations and orientation of side plate and end plate to determine the configuration of this side plate and end plate.

Example 1：There is to its latus inframedium 30 ° of angle and the container of angle that end plate has 37 ° is tested.Should Container has 5560 pounds of tare weight.Proppant filled by this container so that the gross weight of container and proppant is 43460 pounds. So, the total capacity of this container is 37900 pounds.If sand be " (hand-packed) of Manual Packaging ", then sand total Capacity is 43900 pounds.Container has 512 cubic feet of internal capacity.

Find during testing, this orientation of side wall and end wall makes most proppant effectively arrange from container Go out.Typically, however, container is only capable of transporting 37900 pounds of sand.So, the capacity of container is considerably smaller than ideal capacity. Because each container is expected with the maximum amount of proppant, find that side plate and this configuration of end plate and orientation are inefficient 's.

Example 2：By container so modification, so that side plate is with respect to the horizontal plane so that 20 ° of angle extends, end plate is relative Extended with 25 ° of angle in horizontal plane.The gross weight of this container is 5420 pounds.The internal capacity of this container stands for 554 Super superficial.So, insufficient amount of proppant can only be accommodated in such container.Send out during the experiment to this configuration Existing, retain the proppant having 4120 pounds in container.So, find side plate and end plate this be oriented in make entire contents from Container is poorly efficient on discharging.Thus, available proppant is less than desired amount.

Example 3：Side plate is with respect to the horizontal plane oriented with 20 ° of angle and end wall is with respect to water wherein for another test Plane is carried out with the container of 25 ° of angle orientation.The gross weight of container is 5380 pounds.The gross weight of container and wherein sand is 46900 pounds.Container has 41520 pounds of capacity.The internal capacity of this container is 554 cubic feet.Find this side This orientation of plate and end plate leads to accommodate the proppant less than necessary amount.

Example 4：In another test being carried out, with respect to the horizontal plane so that 25 ° of angle orients, end plate is relative for side plate Oriented with 31 ° of angle in horizontal plane.This leads to 536 cubic feet of container bale capacity.The gross weight of container is 5480 Pound.Regrettably, the orientation of this relatively steep plate makes the capacity of container minimize.So, can comprise in container It is substantially less than 41000 pounds of proppant.

Example 5：By container so modification, so that side plate is with respect to the horizontal plane so that 38 ° of angle extends, end plate is relative Extended with 31 ° of angle in horizontal plane.The gross weight of this container is 6200 pounds.The gross weight wherein having a container of sand is 52000 pounds.So, the amount of the sand in container is 46500 pounds.The internal capacity of container is 600 cubic feet.To this Configuration it was found that, all proppants all as expected from internal container discharge.Additionally, container inner support agent Amount (i.e. 46500 pounds) is optimum.In other words, the proppant of this amount meets the needs to proppant transmission, also assures that use simultaneously Equipment to transport this equipment is observed highway and is specified.So, find that end plate and this arrangement of side plate make proppant Discharge optimization, simultaneously also improve transporting proppant container capacity.

Figure 11 illustrates a kind of configuration of the container 2 of the present invention, and it is positioned with lock at the bottom discharge outlet 24 of container 2 Door 44.Gate 44 has a pair of pin 48 and 58 thus stretching out.Gate 44 is illustrated in its closed position.Actuator can be used Moving up towards the side of side wall 4 or 5 from the position shown in Figure 11 in making gate 44.Pin 48 and 58 is illustrated as from gate 44 side stretches out.So, suitable actuator, such as hydraulic piston-cylinder device may be coupled to these pins, with reality Existing gate 44 is mobile from the closed to necessity of open position.

Figure 12 shows as exemplary support structure used in the embodiment of the proppant discharge system of the present invention 60 end-view.Supporting construction 60 has the framework 62 forming top surface 64, lower surface 66 and side 68 and 70.Framework 62 top 64 has the surface that can place container 10 thereon.Suitable pin connection part 72 and 74 from top surface 64 to Upper extension is to engage corresponding holder on container 10.These pins 72 and 74 can be adopted to be properly located to guarantee container 10 In supporting construction 60.

Holder 76 is positioned at top surface 64 or adjacent with top surface 64.Actuator 78 is fixed to framework 62 simultaneously And extend to holder 76.As it can be seen, holder 76 has the gap being formed in its top.The gap of holder 76 is suitable for One of pin 48 and 58 of the gate 44 of containment container 10.Once holder 76 accommodates wherein pin 48 it is possible to make cause Dynamic device 78 activates, so that holder (and its pin accommodating) moves to the second position 82 from primary importance 80.When holder 76 (and holds It is contained in pin therein) when moving to the second position 82, gate 44 can be opened and allow the bottom row by container 2 for the proppant Outlet 24 discharge.Because pin 48 and 58 is symmetrically placed, and because container 2 is quite symmetrical, therefore supporting construction 60 especially adapts to Various orientations in the case of being placed on top surface 64 in container 2.

In fig. 13, it is positioned with hopper 84 under top surface 64.When gate 44 is located at open position, hopper 84 is used for Accommodate a part for the proppant discharged by the bottom discharge outlet 24 of container 2.As such, it is possible to adopt hopper 84 supporting Agent is suitably measured and is fed to (shown in Figure 14) on conveyer 86.Conveyer 86 is located at below the opening 88 of hopper 84.

As in Figure 13 it can be noted that hopper 84 has the opening 88 of usual inverted V-shaped configuration.Exist and match simultaneously with opening 88 And also there is the metering gate 90 of V-arrangement configuration.Metering gate 90 can be moved with small distance, enable to optionally with controlled Proppant is discharged to conveyer 86 by ground from hopper 84.

Figure 14 illustrates the inside of hopper 84.Hopper 84 includes side wall 92 and 94 and end wall 96 and 98 (shown in Figure 13). Wall 92,94,96 and 98 is formed as the shape of funnel, so that proppant moves down towards metering gate 90.Permissible in fig. 13 Find out, the opening 88 of hopper 84 has the multiple gaps being formed wherein.Similarly, metering gate 90 has and is formed therethrough which Multiple gaps.Structure between gap is substantially entity.So, when the gap of metering gate 90 and the gap pair of opening 88 On time, then proppant can be discharged on following conveyer 86.Metering gate 90 is in a direction or another direction On little mobile can the gap by the opening 88 of hopper 84 for the barrier support agent flowing.As such, it is possible to using very little actuating Device 100 and 102 is fed on conveyer to realize suitably measuring proppant.If it is desire to the little flow velocity of proppant, then cause Dynamic device 100 and 102 can make metering gate 90 only move small distance.If necessary to larger flow velocity, then actuator 100 and 102 meetings Making metering gate 90 mobile is so that the gap of metering gate 90 is completely corresponding to the gap of opening 88, to realize proppant from material Bucket 84 is down to the maximum stream flow of conveyer.

The container 2 on top surface 64 that Figure 15 illustrates be placed on supporting construction 60.During normal use, it is possible to use Fork truck is so that container 2 is appropriately positioned in the appropriate location on the pin 72 and 74 of supporting construction 60.Initially, container 2 Gate 24 can be closed.Additionally, metering gate 90 can also be closed.When container 2 is properly located, gate 44 can To move to open position so that proppant is discharged in hopper 84.Then hopper 84 can be filled with proppant.Current Prestige makes proppant when hopper 84 moves to desired destination along conveyer, then metering gate 90 can be opened to realize propping up The desired flow rate of the opening 88 of hopper 84 is passed through in support agent.

Figure 16 illustrates that wherein container 2 is placed on the side view on the top surface 64 of supporting construction 60.Conveyer 120 shows Go out for longitudinal extension.So, when proppant is by the metering gate 90 that is associated with hopper 84, can in a controlled manner by All proppants in the inner space of container 2 are sent on conveyer 120.

