METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING BULK PRODUCT TO AN END USER
A method and apparatus for supplying bulk material to an end user includes the step of providing a bulk material source that is at a location distant from the end user and a specially configured vessel and trailer apparatus for transporting the bulk material to the end user. The vessel is filled with bulk material at the bulk material source and then transported with a specially configured trailer. Alternatively, at source or destination, the vessel can remain as a temporary storage device, free-standing from the trailer. Other similar container configurations are provided as alternate containers for use with the method of the present invention. During transport between the bulk material source and the end user, the vessel is filled or partially filled with a selected bulk material. During transport, the vessel is in a generally horizontal position, supported by the trailer and a specially configured elevator. The vessel is unloaded from the trailer by moving the vessel longitudinally along the trailer and by transferring the vessel from a generally horizontal position upon the trailer to an elevated upright position. The vessel is then lowered from the elevated position to a lowered, final installed position that is behind the trailer. The vessel is preferably loaded with between about 1 and 50,000 pounds of bulk material. The vessel preferably has a volume of between about 500 and 2,000 cubic feet. The same trailer can be used to load an empty vessel. Specially configured outriggers help align the elevator with the vessel during loading of a vessel to the trailer. Different connecting frames can be used as an interface between the elevator and the vessel for differently configured vessels. In an alternate embodiment a trailer—rail—trailer system is disclosed wherein a trailer to transport a vessel to a first terminal, a special rail frame is attached to the vessel enabling a rail car to transport the vessel from a first to a second terminal and a trailer can transport the vessel from the second terminal to a worksite.
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,357, filed Jun. 30, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/313,906, filed on Dec. 6, 2002 (now abandoned), which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/372,568, filed Apr. 15, 2002 (now expired), priority also being claimed to each of the above referenced applications and each being incorporated herein by reference.
Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/372,568, filed Apr. 15, 2002, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot applicable
REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”Not applicable
BACKGROUND1. Field
The present invention relates to the trailer transport, and intermediate temporary storage, of bulk cargo from a bulk product source or bulk material source to an end user. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for supplying a bulk material to an end user wherein a specially configured trailer having a wheeled chassis (e.g., drop frame) and a moving elevator transports a loaded vessel between a bulk material source and an end user, the trailer being configured to cradle the vessel in a generally horizontal position during transport and to move the vessel from the generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position for end use. At the source or origin and/or at destination the vessel maybe used for intermediate temporary storage after being filled completely or partially with bulk material. A number of different container/vessel configurations are disclosed.
2. General Background
Many dried bulk cargo materials are supplied from a bulk material source to an end user using huge transport vehicles such as railroad cars and tractor trailer rigs. These presently available transport systems ignore the need of many smaller and medium sized end users that do not require full railroad car loads or full tractor trailer loads of the bulk material.
Bulk bags can be used to carry many dry bulk materials from a supplier to an end user. However, these bulk bags are limited in their capacity to loads of about 2000 pounds or less.
While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.”
BRIEF SUMMARYThe present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for supplying a bulk material to an end user. The method includes providing a bulk material source that can be at a location distant from the end user and providing a specially configured trailer and vessel arrangement for transporting the bulk material to the end user. After being filled at the source, the vessel may remain in a freestanding approximately vertical position for a temporary period prior to transportation to the end user. When delivered to the end user, the vessel may remain in a freestanding approximately vertical position for a temporary period and after the transport trailer has departed.
Multiple improved vessel and like container configurations can be provided for use with the method and apparatus of the present invention. These self contained vessels can be pressured and can be reused and eliminate the need for warehouse space that is required when using bulk bags, gaylord boxes and the like. The lifting equipment associated with such boxes or bags can be eliminated. The present can invention eliminate a need for bulk bags or pallets.
Because the invention can provide an intermediate or temporary storage before and after the transportation mode, the vessel can eliminate the need to construct permanent storage silos or buildings. When in the storage mode, the invention can allow the source of the bulk material to hold material after its production, but prior to its packaging, at a site some distance from the source providing a delayed-packaging benefit.
Environmental health hazards can be substantially reduced because the bulk material can remain inside the vessel from source to end user thereby eliminating the re-handling of the bulk material.
