EP3194283A1 - Arceau pour contenant d'agent de soutènement présentant des guides de boîtier effilés - Google Patents

Arceau pour contenant d'agent de soutènement présentant des guides de boîtier effilés

Info

Publication number
EP3194283A1
EP3194283A1 EP15842980.3A EP15842980A EP3194283A1 EP 3194283 A1 EP3194283 A1 EP 3194283A1 EP 15842980 A EP15842980 A EP 15842980A EP 3194283 A1 EP3194283 A1 EP 3194283A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
proppant
cradle
containers
guide
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15842980.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3194283A4 (fr
Inventor
Joshua Oren
John OREN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Oren Technologies LLC
Original Assignee
Oren Technologies LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/676,039 external-priority patent/US9340353B2/en
Application filed by Oren Technologies LLC filed Critical Oren Technologies LLC
Priority claimed from PCT/US2015/049074 external-priority patent/WO2016044012A1/fr
Publication of EP3194283A1 publication Critical patent/EP3194283A1/fr
Publication of EP3194283A4 publication Critical patent/EP3194283A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/0033—Lifting means forming part of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/26—Hoppers, i.e. containers having funnel-shaped discharge sections
    • B65D88/30—Hoppers, i.e. containers having funnel-shaped discharge sections specially adapted to facilitate transportation from one utilisation site to another
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/12—Supports
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2590/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D2590/0091—Ladders

Definitions

  • the bottom side having an outlet formed therein to facilitate removal of the proppant from the proppant container.
  • the system also includes a cradle for receiving and supporting the plurality of proppant containers, the cradle having a plurality of cradle sections defining a desired location on the cradle associated with respective proppant containers of the plurality of proppant containers. Each proppant container is positioned on a top surface of the cradle.
  • the system includes a plurality" of box guide assembl ies positioned on the top surface of the cradle at respective edges of the plurality of cradle sections to at least partially define the desired location of each cradle section.
  • the box guide assemblies each have a tapered portioned to direct each proppant container of the plurality of proppant containers into the respective cradle section,
  • a method for moving and supporting proppant containers includes lifting a proppant container to a position above a top surface of a support structure, the position being vertically higher relative to a ground plane than a top portion of a box guide assembly.
  • the method also includes aligning the proppant container over a section of the support structure which receives and supports the proppant container, the section defining a desired location for the proppant location.
  • the method further incl des lowering the proppant container to ward the support structure such that a bottom surface of the proppant container is at a position vertically lower than the top portion of the box guide assembly.
  • FIG, 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG, 7 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of guide member of a box guide assembly, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG, 8 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of a guide member of a box guide assembly, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of a guide member of a box guide assembly, according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG, 10 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a embodiment of box guide assemblies positioned on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG . 12 is a top plan view of an embodiment of box guide assemblies positioned on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an embodiment of box guide assemblies positioned on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG, 1 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for positioning a container onto a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container positioned over a desired location of a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 1 8 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG, .1 is a side elevaiioo view of an embodiment of a container on a top sarface of a cradle, according to the present disclosare;
  • FIG. 20 is a fop plan view of an embodiment of a container misaligned with a desired location of a cradle , according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 21 is a top plan vie w of an embodiment of a container aligned over a top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 23 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a container on a top surface of a cradle, according to the present disclosare
  • FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container positioned over a desired location of a cradle via a forklifi, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle via a forklift, according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container in contact with a box guide assembly on a top surface of a cradle via a forklift, according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a container on a top surface of a cradle via a forklift, according to the present disclosure.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure include box guide assemblies for adjusting the alignment of a container being positioned onto a surface.
  • the box guide assemblies may be positioned on a top surface of a cradle.
  • the box guide assemblies include guide members having a tapered portion that contacts the container when the container is not aligned with the surface.
  • the container may contact the tapered portion of the guide members.
  • the tapered portions may include incline edges that receive the container and direct the container toward a desired location on the top surface. As a result, even when the container is misaligned, the container may be directed toward the top surface by the box guide assemblies without manual realignment of the containers.
  • FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a well site 10 for tracking using certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the well si te 10 includes a removable floor 12 (e.g., made of wood, metal, polymers, or the like) to facilitate the use of heavy machinery, including one or more forklifts 14, for loading and unloading railroad cars 16 or trucks 18 carrying one or more containers 20 (e.g. proppant containers), containing proppant.
  • containers 20 e.g. proppant containers
  • containers 20 e.g. proppant containers
  • cranes, jacks, or other prime movers may be used at the well site 10 for loading, unloading, and or positioning (e.g., staging) the containers 20, In the illustrated embodiment, the containers 20 are positioned in a.