Exemplary containers 110,112,114 and 116 when Figure 16 and Figure 17 diagram is placed in supporting construction 118.? Support structure 118 has enough length to adapt to container 110,112,114 and 116.As can be seen that conveyer 120 is arranged in Each hopper 122 below the top surface of supporting construction 118 and below each container 110,112,114 and 116, 124th, below 126 and 128.Conveyer 120 is suitably to wind around pulley and idle pulley with the annular conveyor of expected path of advancing. The proppant discharged from container 110,112,114 and 116 is discharged to conveyer 120 to prolong upwards along conveyer and edge The part 130 stretched is advanced.The end 132 of conveyer 120 can be opened to chute 134.Chute 134 can be towards at pressure break scene Expectation target.As such, it is possible to the array of configuration container 110,112,114 and 116 is to change the existing storage at pressure break scene Deposit facility.Due to the use of wheel 136, supporting construction 118 can be can be easy by lorry on road together with conveyer 120 Ground transport.Front end 138 can be suitably connected to lorry, to allow the easy transport of the system of the present invention.

Figure 17 illustrates exemplary placement in supporting construction 118 for the container 110,112,114 and 116.End 138 includes Suitable hook (hitch) for being attached to lorry connects.Conveyer 120 is in the lower section of container 110,112,114 and 116 Extend so that proppant is sent to chute 134.Chute 134 can in the way of the end 132 with conveyer 120 cooperates suitably Pivot, to allow proppant controllably and to be directly discharged to desired locations.

In an embodiment, container 2 is manufactured into individual unit.Can more thoroughly discuss as following, the gate 44 of container 2 It is specifically designed to be aligned with the actuator 78 in transmission system.Actuator is hydraulic control, and accommodates and be attached to The pin 48 of gate 44.When actuator 70 is activated, gate 44 moves horizontally to allow proppant to discharge from it.

In an embodiment, container can be applied particularly to the transport by track.Especially, can with designed path car with Adapt to be at maximum up to four containers 2.So, when placing four containers in rail car, railcar can deliver about 180000 pounds of proppant.Railcar can be with the current through transport of the intermodal container of 20 feet of delivery, 40 feet and 53 feet Railcar is similar.Railcar can include the chassis evenly-spaced typical case through transport load lock apparatus down to railcar.Collection Vanning should be made up of sufficiently wide material, so that the railway weight that the overall Weight Loaded of container is maintained at current specification is accurate Under then.Additionally, its must sufficiently strong to bear the load of loaded container.This improvement enables placer directly to fill proppant It is downloaded in container 2 to accelerate loading process.It is without construction silo storage at mining site.Once container reaches it and specifies Position or region, just thus save go to pneumatic trailer, silo or level land storage transport process.

Additionally, embodiments of the invention include the transmission system of improvement that can use at well site.Supporting construction 60 is wrapped Include making steelframe, multiple containers can be navigated on described making steelframe.Container locks onto fastening container to frame In the holder of frame.Container then can be in the transmission system that proppant is sent to when gate is opened main belt from container On system.Bracket is equipped with the hydraulic system that can be opened and closed with regulating gate.The container of embodiments of the invention is permissible It is combined into compatible with the existing apparatus being referred to as SAND KINGS (TM), SAND CHIEFS (TM) and SAND DRAGONS (TM) Adnexa or cartridge.By replacing the existing hopper on these devices with the removable container of the present invention, supporting The efficiency of even more high can be obtained in agent transmit process.

The transmission system of embodiments of the invention is to be sent to well site once proppant to be just sent to it from container Alternative method for the blender belt of mixed cell.The transmission system of the present invention is provided in SAND MASTER (TM), SAND In KING (TM), SAND DRAGON (TM), SAND MOVE (TM) etc., common institute is functional.So, embodiment makes to wait to count The sand of amount supply can be flow on conveyer belt by the hydraulic system of limit material gate.Container is raised to supporting construction first On position.Bottom limit material gate is accommodated by the holder of liquid braking device, to set up between the pin of gate and hydraulic system Sealed.Then hydraulic system opens limit material gate and proppant with gravity supply in the hopper in supporting construction.With material Another group of limit material gate that bucket system is associated then passes through another hydraulic system and opens.This enables proppant to be measured Supply and flow on conveyer belt.Then proppant can be sent to blender or T-shaped band by conveyer belt.Proppant is then Can be mixed with the unclassified stores in blender.

At present, proppant in the transmission in well site using expensive Pneumatic scattered loading truck.Once at the scene, truck transport Person just adopts power take-off unit by sand " blowing " in sand storage device.This transmission often takes over (1) hour Complete.By sand being sent to well in 10 forty equivalent unit 40s of the present invention, eliminate the use of the special equipment part of costliness.Collection Vanning can be mounted on dressing plate trailer, the sub- deck trailer of ladder, low shelf trailer or other trailers more often.This Sample, the method for the present embodiment can excavate larger range of available freight-transport capacity.This can be reduced to the cost of transportation of well.Although The transmission of pneumatic trailer to be fixed a price with the mileage of " round trip ", but (can obtain that " loading is returned by more conventional equipment parts Journey ") significantly reduce whole Transporting cost transmitting container.For example it is also very desirable to set part, instrument and other well heads Keeped in repair or returned manufacturer or leasing company for taking well site out of.Platform trailer is empty now, when its at the scene when tool There is the ability accommodating described load, rather than call other shipping company to provide this service." hotshot " is serviced The needs reducing are another notable value for the company for service company and finally for exploration and production.

For sending empty container back to sand distribution facility, total of four (4 can be sent back to by single platform trailer Individual) empty container.This provides 4 in removing container from well site:1 level of efficiency.Additionally, 40 forty equivalent unit 40s Underframe can be used in empty container and the movement of full container.As container, supporting construction can be by typical Flat car is sent to well site.Supporting construction can be by lorry to be pulled to scene by way of similar to any other trailer.

Further, since embodiments of the invention adopt 10 foot ISO containers, this ISO container can store up with respect to it Little floor space is occupied for the capacity of the sand deposited.When container stacks are three floor heights, container is at 80 square feet About 135000 pounds can be stored in floor space.Available space at well head and in possible proppant transhipment facility It is probably extremely limited.So, embodiment makes at this position for the floor space needed for the proppant of specified rate Littleization.

Because the environmental and safety problems around wellsite operation are just becoming the problem of growing interest, therefore related, real Apply example so that the amount being discharged into the particulate matter of in the air minimizes.Proppant is currently to be sent to pressure break scene by pneumatic trailer 's.Using air pressure, trailer is pressurizeed, then by material " blowing " in sand storage element.This process produces that exceed subsequently can be by A large amount of particulate matters that the personnel at pressure break scene suck.Additionally, when being blown into sand in sand storage facility, sand storage facility is necessary Pressurized air is discharged in air.This generates the exposure even more big to particulate matter.Transmit the lasting need of proppant at the scene Ask and create dust and short grained constant environment in atmosphere.Because embodiment eliminates pneumatic conveyor, therefore method Significantly reduce the amount of the particulate matter at pressure break scene.Gravity supply transfer approach from container to blender greatly improves The safety of well site personnel.And, the amount of the lorry that embodiment is currently in use by reducing or waits reduces shipping row Put.Improve the safety at well head by reducing this truck traffic.

Other details with regard to beam car

The side-looking of Figure 18 is shown for accommodating, shipping and distribution flowable materials, such as in wellbore operations The example of the container 310 of proppant using.It will be appreciated that the container 310 shown in Figure 18 can be, for example, basic The construction of the container 2 being discussed similar to other parts in description, for example, include the container 2 with reference to Fig. 1.For reference The container 110,112,114 and 116 that Figure 16 and Figure 17 is discussed is also such.However, for the mesh that Figure 18 and Figure 19 is discussed , applicant carries out reference to container 310.Container 310 is shown as being arranged on the rail for transporting along railway (not shown) On road car 312.Although total of four container 310 is illustrated in rail car 312, railcar 312 can have more or Lesser amount of container 310.Each of example container 310 includes the framework 314 with upper joist 316, upper joist 316 is end-to-end illustrate with the engaging, slender member to limit rectangle in framework 312 upper end.Embodiment in diagram In, container 310 is to have the box-like frame members of side surface and upper surface, and wherein said surface is essentially rectangular and plane 's.Similar to upper joist 316, lower joist 318 is shown as arranging axially away from upper joist 216.Elongated vertical pillars 320 are in support The corner that the end-to-end joint of component of beam 316,318 is formed is connected to upper and lower joist 316,318.Flat sidewall 322 across The space more being formed between adjacent joist 316,318 and adjacent column 320.In the example of Figure 18, adjacent side wall 322 engage at its respective vertical edge.

