Patent Publication Number: US-2020299079-A1

Title: Method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor

Description:
CONTINUING APPLICATION DATA 
     The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/584,071, filed on May 2, 2017, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/209,478, filed Mar. 13, 2014, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/606,913, filed on Sep. 7, 2012, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/416,256, filed on Mar. 9, 2012, which claims the benefit of: expired U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/601,875, filed Feb. 22, 2012, expired U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/590,233, filed Jan. 24, 2012, and expired U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/451,435, filed Mar. 10, 2011. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/209,478 also is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/416,256 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/786,274, filed Mar. 14, 2013. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present application relates to a method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor. 
     2. Background Information 
     Hydraulic fracturing is the propagation of fractures in a rock layer, which process is used by oil and gas companies in order to release petroleum, natural gas, coal seam gas, or other substances for extraction. The hydraulic fracturing technique is known in the oil and gas industry as “fracking” or “hydrofracking.” In hydraulic fracturing, a proppant is used to keep the fractures open, which proppant is often a silica-containing material, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand. Many tons of proppant are used at a fracking site, thereby exposing workers to inhalation of silica dust, which can lead to a lung disease known as silicosis, or Potter&#39;s rot. Silicosis is a form of occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust, and is marked by inflammation and scarring in forms of nodular lesions in the upper lobes of the lungs. It is a type of pneumoconiosis, or lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust, usually from working in a mining operation. 
     When preparing proppant for use in hydraulic fracturing, large amounts of dust, such as silica dust and other proppant dust, are created by the movement of proppants. This dust can produce potential detrimental effects, such as contaminating atmospheric air, creating a nuisance to adjacent landowners, and damaging equipment on the hydraulic fracturing site. A significant concern, as discussed above, is the inhalation of silica dust or other proppant dust, which can lead to lung conditions such as silicosis and other specific forms of pneumoconiosis. 
     Hydraulic fracturing jobs use a large amount of proppant, often as much as 15,000 tons. This large quantity of proppant is brought in by pneumatic tankers and then blown into proppant storage trailers known as “mountain movers,” “sand hogs” or “sand kings.” Some well-known storage devices of this type have been developed by Halliburton (headquartered in Houston, Tex. and Dubai, UAE), such as the Model FSR-2500 Mountain Mover®. This particular model is capable of storing 2,500 cubic feet of proppant in five individual compartments consisting of two 560 cubic feet compartments and three 460 cubic feet compartments. The FSR-2500 has a length of 48 feet, width of 8.5 feet, height of 13.5 feet, and a total weight of 51,400 pounds. Other storage devices of this type are the Sand King 3000 and the Sand King 4000 developed by Convey-All Industries, 130 Canada Street, Winkler, Manitoba, Canada R6W 4B7. The Model FSR-2500 Mountain Mover®, Sand King 3000, and the Sand King 4000, and the technical data relating thereto, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, except for the exceptions indicated herein. The dimensions and weight of such storage trailers may require a permit for transport, depending on the states, territories, or countries in which the storage trailers are to be transported. For example, U.S. federal rules require that gross vehicle weight be no more than 80,000 pounds, and that the overall vehicle length be no longer than 65 feet, or 75 feet, depending on the type of connection between the tractor and the trailer. Such storage trailers are generally designed such that the gross vehicle weight and overall vehicle length during transport is less than the federal limit. The motor vehicle codes relating to trucks and/or trailers of the various states, provinces, and/or territories in which such motor vehicle codes are utilized, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, except for the exceptions indicated herein. 
     Other types of proppant storage devices can be used as an alternative to proppant storage trailers. Such storage devices could be pre-filled with proppant, either by dumping proppant into the storage devices or by pneumatically conducting proppant into the storage devices, and then delivered to a hydraulic fracturing work site. Such storage devices could be in the form of stationary containers, hoppers, or bins, and could be placed directly over a conveyor or belt conveyor which conveys proppant to a proppant mixer or blender. The storage devices have dispensing openings or ports which can be opened to release the proppant onto the conveyor. 