  • the containers 20 are stackable at the well site 10, thereby potentially decreasing the foot print occupied by the containers 20.
  • containers 20a may be stacked on top of other containers 20b, As such, the containers 20 may be filled with proppant and stacked at the well site 10, thereby reducing logistical problems related to delivering and unloading loose proppant at well sites 10.
  • the well site .10 may also include blenders 22 for combining proppant 24, which may consist of mined silica sand, but potentially also coated or treated sand, ceramic, or bauxite, with tracking fluids.
  • the well site also can include tracking machinery 26 to pump the proppant 24 and other tracking fluids into a wellbore 28 at high pressure.
  • a conveyor system 30 receives the containers 20 proximate the blenders 22.
  • the conveyor system 30 includes a conveyor belt that receives the proppant 24 from the containers 20 and transports the proppant 24 to the blenders 22 for further use n the wellbore 28.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of ait embodiment of the container 20 for storing, shipping, and distributing the proppant 24.
  • the container 20 includes a frame 42 having substantially vertical cross members 44 and substantially horizontal cross members 46.
  • the frame 42 may include only vertical cross members 44, only horizontal cross members 46, or cross members positioned at an incline.
  • the illustrated embodiments includes the cross members 44, 46 on an outer surface of the container 20, in other embodiment the cross members 44, 46 may be located on the interior surface of the container 20, As will be appreciated, the cross members 44, 46 provide support, to the container 20 when the container 20 is filled with proppant 24.
  • An end wall 48 is shown on one end of the container 10, which is adjacent and perpendicular to a sidewail 50.
  • An upper side 52 of the container 10 projects perpendicularly to and between end wall 48 and the side wail 50.
  • the end wall 48, sidewail 50, a second end wall (not pictured), and a second sidewail (not pictured) define a lateral periphery of an interior volume of the container 20 in which to store the proppant 24.
  • the upper side 52 includes a hatch 54, in the illustrated embodiment, to permit access to the interior volume of the container 20.
  • the container 20 may be filled with proppant 24 via the hatch 54.
  • the container 20 includes several support features to permit operators access to the container.
  • a ladder 56 i positioned on the sidewail 50 to permit access to the upper side 52
  • attachment hooks 58 enable cables or tie down supports to be attached to the container 20 during loading, unloading, or transportation operations.
  • operators may attach tie downs (e.g., ropes, straps, etc.) to th attachment hooks 58 to secure the container 20 to the truck IS.
  • the container 20 includes compartment supports 60 projecting radially inward from an open space below the end wall 48 and the sidewall 50.
  • the compartment supports 60 are coupled to a lower girder 62 of the frame 42, Additionally, the container 20 includes slots 64 extending through the lower girders 62. The slots 64 may enable forks of the forkhf 14 to engage the frame 42 and transport the container 20 between different locations.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the container 20 being lifted by the forklift 14, As shown, the forks 66 of the forklift 14 extend through the slots 64, thereby supporting the container 20 and securing the container 20 to the forks 66 for movement between different locations at th well site 10. As will, be described in detail below, in certain embodiments, the forklift 14 may transport the containers 20 from a stacked orientation to the conveyor system 30.
  • the illustrated slots 64 extend through the lower girder 62, isolated from an inclined section 68 (e.g., ramped section, ramped portion) of the container 20.
  • the inclined section 68 includes a plurality of ramped sections that direct the proppant 24 toward an outlet.
  • the compartment supports 60 may include openings 72 which receive the forks 66. It will be appreciated thai the location of the slots 64 and/or openings 72 may be particularly selected based on the forklifts 14 in use at the well site 10, as well as for other roamifacturing, assembly, or production concerns. In this manner, the forks 66 may engage the lower girder 62, compartment supports 60., or other features of the frame 42 to transport the container 20 between different locations.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevation view of an embodimen of the containers 20 positioned oh a cradle 80 of the conveyor system 30.
  • the conveyor system 30 may ⁇ be part of a moveable tig for transporting the positioning the containers near the well bore 28.
  • the cradle 80 includes a conveyor 82 for receiving and distributing proppant 24 from within the containers 10.
  • the conveyor 82 includes a moving belt 84 that transports the proppant 24 to a ramp 86, that in turn delivers the proper 24 to a chute system 88. From the chute system 88 the proppant 24 makes its way to the ellbore 28 after passing through the blender 22 and tracking machiner 26.
