Patent ID: 8562720
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: B08B,B65B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A method of reducing silicosis in workers caused by inhalation of SiO 2 dust in a hydraulic fracturing operation during the handling and preparation of an SiO 2 -containing proppant prior to injection of said SiO 2 -containing proppant into a well bore, said method comprising the steps of: placing collection door vacuum arrangements, at a first location, over original observation hatch openings on top of a SiO connecting openings of said collection door vacuum arrangements to a manifold using a flexible hose arrangement; operatively connecting said manifold to a vacuum source, which vacuum source comprises a vacuum-generating pump arrangement and a source of power, such as an internal combustion engine, configured to drive said vacuum-generating pump arrangement; activating said vacuum source and generating a negative pressure at least inside said interior portion of said SiO blowing said SiO providing a sufficient vacuum through said flexible hose arrangement to suck away dust traveling to said original observation hatch openings from the interior of the SiO opening said door portion of one of said collection door vacuum arrangements to permit viewing through a corresponding one of said original observation hatch openings into the interior of said SiO removing, by vacuum suction, a substantial portion of said SiO conducting, using vacuum suction, said substantial portion of said SiO collecting dust from said substantial portion of said SiO moving SiO moving, with said conveyor belt arrangement, SiO dropping said SiO providing a vacuum at said conveyor belt arrangement, where said SiO providing a vacuum at said SiO conducting, through additional flexible hoses, said SiO collecting dust from said SiO putting the collected dust in containers, such as bags, for immediate storage; and transporting said containers of collected dust away from said hydraulic fracturing site.