As part of the method, the vessel or pressure vessel is placed in a generally horizontal position upon the trailer and transported to the bulk material source. At the bulk material source, the vessel can be filled with the selected bulk material.
The vessel can be transported in a filled condition to the end user. The vessel can remain filled or partially filled during transit. During transit, the vessel is in a generally horizontal, reclined or lay down position upon the trailer.
The vessel, box container, or other container can be unloaded from the trailer in a special manner that includes the ability to move the vessel while filled with material in a generally horizontal direction thereby centering the loaded vessel on the trailer. The specially configured trailer can provide an elevator or elevating mast that moves the vessel from the generally horizontal position to an elevated position. One operator can load or unload the vessel.
The method can also include a lowering of the vessel from the generally upright, elevated position to a lowered, installed position that is behind the trailer.
The vessel can be loaded while in transport from the bulk material source to the end user with between about 1 and 50,000 pounds of bulk material.
The vessel can provide an upper bulk material holding section and a lower foundation section that does not hold any bulk material. Part of the bulk material holding section can be a lower end portion that is a conical or funnel shaped that facilitates unloading of material once the vessel or container reaches its final destination. Upon arrival at the final destination, the bulk product or bulk material can be unloaded in any number of ways including but not limited to: 1) gravity; 2) suction; or 3) pressurized or forced air delivery. The transport trailer can leave the vessel at the final destination and return at a later date or time (e.g., hours or days later). Upon return, the transport trailer can bring a second, bulk material filled vessel and leave it at the final destination, then retrieve the now empty first vessel.
The method of the present invention preferably employs a plurality of hydraulic cylinders or rams. These cylinders are used for multiple purposes, including sliding the vessel upon the trailer prior to its elevation, and elevating the vessel from a generally horizontal to a generally vertical position. Further, the same plurality of hydraulic cylinders or rams can be used to lower the vessel from an elevated to a lowered position while the vessel is in a vertical orientation. One or more hydraulic rams are preferably mounted on and move with the elevator.
As part of the method of the present invention, a vessel can be newly constructed or re-constructed from a standard, available tank container. Such tank containers typically comprise a cylindrically shaped pressure vessel or tank having dished end portions and surrounded by a box-like frame of structural steel members that are structurally connected to the vessel. As part of the method, the frame can optionally be removed from the vessel, or, the frame can remain with the vessel. One of the dished end portions can then be cut from the cylindrically shaped container or vessel. The end portion from which the dished end portion is removed can then be fitted with a funnel or cone that assists in dispensing material from the completed vessel. The vessels can alternatively be newly manufactured of any metal (e.g. stainless, carbon steel, steel, aluminum or other metal alloy), plastic, fiberglass; and can be lined or unlined.
If a tank container is to be converted, after removal of the box-like frame, the cylindrically shaped tank container can be fitted with a suitable structural base or foundation such as a plurality of legs that are cross-braced to support a load of between about 5,000 and 50,000 pounds. The completed vessel preferably has a volume of between about 500 and 2,000 cubic feet. The vessel can also have a longitudinal dimension of between about 10 and 45 feet (plus legs of any length up to approximately 120 inches) and a diameter of between 1 and 9 feet.
The present invention can use a number of different components in transporting bulk material to an end user.
The above discussed converted tank container, reconfigured with frame removed can be provided in any size, e.g. between 5 and 40 feet and fitted with fixed support legs.
A converted tank container can be reconfigured into e.g. a 20 or 40 foot vessel with the frame intact and not removed and fitted with detachable locking support legs.
A converted box container can be reconfigured into e.g. a 20 or 40 foot mobile vessel with detachable locking support legs.
Each of these containers is preferably designed to be loaded and transported in a horizontal position and then stood vertically for a final discharging or dispensing of the bulk material at the end users location.
The present invention thus provides an improved method and apparatus for transporting bulk material between a source and an end user, and/or temporarily storing the bulk material at the source or the destination. The apparatus includes a specially configured trailer that has a chassis (preferably drop frame type) and a masted elevator. The trailer is designed to both transport and erect any of the above-discussed different containers and vessels, each of which is designed to fit the specially configured trailer.