  • the cradle 80 includes a structural frame 90 (e.g., frame) having cage-like support structure including horizontal support members 92, vertical support members 94, and inclined support members 96, Moreover, the horizontal support members 92 include an upper support member 98 and a lower support member 100. in the illustrated embodiment, the upper support member 98 has a top surface 102 which receives and supports the containers 20.
  • the containers 20 are arranged in a side-by-side configuration such that individual containers 20 may be removed from the cradle 80 without disturbing adjacent containers. In certain embodiments, the containers 20 are not in contact with adjacent containers 20. However, in other embodiments, the containers 20 ma be in contact with adjacent containers.
  • box guide assemblies 1.04 are mounted on the top surface 102 at intervals along a length of the cradle 80.
  • the illustrated embodiment includes eight box guide assemblies 104 positioned in a spaced relationship relative to one another.
  • the box guide assemblies 104 may be separated by approximately one container 20 width.
  • the box guide assemblies 104 may be closely spaced (e.g., less than one container 20 width) or in contact with one another.
  • the location of the box guide assemblies 104 may be particularly selected to accommodate design and/or manufacturing considerations. However, in. other embodiments, there may be 1, 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 9., 10, 20, 30, 40, or any suitable number of box guide assemblies 104.
  • each section (e.g., segment, partition) of the cradle 80 may include four box guide assemblies 104 to direct and guide the containers 20 into the sections.
  • the box guide assemblies 104 incliide inserts which contact the containers 20 during installation to guide the containers 20 into the sections and/or to desired locations along the cradle SO,
  • the box guide assemblies 104 have guide members and/or tapered sections integrally formed to the box guide assemblies 104 to auide the container 20 into the sections,
  • FIG, 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container 20 being mo ved to the cradle 80 via the forklift 14. As shown, the forks 66 engage the slots 64 of the frame 42 to lift the container 20 toward the cradle 80. In the illustrated embodiment, two containers 20a, 20b are already positioned on the cradle 80 while the third container 20 is moved by the forklift 14 to position the containers 20 in a side-by-side configuration along the length of the cradle 80. Each container 20 is aligned with a respective cradle section 120 defined at least partially by the respective box guide assemblies 104.
  • the first container 20a is positioned within, the first cradle sectio 120a, the second container 20b is positioned within the second cradle section 120b, the third container 20c is moved toward the third cradle section 120c via the forklift 14, and a fourth cradle section I20d is proximate the third cradle section 120c.
  • the containers 20 may be positioned on. and/or removed, from the cradle 80 without disturbing adjacent containers.
  • the proppattt 24 may be flowing out of the containers 20a, 20b while the container 20c is being positioned onto the cradle 80,
  • each cradle section 120 is at least partially defined by four bo guide assemblies 104.
  • each cradle sectio 120 may include more or fewer box guide assemblies 104.
  • the box guide assemblies 104 may be positioned at opposite corners of the cradle sections 120, along one side of the cradle sections 120, at particularly selected, corners of the cradle sections 120, or any combination thereof.
  • the box guide assemblies 104 include guide members 1.22 to direct the container 20 into the cradle sections 120 when the container 20 is not aligned with the cradle section 120 during installation. That is, the guide members 122 move the container 20 from an improper or undesirable alignment to a proper or desirable alignment, that allows the container 20 to rest on the top surface 102.
  • the guide member 122 is positioned adjacent a corner assembly 124 having a pair of walls 126, 128 that form a portion of the box guide assembly 104. As shown, the walls 126, 128 are substantially perpendicular to one another, and substantially perpendicular to the top surface 102.
  • the walls 126, 1 8 form a substantially 90-degree angle relative to one another and relative to the top surface 102. As used herein with respect to angles, substantially is equal to plus or minus 15 degrees.
  • adjacent box guide assemblies 104 may share one or more walls ⁇ 26, 128.
  • the. wall 126 ma extend along the top surface and accommodate adjacent cradles sections 120 ⁇ , I 20f.
  • the wall 128 may be utilized by both cradle sections 20c, 120d.
  • the cradle section 120c may be associated with a first side of tire wail 128, while the cradle section 120d is associated with a second, opposite side of the wall 128.
  • the guide members 122 are positioned adjacent the walls 126, 128 and direct the container 20 into the cradle section 120 if the container 20 is not aligned with the cradle section 120 during installation. In other words, the guide members 122 guide the container 20 to a desired location 130 o the cradle 80.
  • the desired location 30 is the associated cradle section 120.
  • the desired location 130 may be a slot, recess, opening, or the like in the cradle 80 that receives the container 20, a corresponding feature to lock the comainer 20 to the cradle 80, or the like.