     The storage trailers discussed above generally have access doors on top which vent the incoming air to the atmosphere. The flow of air creates large dust clouds, such as silica dust clouds, which blow out of the access doors, which can be especially problematic for workers who are looking into the interior of the storage trailers to monitor the proppant fill level. The proppant is then gravity fed onto a conveyor belt that carries the proppant to another conveyor, usually a T-belt which runs transverse to and collects the proppant from multiple storage trailers. The gravity feed of the proppant once again disturbs the proppant resulting in additional dust clouds. The T-belt then carries the proppant to be discharged into the hopper of one or more blenders, at which point the proppant is again disturbed and additional dust clouds are created. In addition, the stationary storage devices discussed above, which are an alternative to the storage trailer, also generate dust during operation. Dust can be generated by the gravity feed of proppant onto the conveyor belt. The proppant dispensed from the storage devices also must be dumped into the blender, so dust is generated there as well. In other words, whether a storage trailer is used or an alternative storage device is used to supply proppant to the T-belt or similar conveyor, proppant will always eventually be dumped into a blender hopper and will generate substantial dust during the drop off and during blending or mixing. 
     In summary, dust can be generated or ejected at various points at a hydraulic fracturing site, including, but not limited to, the following: 1) the access ports or doors (also known as “thief hatches”) on top of the proppant storage trailers during filling of the proppant storage trailers; 2) open filling ports in the proppant storage trailers during filling of the proppant storage trailers; 3) surrounding ground or roads; 4) transfer belts under the proppant storage trailers; 5) the transfer belt device (also known as a dragon&#39;s tail) at the end of the proppant storage trailer; 6) transfer belts (also known as T-belts) between the proppant storage trailer or proppant storage device and the blender; and 7) the blender which mixes proppant with liquids and chemicals. To further explain, proppant storage trailers are filled under pressure by pneumatically blowing the proppant into the proppant storage trailer. Because of the pressure generated inside the proppant storage trailer, dust is ejected or propelled out of the ports or hatches located on top of the sand storage trailer, and also out of any open filling ports. Proppant storage trailers generally have two or more filling ports, each of which can be utilized simultaneously to fill a proppant storage trailer. However, if one or more of the filling ports is not in use during filling, the unused filling port(s) can essentially act as a vent, much like the top ports or hatches, and thus dust can be ejected out through the unused filling port(s). During a hydraulic fracturing process, also known as a stage, the proppant is transported from the proppant storage trailer to the blender. To do so, proppant is first dropped out through openings or valves or ports underneath the proppant storage trailer and then onto a conveyor or belt located underneath the proppant storage trailer. The act of dropping the proppant onto the belt generates dust. The proppant is then conveyed to the end of the proppant storage trailer, at which point the belt is inclined at an angle on a structure which extends from the end of the proppant storage trailer, which structure is known as a dragon&#39;s tail. The dragon&#39;s tail elevates the proppant to a position above another transport belt known as a T-belt, since the transport belt in most cases runs substantially perpendicular to the belt of the proppant storage trailer. The proppant is then dropped off of the dragon&#39;s tail and onto the T-belt. Dust is generated at the drop-off point, off of the returning conveyor belt, and at the point of impact of the proppant on the T-belt. Alternative proppant storage devices located above the T-belt also drop the proppant onto the T-belt, which can generate dust. The T-belt then conveys the proppant on a first portion thereof which is substantially parallel to the ground, and then on a second portion which is inclined at an angle. At the second portion, the T-belt elevates the proppant to a position above the hopper(s) of the blender. The proppant is then dropped off of the elevated T-belt and into the blender hopper(s). Dust is generated at the drop-off point, off of the returning T-belt, at the point of impact of the proppant in the blender hopper(s), and in the blender hopper(s) as the proppant is agitated during mixing. The preceding design and operation of the T-belt and blender is used in conjunction with either a proppant storage trailer or the alternative proppant storage device. Finally, dust which was previously generated, but has since settled on the ground and/or roadways surrounding the work site, can again become propelled into the air by vehicles driving over or on the settled dust. The generation of dust at all of these points or areas can be substantial, and the total effect can be a rather substantial or massive dust cloud covering both the work site and surrounding areas. To solve this problem, dust could be collected at the various proppant handling points, which would also in turn minimize the amount of dust on the ground for vehicles to stir up. 
