Proppant dispensing system with intermediate surge hopper

US11408248B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Proppant Express Solutions, LLC · US

Inventors

• Matthew Oehler · Katy, US
• Marc Kevin Fisher · Castle Rock, US
• Ian Wilson · Melbourne, AU
• Scott Joseph D'Agostino · Bozeman, US
• Mark John D'Agostino · Bozeman, US
• Brian Dorfman · Denver, US
• Cory Snyder · Denver, US
• William Scott Malone · Denver, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 2020
• Grant date: Aug 9, 2022
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B43/267
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A proppant container facilitates the transportation of wet sand for use in a hydraulic fracturing operation. A metering conveyor is positioned between a blender tub and a proppant motive mechanism, such as a conveyor or wash system that receives discharge direct from proppant containers of the type normally used to transport sand in support of a hydraulic fracturing operation. The metering conveyor is fitted with equipment including an intermediate surge hopper with a vibration system and a knife-edge gate that may be used to facilitate the operational movement of sand.