Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The reinforcement of a blow molded base of the type including a generally hemispherical configuration interrupted at circumferentially spaced intervals by protruding legs. Prior cracking problems at the intersection of the foot-radii of such legs with the generally hemispherical portion are solved by an internal reinforcement of the base in that area. The reinforcement may be either localized with the points of reinforcement being circumferentially spaced and in alignment with the legs, or may be in the form of a continuous band. The reinforcement is effected by providing a preform from which a container employing such base is blow molded and wherein the preform is provided either with internal ribs or an internal band of reinforcement and the resultant containers are blow molded in the same mold as previously utilized.

Abstract: This relates to the strengthening of the base of a blow molded plastic bottle and like container wherein the container base is of the type having generally hemispherical portions alternating circumferentially with projecting feet defining portions. It has been found that by roughening the surface of the base, particularly the lower central portion thereof, the base is greatly strengthened. The base is formed by blow molding in a blow mold base portion which has been roughened by shot peening.

Abstract: This relates to the base configuration of a biaxially oriented blow molded thermoplastic resin container. It has been found that by assigning more space to the ribs between adjacent legs and feet, during the blow molding of a preform, there is proportionally less thinning of the material of the preform in accordance with the greater width of rib, thereby providing greater strength in the high stress area of the base structure with a resultant lesser failure due to stress cracking.

Abstract: This relates to a biaxially oriented molded polyester can which may be severed from an elongated blow molded container and which can has an open mouth defined by an edge portion which is enlarged so that the edge portion has generally the cross section of a match. This enlargement which may be formed during or after the severing of the can body from the elongated container is utilized in the formation of a seam between the can body and a metal end unit utilizing conventional double seaming equipment. This abstract is not to be construed as limiting the claims of the application.

Abstract: This relates to a method of forming a thermal/collapse-resistant highly oriented polyester container for use in hot fill applications. In accordance with the method of a polyester preform is reheated and then placed in a blow mold cavity whereat the preform is distended to match the blow mold cavity to form an intermediate article including a container having an oriented end unit receiving finish of a diameter materially greater than the diameter of the preform. The method is characterized in that in providing the preform the composition of the polyester, the draw ratio during distending of the preform and reheat conditions are all controlled to provide a container with a sidewall and finish density in the range of 1.350 to substantially but less than 1.370 grams/cubic centimeter.

Abstract: This relates to the forming of a blow molded polyester container wherein a bottle having a conventional upper neck portion and an intermediate body is provided with a lower portion which includes an annular seaming flange which is integrally connected to the lower end of the body and wherein, with the exception of the seaming flange, the lower portion is removed and the bottle is closed by a separately formed bottom double seamed to the lower end of the body utilizing the annular seaming flange. During the interim between the removal of the bottle lower portion and the application of a separate bottom, the bottle is fully open so as to be readily commercially interiorly coated with a barrier coating. The separately formed bottom may be readily formed of metal and may be so constructed as to provide a large diameter base for supporting the bottle in upstanding position. This abstract forms no part of the specification of this application and is not to be construed as limiting the claims of the application.

Abstract: This relates to a biaxially oriented molded polyester can which may be severed from an elongated blow molded container and which can has an open mouth defined by an edge portion which is enlarged so that the edge portion has generally the cross section of a match. This enlargement which may be formed during or after the severing of the can body from the elongated container is utilized in the formation of a seam between the can body and a metal end unit utilizing conventional double seaming equipment.