     During this entire process, workers are often standing near or directly in the path of a cloud or airborne flow of silica dust or proppant dust. When small silica dust particles are inhaled, they can embed themselves deeply into the tiny alveolar sacs and ducts in the lungs, where oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are exchanged. The lungs cannot clear out the embedded dust by mucous or coughing. Substantial and/or concentrated exposure to silica dust can therefore lead to silicosis. 
     Some of the signs and/or symptoms of silicosis include: dyspnea (shortness of breath), persistent and sometimes severe cough, fatigue, tachypnea (rapid breathing), loss of appetite and weight loss, chest pain, fever, and gradual dark shallow rifts in nails which can eventually lead to cracks as protein fibers within nail beds are destroyed. Some symptoms of more advanced cases of silicosis could include cyanosis (blue skin), cor pulmonale (right ventricle heart disease), and respiratory insufficiency. 
     Aside from these troublesome conditions, persons with silicosis are particularly susceptible to a tuberculosis infection known as silicotuberculosis. Pulmonary complications of silicosis also include chronic bronchitis and airflow limitation (similar to that caused by smoking), non-tuberculous Mycobacterium infection, fungal lung infection, compensatory emphysema, and pneumothorax. There is even some data revealing a possible association between silicosis and certain autoimmune diseases, including nephritis, scleroderma, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In 1996, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed the medical data and classified crystalline silica as “carcinogenic to humans.” 
     In all hydraulic fracturing jobs, a wellbore is first drilled into rock formations. A hydraulic fracture is then formed by pumping a fracturing fluid into the wellbore at a rate sufficient to increase pressure downhole to exceed that of the fracture gradient of the rock to be fractured. The rock cracks and the fracture fluid continues farther into the rock, thereby extending the crack or fracture. To keep this fracture open after the fluid injection stops, the solid proppant is added to the fluid. The fracturing fluid is about 95-99% water, with the remaining portion made up of the proppant and chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid, methanol propargyl, polyacrylamide, glutaraldehyde, ethanol, ethylene glycol, alcohol and sodium hydroxide. The propped fracture is permeable enough to allow the flow of formation fluids to the well, which fluids may include gas, oil, salt water, fresh water and fluids introduced during completion of the well during fracturing. The proppant is often a silica-containing material, such as sand, but can be made of different materials, such as ceramic or other particulates. These materials are selected based on the particle size and strength most suitable to handle the pressures and stresses which may occur in the fracture. Some types of commercial proppants are available from Saint-Gobain Proppants, 5300 Gerber Road, Fort Smith, Ariz. 72904, USA, as well as from Santrol Proppants, 50 Sugar Creek Center Boulevard, Sugar Land, Tex. 77478, USA. 
     The most commonly used proppant is silica sand or silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) sand, known colloquially in the industry as “frac sand.” The frac sand is not just ordinary sand, but rather is chosen based on certain characteristics according to standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The current ISO standard is ISO 13503-2:2006, entitled “Petroleum and natural gas industries—Completion fluids and materials—Part 2: Measurement of properties of proppants used in hydraulic fracturing and gravel-packing operations,” while the API standards are API RP-56 and API RP-19C. In general, these standards require that the natural sands must be from high silica (quartz) sandstones or unconsolidated deposits. Other essential requirements are that particles are well rounded, relatively clean of other minerals and impurities and will facilitate the production of fine, medium and coarse grain sands. Frac sand is preferably &gt;99% quartz or silica, and high purity quartz sand deposits are relatively common in the U.S. However, the tight specifications for frac sands—especially in relation to roundness and sphericity—make many natural sand deposits unsuitable for frac sand production. One primary source of such high quality sand is the St. Peter sandstone formation, which spans north-south from Minnesota to Missouri and east-west from Illinois into Nebraska and South Dakota. Sand from this formation is commercially known as Ottawa sand. This sand generally is made of a very high percentage of silica, and some samples, such as found in Missouri, consist of quartz sand that is 99.44% silica. 