  • the desired location 130 may be a recessed section in the top surface 102 which substantially blocks axial movement of the container 20 while the container 20 is in the desired location 130.
  • the guide members 122 include a tapered portion which contacts the container 20 when the container 20 is not aligned with the cradle section 120 to drive the container 20 toward the desired location 1 0.
  • the container 20 is moved to a vertical position (e.g., elevation) higher than the walls 126, 128, relative to a ground plane.
  • the forklift. 14 may position the container 20 over the cradle 80, for example, by extending the forks 66 away from the forklift 14.
  • the size of the container 20 may reduce visibility of the cradle 80 and or the cradle sections 120.
  • additional operators may guide the forklift operator as the container 20 is positioned on the cradle 80.
  • the container 20 may be misaligned with the cradle sections 120, but the guide members 122 may guide the container 20 into the proper position (e.g., toward the desired location 130) on the cradle 80.
  • the efficiency of positioning the containers 20 onto the cradles 80 may be improved because operators will be able to load containers 20 faster due to the guide members 122 providing alignment of the containers 20 onto the cradle sections 120 instead of utilizing manual alignment.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the container 20d being positioned over the respective cradle section I20d. Certain features have been removed for clarity. As shown, the container 20d is misaligned with the cradle section 120d such that the end wall 48 is longitudinally displaced from the box guide assemblies 104 along a longitudinal axis 140, That is, as the container 20c! is lowered toward the cradle section 120d, the container 20d will contact the bo guide assemblies 104 to drive the container 20d toward the desired location 130. For example, the lower girder 62 of the container 20d may contact ( e.g., engage, strike, etc.) the guide member 122 of the box guide assembly 104.
  • the lower girder 62 of the container 20d may contact ( e.g., engage, strike, etc.) the guide member 122 of the box guide assembly 104.
  • the container 20d may contact a tapered portion 142 f the guide member 122, the tapered portion guiding the container 20d toward the cradle section 120d. That is, the lower girder 62 may slide down an inclined edge 144 of the tapered portion 142 toward the desired location 130. As shown, the inclined edge 144 is downwardly sloped such that the container 20d is encouraged to move toward the desired location 130.
  • the guide members 122 may be arranged such that the containers 20 are driven toward the desired location 130 along two different axes.
  • the inclined edge 144 of the guide members 122 may be arranged to direct the containers 20 toward the desired location 130 along the longitudinal axis 140 and along a lateral axis 146. That is, the guide members 122 may include multiple inclined edges 144 aligned with multiple axes.
  • the guide members 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d are positioned at each comer assembly 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d to direct the container 20 in one direction along either the longitudinal axis 140 or the lateral axis 146.
  • the nclined portion 144a of the guide member 122a is aligned with the lateral axis 146, thereby being positioned to drive the container along the lateral axis 146.
  • the inclined portion 144c of the guide member 1.22c is aligned with the lateral, axis 1 6, thereby being positioned to drive the container along the lateral axis 146.
  • the guide members 122a, 122c may cooperate to laterally align the container 20 within the cradle section 120b, thereby positioning the container at the desired location 130.
  • the inclined portion 144b of the guide member 122b is aligned with the longitudinal axis 1:40, thereby being positioned to drive the container along the longitudinal axis 140.
  • the inclined portion I44d of the guide member J22d is aligned with the longitudinal axis 140, thereby being positioned to drive the container along the longitudinal axis 140. in this manner, the guide members 122b, 1 2d may cooperate to longitudinally align the container 20 within the cradle section 120b.
  • the guide members 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d may all work in unison to align the container 20 over the cradle section 120b to place the container 20 in the desired location 130, Moreover, while the illustrated embodiment depicts the guide members 122a, 122c aligned with the lateral axis 146 and guide members 122b, 122d aligned with the longitudinal axis 140, in other embodiments, the guide members 122a, 122c may be aligned with the longitudinal axis 140, the guide members 122b, !22d may be aligned with the lateral axis 146, or any combination thereof to facilitate alignment . and placement of the container 20 at the desired location 130.
  • all of the guide members 122 may be aligned along the same axis.
  • each guide member 122 is aligned along the lateral axis 1 6.
  • the container 20 may be substantially square (e.g.. the length of the end walls 48 may equal the length of the side walls 50), therefore alignment in one axial direction may be sufficient to position the container 20 in the desired location 130.
  • each guide member 122e, 122 . I22g, 322b includes a first inclined edge 148 and a second inclined edge 150 extending along legs 152 of the guide members 122, The first and second inclined edges 148, 150 are aligned with the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146, respectively.
