Abstract: Blending particulate and liquid to make slurry for use in oilfield operations is addressed. The blender has an upwardly facing particulate expeller with a flat base, raised hub, and generally radially extending, circumferentially spaced vanes extending upwardly from the base. The vanes extend from leading edges spaced about a vane inner diameter to tips spaced about a vane outer diameter. Adjacent expeller vanes define expeller passageways therebetween. The particulate expeller does not serve as a meaningful liquid impeller and the blender does not act significantly as a pump. The expeller has a several preferred diameter, clearance, height and length dimensions and ratios. Wide, deep expeller inlets and shallow, narrow outlets enhance particulate entry and minimize expeller torque. Vane extensions impart velocity to the particulate upon contact and minimize sensitivity to particulate entry velocity. Maximized circumferential overlap of adjacent vanes reduces liquid back-flow.

Abstract: A transfer system includes a conduit, a support, and a conveyor. The conduit has a first end and a second end and is configured to transfer dry material from the first end to the second end. The support is in contact with at least a portion of the conduit and is configured to maintain the second end of the conduit in a desired position relative to the first end of the conduit during transfer of the dry material from the first end to the second end. The conveyor is adjacent to the conduit and is configured to deliver the dry material to the first end of the conduit from a floating vessel configured to transport the dry material.

Abstract: Blending particulate and liquid to make slurry for use in oilfield operations is addressed. The blender has an upwardly facing particulate expeller with a flat base, raised hub, and generally radially extending, circumferentially spaced vanes extending upwardly from the base. The vanes extend from leading edges spaced about a vane inner diameter to tips spaced about a vane outer diameter. Adjacent expeller vanes define expeller passageways therebetween. The particulate expeller does not serve as a meaningful liquid impeller and the blender does not act significantly as a pump. The expeller has a several preferred diameter, clearance, height and length dimensions and ratios. Wide, deep expeller inlets and shallow, narrow outlets enhance particulate entry and minimize expeller torque. Vane extensions impart velocity to the particulate upon contact and minimize sensitivity to particulate entry velocity. Maximized circumferential overlap of adjacent vanes reduces liquid back-flow.

Abstract: A transfer system includes a conduit, a support, and a conveyor. The conduit has a first end and a second end and is configured to transfer dry material from the first end to the second end. The support is in contact with at least a portion of the conduit and is configured to maintain the second end of the conduit in a desired position relative to the first end of the conduit during transfer of the dry material from the first end to the second end. The conveyor is adjacent to the conduit and is configured to deliver the dry material to the first end of the conduit from a floating vessel configured to transport the dry material.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing well treatment fluid including delivering to a blending unit a desired rate of proppant by weighing a proppant storage and metering unit storing the proppant; and adjusting the size of a calibrated aperture on the proppant storage and metering unit. Methods also include delivering chemicals from a chemical storage and metering unit to the blending unit; combining the proppant and chemicals in the blending unit; and allowing the well treatment fluid to flow from the blending unit to a well location.