     One characteristic used to determine suitability of a proppant material, such as silica sand, is grain size, which can be measured using standard length measurements or by mesh size. Mesh size is determined by the percentage of particles that are retained by a series of mesh sieves having certain-sized openings. In a mesh size number, the small number is the smallest particle size while the larger number is the largest particle size in that category. The smaller the number, the coarser the grain. The vast majority of grains range from 12 to 140 mesh and include standard sizes such as 12/20, 16/30, 20/40, 30/50, and 40/70, whereby 90% of the product falls between the designated sieve sizes. Some specific examples are 8/12, 10/20, 20/40, and 70/140. Grain size can also be measured in millimeters or micrometers, with some examples being grain size ranges of 2.38−1.68 mm, 2.00−0.84 mm, 0.84−0.42 mm, and 210−105 micrometers. 
     Another important characteristic of a proppant material, such as silica sand, for hydraulic fracturing is the sphericity and roundness of the grains, that is, how closely the grains conform to a spherical shape and its relative roundness. The grains are assessed by measuring the average radius of the corners over the radius of a maximum inscribed circle. Krumbein and Sloss devised a chart for the visual estimation of sphericity and roundness in 1955, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The API, for example, recommends sphericity and roundness of 0.6 or larger based on this scale. 
     An additional characteristic of a proppant material, such as silica sand, is crush resistance, which, as the phrase implies, is the ability of the proppant to resist being crushed by the substantial forces exerted on the proppant after insertion into a fracture. The API requires that silica sand withstand compressive stresses of 4,000 to 6,000 psi before it breaks apart or ruptures. The tested size range is subjected to 4,000 psi for two minutes in a uniaxial compression cylinder. In addition, API specifies that the fines generated by the test should be limited to a maximum of 14% by weight for 20-40 mesh and 16-30 mesh sizes. Maximum fines for the 30-50 mesh size is 10%. Other size fractions have a range of losses from 6% for the 70-40 mesh to 20% for the 6-12 mesh size. According to the anti-crushing strength measured in megapascals (MPa), types of frac sand can possibly be divided, for example, into 52 Mpa, 69 Mpa, 86 Mpa and 103 Mpa three series. 
     Yet another characteristic of a proppant material, such as silica sand, is solubility. The solubility test measures the loss in weight of a 5 g sample that has been added to a 100 ml solution that is 12 parts hydrochloric acid (HCl) and three parts hydrofluoric acid (HF), and heated at 150° F. (approx. 65.5° C.) in a water bath for 30 minutes. The test is designed to determine the amount of non-quartz minerals present. However, a high silica sandstone or sand deposit and its subsequent processing generally removes most soluble materials (e.g. carbonates, iron coatings, feldspar and mineral cements). The API requires (in weight percent) losses of &lt;2% for the 6-12 mesh size through to the 30-50 mesh size and 3% for the 40-70 mesh through to 70-140 mesh sizes. 
     OBJECT OR OBJECTS 
     An object of the present application is to prepare proppant, such as silica sand, resin-coated silica sand, and ceramic proppant materials, for use in hydraulic fracturing while minimizing dust production in order to reduce exposure of workers to silica dust and proppant dust, and thereby minimize the chances of the workers developing silicosis or other types of pneumoconiosis. 