The specially configured trailer can include a masted elevator that is movably, preferably pivotally attached to the trailer chassis. The chassis can be an elongated trailer that is designed to be towed, providing a minimum of four wheels and preferably 8 wheels. The trailer is preferably provided with a minimum of (1-3) axles, each axle having between 2 and 4 wheels.
Special configured connectors can be provided on the elevator. The connectors include a projecting portion that is designed to fit in an interlocking fashion with a receptacle on the vessel, box container, or selected container. During use, the trailer can be loaded with an empty vessel that is preferably placed in a generally horizontal position. The vessel or container is then moved to the forward end portion of the trailer for purposes of load-centering and transport on the highway.
In order to move the vessel upon the trailer, hydraulic rams can activate to make a connection between the projecting portion on the elevator and the receptacle on the vessel or container. Extension of the hydraulic ram can then move the vessel or container toward the forward end portion of the trailer. The vessel or container can then be filled with the selected bulk cargo material, while the vessel is in a generally horizontal position, through openings located in the side wall of the vessel. Alternatively, the trailer can be loaded with a full or partially full vessel.
Alternatively at the location of the source of the bulk material, the hydraulic ram can move the vessel while in a horizontal position to the rear of the trailer. Hydraulic rams can elevate the masted elevator to the approximately vertical position. The dual purpose hydraulic ram that works to reposition the vessel longitudinally on the trailer also enables the vessel to be lowered vertically to the installed position for loading the vessel with bulk material in the approximately vertical position using e.g., a pressurized system. In one embodiment when the vessel is loaded the hydraulic rams are used to reverse the process. With the masted elevator in the elevated position, connecting apparatus on the masted elevator engage receiving apparatus on the vessel in the approximately vertical position. The dual purpose hydraulic ram can lift the vessel from its resting place and hydraulic rams can lower the masted elevator with vessel laying on it. When the vessel and mast are returned to the approximately horizontal position, the dual purpose hydraulic ram that lifts and lowers the vessel to and from the installed position, can also be the ram that centers the vessel longitudinally on the trailer for the transportation mode.
Once connected and loaded with cargo, the vessel and elevator can be moved together from the horizontal, transport position to a vertical, elevated position.
It should be understood that as part of the method of the present invention, the vessel or container can be filled with a selected bulk material from the time that the material is added to the vessel or container at a bulk material source until it reaches an end user. Thus, the present invention can not merely be an apparatus designed to move only an empty vessel or container, but rather can also provide a method and apparatus that can be used for transporting a vessel which is filled or partially filled with bulk material along highways from a material source to an end user.
Upon delivery, the transport trailer can depart and the vessel or container can function as storage and dispensing vessel for the end user. The transport trailer can return later with a second full vessel after a first of the vessels has been emptied of its contents over time. In one embodiment, because special container configurations are handled by a specially configured trailer and lifting arrangement in an outdoor or indoor environment, product degradation and contamination can be eliminated by avoiding multiple handlings. The specially configured vessels used with the method of the present invention can be fitted with an outlet valve and transport flowline that eliminates the need for any trough for offloading of bulk material. The use of the sealed vessel in combination with an exit valve and flowline can eliminate contamination potential and avoid health exposure.
Some bulk products or bulk materials can be hazardous, creating dust that can adversely affect the health of workers unless they are properly suited in coveralls and wearing respirators. In one embodiment, the present invention can minimize or eliminate such health exposure because it is a closed system during both loading and unloading.
The present invention can be used for liquid bulk products or liquid bulk materials. In such a situation, the vessel shown in
As with the handling of dry bulk product or dry bulk material, when the apparatus and method of the present invention are used to handle liquid bulk product, each of the vessels can be self contained, requiring no additional equipment for lifting or handling as is often required for intermediate bulk containers (IBC)and/or 55-85 gallon drums. For liquid bulk handling, the present invention can eliminate environmental exposures that relate so often to drum disposal. The apparatus of the present invention can provide a method and apparatus for offloading the vessels in a filled position as opposed to empty.
The reusable method and apparatus of the present invention can be more cost effective than present intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). The present invention can eliminate product degradation because the product is only handled once. The present invention can eliminate contamination that can be caused by second handlings. The present invention can minimize or eliminate the necessary or required health exposure precautions where it is a closed system during both unloading and loading.
