Patents by Inventor Austin Carl Schaffner
Austin Carl Schaffner has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220356790Abstract: A method of conducting fracturing operations at multiple wellsites in a field. The method may include manufacturing a first fracturing fluid concentrate at a fluid manufacturing plant located at a sand mine of the field using sand produced from the sand mine. The method may also include pumping the first fracturing fluid concentrate from the fluid manufacturing plant to a first well and a second well of the multiple wellsites. The method may further include injecting the first fracturing fluid concentrate into a first well at the first wellsite.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: November 10, 2022Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Cameron Michael Kramer, Wesley John Warren, Chad Adam Fisher, Austin Carl Schaffner
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Publication number: 20220255402Abstract: The disclosure provides a transportable system. The transportable system comprises a power distribution system comprising a first power distribution unit. The transportable system further comprises a first power module. The first power module is configured to provide energy in the form of rotational motion to the power distribution system, wherein the first power distribution unit comprises one or more power converters and an input connection, wherein the first power distribution unit is coupled to the first power module, wherein the rotational energy from the first power module is transferred to the one or more power converters via the input connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2021Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Wesley John Warren, Chad A. Fisher, Austin Carl Schaffner
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Patent number: 11338260Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering dry bulk material from a blender at a job site are provided. The systems include at least one container having in which dry bulk material can be placed and a skid-mounted vacuum unit comprising a tank having an interior space and an outlet for interfacing with the inlet of the container when the vacuum unit is positioned proximate to the container, a vacuum pump in communication with the interior space of the tank, and a conduit coupled to an inlet of the vacuum pump for interfacing with an inlet of a blender.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Weeter, Bryan Lucas Chapman, Austin Carl Schaffner, Wesley John Warren
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Patent number: 11273421Abstract: An example fluid management system for generating a fluid for a treatment operation may include a mixer and a first portable container disposed proximate to and elevated above the mixer. The first portable container may hold dry chemical additives. A feeder may be positioned below the first portable container to direct dry chemical additives from the first portable container to the mixer. The system may also include a first pump to provide fluid to the mixer from a fluid source.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Bryan Chapman Lucas, Chad Adam Fisher, Austin Carl Schaffner, Wesley John Warren
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Patent number: 11192712Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Wesley John Warren, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Austin Carl Schaffner
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Patent number: 11192731Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for using one or more pre-filled, portable containers, instead of pneumatic transfer, to move bulk material from a transportation unit to a blender receptacle of a blender are provided. A transportation unit may deliver one or more containers of bulk material to the well site, where the containers may be disposed in an elevated position around the blender receptacle. A gravity feed outlet may extend from one or more containers to route bulk material from the one or more containers directly into the blender receptacle. Since the transportation unit is able to unload the portable containers of bulk material without pneumatic transfer, the stackable containers may enable a cleaner and more efficient bulk material transfer at the site.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Tim H. Hunter, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Bryan John Lewis, Austin Carl Schaffner, Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja
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Patent number: 11192077Abstract: Systems and methods for managing bulk material efficiently at a well site are provided. The disclosure is directed to a container support frame that is integrated into a blender unit. The support frame is used to receive one or more portable containers of bulk material, and the blender unit may include a gravity feed outlet for outputting bulk material from the containers directly into a mixer of the blender unit. The blender unit with integrated support frame may eliminate the need for any subsequent mechanical conveyance of the bulk material (e.g., via a separate mechanical conveying system or on-blender sand screws) from the containers to the mixer. As such, the integrated blender unit may be lighter weight, take up less space, and have a lower cost and complexity than existing blenders.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Bryan Chapman Lucas, Bryan John Lewis, Austin Carl Schaffner, Timothy H. Hunter, Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Wesley John Warren
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Patent number: 11186454Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Wesley John Warren, Austin Carl Schaffner, Bryan Chapman Lucas, Chad Adam Fisher
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Patent number: 11186431Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for efficiently managing bulk material and dry additives to be mixed with bulk material in a blender are provided. The disclosed systems include a modular portable container that can be used to hold multiple types of dry flowable material for transportation about a work site. The different types of dry materials can be selectively released from the modular container for mixing with liquid and bulk material in a blender. The modular container generally includes a base structure that supports a number of individual, separable, and fully enclosed compartments. The compartments may each hold a different type of dry material, and the compartments may be arranged onto the base structure adjacent one another and removably secured to the base structure so that the compartments can be transported as a single unit about the work site.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2016Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Austin Carl Schaffner, Wesley John Warren, Bryan Chapman Lucas, Calvin L. Stegemoeller
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Publication number: 20210339966Abstract: Systems and methods for using one or more pre-filled, portable containers, instead of pneumatic transfer, to move bulk material from a transportation unit to a blender receptacle of a blender are provided. A transportation unit may deliver one or more containers of bulk material to the well site, where the containers may be disposed in an elevated position around the blender receptacle. A gravity feed outlet may extend from one or more containers to route bulk material from the one or more containers directly into the blender receptacle. Since the transportation unit is able to unload the portable containers of bulk material without pneumatic transfer, the stackable containers may enable a cleaner and more efficient bulk material transfer at the site.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Tim H. Hunter, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Bryan John Lewis, Austin Carl Schaffner, Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja
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Patent number: 11091332Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for using one or more pre-filled, portable containers, instead of pneumatic transfer, to move bulk material from a transportation unit to a blender receptacle of a blender are provided. A transportation unit may deliver one or more containers of bulk material to the well site, where the containers may be disposed in an elevated position around the blender receptacle. A gravity feed outlet may extend from one or more containers to route bulk material from the one or more containers directly into the blender receptacle. Since the transportation unit is able to unload the portable containers of bulk material without pneumatic transfer, the stackable containers may enable a cleaner and more efficient bulk material transfer at the site.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Tim H. Hunter, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Bryan John Lewis, Austin Carl Schaffner, Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja
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Patent number: 11066259Abstract: Controlling the dust emissions from the discharge of bulk materials from a container provides many benefits. A container engages a support structure that includes a frame. The frame includes a dust control enclosure coupled to an outlet or a hopper at the top of the frame and the container or a discharge gate of the container. The dust control enclosure comprises a collapsible and flexible material so that a tight seal is formed between the container and the hopper or the outlet of the frame. Dust from the discharged of the bulk material from the container is contained within the support structure. A dust control panel may also be disposed at the top of the frame to prevent any dust from migrating through the frame. The container may comprise a plurality of dust enclosure panels to further prevent the escape of dust during discharge of the bulk material.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Wesley John Warren, Austin Carl Schaffner, Chad Adam Fisher, Bryan Chapman Lucas
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Patent number: 10919693Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Wesley John Warren, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Austin Carl Schaffner
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Publication number: 20200277133Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Wesley John Warren, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Austin Carl Schaffner
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Patent number: 10747240Abstract: A flow exchanger (FE) system comprising: a supplement pump receiving a supplement first fluid stream and outputting a pressurized supplement first fluid stream; a flow splitter comprising a flow restrictor, wherein the flow splitter receives the pressurized supplement first fluid stream and outputs a power stream and a treatment stream; a main flow manifold, wherein the treatment stream enters the main flow manifold subsequent to passing through the flow restrictor; and an FE cylinder filled downstream with a second fluid and having a fluid interface separator (FIS), wherein the power stream enters the FE cylinder upstream; wherein the power stream engages and pushes FIS downstream, thereby providing for a second fluid stream entering the main flow manifold; wherein a second fluid stream VFR=a power stream VFR; and wherein the main flow manifold provides for a manifold output fluid stream VFR=a pressurized supplement first fluid stream VFR.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Thomas M. Logan, Timothy Holiman Hunter, Austin Carl Schaffner, Iosif Joseph Hriscu, Brad Robert Bull, Robert Lee Pipkin
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Patent number: 10654645Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Wesley John Warren, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Austin Carl Schaffner
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Publication number: 20200147566Abstract: Systems and methods for managing bulk material efficiently at a well site are provided. The disclosure is directed to a container support frame that is integrated into a blender unit. The support frame is used to receive one or more portable containers of bulk material, and the blender unit may include a gravity feed outlet for outputting bulk material from the containers directly into a mixer of the blender unit. The blender unit with integrated support frame may eliminate the need for any subsequent mechanical conveyance of the bulk material (e.g., via a separate mechanical conveying system or on-blender sand screws) from the containers to the mixer. As such, the integrated blender unit may be lighter weight, take up less space, and have a lower cost and complexity than existing blenders.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Bryan Chapman Lucas, Bryan John Lewis, Austin Carl Schaffner, Timothy H. Hunter, Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Wesley John Warren
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Patent number: 10640288Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for managing dry bulk material efficiently at a well site or other location are provided. Present embodiments are directed to a rotary clamshell gate actuation system and method, where the gate is separate from the one or more actuators used to open/close the gate. The disclosed system may include a portable bulk material container with a clamshell gate for easily dispensing material from the container. The system also includes a support structure equipped with one or more rotary actuators used to actuate the clamshell gate of the container between a closed and open position when the container is positioned on the support structure. The disclosed clamshell gate actuation system is easy to operate, low cost to manufacture, and reliable even when the portable container is not precisely aligned on the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Austin Carl Schaffner, Wesley John Warren, Bryan John Lewis, Tori H. Miller, Thomas W. Hawkins, Glenn Ray Fowler
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Patent number: 10625958Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for using containers, instead of pneumatic transfer, to move bulk material from a transportation unit to a blender receptacle (e.g., hopper or mixer of a blender) are provided. A transportation unit may deliver multiple containers of bulk material to the well site, where multiple conveyors may deliver the containers to a location proximate the blender receptacle. Openings at the bottom of the containers are arranged adjacent one another so that the load of two containers may be delivered to the tight space occupied by the blender receptacle. Since the transportation unit is able to unload the containers of bulk material without pneumatic transfer, the containers may enable a cleaner and more efficient bulk material transfer at the site.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Chapman Lucas, Tim H. Hunter, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Bryan John Lewis, Austin Carl Schaffner, Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja
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Publication number: 20200095060Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently managing bulk material are provided. The disclosure is directed to a portable support structure used to receive one or more portable containers of bulk material and output bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. The portable support structure may include a frame for receiving and holding the one or more portable bulk material containers in an elevated position proximate the blender hopper, as well as one or more gravity feed outlets for routing the bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. In some embodiments, the portable support structure may be transported to the well site on a trailer, unloaded from the trailer, and positioned proximate the blender unit. In other embodiments, the portable support structure may be a mobile support structure that is integrated into a trailer unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Thomas W. Hawkins, Bryan John Lewis, Tori H. Miller, Wesley John Warren, Austin Carl Schaffner, Glenn Ray Fowler, Bryan Chapman Lucas, Calvin L. Stegemoeller