     SUMMARY 
     As discussed above, in a hydraulic fracturing operation, large quantities (as much as 15,000 tons or more) of proppant, such as silica sand, resin-coated silica sand, and ceramic proppant materials, are used. One of the drawbacks of using proppant materials, especially silica sand, is that dust clouds, such as silica dust clouds, are formed during the handling of the proppant material. The dust clouds can be controlled by using a control arrangement. According to one possible embodiment of the application, the control arrangement is separate from but connectable to the proppant storage device. According to another possible embodiment of the application, at least a portion of the control arrangement is integrated into the body of the proppant storage device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a microscopic view of silica dust particles; 
         FIG. 2  shows proppant grains; 
         FIG. 3  shows proppant grains; 
         FIG. 4  shows the Krumbein and Sloss chart; 
         FIG. 5  shows a human lung affected by silicosis; 
         FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the body of a proppant storage device according to at least one embodiment of the application; 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of a portion of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the body of a proppant storage device according to at least one embodiment of the application; 
         FIG. 9  shows a top view of a portion of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 6  with additional features; 
         FIG. 11  shows a top view of a portion of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  shows another cross-sectional view of the portion of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  shows a side view of the body of a proppant storage device according to at least one embodiment of the application; 
         FIG. 15  shows a side view of a portion of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 14  with additional features; 
         FIG. 16  shows a side view of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 14  connected to additional proppant storage devices; 
         FIG. 17  shows a side view of a portion of a collection device according to at least one embodiment of the application; 
         FIG. 18  shows a rear view of the collection device according to  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows a side view of a portion of a collection device according to at least one embodiment of the application; 
         FIG. 20  shows a rear view of the collection device according to  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  shows a top view of an installed collection system according to at least one embodiment of the application; 
         FIG. 21A  shows a view of an installed collection system according to at least one embodiment of the application; 
         FIG. 22  shows a door arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  shows a manifold arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  shows a connector arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  shows a support arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 26  shows a tube arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 27  shows a manifold arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 28  shows a manifold arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 29  shows a back view of a riser arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 30  shows a front view of a riser arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 31  shows a belt manifold arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 32  shows a front view of a riser arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 33  shows a back view of a riser arrangement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 34  shows a collector unit of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 35  shows a tube connector according to at least one embodiment of the application; 
         FIG. 36  shows an embodiment of an inlet arrangement for the collection device similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 37  shows a side inlet box of the inlet arrangement of  FIG. 36 , and  FIGS. 38 and 39  show front and side views thereof; 
         FIG. 40  shows a lower inlet transition of the inlet arrangement of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 41  shows an upper inlet transition of the inlet arrangement of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 42  shows a central inlet box of the inlet arrangement of  FIGS. 36 , and 
         FIGS. 43, 44, and 45  show additional views thereof; 
         FIGS. 46, 47, 48, and 49  show additional views of the upper inlet transition of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 50  shows a connecting inlet of the inlet arrangement of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 51  shows an extension box of the inlet arrangement of  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 52  shows an overall view of the dust collection system according to at least one possible embodiment; 
         FIG. 53  shows an overall view of the dust collection system according to at least one possible embodiment; 
         FIG. 54  shows an additional view of the dust collection system of  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 55  shows an embodiment of a connector box; 
         FIG. 56  shows an embodiment of a T-box; 
         FIG. 57  shows a view of a portion of the dust collection system including the T-box; 
         FIG. 58  shows a partially-exploded view of a door assembly according to at least one possible embodiment; 
         FIG. 59  shows another view of the installed door assembly; 
         FIG. 60  shows a short support table; 
         FIG. 61  shows a high support table; 
         FIG. 62  shows a side view of the beginning of the dragon&#39;s tail and a trailer outlet suction unit associated therewith; 
         FIG. 63  shows an embodiment of a dragon&#39;s tail spout suction unit; 
         FIG. 64  shows a dragon&#39;s tail return suction unit; 
         FIG. 65  shows a top view of a T-belt assembly with installed T-belt suction units; 
         FIG. 66  shows an embodiment of a T-belt suction unit; 
         FIG. 67  shows a side view of an elevated dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement; 
         FIG. 68  shows an end view of the elevated dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement; 
         FIG. 69  shows a side view of a lowered dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement; 
         FIG. 70  shows an end view of the lowered dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement; 
         FIG. 71  shows an embodiment of the blender suction unit; 
         FIG. 72  shows another embodiment of the blender suction unit; 
         FIG. 73  shows a view of a T-belt return suction unit; 
         FIG. 74  shows a vacuum inlet for the T-belt return suction unit; and 
         FIG. 75  shows an additional overall view of an embodiment of the installed dust collection system. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a microscopic view of silica dust particles. These silica dust particles can become lodged in the lungs of a person who inhales the silica dust. Exposure to silica dust may lead to silicosis, a form of pneumoconiosis.  FIGS. 2 and 3  show examples of proppant grains.  FIG. 5  shows a human lung affected by silicosis. As can be easily seen, the lung is darkened and damaged by the presence of the silica dust particles. 
       FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the body of a proppant storage device  1  according to at least one embodiment of the application. While the storage device  1  is being filled with proppant, the doors  3 , which are shown in  FIG. 6  as being closed, may be opened to allow air to vent through outlets  4  and to allow workers to monitor the fill level of proppant in the storage device  1 . The exiting air and the feeding of the proppant disturb the proppant, causing the formation of dust clouds which exit via the outlets  4 , regardless of whether the doors  3  are closed or opened. To minimize or prevent the spread or exit of these dust clouds, a vacuum suction system may be employed. In operation, a vacuum dust collection machine is connected via an air duct system to collect the dust. In  FIG. 6 , intake openings  5  are formed in the sides of the outlets  4 . A junction duct  15  is located around the intake opening  5  and connects to a side air duct  7 . The flow of air through the side air duct  7  can be controlled by a valve  13 . The side air ducts  7  lead to a central air duct  9 . The central air duct  9  ultimately leads to an exhaust duct  11 , which is operatively connected to a dust collector (not shown). The flow of air therefore proceeds as follows: air is drawn in through the outlets  4 , then through the intake openings  5 , then through the side air ducts  7 , then through the central air duct  9 , and finally through the exhaust duct  11 . The side air ducts  7 , the central air duct  9 , and the exhaust duct  11  may be located within the frame or body of the storage device  1 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a top view of a portion of the body of the storage device  1  according to  FIG. 6 . As can be seen in this figure, each of the side air ducts  7  connects to the central air duct  9 , which, in the embodiment shown, extends over the length of the storage device  1  before joining the exhaust duct  11  located at the rear of the storage device. 
       FIG. 8  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the body of a proppant storage device  2  according to at least one embodiment of the application. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  differs from that shown in  FIG. 6  in that side air ducts  27  proceed outwardly, rather than inwardly, toward outer air ducts  29 , which run along the outer edges of the storage device  2  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ). Valves  13  control the flow of air through the side air ducts  27 . The outer air ducts  29  connect to an exhaust duct  21 , which is similar to the exhaust duct  11 . The exhaust duct  21  also has a small air intake  17  and a large air intake  19 , which can be connected to a vacuum arrangement used to collect dust produced by the transport of proppant on a conveyor positioned transverse to the length of the storage device  2 , which conveyor is also known as a T-belt.  FIG. 9  also shows a walkway  23  which is located on the roof or top surface of the storage device  2 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 6  with additional features, specifically valves  33 , which can be used to allow or block airflow from the intake openings  5 .  FIG. 11  shows a top view of a portion of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 10 , with the valves  33  shown.  FIGS. 12 and 13  show cross-sectional views of a portion of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 10 , showing the valve  33 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a side view of the body of a proppant storage device according to at least one embodiment of the application. This embodiment is similar to the one shown in  FIG. 6 , but in this embodiment there is an upper connecting duct  39  which connects a central duct  9  to an exhaust duct  43 . The exhaust duct  43  leads to exhaust ports  35  on the sides thereof. In addition, each of the storage devices has located on the underside thereof a conveyor  24 . In operation, the proppant is released through openings in the underside of the storage device and onto the conveyor  24 . The conveyor  24  transports the proppant to a second conveyer  31 , which then deposits the proppant onto another conveyor, specifically