  • the guide members 122e, 122f, 122g, 122b adjust the positioning of the container 20 in at least two axial directions.
  • the guide member 22e may adjust the alignment of the container 20 along both the longitudinal axis 140 (e.g., via the first inclined edge 148) and/or the lateral axis 146 (e.g., via the second inclined edge 1.50). While the illustrated embodiment includes four guide members 122e, l.22f, I22g, ?.22h, in other embodiments more or fewer guide members 122 may be utilized. Moreover, guide members 122 that adjust the container 20 position along two axia! directions may be mixed with guide members 122 that adjust the container 20 position along a single axial direction.
  • F G. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the guide member 122.
  • the guide member 122 includes the inclined edge 144 thai downwardly slopes from a proximal side 160 to a distal side 162. in operation, the proximal side 160 is positioned proximate at least one wall, (e.g., wall 126. wall. 128) of the comer assembly 124 and the distal side 162 is positioned proximate the desired location 130.
  • the guide member 122 includes a bottom portion 164, a middle portion 1 6 and a top portion 168, As shown, the bottom portion 164 has a substantially constant first width 170.
  • the inclined edge 144 extends from the top portion 168, through the middle portion 166, and terminates at a first end 172 of the bottom portion 164. in other words, the inclined edge 144 extends from the top portion 168 to the first end 172 of the bottom portion 1 4.
  • a wi dth of the incli ned edge 144 i s variable over a length 174 of the inclined edge 144.
  • a second width 176 of the top portion 168 is smaller than the first width 170 of the bottom portion 164. Moreo ver, at least a portion of a third width 178 of the middle portion 166 is smaller than the first width 170 of the bottom portion 164.
  • the inclined edge 144 slopes downwardly from the top portion 168 to the bottom portion 1 4 (e.g.. laterally away from the proximal side 160).
  • a first angle 180 and a second angle 182 define the inclined edge 144, In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle I SO is approximately 50 degrees, relative to the end 172. However, i other embodiments, the first angle 180 may be approximately 10 degrees, approximately 20 degrees, approximately 30 degrees, approximately 40 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, or any other reasonably value. As used herein, approximately refers to plus or minus 5 degrees.
  • the first angle 180 may be between a range of approximatel 10 degrees and 40 degrees, approximately 20 degrees and 50 degrees, approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees, or any other suitable range, it will be appreciated that the first angle 180 may be particularly selected to accommodate anticipated design conditions and/or manufacturing conditions.
  • the second angle is approximately 40 degrees, relati e to the proximal side .160.
  • the second angle 182 may be approximately 1 degrees, approximately 20 degrees, approximately 30 degrees, approximately 50 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, or any other reasonably value.
  • the second angle 182 may be between a range of approximately 10 degrees and 40 degrees, approximately 20 degrees and 50 degrees, approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees, or an other suitable range, it will be appreciated that the second angle 182 may be particularly selected to accommodate anticipated design conditions and/or manufacturing conditions.
  • the proximal side 1 0 extends for a first height 184 and the distal side 162 extends for a second height 186 from a second end 88 of the bottom portion 164.
  • the first height 184 is larger than the second height 186 due to the downwardly sloping inclined edge 144 extending from the proximal side 160 to the distal side ⁇ 2.
  • the container 20 will slide down the inclined edge 144 in a direction 1 0 represented by the arrow due to gravity.
  • the weight of the container 20 will drive movement of the container 20 down the inclined edge 144 and toward the desired location 130.
  • the illustrated embodiment includes the inclined edge 1.44 extending from the top portion 168 to the first end 172 of the bottom portion 164
  • the inclined edge 144 may extend from the top portion 168 to the second end 188 of the bottom portion 164
  • the guide member 122 may have a cross- sectional shape thai is substantially a right triangle.
  • the second height 186 may be substantially zero whe the inclined edge 144 extends to the second end 188 of the bottom, portion .164.
  • FIG, 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the guide member 122.
  • the guide member 122 includes the inclined edge S44 extending between the proximal side 160 and the distal side 1 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the top portion 168 includes a curved edge 200 between the inclined edge 144 and the proximal side 160. hi other words, the top portion 168 includes a substantially rounded edge.
  • the curved edge 200 may decrease the likelihood of marring or other cosmetic and/or structural defects to the- frame 42 of the container 20 as the container 20 is placed on the cradle 80.
  • the curved edge 200 may distribute stresses over the guide member 122 more efficiently than the substantially straight edge illustrated in FIG. 7. As a result, the structural integrity of the guide member 122 may be improved.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the guide member 122 having the legs 152 including the first inclined edge 148 and the second inclined edge 150.