With the present invention shippers can achieve both efficient transportation and efficient intermediate temporary storage in one (or uni-vessel) thereby creating a new category of Uni-vessel Intermediate Bulk Containers (UIBC) for which the present invention can become a standard of measure.
In an alternate embodiment a trailer—rail—trailer system is disclosed wherein a trailer can transport a vessel to a first terminal, a special rail frame can be attached to the vessel enabling a rail car to transport the vessel from a first to a second terminal and a trailer can transport the vessel from the second terminal to a worksite.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:
Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.
One or more sets of dolly legs 51 are mounted at the front of chassis 16 as shown in
In
The masted elevator 20 is movable from a lay down, reclined or generally horizontal position as shown e.g. in
When the container elevator 20 is in the vertical position as shown e.g. in
Foot 19 is preferably connected to outrigger 17 with a jack 78 that enables the elevation of outrigger 17 to be changed relative to the ground surface. A hydraulic, pneumatic or hand crank or other operated jack mechanism 78 (see
Such an adjustment to the elevator by an outrigger 17 relative to its foot 19 is made when the selected vessel 26, 27 or 120 is resting upon the ground or other underlying support surface (slab, floor, foundation, etc.) and masked elevator 20 has assumed the generally vertical position of
In the operating position shown e.g. in
Masted elevator 20 is preferably pivotally connected to chassis 16 at pivotal connection 21 as shown e.g. in
Arrow 25 in
In
As shown in
Rails 37 can be mounted on or inside of or be an integral part of the masted elevator 20 as shown in
Connecting plate 33 is added (bolted or welded) to lifting carriage assembly 137 as shown in
The hydraulic ram 31 located within the elevator 20 is designed to facilitate two functions. Initially, ram 31 will move the selected vessel 26, 27, 120 forwards or backwards while in a generally horizontal position, allowing the vessel load to be properly positioned on the chassis 16 while in a transport mode. Additionally, ram(s) 31 function to raise and lower the vessel container on or off the ground when the elevator 20 is in the vertical position as shown e.g. in
When mast 20 is to lift vessel 26, the lifting carriage assembly 137 engages a pair of vertically spaced apart beams (Front and rear interlocking plates 140, 141) that are attached (e.g. welded) to tank 26 at saddles 57 (see
Each beam 140, 141 can be an angle beam, with an ell shaped transverse cross section as seen in the side view of
In
As depicted in
The present invention provides a method and apparatus that can utilizes a number of different, specially configured containers (vessels) with corresponding attachment mechanisms as described in the text above. In
As part of the method of the present invention, the standard tank container 60 is converted to a vessel 26 by removing frame 70. The frame 70 typically includes a plurality of beams that form a box-like structure around the tank 61, including longitudinal beams 71, transverse beams 72, and diagonal struts 73. In the preferred embodiment, one or more of these longitudinal or transverse beams 71, 72 that are removed can be used as legs 74 when configuring vessel 26 that is shown in
As part of the method of the present invention, one of the dished ends 62 is removed and replaced with cone 66, as shown in
In
In
In
A recess 93 is provided for receiving inner sleeve plate 53 which can be attached to side wall 84 by welding, or other means for example. Side sleeve plates 55 and 56 are then welded, or bolted, to plate 53 for forming receptacle 42. Outer sleeve plate 54 is then welded, or bolted, to the combination of plates 53, 55 and 56 to complete the receptacle 42.
A completed view of the receptacle 42 on the vessel 27 is shown in
In
In order to complete the connection 100, a corner casting 87 of container 80 is placed into the receptacle space 116 defined by flanges 107, 108 and plate 99 (see
The corner castings 87 are preferably of the same size and shape, preferably identically configured. The opening 114 aligns with opening 109 of flange 108 when corner casting 87 is inserted into the receptacle space 116. Before inserting the corner casting 87 into the receptacle space 116, spacer plate 105 is inserted through slot 113 as shown in
The connection 100 that is shown and described with respect to
In
As will be described in more detail below, vessel 26 can be locked onto trailer 11 by the combined interaction between counterbalance wheels 139A in receptacles 160; front female interlocking plate receiving front male interlocking section 146; female interlocking plate 128 receiving rear male interlocking section 146; and comer castings being locked in twist locks 170.