a T-belt. The transport of the proppant on the conveyor  24  can disturb the proppant, especially at the point of transition from the conveyor  24  to the conveyor  31 . A vacuum intake  25  is therefore located adjacent this transition point between the two conveyors  24 ,  31 . The intake  25  is connected via a lower rear connecting duct  41  to the exhaust duct  43 , as seen in  FIG. 16 . Also as seen in  FIG. 16 , the exhaust ducts  43  of multiple storage devices can be connected together to form a single exhaust which leads to the dust collecting device. Flexible sleeves  37  are used to connect the exhaust ducts  43 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a side view of a portion of the body of the proppant storage device according to  FIG. 14  with additional features, specifically valves  33 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a side view of a portion of a collection device  51  according to at least one embodiment of the application. The dust drawn into the vacuum system from the storage devices  1 ,  2  and/or the conveyor belts is ultimately collected in the collection device  51 . An air intake  45  is connectable to tubes which connect to the storage devices  1 ,  2 , and an air intake  47  is connectable to tubes which connect to air intakes for the T-belt. The collection device  51  houses air filter units  49 .  FIG. 18  shows a rear view of the collection device  51  according to  FIG. 17 . The air intake  45  is located at the end of a manifold  55 , which is connected to ports  53  which lead into the interior of the collection device  51 . Collection devices or dust collection devices which could be utilized or incorporated for use in at least one embodiment of the present application are manufactured by EnTech Industries, LLC, 1109 10th Street NE, East Grand Forks, Minn. 56721. Some examples of such collection devices manufactured by EnTech Industries, LLC, are the Cyclone 45DC, Cyclone 40DC, Cyclone 30DC, and Cyclone 20DC. The Cyclone 45DC has a filter efficiency of 99.8% at 0.5 microns, and has a filtering capacity of 45,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 14 inches water column (wc), or 14 inches water column gauge (wcg), or 14 inches water gauge (wg). 
       FIG. 19  shows a side view of a portion of a collection device  51  according to at least one embodiment of the application. The collection device  51  shown in  FIG. 19  differs from that shown in  FIG. 17  in that the manifold  55  is formed by a tube  75  and an articulated duct  61 . The duct  61  is articulated at a hinge  69  and is movable by a hydraulic piston or arm  59 . This movability allows for the upper portion of the duct  61  to be retracted downwardly for storage during the movement of the dust collector  51 , and then extended upwardly to be connected to the vacuum system upon installation at a hydraulic fracturing site. As shown in  FIG. 20 , a valve  57  can be opened or closed using a valve handle  65 . The tube  75  can be connected using a flexible connecting sleeve  37  to a connector box  71 , which is supported by a connector box table  73 . In this manner the dust collector  51  can be connected to other tubing which leads to the air intakes which draw dust from the storage devices and the areas around the conveyor belts. 
       FIG. 21  shows a top view of an installed collection system according to at least one embodiment of the application. The collection system is connected to a series of proppant storage trailers once they have been positioned at the well site. The collection system has adaptable or portable doors or door arrangements  101  (see  FIG. 22 ) that are designed to be placed over existing door openings in the storage trailers. The door arrangements  101  are such that an operator can open the door and look inside the storage trailer to determine the amount of product in the storage trailer and the amount being taken out of the storage trailer, while at the same time not interfere with the operation of the collection system. Each storage trailer requires different numbers of door arrangements  101  depending on sand storage manufacturers. The proppant dust is removed via flex tubing  103 , which can be connected to one or more door arrangements  101  as necessary. 