Vertical ribs 324 are additionally provided with container 310, it is shown as along between upper and lower joist 316,318 Side wall 322 outer surface extend；Rib 324 is laterally spaced apart from each other and with column 320.Horizontal support rib 326 is depicted as Horizontal-extending and be spaced apart perpendicular to each other between adjacent column 320.In the example of Figure 18, horizontal support rib 326 It is set to be generally transverse to horizontal support rib 324, and be arranged between vertical support rib 324 and side wall 322.Ribs 324th, 326 is the slender member being laterally spaced apart each other, and it provides structural support for side wall 322 and supports in one example Resist and come from the flowable materials accommodating in side wall 322, the power projecting radially outwardly of such as proppant.

The lower end of framework 314 includes a series of girder 328 with slender members, the end-to-end joint of described slender member with Form substantially rectangular assembly.The corner of the girder 328 that the lower end of column 320 is limited in member junction is connected to girder 328.As shown in Figure 18, girder 328 is axially spaced with the lower joist 318 on upper joist 316 opposite side.Side wall 322 Lower end terminates at lower joist 318, thus limiting space 329 between lower joist 318 and girder 328.Vertical member 330 edge The periphery setting in space 329, and extend vertically between lower joist 318 and girder 328.It is connected to the lower end of side wall 322 It is lower wall 332, it is away from the downward-sloping configuration with formation substantially frustum of side wall 322.Side wall 322 and lower wall 332 In conjunction with the container 333 limiting for storing and transporting flowable materials, such as proppant etc..Above-mentioned opening is optionally formed as Axially through lower wall 332 to allow material to flow from container 333.Above-mentioned optional hatchcover is arranged in the opening with selectivity The material coming within container 333 that ground distribution is accommodated.Support webs 334 are shown as being arranged in space 329 and are in Axle A around container 333_xAngled position and for lower wall 332 provide support.The upper surface of support webs 334 along with The complementary path in the inclination angle of lower wall 332 extends at a certain distance axially downwards away from side wall 322.Support webs 334 are big Cause plane and have and be oriented substantially vertically and from axle A_xElongate side radially.Also illustrate in Figure 18 and laterally lead to Cross the opening of girder 328 formation, it limits gap 336, and it optionally accommodates the point of fork truck wherein, so that container 310 can rise and move, such as mobile toward and away from railcar 312.Examples material bag for the part of container 310 Include metal, metal alloy, composite and combinations thereof.

Referring still to Figure 18, the example of illustrated railcar 312 is commonly known as " beam car ", and it is included along rail The elongated carinate component 340 of the length orientation of road car 312.Railcar 312 also includes front wheels and rear wheels 342,344, and it illustrates For being installed on the lower surface of carinate component 340, therefore railcar 312 can be transported along rail.Front and rear coupling 346,348 figures It is shown as being separately positioned on the front-end and back-end of carinate component 340 and for coupling with other railcars.As shown, carinate The height of component 340 increases at the middle section 350 of carinate component 340.Reinforcement structure 351₁、351₂, 352 be strategically located in At the position that on carinate component 340, its height increases, and about in the center of carinate component 340.Alternately, reinforcement structure 351₁、351₂, 352 across carinate component 340 length, be provided with the column 338 of adjacent installation.

Figure 19 illustrates the plane graph of the example of railcar 312 being fitted without container 310 (Figure 18) thereon.At this In example, the different range of pivot positioning the motion illustrating and depicting front-wheel 342 with perspective view of front-wheel 342.Here is shaken Pillow 353 is shown mounted on the upper surface of carinate component 340, and wherein bolster 353 is substantially transverse to carinate component 340 and extends simultaneously And the protruding cross side through carinate component 340.Bolster 353 each includes elongated transverse bar 354, and it is laterally coupled to The carinate component 340 and structural support that selectivity thereon is provided with container 310 is provided.Optional top board 356 is installed On the upper surface of the opposite end of each transverse bar 354, and it is arranged on the opposite side of carinate component 340.As illustrated Each top board 356 is general plane, and has the width increasing at opposite end one segment distance away from each transverse bar 354 Degree.The wider and narrower part of top board 356 is wider than transverse bar 354.Top board 356 on each transverse bar 354 is lateral away from each other It is spaced apart.Column 338 is installed attach to the upper surface of top board and be located adjacent at the external end of transverse bar 354.Other Bolster 358 is shown on carinate component 340, and it is close to the opposite end of carinate component 340.Bolster 358 each includes It is installed on carinate component 340 and be substantially transverse to the slender rod piece 360 of carinate component 340 orientation；Wherein rod member 360 is relative End extends outward past the lateral side of carinate component 340.Rod member 360 has substantially uniform width along its length.Top board 362 sets Put on rod member 360 and install column 338 to be attached thereon.

The example of the end of the bolster 353 being taken by 3-3 along the line with Figure 19 that side-looking illustrates.In this example, rod member 354 have and are attaching to, close to it, the vertical thickness increasing at carinate component 340, thus improving structure for mounted thereon goods Support.Also illustrate the example of holder 364, the axially extended end by rod member 354 of holder 364 and optionally receiving peace Dress column 338.Figure 21 illustrates the example of the end of the bolster 358 that 4-4 along the line is taken with side-looking.Here, bolster 358 has edge The thickness of its length constant, and include the holder 366 close to its end.Referring again to Figure 19, ladder platform is arranged on ridge On the opposite side of shape component 340 and through bolster 348.Grid 368,370 is provided with ladder platform, with positioned at railcar Operator are supported when on 312.

In one example, container 310 has the sidepiece that length is of about 310 feet and height is of about 10 feet. Alternately, railcar 312 has 263000 pounds of total orbital payload." for designing, manufacturing and construct the AAR of freight Illustrate, M-1001 " in provide the example design explanation of railcar 312, it is integrally incorporated herein.Alternatively, to AAR plate B Design limit size.Alternatively, railcar 312 is designed to exchange rule in accordance with AAR and D.O.T. requires and to have AAR mutual Change gently weighing and coating specification of the 70th article of rule.In this example, the part of railcar 312 is using the metering for interchangeability Device and template are manufacturing and to assemble.The following is optional size：End part bottom beam length 45 ' -10 1/2 "；End part bottom beam Width 8'-6 1/2 "；Handgrip Breadth Maximum 9'-5 1/2 "；Coupling pulling face length 49'-2 "；The length of hammer Degree 46'-6 1/2 "；Lorry quantifier 4'-8 1/2 "；Length 32'- of the center to center (truck centers) of bolster 2"；Truck wheel base portion 5'-10 "；Always wheel base portion 38'-0 "；The height at the top of the top of rail to end ladder 6'-3 1/2"；Maximum height 13'-1 1/4 to sand container top "；The height at rail top to coupling center 2'-10 1/2"；Total rail loads 263000 pounds；220000 pounds of load limit (4 × 55000lb container)；Automobile light 43000 pounds of weight (estimation)；Curve transports radius：The non-150' coupling；It is coupled to such as automobile 151'；It is coupled to 40' base car 175'.According to AAR M976, lorry foundry goods can be 110 tons, 16 " breast rolls and be applied to 286000 pounds The groups of springs of total rail load.However, lorry can install the spring being applied to 263000 pounds of total rail loads.Body side frame is permissible It is the AAR M-201B+ level cast steel according to AAR specification M-203 and M-210.Body side frame can be narrow base type and have one The brake beam guiding piece of unit.Post guiding piece can have the wearing plate by 8 grades of securing member fastenings of SAE J429.Bolster can With for the AAR M-201B+ level cast steel according to AAR specification M-202 and M-210, it has for loose manganese steel or polymer The roller of 16 inches of processing of 1 3/4 inches of X of horizontal wearing plate design, the vertical wear ring of 2 inch weld steel.Central plate supports Surface can be machining.Roller bearing flange can be directed to 6 1/2 " X 9 " K class bearings and narrow base body side frame.Exist There is no the example of thermindicator.The thrust shaft shoulder can be hardened.Roller bearing can be for 6 1/2 " X 9 " axle journal NFL type.According to AAR specification M-101 up-to-date revision K class F level, shaft member can have with the demarcation 100 of 6 1/2 " X 9 " axle journal Ton ability.Wheel in example be 36 ", AAR H-36 or CH-36, once wear and tear, C class.Side bearing can be constant contact metal Cap distance traveling type, and attach to bolster alternately through SAE J429 8 grade bolt and IFI-100C level locking nut. Centrepin in example is 1 3/4 " the A36 steel of diameter.