Counter balance wheels 139 and 139A along with lifting carriage assembly 137 allow vessel 26 to roll on rails 37 of trailer 11.
In
In
Various terminals can be set up in strategic geographic locations to provide broad coverage for transporting an inventory of vessels 26. For example, in a preferred embodiment twenty five terminals can be set up in strategic locations around North America which will allow coverage from these terminals to various work locations. Terminals can each have inventories of vessels 26. Additionally, vessels 26 can be relocated by rail from one terminal to another depending on the requirements of specific terminals. Furthermore, vessels 26 can be moved filled, partially, filled, or empty when being transported by rail. In one embodiment an inventory of vessels 26 are stored at various terminals.
In an alternative rail embodiment a terminal may not have a rail car loading station and trailer 11 can be used to transport vessel 26 from such terminal to a loading station for rail car 180. Rail car 180 can then transport vessel 26 to a second location wherein vessel 26 can be loaded onto a second trailer 11A. Second trailer 11A can either then take vessel 26 to a second terminal or a work location.
Rail frame 185 can be designed to adapt conventional rail car 180 to carry vessel 26. Rail frame 185 can be comprised of beams 187, 188, 189, and 190, which can be of an I-beam construction. Beams 187-190 can form a rectangle to support vessel 26. Cross braces 182 and 183 can be used to stiffen rail frame 185. Additionally, cross brace 182 can be positioned to align with saddle 57 and cross brace 183 can be positioned to align with saddle 57A. Cross brace 182 can preferably be an I-beam having top flange 182A. Rail frame 185 can also include twist lock 180 which aligns with corner casting 150 of vessel 26. Additional cross bracing can be included such as under corner casting 150.
Rail frame 185 can also include locking plate 196 to secure vessel 26 by contact with front female interlocking plate 140. Spacing beams 205 and 206 can be used to connect corner castings 192 and 194 to rail frame 185. An addition set of spacing beams can be used to connect corner castings 206 and 208 to rail frame 185.
In
Once vessel 26 is in position on rail frame 185, locking plate 196 can be used to lock vessel 26 in place. To secure vessel 26, handle 198 can be rotated clockwise causing locking plate to rotate clockwise and contact front female interlocking plate 140. Pin 200 can be placed in hole 201A to lock handle in position. When not in locking use pin 200 can be placed in hole 200. To unsecure pin 200 can be pulled out of hole 201A and handle 199 rotated in a counterclockwise direction causing locking plate 196 to also move in a counterclockwise direction. Arrows 199 and 197 schematically indicate the movement of handle 199 and locking plate 196 between locking and unlocking positions.
An alternative summary of the operation of the trailer—rail -trailer embodiment follows. Vessel 26 arrives at terminal 230 via trailer 11. Twist locks 170 are unlocked and straps 213 connected to crane 210 are placed around vessel 26. Crane 210 picks up vessel 26. Rail frame 185 is secured to vessel 26 using twist locks 204 and comer castings 150 along with front female interlocking plate member 140, cross brace 182 and locking plate 196. Vessel 26 and rail frame 185 is secured to rail car 180 via corner castings 192, 194, 206, and 208 attached respectively to twist locks 193, 195,207, and 209. Rail car 180 transports vessel 26 to second terminal 235. To unload vessel 26 substantially the reverse procedure is performed as stated above, however, vessel 26 will be loaded onto second trailer 11A located at second terminal 235.
Parts List The following is a list of suitable parts and materials for the various elements of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.
Claims
1. A method of supplying bulk material to an end user comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a bulk material source that is at a location distant from the end user;
- b) providing a vessel, and a trailer and chassis for transporting the vessel;
- c) transporting the vessel to the bulk material source;
- d) filling the vessel with the bulk material at the bulk material source;
- e) transporting the vessel that was filled in step “d” to the end user and while remaining filled or partially filled;
- f) wherein the vessel is in a generally horizontal, reclined position in step “e”;
- g) unloading the vessel from the trailer after steps “e” and “f”, including moving the vessel from the generally horizontal position to a generally upright and elevated position; and
- h) lowering the vessel from the elevated position to a final, installed position.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising supporting the trailer with outriggers in step “g”.
