An improved system and method for fluidizing dry powder-based additives into downhole well operations utilizes a dried, low-volume air stream and an ejector nozzle in order to disperse the powders into a liquid stream. In an embodiment, the system can be placed on a powder blending trailer in order to convey additives directly from bulk transport bins into a liquid stream, through the use of an atmospheric pressure hydration tank fitted with a cyclone separator to ensure an even dispersal into the liquid stream.

The present invention is a dust abatement device that secures over a container. Powdery material, such as plaster, cement, grout or the like, is poured through the device, and mixed with water inside the container. The device has a mounting sleeve and radial manifold. The manifold forms a radial pneumatic channel with a circumferentially disbursed air intake that generates a radially uniform airflow to draw in airborne dust that would otherwise escape to the surrounding air. The manifold is connected to a vacuum with an air filter, and generates a dust shield zone above and around the device, which only extends down from the manifold a few inches. The manifold also funnels material and water into the container, and forms an inner eave that spaces material and water from the air intake, and forms a splash guard to retain upwardly projected splashes of material and water inside the container.

The present invention is a dust shield device that secures over a mixing pail. Powdery material, such as plaster, cement, grout or the like, is poured through the device, and mixed with water inside the pail. The device includes a mounting sleeve, a radial manifold housing and a funnel shaped lid. The manifold housing and lid form a radial pneumatic channel with a circumferentially disbursed air intake that generates a radially uniform airflow that draws in airborne dust that would otherwise escape to the surrounding air. The manifold is connected to a vacuum with an air filter, and generates a dust shield zone air intake zone above the device. The manifold lid forms a radial guard to prevent downward flows of material and water from entering the manifold, and forms a splash guard to retain upwardly projected splashes of material and water inside the pail.

A dust containment system is provided for containing, collecting and extracting airborne contaminants produced during the operation of a machine, such as a bread dough mixer. The containment system includes a hood to fit over the upper portion of a bread mixer to envelop the space above the mixing bowl in order to contain flour dust produced during dough mixing. A vacuum system may be attached to an exhaust port in the hood to create a negative pressure differential on the interior of the containment system and to extract airborne flour dust. A control access panel through the hood is provided to allow a user to operate the control switch of the bread mixer without removing the containment system from the machine.

A powder transfer bag includes a balloon or a membrane sealing its mouth. A connector to be used with the bags allows the bag to connect to a hydration device. A method of hydrating material in a powder transfer bag is provided.

A system for preparing a dry process material includes a sealed container that holds and seals the dry process material therein and prevents airborne dust or particles from the dry process material from escaping the sealed container. Sealed processing equipment receives the dry process material from the sealed container and prevents the airborne dust or particles from escaping the sealed processing equipment. A sealed connection sealingly couples the sealed container to the sealed processing equipment and prevents the airborne dust or particles from escaping while transferring the dry process material. A sealed transfer conduit is sealingly coupled to and extends from the sealed processing equipment.

Dust produced by handling proppant during fracking or other mechanical operations can be a health and/or safety hazard. The dust can be eliminated or at least mitigated using a method of conducting a hydraulic fracturing or other mechanical operation on an oil or gas well including treating a proppant that has been transported to an end use site at a level sufficient to prevent the formation of dust during handling of the proppant.

An improved system and method for fluidizing dry powder-based additives into downhole well operations utilizes a dried, low-volume air stream and an ejector nozzle in order to disperse the powders into a liquid stream. In an embodiment, the system can be placed on a powder blending trailer in order to convey additives directly from bulk transport bins into a liquid stream, through the use of an atmospheric pressure hydration tank fitted with a cyclone separator to ensure an even dispersal into the liquid stream.

Apparatus for controlling dust exhausted from a container. A lid fits over the opening of a container, such as a feed mixer, that receives a stream of ingredients that carries and/or produces dust. The lid includes a pair of wedge-shaped end sections. The proximal ends of the end sections define a lid through-opening, which is sized to receive ingredients poured into the container. Each of the end sections have a cavity with an open bottom that is contiguous with the inside of the container. Inside the cavity is at least one baffle that extends down toward the container. The baffles are configured to redirect particles entrained in the air pushed inside the container. In one embodiment, at least two of the sides of the lid opening are lined with brushes.

Controlling the dust emissions from the discharge of bulk materials from a container provides many benefits. A support structure may include a plurality of outlets or chutes for discharging the bulk material. A dust control damper coupled to the outlets not currently in use for the discharge of bulk material may prevent dust from escaping into the surrounding air. The dust control dampers may automatically transition between a closed position and an open position. A flexibly collapsible shroud may also be coupled to a discharge gate of a container. The shroud may expand to seal against the outlet when bulk material is discharge. A vacuum system at or near an outlet may reclaim any dust that escapes during discharge of the bulk material.