In another alternative embodiment, for fish belly box, the bottom hatchway cover of center is at -20 °F to center bottom girder Lower Charpy V breach is the ASTM A572GR50 steel of 1/2 inch of 15ft-lb.The bottom hatchway cover of end can be at -20 ° Under F, Charpy V breach is the ASTM A572GR50 steel of 3/4 inch of 15ft-lb.Overhead bin lid can be from hammering to 7/8 inch hammering into shape into shape ASTM A572GR50 steel.In an embodiment, the web of end is 5/8 English in -20 °F of lower Charpy V breach for 15ft-lb Very little ASTM A572GR60 steel；And the web of center is 5/16 inch of ASTM A572GR50 steel.The center bottom of base position Beam separator can be 1/2 inch of ASTM A572GR50 steel plate.Body bolster in one example is to comprise 3/8 inch of ASTM The amphisternous built-up welding design of A572GR50.It is the 3/8 of 15ft-lb that top hatchway cover is optionally in -20 °F of lower Charpy V breach Inch ASTM A572GR60 steel, and extend only through lorry side bearing.Alternately, bottom hatchway cover has 3/8 inch ASTM A572GR50.Bolster backing plate can be ASTM A572GR50 steel, and it is welded in bottom hatchway cover and center bottom girder flange. Alternately, web stiffener is the ASTM A572GR50 steel at the crucial change of bolster upper section.Base may be at At three positions of each car, design for built-up welding, it has the ASTM of be welded in center bottom girder and base end plate 5/16 inch A572GR50 steel.Base is optionally the cantilever that center bottom girder stretches out.In this example, base top hatchway cover is 3/8 inch ASTM A572GR50 steel and extend to center bottom back portion hatchway cover from base end plate, and its be welded in base web and Top with center bottom girder.Base bottom hatchway cover can be 3/8 inch ASTM A572GR50 steel and from center bottom girder abdomen Plate extends to base end plate, and it is welded in transverse bracket web.Base top hatchway cover can pass through 5/8 inch of ASTM The region that container is connected to base position is strengthened by A572GR50 in IBC adapter.In one example, each car setting Two horizontal sleepers, it is made up of 3/8ASTM A572GR50 steel, and from center, bottom girder web extends to end part bottom beam, and is welded in Center bottom girder and end part bottom beam web and flange.End part bottom beam can be formed and be welded by 5/16 inch of ASTM A572GR50 steel It is connected to center bottom girder and horizontal sleeper.Body side bearing may be alternatively arranged as 5 inches of wide forged steel of Brinell hardness 277-341, and By reverse 8 grades of square neck plough point bolts of 3/4 inch of two (2) to 300ft-lbs, ASTM F-436 hardened washer and ASTM A563C level hex nut is anchored on steel tucker and bolster bottom hatchway cover.Nut can be welded in bolt for after distortion Nail.Base can be strengthened so that fully loaded car is lifted away from lorry.Coupling can reduce pine for the AAR EF511CE of bottom operation The E level steel relaxing.In this example, coupling release rigging is standard for bottom operation coupling, and yoke can be The E level steel of SY45AE.Draft gear bracket can lock onto center bottom girder with bolt, and draft gear can for have Y44 with AAR M-901E with device.In an embodiment, the design and installation of brakes are according to AAR standard S-400, S401, S475 With AAR field manually regular 88A.2.r；And can be tested according to AAR standard S-486.Car can be equipped with including The device of one 40% zero load of downstream proportioning valve.Extremely strong steel pipe can be used for all tubings, except short for Sch40 Threaded sleeve.Tubing can be anchored on the underframe of car by taper pipe anchor.In this example, maximum no supports span is 8'- 0".Individually bar can be formed as accurately shape being applied to Herba Plantaginis.Pipe connections can be welded by adjustable (pivot) socket Connect accessory or full welding coupling is made.In the embodiment of angie type pipe close, connector can be rotary-screw-type.Tee branch pair In 1 1/4, " pipe can be full welding application, and " pipe can coordinate for bolt flange for 1.Brake percentage can be basis D.O.T. require and AAR exchanges rule.Alternatively include is AAR 1993N group rim brake door, and it is to have 1966 cranks Vertical wheel, without spin, quick-release (long handle).Take advantage of 12 inches of (10 " × 12 ") cylinder piston row for 10 inches for brake Journey can exchange the 3rd article of rule according to AAR.Can apply with two-jawed E group Dual Drive slack adjuster.Example brake Hoof is two inches of (the high friction synthesis type of 2 "), entitled AAR H-4.Example brake bar is AAR standard the 24th, and angle is repaiied Just, and there is metal hoof keep out projection.In an embodiment, banking pin be C1050 steel, its be turning or drop forging simultaneously And induction hardening is the depth of HRC 60-63 and 0.080 "～0.100 ", wherein the minimum diameter of pin can be 1 3/ 32"." the opening pin key fastening of standard that banking pin can pass through 3/8.Brake-shoe key can be forged steel spring type.

Other exemplary embodiment includes lorry bar and the connecting portion of forged steel design.Automaker can be with 1 " flame Cutting ASTM A36 this body rod of steel making.The brake bar of example is that bar support braked by the ASTM A36 steel of 7/8 inch diameter It can be the closure ring design equipped with nonmetallic anti-wear part.The rustless steel marking plate of one example is arranged on each car On, it illustrates to be applied to brake bar size and the cylinder dimensions of this car in the visible location near air damping cylinder.Permissible Using the ball-type angie type pipe close being threadedly coupled to threaded sleeve, this threaded sleeve is fastened by being coupled the socket of welding by screw thread In brake pipe.The release lever of example has the ASTM A36 steel of 1/2 inch diameter, and it has closed annular end and for system The oil-feed of dynamic cylinder relief valve operates and arranges.Braking container can be the design of full welding manufacture.Braking rod member wearing plate can Think all-metal type UW-116.Safe apparatus can observe AAR and FRA requirement and the first car can be examined by FRA inspector Look into.Handle can be 3/4 " round bar forging of ASTM A576GR1015 steel.Ladder can have and is anchored on L2X2X 3/16ASTM The handle of A36 steel frame.Ladder assembly can be locked by bolt or threaded screw bolt and nut fastening as applicable In vehicle body.Bottom girder pedal can be the ASTM A36 steel of 2 inches of 1/2 inch of X, and is alternatively located in each turning of car Place is simultaneously anchored on side bottom girder by 5/8 inch of securing member.Cuddy board is 1912 " X 100 " in one example and installs On the two ends of car.Steel surface can be antirust, antiscale, dust-proof, grease proofing and moistureproof and cleaned.Side, end and underframe can Become the surface treatment (SSPC SP-6) of commercial quality with sandblasting before spraying.Air valve, rim brake door, slack adjuster etc. are alternatively It is not removed during sandblasting and be affected by suitable protection.Not enterable and open at the metal of air to gold after assembling The lap joint belonging to or surface can be sprayed with welding priming paint before assembling.The outer surface of sidepiece and end can be used The aqueous acrylic emulsion of the minimum build of 4 Mills is sprayed.For all railcars, all sprays can basis Gunderson spraying specification is unleaded.Reporter marker and car numbering can inner side in the ground steel punching presses of No. 2 axles in center bottom girder On BL side and on the side bottom girder of BR corner of car.Spray mark can according to the chapters and sections " L " of AAR manual of standards and proposed specifications and The requirement of client, and can be based on 263000 pounds of total rail load.Gum labeling can be according to AAR specification M-947 next life Produce.Lorry, and can be in the right-hand side of body side frame can have one layer of (1 layer) primer coating when truck manufacturers receive On tension member, spray is marked with labelling and the car numbering of Consumer Reports.Route clamp, per car two, can be for being welded in car sidepiece All-metal type.Route clamp can spray and outside vehicle body identical color.Railcar 12 can be equipped with two (2) AEI (equipment identification automatically) label.Screw bolt and nut can threaded according to for U.S.'s thread standard 2 class cooperation the U.S. The stab screw thread series of thread standard 2A class external screw thread and 2B class female thread.Bolt head can be according to Unite States Standard regular hexagon. Unless specifically indicated, nut can be Unite States Standard ASTM specification A563GR A or higher.Unless specifically indicated, high-strength bolt ASTM specification A325 or higher can be met.The self-locking nut meeting AAR specification M-922 can be used in control valve, combination Formula container, brake cylinder, keeper valve and angie type pipe close " u "-shaped bolt are anchored on the bolt of vehicle body support member.Meet AAR specification The self-locking cap screw of M-922 can be used for for all flange pipe fittings being fastened on container, ABDW valve, brake cylinder and keeper valve On.Riveting clamping screw application can save Part II according to the chapter 5 C of AAR manual of standards and proposed specifications.Welding practice Part II can be saved according to the chapter 5 C of AAR manual of standards and proposed specifications.

