Embodiments of methods and systems of transferring proppant for fracking to reduce risk of production and release of silica dust at a well site are provided. An embodiment of a method can include positioning a plurality of containers each having proppant for fracking contained therein onto a conveyor at a well site, downwardly discharging proppant from each respective container of the plurality of containers, funneling proppant from the one or more outlets of each of the plurality of containers through a plurality of conveyor hoppers, receiving proppant onto the conveyor belt, conveying proppant on the conveyor to a chute, and depositing the proppant into the chute for use in a blender or other location at the well site.

Embodiments of methods and systems of transferring proppant for fracking to reduce risk of production and release of silica dust at a well site are provided. An embodiment of a method can include positioning a plurality of containers each having proppant for fracking contained therein onto a conveyor at a well site, downwardly discharging proppant from each respective container of the plurality of containers, funneling proppant from the one or more outlets of each of the plurality of containers through a plurality of conveyor hoppers, receiving proppant onto the conveyor belt, conveying proppant on the conveyor to a chute, and depositing the proppant into the chute for use in a blender or other location at the well site.

A material handling system for use in an underground mining comprises a conveyor. The conveyor transports material from a plurality of draw points along a first direction. At each draw point, a feeder is arranged. Each feeder is configured to load a predetermined amount of material per unit time onto the conveyor during a loading operation. A load calculating unit calculates a load distribution of the material on the conveyor. The calculation is based on a movement speed of the conveyor and an operating time of the plurality of feeders during which a loading operation is performed. Based on the calculated load distribution, the loading operation of the plurality of feeders is controlled to achieve a continuous coverage of conveyor without overloading the same.

A material handling system for use in an underground mining comprises a conveyor. The conveyor transports material from a plurality of draw points along a first direction. At each draw point, a feeder is arranged. Each feeder is configured to load a predetermined amount of material per unit time onto the conveyor during a loading operation. A load calculating unit calculates a load distribution of the material on the conveyor. The calculation is based on a movement speed of the conveyor and an operating time of the plurality of feeders during which a loading operation is performed. Based on the calculated load distribution, the loading operation of the plurality of feeders is controlled to achieve a continuous coverage of conveyor without overloading the same.

Embodiments of methods and systems of transferring proppant for fracking to reduce risk of production and release of silica dust at a well site are provided. An embodiment of a method can include positioning a plurality of containers each having proppant for fracking contained therein onto a conveyor at a well site, downwardly discharging proppant from each respective container of the plurality of containers, funneling proppant from the one or more outlets of each of the plurality of containers through a plurality of conveyor hoppers, receiving proppant onto the conveyor belt, conveying proppant on the conveyor to a chute, and depositing the proppant into the chute for use in a blender or other location at the well site.

Embodiments of methods and systems of transferring proppant for fracking to reduce risk of production and release of silica dust at a well site are provided. An embodiment of a method can include positioning a plurality of containers each having proppant for fracking contained therein onto a conveyor at a well site, downwardly discharging proppant from each respective container of the plurality of containers, funneling proppant from the one or more outlets of each of the plurality of containers through a plurality of conveyor hoppers, receiving proppant onto the conveyor belt, conveying proppant on the conveyor to a chute, and depositing the proppant into the chute for use in a blender or other location at the well site.

An automated method and system for transitioning a bottle from a horizontal belt conveyor to the entrance of an air conveyor, and vice versa, from an air conveyor to a horizontal belt conveyor. An indexer in a circular arrangement moves around 180 degrees clockwise until the bottle drops into the air conveyor (e.g., pneumatic tube). This motion controls the bottle's movement; otherwise, the bottle would free-fall off the conveyor. The indexer rotary device provides control of the vial transition, keeping it vertical so it goes into the tube in a controlled manner.

An automated method and system for transitioning a bottle from a horizontal belt conveyor to the entrance of an air conveyor, and vice versa, from an air conveyor to a horizontal belt conveyor. An indexer in a circular arrangement moves around 180 degrees clockwise until the bottle drops into the air conveyor (e.g., pneumatic tube). This motion controls the bottle's movement; otherwise, the bottle would free-fall off the conveyor. The indexer rotary device provides control of the vial transition, keeping it vertical so it goes into the tube in a controlled manner.

A hopper apparatus comprises a movable wall comprising opposing walls movably connected to a support assembly and oriented at acute angles relative to a central vertical axis of the support assembly, and movement control devices configured and positioned to move the opposing walls along the support assembly to control dimensions of a discharge outlet at least partially defined by converging ends of the opposing walls; a liner assembly comprising liner structures at least partially overlying inner surfaces of the opposing walls and configured to remain at least partially stationary relative to the opposing walls during movement of the opposing walls; and pressure sensors between the inner surfaces of opposing walls and portions of the liner structures thereover. A bulk solids processing system and a method of processing a bulk solid are also described.

The invention relates to a hygienic modular feed device for an inspection device, in particular an X-ray inspection device, for transferring products of a product stream consisting of bulk material, which is supplied from a substantially vertical z direction into a substantially horizontal conveying direction x and thus onto a conveying plane located in the x-y direction perpendicular to the z direction, wherein the feed device has an inlet opening above, as viewed in the z direction, oriented substantially in the z direction, and an outlet opening below, as viewed in the z direction, oriented substantially in the x direction, both openings being connected to an intermediate region, the intermediate region having a curved wall on the rear side, as viewed at least in the conveying direction x, to gently change the direction of the products from the z direction into the x direction, such that the pressure generated by the falling movement of the products is at least partially absorbed by the wall, and accordingly the pressure of the product stream on a conveyor system, in particular conveyor belt, arranged below the outlet opening is reduced. The invention also relates to a method for optimizing inspection outcomes using such an inspection device.