LIGHTWEIGHT TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM

Abstract

Reusable, flexible, lightweight, low cost flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for the delivery of granular proppant material for fracing that will allow the transport of higher weights of proppant, such as sand, per truck load. The invention includes a container made of a high strength, flexible material with a top opening for loading and deploying the proppant. The container can be lifted and deployed with a fork truck or crane. Alternatively, proprietary deployment systems, such as a conveyor system, can be used to quickly and efficiently deploy the proppant from the container at a desired site.

Claims

1. A bulk material containment system comprising: a flexible container comprised of a high strength, flexible fabric configured for storing bulk material; said flexible container comprising a top opening configured for receiving and deploying said bulk material; said flexible container being configured to be stackable upon being filled with bulk material; said flexible container being further configured to be lifted and tipped for deploying said bulk material at a selected location; wherein said flexible container is collapsible to a transportable orientation upon being emptied of said bulk material; a first lifting strap wrapped about an exterior face of said flexible container, said first lifting strap comprising a first set of lifting loops; and a second lifting strap wrapped about said exterior face of said flexible container, said second lifting strap comprising a second set of lifting loops.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a fork lift truck comprising at least two forks and a pivotable arm affixed to said at least two forks; said at least two forks configured for lifting said flexible container by said first and second sets of lifting loops; and said pivotable arm configured for tilting said flexible container such that said bulk material is deployed from said flexible container from said top opening.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a funnel assembly configured to be placed about said top opening of said reusable flexible container, said funnel assembly comprising a spout for deploying said bulk material from said reusable flexible container; and wherein said funnel assembly is removably affixed to said reusable flexible container.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising: a gate valve for opening said spout; and said funnel assembly comprising a vacuum pump configured for removal of dust within said funnel assembly.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an external frame configured for being placed about said flexible container while said flexible container is being filled with said bulk material; and wherein said external frame is removable upon said flexible container being filled.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising tie down straps located at corners of said exterior face of said reusable flexible containers.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a spout about said top opening of said flexible container, said spout configured for filling said reusable flexible container with said bulk material and for deploying said bulk material from said flexible container; a spout clamp about said spout, said spout clamp configured for sealing said spout; and wherein said spout clamp is selectively removable from said spout.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising; at least one zip-top interface configured for sealing said top opening of said flexible container; and one of said at least one zip-top interfaces configured to automatically unzip upon said reusable flexible container being tilted to an angle suitable to deploy said bulk material from said reusable flexible container, thereby allowing said bulk material to be deployed from said reusable flexible container.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising: said at least one zip-top interface comprising an outer zipper and an inner zipper; wherein said one of said at least one zip-top interfaces comprising said inner zipper; and wherein said outer zipper is configured to be manually operated.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a conveyor system comprising a conveyor belt configured for receiving bulk material deployed from said flexible container to a predetermined location; an enclosure configured for receiving said flexible container, said enclosure comprising a spout for deploying bulk material from said reusable flexible container onto said conveyor; and wherein said enclosure is pivotably mounted to a frame at a pivot point such that said enclosure can be pivoted to an angle suitable to deploy said bulk material from said flexible container into said spout and out onto said conveyor belt.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a lever arm affixed to said frame, said lever arm configured for pivoting said enclosure about said pivot point; a hydraulic piston and cylinder affixed to said lever arm, said hydraulic piston and cylinder configured for rotating said lever arm about said pivot point; a gate valve with actuator located in the spout of enclosure; and a hydraulic pump configured for delivering hydraulic power to said piston and cylinder

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: wherein each one of said set of lifting loops comprising a rigid material.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said rigid material is comprised of spring-like material configured to hold said lifting loops away from said flexible container in an open configuration.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a loading system configured to be connected to a top side of said flexible container; and wherein said flexible container is configured to be loaded and unloaded from said loading system.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one band of strengthening material attached horizontally around sides of the flexible container.

16. The loading system of claim 1, further comprising at least two sets of lifting loops per side of the flexible container, said wat least two sets of lifting loops configured to allow said flexible container to be transferred from a first machine having two tines to a second machine having two tines.

17. The loading system of claim 1, further comprising: said first set of lifting loops comprising a first horizontal row of lifting loops; said second set of lifting loops comprising a second horizontal row of lifting loops; and wherein said first and second horizontal rows of lifting loops are configured to allow rotation of said flexible container about a z-axis.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said first set of lifting loops and said second set of lifting loops are separated by a distance greater than one-fifth of a height of said container.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a discharge spout affixed about a top face comprising said top opening of said flexible container.

20. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a pallet comprising vertical structural members; and said vertical structural members configured to support said flexible container during a filling process.

21. A method of loading, transporting, and deploying a granular material, the method comprising the steps: providing a flexible container comprising a base, four walls, and a top having an opening, wherein said base, four walls, and top form and surround an internal space of said flexible container; filling said flexible container with a dry bulk cargo material via said opening; securing said flexible container and transporting said flexible container from a loading site to a deployment site; transferring said flexible container about said deployment site by lifting said flexible container about a first set of lifting loops and a second set of lifting loops, where said first and second sets of lifting loops are located against exterior faces of said four walls; rotating said flexible container such that said dry bulk cargo material is deployed at said deployment site from said flexible container; and reusing said flexible container.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps: inserting a first set of machine tines into said first set of lifting loops; inserting a second set of machine tines into said second set of lifting loops; and transferring said flexible container using a fork truck comprising said first and second fork truck tines.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps: rotating said flexible container about a Z-axis using said fork truck; and deploying said dry bulk cargo material via said opening upon rotating said flexible container up to 180 degrees.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps: sealing said opening of said flexible container with a first zipper; sealing said opening of said flexible container with a second zipper; wherein said first zipper is located inside of said second zipper; manually unzipping said second zipper; and said dry bulk cargo material pressing against and automatically opening said second zipper upon rotating said flexible container.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps: providing a deployment spout and connecting said deployment spout about said opening; and said deployment spout comprising a gate valve for opening and closing said deployment spout.

26. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps: loading said flexible container into a compartment, said compartment comprising a deployment spout and a gate valve for opening and closing said deployment spout; said compartment being pivotally mounted to a frame adjacent to a conveyor assembly comprising a conveyor belt; pivoting said compartment about said frame such that said deployment spout is positioned over said conveyor belt; opening said deployment spout with said gate valve; deploying said dry bulk cargo material onto said conveyor belt; and transferring said dry bulk cargo material about said deployment site using said conveyor assembly.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: activating a hydraulic piston and cylinder; pushing a lever arm affixed to said compartment, thereby pivoting said compartment; and wherein a hydraulic pump powers said hydraulic piston and cylinder.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein each lifting loop of said first and second sets of lifting loops comprising a rigid material

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps: wherein said rigid material is comprised of spring-like material; and holding each one lifting loop in an open configuration with said rigid material, thereby holding said lifting loop away from said flexible container.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps: positioning vertical structural members about said flexible container prior to filling said flexible container; supporting said flexible container with said vertical structural members while filling said flexible container; and removing said vertical structural members upon filling said flexible container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional isometric view of frame elements thereof.

[0032] FIG. 3 is another three-dimensional isometric view of frame elements thereof.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in a raised orientation with a fork truck.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view thereof.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view thereof shown in an unloading orientation.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention including a covering.

[0038] FIG. 9 is another three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in a covered orientation.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a conveyor unloading system which forms another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 11A is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in an unloading orientation.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another embodiment of the present invention shown in a loading orientation.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in a loaded orientation.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a slightly alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in a stored orientation.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a three-dimensional isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 15A is a detailed three-dimensional view of a lifting loop element thereof.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in a raised orientation with a fork truck.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a three-dimensional isometric view thereof shown in an unloading orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

[0049] As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0050] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, inwardly and outwardly refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Proppant Container System 2

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment proppant container system 2 for containing proppant for fracing purposes, such as sand. The embodiment consists of a reusable, flexible, lightweight, low cost flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) 6 which stores the proppant. The proppant is inserted into the container via an opening 8, which is then secured using a tie or other suitable closure. The FIBC material could be heavy weight high strength nylon fabric or other suitable materials.

[0052] A rigid frame 4 is shown about the container 6 to secure it for transport and to prevent damage to the container. The frame consists of side frame members 14 which enclose the container 6. The container 6 is accessible via a top opening 21 of the frame 4. Straps 16 connect the side frame members 14 together.

[0053] Lifting loops 10 designed for receiving connections from a crane or forklift are secured to the frame 4. These loops 10 are connected to the frame 4 via lifting straps 12 which can wrap around underneath the container 6 and constrains the container 6 about the top end which prevents the container 6 from exiting the frame 4 when the frame is tilted to empty the container.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows that the pallet 18 may have slots 19 for receiving the bottom ends 17 of the frame elements 14 to further secure the entire assembly together.

III. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 52

[0055] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment proppant container system 52 which has an external housing consisting of four three side walls 54 and a door 58 which define an interior space 60 for storing the proppant, either loose or in an FIBC as described above. The funnel assembly 28 has a housing 30 which can be deployed on top of the three side walls 54 and door 58. The spout 32 is located on the same side of the container system 52 as the door 58, and extends out over the door.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows the proppant container system 52 used in an unloading configuration 22 where the system 52 is lifted by a fork truck 24 having a pivotable arm assembly 38. A funnel assembly 28 is connected to the top opening of the proppant container system 52. This allows the container 6 to be safely and efficiently unloaded via the spout 32 opening 34 of the funnel assembly 28. A vacuum pump 36 within the funnel assembly 28 allows for the removal of dust within the assembly. A strap 54 secures the container system 52 to the carriage 26 of the fork truck 24.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the container system 2 is lifted by inserting the carriage 26 of the fork truck 24 through the pallet 18.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows how the entire container assembly 2 can be tipped down by the pivotable arm assembly 38 to empty the proppant 40 from the funnel assembly 28. The assembly can tilt up to 180 degrees preferably.

IV. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 102

[0059] FIGS. 8 and 9 show another alternative embodiment proppant container system 102 which contains a similar enclosure to the first embodiment described above. However, these show a frame 104 which does not insert into the pallet 118. Otherwise, the frame and container 6 could be identical to that embodiment.

[0060] As before, the rigid frame 104 is built about the container 6 to secure it for transport and to prevent damage to the container. The frame consists of side frame members 114 which enclose the container 6. The container 6 is accessible via a top opening 121 of the frame 104. Straps 116 connect the side frame members 114 together. The same lifting loops 10 and straps 12 can be used in this embodiment.

[0061] A cover 130 can be secured about the top opening 121 of the frame 104. This cover 130 would protect the container 6 within the frame 114. It could be secured to the frame 104 using tie downs, clasps, a large elastic band, or other suitable devices.

V. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 152

[0062] FIG. 10 shows another alternative embodiment proppant container system 152 which has a frame 164 formed from four side walls 170 and a floor 172. A funnel system 178 with a spout 182 can be connected to the top of the container 164 using clips 188 with claps 190 located on the walls 170 of the container 164 having hooks 192 for connecting into receivers 194 on the wall 180 of the funnel system 178. The spout 182 includes an opening 184 for discharging bulk material or proppant from the container 164 through the funnel assembly 178. The spout may be selectively removable and adjustable about an opening 186 on the wall 180 of the funnel system 178. A gate valve 171 can be used to open and shut the spout 182 as desired. A controller 175 is connected via control wire or hose 173 to the gate valve 171 and may be remotely connected to the gate valve. Lifting straps 12 with lifting loops 10 as discussed above may or may not be used.

VI. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 202

[0063] FIG. 11 shows a proppant container system 202 for loading proppant containers as described throughout this application. The system 202 has a conveyor assembly 204 including conveyor belt 206 for moving unloaded proppant 240 as shown in FIG. 11A. An enclosure 208 to hold container system 2 for unloading includes an interior space 210, and a door 212 for closing the interior space. A gate valve 214 opens the enclosure 208 spout 238 for emptying the container system 2 within the enclosure. A pivot frame 216 supports the enclosure and allows it to rotate about the pivot point 218. The gate valve 14 may be a Pratt knife gate valve, provided by the Henry Pratt company of Aurora, IL, or a similarly suited gate valve for opening and closing the spout 238.

[0064] A hydraulic piston and cylinder 234 mounted to a frame 236 can move a lever 220 to rotate the enclosure 208 about the pivot point 218. A hydraulic pump 230 connects to the frame 236 and cylinder 234 via a hose 232.

[0065] In another embodiment, multiple such enclosures 208 can be positioned along the belt 206 and on both sides of the belt such that multiple containers 6 can be emptied simultaneously.

[0066] A tent or enclosure 280 can cover the entire assembly to prevent weather from disturbing the unloaded proppant.

[0067] The conveyor 204 may be fully enclosed. A port could receive the proppant 240 from the enclosure 208 to move it into the enclosed conveyor. A rubber bumper seal would be used to seal the port, preventing dust and contaminants from contaminating the proppant.