3. A bulk material transportation system, comprising:
- a) a vessel having a vessel portion that has an outer wall surrounding an interior for holding bulk material, the vessel including a dispensing end portion having an outlet fitting;
- b) a trailer for transporting the vessel;
- c) the trailer having a chassis and an elevator that is movably attached to the chassis at the rear of the chassis between generally horizontal and generally vertical positions;
- d) a vessel connecting portion mounted to the vessel outer wall;
- e) a lifting device on the elevator that includes a connector for forming a connection with the vessel connecting portion; and
- f) a curved portion of the elevator being positioned next to the rear of the chassis so that when the elevator is moved to the generally vertical position, it is moved to an offset position that is spaced behind the trailer chassis.
4. The bulk material transportation system of claim 3, wherein the vessel has an upper bulk material holding section inside the vessel and a lower foundation section that does not hold any bulk material.
5. The bulk material transportation system of claim 3, wherein the vessel has an upper portion and a conical portion below the upper portion, the upper and conical portions having a common interior for holding bulk material.
6. The bulk material transportation system of claim 3, further comprising an outer frame on the vessel that surrounds the vessel.
7. The bulk material transportation system of claim 3, wherein the connector portions enable the elevator to hold the vessel in an elevated position that spaces the vessel above the chassis.
8. The bulk material transportation system of claim 3, further comprising outriggers mounted at the rear of the trailer.
9. A method of supplying bulk material to an end user comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a bulk material source that is at a location distant from the end user;
- b) providing a vessel, and a trailer and chassis for transporting the vessel;
- c) transporting the vessel to the bulk material source;
- d) filling the vessel with the bulk material at the bulk material source;
- e) transporting the vessel that was filled in step “d” to the end user and while remaining filled or partially filled;
- f) wherein the vessel is in a generally horizontal position in step “e”;
- g) unloading the vessel from the trailer after steps “e” and “f”, and alternatively after step “c” including moving the vessel from the generally horizontal position to a generally upright and elevated position;
- h) lowering the vessel from the elevated position to a final, installed position;
- i) wherein the vessel maybe in either the generally horizontal position at rest on the trailer, or, may be in the generally vertical installed position in step “d”; and
- j) following step “h”, recovering the empty or partially filled vessel from the installed position with the elevated mast in the approximate vertical position by employing the movable connecting carriage apparatus on the masted elevator to connect to an interlocking connector on the upright vessel.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the elevator and box container with generally box-shaped upper portion have respective connecting portions and further comprising the step of engaging the connecting portions before steps “g” and alternatively step “d”.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising supporting the trailer with outriggers in steps “g” and alternatively step “d”.
12. The method of claim 9, where the outriggers adjust the side-to-side transverse alignment of the masted elevator when the approximately vertical position relative to the vessel between steps “d” and “e”, steps “f”, and “g”, and after step “f”.
13. A method of supplying bulk material to an end user comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a bulk material source that is at a location distant from the end user;
- b) providing a vessel for storing the bulk material;
- c) providing a first trailer for transporting the vessel;
- d) providing a rail car for transporting the vessel from a first terminal to a second terminal;
- e) providing a second trailer for transporting the vessel;
- f) filling the vessel with the bulk material at the bulk material source;
- g) using the first trailer, transporting the vessel that was filled in step “f” to the first terminal and loading the vessel on to the rail car;
- h) using the rail car, transporting the vessel from the first terminal to the second terminal with;
- i) loading the vessel onto the second trailer;
- j) using the second trailer, transporting the vessel to a work site;
- k) wherein in step “j” the vessel is in a generally horizontal, reclined position;
- l) unloading the vessel from the second trailer after steps “j” and “k”, including moving the vessel from the generally horizontal position to a generally upright and elevated position; and
- m) lowering the vessel from the elevated position to a final, installed position.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein in steps “g” and “h”, the first and second terminals are part of a plurality of terminals located in different geographical locations.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 21, 2007
Publication Date: Sep 6, 2007
Inventors: Walter Boasso (Arabi, LA), Stephen Benet (Channelview, TX)
Application Number: 11/689,151
International Classification: B60P 1/00 (20060101);