Other details with regard to transport

With reference to Figure 22, show proppant transmission system 210 according to embodiments of the present invention.Proppant transmission system 210 Including the track 212 being formed with annular feature.Container tractor-trailer 214 is movably positioned on track 212.Proppant is supplied Stand in 216 positioning in rails 212.Container tractor-trailer 214 can move to the position under proppant supply station 216 along track 212 Put.Proppant discharge station 218 positions adjacent to another part of track 212.Container tractor-trailer 214 track-movable is to phase Position adjacent to proppant discharge station 218.Proppant transportation route 220 is extended with track 212 positioned in spaced relation.Crane 222 There is the part adjacent to proppant discharge station 218 and the another part adjacent to Container Transport path 220.Crane 222 It is suitable to make proppant container mobile towards Container Transport path 20 from proppant discharge station 218.

In the exemplary embodiment of figure 22, crane is gantry crane 224.So, gantry crane 224 has position In the part directly over proppant discharge station 218 be located at the another part on Container Transport path 220.

Container Transport path is illustrated as the form of road in fig. 22.Multiple lorries 226 and 228 are movably positioned in On Container Transport path 220.Lorry 226 and lorry 228 can position under gantry crane 224 with using carrying out self-supporting Move between the position of the well of the proppant of agent container.Lorry 226 is illustrated as thering is positioning container 230 thereon.

Proppant supply station 216 includes being arranged in the multiple silos 232,234 and 236 on loader frame 238.Loader On frame 238 positioning in rail 212.Various trolleys 214 are illustrated as the inside through loader frame 238.In trolley 214 Each multiple container including thereon.Each of container on trolley 214 will be opened at end thereon.This Sample, the proppant in silo 232,234 and 236 can discharge, by gravity, each the proppant collection being directed on trolley 214 In vanning.

Conveyer 240 can be from the upper end being away from the position of track 212 towards each of silo 232,234 and 236 Extend.So, conveyer 240 can be used in the proppant that is dried of large volume is sent in silo.So, proppant is permissible Storage is in the silo in case required.When there being the demand to proppant, then trolley 214 can move along track 212 to move Move in loader frame 238.Then silo 232,234 and 236 can be opened, and proppant is sent to each on trolley In container.After container is filled, it can be mobile towards proppant discharge station 218 along track 212.Typically, conveyer 240 can make the proppant of the drying through dry run and grain-by-grain seed selection process shift towards silo.So, propping up through these processes Support agent is quickly charged with container to avoid any being injuriously exposed to natural environment.

As seen from Figure 22, it is provided with another proppant discharge station 242.In other words, exist and be arranged at proppant discharge Stand 242 another gantry crane 244.Gantry crane 244 has the part covering track 212 and covers container fortune The another part in defeated path 220.So, container can suitably be risen by gantry crane 244 from trolley 214, and By trolley move to ground 46 on position or container 248 stock heap on another container top on position Put.Gantry crane 244 can also be used to the stock heap making the container 230 of sky move to empty container 250 from lorry 226 On.It can also be used to be placed on the ground such container.So, the region Jiang Bao under gantry crane 224 and 244 Include the stock heap of the container 244 filling proppant and the stock heap of empty container 250.The stock of the container 248 filled Heap is positioned adjacent at track 212.The stock heap 50 of empty container is shown within closer to Container Transport path 220 Place.Importantly, in the present invention, these stock heaps 248 and 250 can be can according to the expectation of the concrete system used and Require exchange.Proppant being produced, be dried and particle size separation after, can continue to be stored in stock heap 250, sudden and violent to avoid It is exposed to natural environment.

Lorry 226 is used for the transmission of the proppant container of sky.So, there is the flat board on the chassis positioned at lorry 226 Empty container 230 on front portion and the empty container 252 on the chassis rear portion of lorry 226.Because container 230 and 256 It is empty, lorry 226 can be used to haul a pair of container, and more containers may be hauled.Once however, container Be filled, lorry 228 will have the flat board on the chassis being positioned at lorry 228 trailing wheel front portion on container 258.So, goods Car 228 can be used to for the container filled to be sent to well site.The chassis of lorry 228 can be US Design Patent the Type described in D694,670 and No. D688,597.This chassis is also in the co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. of the application It is described in No. 13/854,405.

These gantry cranes 224 and 244 can be across sizable distance.So, it is configurable to extend and oversteps the limit The distance between road 212 and Container Transport path 20.Additionally, each in gantry crane 224 and 244 is supported on wheel. So, it can suitably move to catch any one container in heap 248 and 250 under it.If necessary, door Formula crane 244 can be used to remove empty container and be stacked in heap 250.Gantry crane 224 can be used to fill Full container moves in stock heap 248.Gantry crane 224 can also be used to the container filled from discharge station 218 The trolley 214 at place removes and container moves to from trolley 214 the stock heap 248 of the container filled.Gate-type lifting Machine 224 can also be used to empty container 230 removes from the chassis of lorry 226 and is placed on such container the collection of sky On the stock heap 250 of vanning.Equally, each in gantry crane 224 and 244 can so configured or exchange, enabling Carry out any one of above operation or whole.It is true that within the concept of the invention, single gantry crane can be used for Desired whole purpose herein.

Visible in fig. 22, there is the railroad track 260 adjacent to Container Transport path 220 positioning.Railroad track 260 There are the multiple railcars 262 rollably positioning thereon.So, within idea of the invention, each railcar 262 can With for delivering the container 264 on its flat board.Such railcar of the present invention is in US Design Patent Shown in No. D703,585.So, gantry crane 224 and 244 alternative one can be suitably mobile, or railcar can With mobile so that the container filled can be placed in railcar or the container of sky can remove from railcar.By showing The mode of example, gantry crane 244 can be used to be raised and by such empty container empty container from railcar It is placed on stock heap 250.Gantry crane 244 can also be used to move to such empty container from stock heap 250 and hangs Fortune car 214.So, container will be suitable for moving to, by trolley 214, the position supporting within supply station 216.Additionally, gate-type Crane 224 can be used to remove the container filled from one of trolley 244, and the container filled is placed On stock heap 248.Gantry crane 224 can also be used to remove and by this container the container filled from stock heap 48 It is placed in railcar 262.

In an embodiment, Container Transport path 220 can be used for transmitting empty proppant container and/or transmission is filled Proppant container to well site.If necessary, detached path can be used for the transmission of proppant container of sky and is used for The purpose of the transmission of the container filled.Similarly, railroad track 60 can be used for transmitting empty proppant container or transmission The proppant container filled is to well site alternative one.Additionally or alternatively, detached tram-line 60 can be also used for these Alternative purpose.

