Blender unit with integrated container support frame

US10569242B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Calvin L. Stegemoeller · Hewitt, US
• Bryan Chapman Lucas · Duncan, US
• Bryan John Lewis · Duncan, US
• Austin Carl Schaffner · Duncan, US
• Timothy Holiman Hunter · Duncan, US
• Jim B. Surjaatmadja · Duncan, US
• Wesley John Warren · Marlow, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 22, 2015
• Grant date: Feb 25, 2020
• Expiry date: Sep 11, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01F23/51
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for managing bulk material efficiently at a well site are provided. The disclosure is directed to a container support frame that is integrated into a blender unit. The support frame is used to receive one or more portable containers of bulk material, and the blender unit may include a gravity feed outlet for outputting bulk material from the containers directly into a mixer of the blender unit. The blender unit with integrated support frame may eliminate the need for any subsequent mechanical conveyance of the bulk material (e.g., via a separate mechanical conveying system or on-blender sand screws) from the containers to the mixer. As such, the integrated blender unit may be lighter weight, take up less space, and have a lower cost and complexity than existing blenders.