VII. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 302

[0068] FIG. 12 shows yet another alternative embodiment bulk material or proppant container system 302 where the container 306 includes a zip-top interface 330 for closing the container 306 once filled. There is an exterior zipper 332 and an interior zipper 334. In a preferred embodiment, he zippers 332, 334 are similar to that used for plastic storage bags, and prevents the elements from entering the container. The exterior greater holding-strength zipper prevents the contents from spilling out of the container 306 during transport, and is manually activated. When the top zipper 332 is opened and the container is tipped, however, the interior lesser holding-strength zipper 334 automatically will open due to the pressure of the bulk material or proppant 340 within the container, allowing the container to be emptied.

[0069] A frame 304 of structural walls 309 can be placed around the top portion of the container 306 to help when loading the container 306 via the container opening 308. The container is placed within the open space 321 between the structural walls 339. Hooks 344 affixed to latches 342 on the structural walls 309 can be used to then pull the walls away from the container 306 once filled. When filled, the container retains its shape.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 13, the container 306 is secured by vertical lifting straps 312 and horizontal lifting straps 316. Several rows of lifting loops 310 separated by a distance of more than 20% of the container height allow the container to be lifted using a fork lift truck with 2 or 4 or more tines or other suitable method such that the weight of the container is supported on the weight bearing side of the container to avoid deformation or rupture. As with the previous embodiments, the container 306 can then be tilted until at an angle such that the zip-top interface 330 is forced open by the proppant 340 within the container 306, and the container is emptied.

[0071] Tie-down straps 340 for securing the container 306 during transport or unloading may be affixed to all corners.

VIII. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 352

[0072] FIG. 14 shows a separate container cover which is used to provide extra protection for the container when storing and also provides a means for packing and transporting the discharged container. In this embodiment, the proppant container system 352 where the container 356 has been emptied of proppant and has been compacted into a folded position. The interior of the container is visibly empty of proppant as would be viewable through its opening. Handles 362 on either side of the container 356 allow for easy carrying of the container. Straps 364 can be used to secure the container 356 into a compact orientation using buckles or other fastening elements. A pouch 360 containing a plastic bag 366 for sealing and storing the used container into for transport for reuse may also be included.

IX. Alternative Embodiment Proppant Container System 402

[0073] Similar to the embodiment 302 above, FIG. 15 shows an alternative embodiment proppant container system 402 where the container 406 includes a spout 404 for filling and emptying the container. The spout may be an excess portion of the container 406 material itself which simply extends outwards and upwards from the container, or it may be a physical element which is placed around the opening 408 of the container. A spout clamp 418, which may be a tie, proprietary clamp, or other closure device, cinches the spout closed or otherwise seals the spout until the container system 402 is in position to be emptied.

[0074] The container may include markings 407 which indicate the weight of the container based on how full the container 406 is. The weight may be written or printed around these markings 407, or may be in a reference manual separate from the container system 402. The numbers could indicate by sand weight by volume (e.g. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 13) in thousands of pounds or kilos determined by the density of the material. Gravel would have different number scale because in has a different density. An FBIC could have multiple different scales printed on its sides for different material and designated as such materials.

[0075] The container 406 is secured by vertical lifting straps 412 and horizontal straps 416 or protective material. Two or more rows of lifting loops 410 separated by a distance of more than 20% of the container height allow the container to be lifted using a fork lift truck with 4 or more tines or other suitable method such that the weight of the container is supported on the sides of the lifting loops to avoid deformation or rupture when the container is rotated in the z axis for discharge from the top of the container. It is preferred that the lifting straps run under the container and over the top of the container. It is preferred that these lifting loops may be attached the vertical 412 or horizontal 416 lifting straps.

[0076] FIG. 15A shows a detailed view of one of the lifting loops 410 showing how it is a rigid lifting loop for receiving a fork lift fork or crane hook for lifting and turning the container system 402. The loops consist of a rigid external or internal structure 422, an outer layer 420 and an internal loop 424 for receiving the fork or hook. The internal structure 422 may be a spring-like material which forces the loop away from the container to keep it in an open orientation. The loop may optionally have an opening such as a buckle or a clasp to allow the user to selectively open and close the loop about an object.

[0077] FIG. 16 shows the proppant container system 402 used in an unloading configuration 432 where the system 402 is lifted by a fork truck 434 having a pivotable arm assembly 438. The container system 402 is lifted by inserting the fork 436 of the fork truck 434 through the pallet lifting loops 410.

[0078] FIG. 17 shows how the entire container assembly 402 can be rotated about an axis by the pivotable arm assembly 438 to empty the proppant 440 from the funnel assembly 438. The assembly can tilt up to 180 degrees preferably.

[0079] It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.