Figure 23 is another view of the operation illustrating embodiment.Especially, system 210 includes track 212.It can be seen that, track 212 is the annular form extending to proppant discharge station 218 and 242 from proppant supply station 16.Each trolley 214 is illustrated as In positioning in rail 212.In fig 23, arrow 270 illustrates the direction that trolley 214 is advanced.Especially, there is the collection of unloaded The trolley 272 of vanning is advanced along track 212 to enter loader frame 238.The silo row from proppant supply station 216 for the proppant Go out in the empty container on trolley 272.So, trolley 272 can move along track 212 to enter proppant discharge station 242.Therefore, gantry crane 244 can be used to rise the proppant filled container from trolley 272, and by proppant Container is placed on stock heap 248.

Figure 23 illustrates proppant treatment plant 271.Proppant treatment plant 271 will process unprocessed proppant, drying Proppant and proppant is separated with quality according to granularity.Treated proppant is sent to accumulation 276 along conveyer 273.Not The proppant of processing is piled up 274 and also be figure 23 illustrates.This unprocessed proppant can transport along another conveyer Proppant treatment plant.Treated proppant is piled up 276 and is positioned adjacent to track 212.Conveyer 240 is used for propping up treated Support agent is sent in each silo 216.Treated proppant can also be dried in silo 216.Undressed process Proppant is piled up 274 and can be sent to the position adjacent to proppant treatment plant 271.

There is accumulation 274 He of the proppant producing at the well site in the position adjacent to track 212 in fig 23 276.Conveyer 240 is used for for proppant in bulk being sent to each silo 216 from accumulation 274 and 276.Proppant 274 He in bulk 276 can be sent to such position by railcar.

Figure 23 also illustrates that lorry 278.Lorry 278 has the proppant container 280 and 282 of sky on its chassis.Further Secondaryly, because container 280 and 282 is empty, lorry 278 can be used for transmitting the proppant container of more than one sky.Door Formula crane 224 be used for by empty container 280 and 282 from the chassis of lorry 278 remove and by such empty container place On the stock heap 250 of empty container.Then lorry 78 will have the chassis of sky.Lorry 278 then can move to proppant Discharge station 242 is so that gantry crane 224 can load from propping up that stock heap 228 is filled on the flat board on the chassis of lorry Support agent container.Lorry 278 is illustrated as the container 284 filled having on the flat board being positioned at truck chassis now.Due to The container 284 filled is extremely heavy, and lorry 278 only can transport single container.The container that this is filled is shown within Center position before trailing wheel on the flat board of trailer.Then lorry 278 is illustrated as edge together with the proppant container filled Road 86 moves towards ore deposit.

Figure 23 also illustrates that there is the railcar 290 thereon with several sky proppant containers.Again, gate-type rises Heavy-duty machine 224 can be used to empty proppant container is removed and is placed on this empty container from railcar 290 to deposit On stockpile 50.Then railcar can move to discharge station 242 so that gantry crane 244 can be by the proppant filled collection Vanning is placed into the flat board of rolling stock 290 from stock heap 248.Then rolling stock 290 can be along track 292 towards expectation Destination moves.

If be necessary in an embodiment, then in each gantry crane 224 and 244 or gantry crane 224 and 244 Only one can be used to the vehicle from railway 220 by empty proppant container and be transferred directly to trolley 214.With Sample, each gantry crane 224 and 244 can be used to for the proppant filled container to be transferred directly to goods from trolley 214 On the flat board of chassis or on the flat board of rolling stock.When the supply of stock container exhausts by this thing happens.

In an embodiment, gantry crane 224 and 244 is intermodal gantry crane, and it is used for manipulating the sum of sky Full proppant container.These proppant containers can move to or move from lorry flat board, railcar, trolley, expire Stock heap and empty stock heap.Track 212 is little circular orbit, and the trolley of the empty proppant container of delivery is drawn by it Lead loader frame to be loaded, and so that the proppant container filled is moved under gantry crane.So, Full proppant container so positioning is so that it can move to the stock heap of the container filled.Silo is used in product The final products of proppant are preserved before being loaded into proppant container.Each railcar substantially can be for being used in particular for every The trolley special of four or more proppant containers is transported on individual rolling stock.Trailer can be chassis special trailer, It may be respectively used for transporting two or more empty proppant containers or single full proppant container.Described herein Proppant container be to show in US Design Patent D688,772, D688,351, D688,349 and No. D688,350 The type going out., also shown in U.S. Patent No. 8,622,251 and 8,505,780, it is all right for such container Answer the application.

In an embodiment, when empty proppant container passes through railcar or lorry and returns from place, railcar or goods Car is positioned on the track extending under gantry crane or road.Empty container is moved by crane from lorry or railcar Except to empty stock heap.Once the container of sky removes from railcar or lorry, gantry crane will start from full container Stock heap is reloading with railcar or lorry.Once train or lorry complete to be reloading with, it will leave proppant ore deposit.By using hanging Fortune car can be occurred with said process filling proppant container simultaneously.The steady flow of empty proppant container is directed into Fill in the loader frame of the proppant of silo.Once filling, proppant container exits loader frame, then around handling Advance and be positioned under gantry crane until it in track road.The proppant container that these are filled subsequently removes from trolley, It is placed on the stock heap of the container filled, then replaced by the empty proppant container of the stock heap from empty container Change.The empty container replaced is sent to loader frame to repeat this process along track and trolley.

The embodiment of method and system is illustrated at the exemplary well site 530 in Figure 24.Figure 24 is for example included by wooden pallet The removable floor 532 made, in order to use heavy-duty machinery, including one or more fork trucks 534, crane 535 or its His hydraulic driver, container 900 is taken turns lorry 544 from railway 46 or 18 and loads and unload.Railcar 548 specific design To accommodate such as four containers 900 of side offside arrangement and receiving proppant.Container 900 is stackable；In well site 530 Place, container 900S1 can be stacked on other containers 900S2 to reduce occupation of land face at well site 530 for the container 900 Long-pending, so that free space maximizes.Container 900 for example can be at maximum up to three floor heights in well site 530 stacking.Because all Proppant 538 containerzation transport, so in prior art the where in well site 530 park lorry and train and unloading The logistical problem of support agent 538 is excluded.Well site 530 can also include the blender 536 for mixing proppant 538, proppant 538 can include the quartz sand exploited, but potentially include sand, pottery or the Alumina being applied or processing, wherein fracturing fluid It is usually proprietary mixture.Well site can also include being pumped in pit shaft 542 proppant 538 and other fracturing fluids with high pressure Pressure break machinery 540.For example, the embodiment of system is so that be used for being placed into other phases in blender 36 and well site 30 The transfer hoping the fracturing sand of position has the generation of quartzy dust 50 of reduction and the risk being discharged in the air.

Figure 25 A-25C illustrates the exemplary cross-sectional of container.Although being discussed above the details of funnel structure, Reference picture 25A-25C discusses other various details.Funnel structure 918 includes the lower inside 922 of multiple inclinations of container 900. The lower inside 922 of multiple inclinations is generally in the center of bottom 906 and has one or more openings 924.Multiple inclinations Lower inside 922 is designed to ensure that, when proppant 538 is guided out container 900, proppant 5538 flows directly from container 900 Substantially empty to it.When each respective container 900 level, the lower inside of the inclination of each respective container 900 922 from the inwall 926 of respective container 900 towards the bottom 906 of container with respect to each respective bottom of container 900 Horizontal plane 920 is sloped inwardly with about 31 degree to about 37 degree of angle 928.Below the experiment that more discusses fully it has been shown that This angle 928 is especially effective from whole releases of the inside of container 900 in proppant 38.Any residue in container 900 Proppant 38 for example have the work in the near zone to container 900 during container 900 is transported to another location The risk that people threatens.Additionally, because the lower inside 922 of multiple inclinations tilts in this regard, proppant 38 will not be such as it Directly go out from inside like that when not tilting.On the contrary, proppant 38 is along the lower inside 922 of multiple inclinations towards one or more Opening 924 flows, and forms counterbore or funnel 930, to reduce when the product of proppant 38 quartzy dust 50 when container 900 flows out Life and release.