  • the guide member 122 having the first and second inclined edges 148, 150 may adjust the position of the container 20 in at least two directions as the container 20 is installed onto the cradle 80.
  • the first inclined edge 148 extends from the proximal side 1 0 (e.g., the side adjacent the wall 126, 128) to the distal side 162 (e.g., the side adjacent the desired location 130).
  • the second inclined edge 150 also extends from the proximal side 160 to the distal side 1 2.
  • the first inclined edge 148 is approximately perpendicular to the second inclined edge 150. Accordingly, the illustrated guide member 122 may correspond to the wails 126, 128 when installed in the box guide assembly 104.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the cradle section 120 of the cradle 80, in which the guide members 122 are arranged such thai the alignment of the container 20 is adjusted in a single direction (e.g., the lateral axis 146).
  • the guide member 122 is positioned adjacent to the corner assembly 24, That is, the proximal side 160 of the guide members 122 is positioned adjacent to the wail 128.
  • the guide member 122 and the corner assembly 1 4 may be a single, integrally formed piece, However, in other embodiments, the guide member 122 may be a separately formed piece.
  • the guide member 122 may be an insert that is coupled to the cradle 80 and/or the corner assembly 124 (e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, or the like).
  • the guide members 1:22 include the mclmed edges 144 aligned substantially with the lateral axis 146. Accordingly, the guide members 122 will direct the container 20 toward the desired location 130 along the lateral axis .146.
  • the first height 184 of the guide members 122 is substantially equal to a wall height 210 of the corner assemblies 12.4. However, in other embodiments, the first height 184 may be smaller than the wall height 21.0 or larger than the wall height 21.0. Moreover, each guide member 1.22 need not be the same height. Furthermore, the first width 170 is less than a wail width 212. That is, the guide members 122 do not extend the full length of the walls 126, 128. For example, in the illostrated embodiment, the first width 170 is approximately one-half of the wall width 212.
  • the first width 170 may be approximately one-eighth of the wail width 212, approximately one-fourth of the wall width 21.2, approximately three-fourths of the wall width 21.2, or any other suitable ratio of the wall width 212. Moreover, the first width 170 is less than a support member width 214, Accordingly, by positioning the guide members 122 proximate the corner assembly 124 and the desired location 130, the container 20 ma be directed toward the desired location 130 if an operator improperly aligns the container 20 during installation.
  • FIG. I I is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cradle section 120 of the cradle, in which the guide members 122 are arranged such that the alignment of the container 20 is adjusted in at least two directions (e.g.. the longitudinal axis 140, the lateral axis 146).
  • the guide members ! 22 include the iirst inclined, edge .148 and the second inclined edge 150, each edge being aligned with a different axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis .146).
  • the container 20 may be aligned and/or positioned along both the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146.
  • the first inclined edge 148 is aligned with the lateral axis 146 (e.g., extending across the plane of the page) and the second inclined edge 150 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 140 (e.g., extending into the plane of the page).
  • alignment of the container 20 may be adjusted in at least two directions. As shown, the first inclined edge 148 and the second inclined, edge 150 form the guide member 122 positioned adjacent to the corner assembly 124.
  • the guide member 122 may be integrally formed into the corner assembly 124.
  • the guide member 122 may be cast, machined, or otherwise coupled to the corner assembly 124 to form an integral part.
  • the first inclined edge 148 and the second inclined edge 150 do not interfere with one another to align and place the container 20 into the desired location 130.
  • a first thickness 220 of the second inclined edge 148 may be particularly selected so that the first thickness 220 is less than the first width 170 and less than the second width 176.
  • the container 20 would necessarily contact the first, inclined edge 148 as the container 20 moved toward the desired location 130 because the .first and second widths 170, 176 would extend laterally away from the wall 128 a greater distance than the first thickness 220.
  • the guide member 22 may be utilized to align the container 20 on the desired location 1.30 along both the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146.
  • the first width 170 and the first thickness 220 are iess than the support member width 214, thereby enabling the guide member 122 to be positioned on the top surface 102 without blocking the container 20 from being positioned on the top surface 102.
  • FIG, 12 is a top view of an embodiment of the cradle section 120 having four guide members 122a. 122b, 122c, 1224 positioned at each corner of the cradle section 120. As shown, the guide members 122a, 122c are arranged such that the inclined edges 144a, 144c are substantially aligned with the lateral axis 146 and the guide members 122b, 122d are arranged such that the inclined edges 144b, 344d are substantially aligned wit the longitudinal axis 140.
  • the combination of guide members 122a, 122b, 122c, 1224 may adjust the orientation of the container 20 in at least two directions.
