The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

A stackable container system configured to carry material includes at least one container having a first end and a second end, a holding area for the material, the holding area extending from the first end to the second end, a first opening at the second end, the material controllably releasable from the holding area through the first opening, and a chute that passes through the holding area, the chute extending from the first end to the second end, a first end of the chute including a receiving portion having a larger area than a combined area of the first opening and a second end of the chute.

A stackable container system configured to carry material includes at least one container having a first end and a second end, a holding area for the material, the holding area extending from the first end to the second end, a first opening at the second end, the material controllably releasable from the holding area through the first opening, and a chute that passes through the holding area, the chute extending from the first end to the second end, a first end of the chute including a receiving portion having a larger area than a combined area of the first opening and a second end of the chute.

A tank support base and skid apparatus provides a frame having upper and lower end portions, left and right side portions and front and rear portions. The upper end portion has a front row of tank receptive supports and a back row of tank receptive supports. A frame floor is spaced vertically below the tank receptive support. The frame has a peripheral fluid barrier that includes a front wall, a rear wall and side walls that form the fluid barrier around the floor, each side wall extending from the floor to a tank receptive support. First and second internal support members span from one side of the frame to the other side of the frame and each spaced between the front wall and the rear wall. Each tank receptive support includes horizontal beams that span from the front wall to the rear wall and supported by the internal support members vertical members that each connect with a horizontal beam. Inclined plates each connect to both a horizontal beam and a vertical member. Stops mounted on the beams separate a tank receptive support of the first row with a tank receptive support of the back row.

In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for handling bulk material in a manner that reduces dust, noise, and emissions are provided. The presently disclosed techniques use portable containers to transfer bulk material from a transportation unit to a blender inlet. The containers may be carried to the location on the transportation unit, where a hoisting mechanism is used to remove the container from the transportation unit and place it in a desired location. When bulk material is needed at the blender inlet, the hoisting mechanism may position the container of bulk material onto an elevated support structure. Once on the support structure, the container may be opened to release bulk material to a gravity feed outlet, which routes the bulk material from the container directly into the blender inlet. The disclosed containerized bulk material transfer system and method allows for reduced dust, noise, and emissions on location.

A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

A redox flow battery transport structure includes a cell stack that includes a plurality of stacked layers of battery cells of a redox flow battery; a container in which the cell stack is housed; and a vibration absorbing member that vertically supports the cell stack from below in the container.

The present invention is directed to a bridging apparatus. The apparatus may be used to span the gap between a vertically movable storage container and a stationary floor structure when a landing of the storage container is planar to a landing of the stationary floor structure. In this invention, the bridging apparatus comprises a bracket, an overlay plate, a hinge comprising a rod, glides, and a switch, which interact with each other and with the vertically movable storage container and the stationary floor structure. As the storage container ascends, the glide of the overlay plate slides angularly contacts a vertical wall of the stationary floor structure and glides along the wall. When the storage container landing is planar with the stationary floor structure landing, the overlay plate rotates downward to a 90-degree angle, resting in a recess in the stationary floor structure landing, engaging the switch to terminate power to the vertically movable storage container.

A vertical fluid storage tank including a body extending from a first end to a second end and including a substantially oval-shaped cross-section, a top wall connected to the first end of the body, a bottom wall connected to the second end of the body, at least one access opening positioned on the top wall configured for access to an interior cavity of the body, and at least one discharge valve connected to the body. The storage tank is configured to be arranged in at least two positions. The at least two positions include a first position in which the storage tank is arranged parallel to a surface, and a second position in which the storage tank is arranged perpendicular to the surface. A walkway may be positioned in the interior cavity of the body.