As shown in Fig. 9 D to 9E, limit material gate 932 is to be positioned each within the track 933 on bottom 906 each From container 900 inclination lower inside 922 one or more openings 924 on or adjacent thereto.Limit material gate 932 is permissible For plane and design to cover one or more openings 924.Limit material gate 932 can be metering gate or art technology Personnel are known, can control the other structures of the stream of proppant 538 from one or more openings 924.Limit material gate 932 Including from the limit material handle 934 to outside fix for the gate 932.Reference picture 25A-25C, such as in the embodiment of system, limit material gate So that being connected to the actuator of fork 500 on one or more forks 500 that 932 handle 934 is designed as be placed on conveyer 1000 502 can move limit material gate 932 to strengthen opening or closing of the one or more openings 924 to container 900.For There is receiving such size of about two proppants 538 and the container 900 of size, actuator 502 can be by hydraulic pressure or automatically controlled Make and to strengthen the opening and closing to limit material gate 932.For example, if using hydraulic means, then multiple hydraulic hoses 503 can To connect the actuator to one or more electromotors 710.For example, if using electronic installation, then can use a plurality of Cable 505 is connecting the actuator to one or more electromotors 710.Wireless connection is also expected.People in the art Member is it will be understood that the various connections to electromotor 710 and controller 1017 can be used for powering for actuator 502.Limit material gate 932 can Locally controlled on well site 530 to be remotely controlled by the Internet or by operator or machine.This limit material gate 932 also control the speed that proppant 38 flows out from container 900, are existed with reducing the quartzy dust 550 being associated with proppant 538 Generation at one or more openings 924 and be discharged in the air.

As Figure 24,25A, 25C, 26A-62C are visible, one or more compartments 1002 of conveyer 1000 can include example As turning 1022, track, key connects and convex-concave connects.These turnings 1022 for example can be by steel or other similar material systems Become.Container 900 is not required to will fit closely on each compartment 1002.On the contrary, for example, turning 1022 only needs to container So that container 900 will not fall from conveyer 1000 in 900 positions being directed on compartment 1002.Alternately, packaging Case 900 can fit snugly on compartment 1002.However, once container 900 is positioned on compartment 1002, even if not any This turning 1022, its net weight generally also can prevent container 900 mobile, and then compartment 1002 does not need there is any this paper institute This turning 1022 of description.In the embodiment of system, as shown in figure 24, for example, fork truck 534, crane 535 or other are heavy The container 900 with proppant 38 is raised above on the top of each compartment 1002 of conveyer 1000 simultaneously by type machinery And the container 900 with proppant 538 being dropped to position on conveyer 1000, conveyer 1000 is included from conveyer Each the respective vertically extending steel in turning turning 1022 of the respective compartment 1002 of each of 1000.Reference picture 25C, compartment each Individual turning 1022 has multiple load transducers 1024, its be used for determining conveyer 1000 each is each every on compartment 1002 The weight of individual container 900.In an embodiment of the present invention, for example, load transducer 1024 is positioned at four of compartment 1002 In each of turning.By its weight, these load transducers 1024 notify that each is stayed by operator or machine how many proppants 38 In container 900, therefore operator or machine know when to another container filling proppant 38 at well site 30 900 replacing each empty container 900.Each load transducer 1024 passes through cable 1025 or sends a telegram here wirelessly through lamp 1026 Property or wirelessly communicate, with to operator or machine instruction container 900 be appropriately positioned on compartment 1002.For example, work as collection When vanning 900 is appropriately positioned on compartment 1002, lamp 1026 for example can become green from redness.It should be appreciated that such as Fruit substitutes turning 1022 using alternative structure, then fork truck 534 does not need to make each container 900 be raised above biography Send on the turning 1022 of compartment 1002 of machine 1000.In this way, fork truck 34 for example can make container 900 ramp up Play the height of top surface 1020 of conveyer 1000 and slide into container 900 on each compartment 1002.

The conveyer 1000 with the multiple compartments 1002 being adapted to containment container 900 can also have conveyer 1000 Top surface 1020 in multiple openings 1028.Multiple openings 1028 are positioned at the multiple containers 900 on conveyer 1000 Each under so that from each container 900 flow out proppant 538 will be through each opening 1028.In Figure 25 A-25C Shown in the embodiment illustrating, each opening 1028 has one or more forks 500, and it is positioned at one or more openings 1028 On or be adjacent, one or more fork 500 be adapted to containment container 900 limit material gates 932 handles 934, with The corresponding handle 934 of the limit material gate 932 of vanning 900 engages, contacts or communicates.The handle 934, one or more of limit material gate 932 Individual fork 500 or its both, together with each load transducer 1024 at turning 1022, by cable 1025 or wirelessly with lamp 1026 electrically or wirelessly communicate, and are aligned with the handle 934 in limit material gate 932 or are located at one or more forks of compartment 1002 It is in appropriate location to operator or machine instruction container 900 when in 500.Container 900 is fastened or is placed into conveyer The various companies that actuator 502 is operated to the limit material gate 932 of container 900 are allow on 1000 top surface 1020 Connect device or contact will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The embodiment of conveyer 1000 for example can also include multiple conveyer hoppers 600, and it is oriented to adjacent to transmission At multiple openings 1028 in the top surface 1020 of machine 1000 or under multiple openings 1028.Multiple conveyer hoppers 600 It is positioned so as to when container 900 is placed on conveyer 1000, each conveyer hopper 600 is located at each container 900 The limit material gate 932 of one or more openings 924 under.As shown in Figure 25 A-25C and Figure 26 A-26C, each conveyer Hopper 600 can include the side 602 of multiple inclinations, to be formed for working as proppant 538 in operation from each container 900 Holder or funnel structure that proppant 38 enters into and through is made during discharge.The side 602 of multiple inclinations can include a pair of short side 604A1,604A2 and long a pair side 604B1,604B2.Based on experimental result, short side 604A1-A2 can have with respect to level Funnel angle 605A of face 1020 about 35 to 40 degree or slope (including such as 38 degree), and long side 604B1-B2 can have phase Funnel angle 605B for horizontal plane 1020 about 28 to 33 degree or slope (including such as 31 degree), so that conveyer hopper 600 Capacity and from conveyer hopper 600 proppant 538 maximum flow.

In the embodiment continuously illustrating from Figure 26 A to Figure 26 C, for example, proppant 538 can from conveyer hopper 600 Control ground discharge so that arbitrarily once in all without discharging excessive proppant 538.This embodiment prevents in conveyer band 700 Produce the cloud and mist of quartzy dust 550 in region, so that the transmission efficiency that proppant 538 arrives conveyer band 700 is maximized simultaneously.

As shown in Figure 27 A-27B and 28A-28B, each conveyer band is adapted to reduction and is subject to guiding ground in proppant 538 Produce and discharge the wind of quartzy dust 550 when multiple conveyer hoppers 600 drop into one or more conveyer bands 700 Danger.One or more conveyer bands 700 each can include multiple subregions 712.The embodiment of multiple subregions 712 can include many Outer wall 716 on individual finger piece 714 and every side.Each conveyer band 700 each can be fabricated to including or integrate the plurality of Finger piece 714 and outer wall 716.Alternately, multiple finger pieces 714 and outer wall 716 can use economically acceptable bonding Agent is connected to the top surface 702 of conveyer band.

As shown in the embodiment of Figure 27 A-27B and Figure 28 A-28B, conveyer band 700 is positioned multiple conveyer hoppers At 600 one or more controllable openings 610 or near it, it is flow to from multiple containers 900 in proppant 538 with reducing Or produce when being reached on one or more conveyer bands 700 by multiple conveyer hoppers 600 and the quartzy dust 550 of release Risk.In an embodiment, for example, conveyer band 700 is substantially closed.

