Abstract: Systems and methods for conveying non-dry frac proppant are described herein. The system generally includes at least one hopper having at least one moisture sensor, a slide gate that is fluidly connected to the at least one hopper, a conveyor assembly having at least one conveyor belt configured to convey the non-dry frac proppant from the at least one hopper to a blender, and at least one load sensor, and a control device configured to regulate a discharge rate of the non-dry frac proppant and a load rate of the non-dry frac proppant. The method generally includes providing the system at a well site to convey a non-dry frac proppant from a source point the at least one hopper, the conveyor assembly at a discharge rate determined by the control device, and the blender at a load rate determined by the control device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conveying non-dry frac proppant are described herein. The system generally includes at least one hopper having at least one moisture sensor, a slide gate that is fluidly connected to the at least one hopper, a conveyor assembly having at least one conveyor belt configured to convey the non-dry frac proppant from the at least one hopper to a blender, and at least one load sensor, and a control device configured to regulate a discharge rate of the non-dry frac proppant and a load rate of the non-dry frac proppant. The method generally includes providing the system at a well site to convey a non-dry frac proppant from a source point the at least one hopper, the conveyor assembly at a discharge rate determined by the control device, and the blender at a load rate determined by the control device.

Abstract: Methods for converting non-standard frac sand into sand with fracking properties using at least one jet pump.

Abstract: Apparatus including (a) a substantially rigid container defining at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port, and being sized and configured to define a first volume for receiving a liquid, solid particulate or slurry material; (b) a flexible, substantially non-porous bag which forms a bag opening perimeter in sealed attachment to the container at the inlet port and being in an initial deflated state; and (c) a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the rigid container through said outlet port, wherein during operation of the vacuum pump, a vacuum is created within the rigid container to thereby cause the bag in an initial deflated state to expand and form a vacuum within the bag to draw material through the inlet port and into the bag.

Abstract: A jet pump comprising (A) a housing which defines at least a suction chamber, a suction inlet and a suction outlet; (B) a nozzle assembly disposed within the housing which nozzle assembly is sized and configured to receive at least a pressurized fluid and eject the pressurized fluid as a fluid flow into a portion of the suction chamber; and (C) a discharge conduit extending from the suction outlet away from the suction chamber, the discharge conduit being configured for fluid communication with the suction chamber and being disposed to receive the fluid flow from the nozzle assembly, wherein the discharge conduit defines at least a first inner diameter along a portion of its length and a second inner diameter along another portion of its length, the first inner diameter being less than the second inner diameter.

Abstract: A system which provides a first object defining a first volume and a second object defining a second volume wherein the second object contains the first object. A manifold apparatus is provided which allows a flowable material to flow by vacuum action into the first object and also allows any entrained gas to be transported from the first volume to the second volume without interrupting the vacuum. Methods of use of the system and structures for detachably attaching the manifold apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.

Abstract: An excavation system comprises a bucket, defining an outlet at its base, in fluid communication with a suction tube in fluid communication with a jet pump, configured to create a suction in the suction tube. A related method of excavating comprises loading excavation material into a bucket which defines an outlet at its base, sizing the excavation material by sieving action of a guard substantially covering the bucket outlet, and suctioning the sized material though the bucket outlet using a vacuum created by a jet pump.

Abstract: A recirculating liquid jet pump for moving a wide variety of materials is described. The pump is preferably equipped with an intermediate collection reservoir enabling the placement of material to be suctioned into the collection reservoir without bringing together the material to be suctioned with the motive fluid of the liquid jet pump. The collection reservoir may also be connected to a separate container for de-watering solid-liquid mixtures to enable mixture liquid to be separated from the solids without bringing the separated liquid into contact with the motive fluid of the jet pump and without the use of excessive amounts of jet pump motive fluid.

Abstract: An excavation system is described which comprises a bucket, defining an outlet at its base, in fluid communication with a suction tube in fluid communication with a jet pump, configured to create a suction in the suction tube. A related method of excavating is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A system for moving a wide variety of materials using a recirculating liquid jet pump is described. The system is preferably equipped with an material collection reservoir enabling the placement of material to be suctioned into the collection reservoir without bringing together the material to be suctioned with the motive fluid of the liquid jet pump. The collection reservoir is also connected to a removal means and controller so that suctioned material can be removed from the collection reservoir concurrently with action of the liquid jet pump.

Abstract: A recirculating liquid jet pump for moving a wide variety of materials is described. The pump is preferably equipped with an intermediate collection reservoir enabling the placement of material to be suctioned into the collection reservoir without bringing together the material to be suctioned with the motive fluid of the liquid jet pump. The collection reservoir may also be connected to a separate container for de-watering solid-liquid mixtures to enable mixture liquid to be separated from the solids without bringing the separated liquid into contact with the motive fluid of the jet pump and without the use of excessive amounts of jet pump motive fluid.

Abstract: A liquid jet pump for moving a wide variety of material is described. The liquid jet pump is comprised of a nozzle assembly and a target tube, and defines a suction chamber. The nozzle assembly is configured to pull in gas, causing a gas bearing effect wherein a layer of gas surrounds the liquid jet flow exiting the nozzle assembly. The liquid jet passes through the suction chamber with minimal deflection, reducing cavitation and improving mixing as educted materials enter the suction chamber and combine with the liquid jet. The combined material is directed into the target tube, which preferably is designed to detach from the other components and is composed of abrasion-resistant material. The target tube absorbs the majority of wear, and provides ease of changing parts.

Abstract: An improved liquid jet pump for moving solid or other materials is provided. The liquid jet pump includes a nozzle assembly, a suction chamber, and a target tube. The nozzle assembly pulls in atmospheric air, causing an air bearing effect around the liquid jet exiting the nozzle assembly. The liquid jet passes through the suction chamber with minimal deflection, reducing cavitation and improving mixing as educted materials enters the suction chamber and combines with the liquid jet. The combined material is directed into the target tube, which is designed to detach from the other components and is composed of abrasion-resistant material. The target tube absorbs the majority of wear, and provides ease of changing parts.