  • the first thickness 220 of the guide members 122 is smaller than the wall width 212, As a result, the guide members 122 may be arranged on the upper support member 98 of the cradle 98 and not extend toward the desired location 130. In other words, the support member width 21.4 is larger than the first thickness 220. Therefore, the guide members 122 do not interfere with placing the container 20 on the to surface 102 of the upper support member 98.
  • FIG. 13 is a top view of an embodiment of the cradle section 120 having four guide members 122e. 122f, 122g. 122h positioned at each corner of the cradle section 120.
  • each guide member 122e, 122f, 122g, I22h includes first and second inclined edges 148, 1 50 on the legs 152.
  • each guide member 122e, i 22f, 122g, !.22h may adjust the orientation of the container 20 along the longitudinal axis 140 and the lateral axis 146.
  • the first thickness 220 may be smaller than the support member width 214, As a result, the guide members I22e, 122f, I22g, 122h do not interfere with the placement of the container 20 on the top surface 102 of the upper support member 98,
  • FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method 250 of positioning the container 20 onto the cradle 80.
  • the pfoppant container 20 is lifted to a first position above the top surface 102 of the support structure (block 252).
  • the first position is vertically higher (e.g., at a higher elevation), relative to the ground plane, than the top portion 1 8 of the bo guide assembly 104.
  • the proppant container 20 is lifted over the box guide assemblies 104.
  • the container 20 is aligned with the cradle section 120 (block 254).
  • the container 20 may he substantially aligned over the desired location 130, Then, die container 20 may be lowered toward the top surface 102 (block 256).
  • the container 20 may be lowered such that the lower girder 62 of the container 20 is at a vertical position lower than the top portion 168 of the box guide assembly 104. Additionally, the container 20 may be positioned over the desired location 130 via the guide members 122 (block 258).
  • the tapered portion 142 may include an inclined edge 144 which guides the container 20 toward the desired location 130. Accordingly, the container 20 may be misaligned (e.g., not aligned with the desired location 130) during installation and be moved toward the desired location 130 via the guide members 122, thereby improving loading efficiency because the containers 20 may be automatically aligned via the guide members 122 instead of having operators conduct the alignment manually.
  • FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an embodiment of positioning the container 20 over the desired location 130 via the guide members 122 (block 258) from FIG. 14.
  • a side of the container 20 is moved toward the tapered portion 142 of the guide members 122 (block 260).
  • the forkiift 14 may move the container 20 toward the tapered portion 142 such that the container 20 enaases the auide member 122.
  • the side of the container 20 is positioned onto the inclined edge 144 of the tapered portion 142 (block 262). For example, the side may be placed into contact with the inclined edge 144.
  • the forklift 14 may tilt or lean the container 20 toward the inclined edge 1.44 such that the side in contact with the inclined edge 144 has a lower elevation ⁇ e.g., relative to the ground plane) than the opposite side of the container 20.
  • the container 20 may move or travel off of the forks 66 of the forklift 14.
  • the container 20 slides down the inclined edge 144 and toward the desired location 130 (block 264).
  • the weight of the container 20 may drive the container 20 to slide do wn along the length 1 74 of the inclined edge 144 and toward the desired location 130. Accordingly, by positioning the container 20 into contact with the tapered portion .142, the container 20 may be aligned to move toward the desired location 130 without additional adjustments made by operators.
  • FIGS, 16-19 are cross-sectional side views of the container 20 being moved toward the desired Iocation 130 via the box guide assembly 104.
  • the container 20 is misaligned with the desired iocatio 130 such that the container 20 contacts the box guide assembly 104 as the container 20 is lowered toward the top surface .102.
  • a corner portion 270 is positioned above the box guide assembly 104, thereby blocking the container 20 from being lowered to the top surface 102.
  • FIG. 17 depicts the container 20 contacting the box guide assembl 104 as the container 20 is lowered toward the top surface 1 2, As shown, the comer portion 270 engages the tapered portion 142 of the box guide assembly 104.
  • the corner portion 270 slides down the inclined edge 1 4 (e.g., due to gravity because of the weight of the container 20) and toward the desired location 130.
  • a second comer portion 272 contacts the guide member 122 positioned on the opposite side of the cradle section 120. As shown, the comer portion 270 is positioned vertically below the incl ined edge 144 of the guide member 122, but the second corner portion 272 is on the inclined edge 1 4, However, due to the weight, of the container 20, the second corner portion 272 is directed downward and toward the desired location 130.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates the container 20 within the desired location 130.