As shown by the breaking portion by Figure 28 A, once conveyer band 700 is through being positioned on conveyer 1000 The end of last container 900, conveyer band 700 just by one or more rollers 708 towards the of conveyer 1000 Two ends 1014 boot up.This part 802 of conveyer band 700 can with respect to the horizontal plane 1020 with about 30 to 60 degree angles Degree 805 travels upwardly, and described horizontal plane 1020 extends from conveyer band 700 while parallel to ground.As Figure 28 A-28B institute Show, the part 802 of the conveyer band 700 travelling upwardly also extends through guard shield 800, wherein limits the coating cap of conveyer band 700 Divide 802.When conveyer 1000 level, covered portionss 802 become the angle 805 of about 30 to 60 degree to be positioned at horizontal plane 1020 Between last container 900 and entrance 824 of chute 822 on conveyer 1000.The second end in conveyer 1000 At 1014, one or more conveyer bands 700 are turned and towards conveyer 1000 within substantially closed chute 822 First end 1012 is travel downwardly.As shown in Figure 28 B, turn with conveyer band 700, proppant 38 passes through gravity supply 812 and sinks Amass in the chute 822 of closure.Proppant 38 flows down chute 822 and in operator 806 or machine from the opening of chute 822 Deposit at 826 guiding proppants 38, but chute 822 can be positioned in, at well site 530, proppant 38 be deposited to blender material In bucket 810.

In an embodiment, if for example conveyer 1000, one or more conveyer band 700 or chute 822 are orientated as Proppant 538 is deposited in the blender hopper 810 being at one or more conveyer bands 700 or under it, or If person's chute 822 is orientated as proppant 538 is deposited in hole, then conveyer band 700 is at the second end of conveyer 1000 Do not need at 1014 to travel upwardly, but level can be kept or advance along downward path.This embodiment of the present invention can be wrapped Include along basic horizontal or downward path from the first end 1012 of conveyer 1000 to the second end 1014 extend one or more Conveyer band 700, it is located under multiple conveyer hoppers 600 and deposits to proppant 38 in chute 822 or directly sink Amass blender hopper 810 and be not passed through covered portionss 802.In this embodiment, chute 822 or blender hopper 810 quilt Adjustment or orientate as keep lower than top surface 702 ground relatively of conveyer band 700 so that proppant 38 is in conveyer band 700 turn around roller 708 and pass through gravity supply 812 and be deposited directly in chute 822 or blender hopper 810 alternative one. This embodiment for example provides one or more electromotors 710, and if there is controller 1017, then its may need from Second end 1014 of conveyer 1000 moves to first end 1012 to adapt to going of covered portionss 802 at the second end 1014 Remove.In this embodiment, the wheel 1016 of conveyer 1000 may be moved to the first end 1012 of conveyer 1000.This embodiment Blender hopper hatchcover 1208 and multiple curtain 1200 can also be included, produced at well site 530 and the quartzy dust of release with reducing 550 risk.

Reference picture 28A-28B, guard shield 800 is case, pipe or travels upwardly towards the second end 1014 of conveyer 1000 at it When substantially or entirely surround conveyer band 700 covered portionss 802 structure of container.Guard shield 800 can be to close and thin Long case, it has four sides 816A, 816B, 816C, 816D and first end 818A and the second end 818B, and every one end is all That opens is passed through with permission conveyer band.The side 816A-816D of guard shield 800 can include multiple steel plates, and it is around conveyer belt 700 It is bolted together and is bolted at first end 818A conveyer, at the second end 818B, be bolted to chute 822.This material is not Need for steel plate, but seamless steel case can also be included or by other metalloids, plastics, fabric, oilcloth or other sheet material systems The other structures becoming.Guard shield 800 does not need to surround conveyer band 700 completely.Exception, guard shield 800 can include oilcloth, its covering There is the top surface 702 of the conveyer band 700 of multiple subregions 712, and use securing member 820, such as elastic band, rope, slide fastener Or other connection units, it is connected to the second end 1014 of conveyer 1000 at first end 818A of guard shield 800 and in guard shield It is connected to chute 822 at 800 the second end 818B.Alternately, guard shield 800 and chute 822 can be overall or logical for one each other Cross bolt, welding or similar connection unit to be fully connected.Guard shield 800 is adapted and orientates reduction as in proppant 38 along conveyer With the quartz associated there generation of dust 50 and the risk of release during 700 transmission.Guard shield 800 also prevents wind by proppant 38 Blow off conveyer band 700 and proppant 38 is drenched by rain, these can hinder proppant 38 to carry out suitable being blown into.

Claims

1. the equipment of a kind of transport for proppant and storage, described equipment includes：

Container, described container has roof, a pair of end walls and a pair of sidewalls, the pair of side wall the pair of end wall it Between extend, described container has bottom discharge outlet, and described container has inner space, and described container has from described one The funnel that offside wall and the pair of end wall extend towards described bottom discharge outlet, described funnel has with respect to the horizontal plane with big The side extending in 25 ° of angles.

2. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described funnel includes：

A pair of side plates, the pair of side plate extends towards described bottom discharge outlet from the pair of side wall respectively；And

A pair of end plate, the pair of end plate extends towards described bottom discharge outlet from the pair of end wall respectively.

3. equipment as claimed in claim 2, wherein, each of the pair of end plate is with respect to the horizontal plane with more than 30 ° Angle extend.

4. equipment as claimed in claim 2, wherein, each of the pair of side plate is with respect to the horizontal plane with about 38 ° Angle extends.

5. equipment as claimed in claim 2, wherein, each of the pair of end plate is with respect to the horizontal plane with less than 37 ° Angle extend.

6. equipment as claimed in claim 5, wherein, each of the pair of end plate is with respect to the horizontal plane with about 31 ° Angle extends.

7. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described roof includes the length with the half of the length more than described roof The opening of degree, described opening has the width of the half of the width less than described roof.

8. equipment as claimed in claim 7, also includes：

Hatchcover, described hatchcover is hingedly connected to described roof by one or more, and described hatchcover has more than described opening Area area, described hatchcover can move between open and closed positions.

9. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described bottom discharge outlet includes the gate coordinating with it, described gate energy Enough shiftings between the primary importance closing described bottom discharge outlet and the second position being at least partially opened described bottom discharge outlet Dynamic.

10. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, each of the pair of end wall is from described roof towards described leakage One top edge of bucket extends downwardly, and each of the pair of side wall is another towards described funnel from described roof Top edge extends downwardly.

11. equipment as claimed in claim 1, also include：

Framework, described framework is fixed on the outer surface of the pair of side wall and is fixed on the outer surface of the pair of end wall.

12. equipment as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described framework includes：

Multiple horizontal bars；And

Multiple vertical members, the plurality of horizontal bars and the plurality of vertical member are with respect to the pair of side wall and described one End wall is arranged with intersecting grid type configuration.

13. equipment as claimed in claim 11, also include：

Multiple holders, the plurality of holder is positioned at each corner of described framework, and the plurality of holder is suitable for configuring It is pin to be accommodated wherein, to allow described container is positioned on support member.

A kind of 14. proppant transmission systems, it includes：

Track；

Container tractor-trailer, it is configured to move along described track；

Proppant supply station, it orientates as adjacent with the Part I of described track, and described container tractor-trailer is configured to edge Described track moves to the position adjacent with described proppant supply station；

Proppant discharge station, it orientates as adjacent with the Part II of described track, and described container tractor-trailer is additionally configured to Move to the position adjacent with described proppant discharge station along described track；

Container Transport path, it is in that spaced relationship extends with described track；And

Crane, its have first crane portion adjacent with described proppant discharge station and with described Container Transport path The second adjacent crane portion, described crane is configured to proppant container from described proppant discharge station towards institute State the transfer of Container Transport path.

15. proppant transmission systems as claimed in claim 14, described crane includes gantry crane, and it has positioned at institute State the first gantry crane part directly over proppant discharge station and be located at second on described Container Transport path Formula crane portion.

16. proppant transmission systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein, described Container Transport path include following in one Individual or more：I () railroad track, and (ii) road, described system also includes：

Container carrier, it is moveably positioned on described Container Transport path, and described container carrier is configured It is move in the position adjacent with described crane and using between the well site position of the proppant of described proppant container Dynamic.

17. proppant transmission systems as claimed in claim 14, described proppant supply station also includes being positioned at described track On silo, described silo is arranged to make proppant be discharged to described container tractor-trailer by gravity from described silo On container in.