  • the box guide assemblies 104 have moved and aligned the container 20 such that the container is positioned on the desired location 1.30. Accordingly, the installation process may continue without manually repositioning the container 20 in the event the container is misaligned while the container 20 is installed on the cradle 80 via the forklift 14.
  • FIGS. 20-23 are perspective views of an embodiment of the container 20 being positioned on the cradle section 120.
  • the container ' 20 is lifted and aligned over the cradle section 120 to position the container 20 onto the top surface 102.
  • the container 20 is moved toward the cradle section 120.
  • the comer portions 270a. 270b, 270c, 270d are not aligned with the desired location 130 (e.g., are not aligned with the box guide assemblies 1 4a, 104b, 104c, I04d).
  • the container 20 is positioned over the frame 90. That is, the container 20 is substantially aligned with the desired location 130 and/or with the comer assemblies 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 20 is positioned over the corner assembly 124 such that if the container 20 were lowered toward the frame 90, the container 20 would contact the comer assembly 124, Taming to FIG. 26, the container 20 is tilted and/or slanted toward die comer assembly 1.24 such that a front edge 274 of the container 20 has a lower elevation, relative to the ground plane, than a back edge 276.
  • the container 20 may move away from the forklift 14 via gravit due to the inclined position of the container 20 on the forks 66. As shown in FIG. 27, the container 20 is positioned on the desired location 130. For example, as described above, the container 20 may slide down the inclined edge 144 of the guide member 122 such thai the container 20 is positioned onto the desired location 130. In other words, the guide member 122 of the bo guide assembly 104 substantially aligns the container 20 with the desired location 130 without utilizing additional or extraneous alignment techniques, such as additional rigging. In this manner, the container 20 may be positioned on the frame 90 quickly and efficiently because the box guide assemblies 1 4 align the container 20 with the desired location 130.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Methods And Devices For Loading And Unloading (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Des modes de réalisation de la présente invention comprennent un appareil pour supporter un contenant d'agent de soutènement comprenant un cadre pour recevoir et supporter le contenant d'agent de soutènement, le cadre présentant une surface supérieure qui reçoit et positionne le contenant d'agent de soutènement au-dessus d'un convoyeur pour transporter l'agent de soutènement disposé sur celui-ci à l'opposé du contenant d'agent de soutènement. L'appareil comprend également un ensemble guide de boîtier positionné sur la surface supérieure comprenant un ensemble coin présentant, deux segments de paroi, et un élément de guidage s'étendant vers le haut et positionné de manière adjacente à l'ensemble coin, l'élément de guidage comprenant une partie conique de l'élément de guidage ; le cône présentant une première largeur au niveau d'une partie supérieure de l'élément de guidage inférieure à une seconde largeur au niveau d'une partie inférieure de l'élément de guidage. La partie conique est en contact avec le contenant d'agent de soutènement et le dirige vers un emplacement souhaité.
EP15842980.3A 2014-09-15 2015-09-09 Arceau pour contenant d'agent de soutènement présentant des guides de boîtier effilés Withdrawn EP3194283A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201462050493P 2014-09-15 2014-09-15
US201562114614P 2015-02-11 2015-02-11
US14/676,039 US9340353B2 (en) 2012-09-27 2015-04-01 Methods and systems to transfer proppant for fracking with reduced risk of production and release of silica dust at a well site
PCT/US2015/049074 WO2016044012A1 (fr) 2014-09-15 2015-09-09 Arceau pour contenant d'agent de soutènement présentant des guides de boîtier effilés

Publications (2)

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EP3194283A1 true EP3194283A1 (fr) 2017-07-26
EP3194283A4 EP3194283A4 (fr) 2018-05-02

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EP15842980.3A Withdrawn EP3194283A4 (fr) 2014-09-15 2015-09-09 Arceau pour contenant d'agent de soutènement présentant des guides de boîtier effilés

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CN108312953A (zh) * 2018-02-06 2018-07-24 衡阳泰豪通信车辆有限公司 一种气瓶集装格的固定座
CN113247408A (zh) * 2020-02-11 2021-08-13 金全益股份有限公司 无人搬运车的载具结构
CN116101655B (zh) * 2023-02-23 2024-07-23 厦门海辰储能科技股份有限公司 集装箱

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US5413154A (en) * 1993-10-14 1995-05-09 Bulk Tank, Inc. Programmable modular system providing controlled flows of granular materials
JP3385922B2 (ja) * 1997-07-17 2003-03-10 日本鋼管株式会社 コンテナ搬送台車およびその制御方法
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EP3194283A4 (fr) 2018-05-02

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