     The dust is then carried to manifold arrangements  105  (see  FIG. 23 ). The manifold arrangements  105  are designed to be placed between and suspended from the storage trailers once the storage trailers have been placed on site. The dust is then carried to connector arrangements  107  ( FIG. 24 ). Each connector arrangement  107  is a flexible connector that allows for the variation in the placement of the sand storage trailers. The number of connector arrangements  107  used depends on the number of sand storage trailers being used at a well site. Table arrangements  111  ( FIG. 25 ) suspend the connector arrangements between the sand storage trailers so they can be connected to the manifold arrangements  105  via a flexible hose connector. 
     The dust is then carried to an adjustable, rigid sand/air handling tube arrangement  109  ( FIG. 26 ). The purpose of the adjustable air handling tube arrangement  109  is to allow for the varying connection distances to the connector arrangements  107 . The dust is then carried to the ninety-degree step manifold arrangement  113  ( FIG. 27 ). The ninety-degree step manifold  113  allows for the making of turns with the air handling tubes and for the allowance of a right or left hand orientation. 
     The dust is then carried to the dual-riser manifold arrangement  115  ( FIG. 28 ). The dual-riser manifold  115  is a tubing that has rectangular mating flanges that are attached to the tubing for the purpose of mating the round tubing to the two riser arrangements  117  ( FIGS. 29 and 30 ). The dust is then carried to the dual riser arrangements  117 , which are designed to take the vacuum from the vacuum source and elevate the air or vacuum to the desired height. The dual riser arrangements  117  also have open/close doors built into them with locking devices for control of airflow. The dust is then finally collected in a dust collector unit  125  ( FIG. 34 ). 
     Another part of the collecting arrangement is collecting dust at the discharge slides of the sand blender T-belt. This is done by the T-belt manifold arrangement  119  ( FIG. 31 ). The T-belt manifold arrangement  119  pulls the dust at the discharge openings of the T-belt and can be used in a right or left hand orientation. This manifold arrangement  119  is designed to be used on one of two blending units by the manipulation of built-in open/close door assemblies  120 . 1  located in each of tubes  120 . The dust is then taken from the T-belt manifold arrangement  119  by tubing to the blender feed belt riser arrangement  123  ( FIGS. 32 and 33 ), which takes vacuum from the source and elevates the air to the desired elevation. This arrangement is designed to be used in either a left or right hand configuration. The blender feed belt riser arrangement  123  has an open/close door built into it. The dust from the blender area is also finally collected in the collector unit  125 . 
       FIG. 35  shows a tube connector  127  according to at least one embodiment of the application. The tube connector  127  is used for connecting large diameter pipe in vacuum applications. The pipes are connected with a steel, plastic, or aluminum alignment insert  110 . The connection is then sealed with an elastic water tight sock  108 , and finally pulled together with an elastic strap  128 . 
       FIG. 36  shows an embodiment of an inlet arrangement  200  for the collection device similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 . The inlet arrangement  200  is mounted on the dust collector and connects the dust collector to the manifolds of the dust collection system to provide the suction force to the various intakes at the storage devices. The inlet arrangement  200  has a connecting inlet  210  which connects to the connector box  71  or a pipe connected to the connector box  71 . The connecting inlet  210  is connected to the upper inlet transition  203 , either directly as shown in  FIG. 36 , or by an extension box  280 , shown in  FIG. 51 . The upper inlet transition  203  is connected to the lower inlet transition  202 , which in turn is connected to a pair of side inlet boxes  201 . The side inlet boxes  201  have valves or flaps therein which can be opened and closed to unblock or block the flow of air there through and into the dust collector, which valves or flaps can be pivoted or moved via actuators  209 . A central inlet box  206  is located between the side inlet boxes  201 . The inlet arrangement  200  is partially articulated between the upper inlet transition  203  and the lower inlet transition  202 . To move the upper inlet transition  203 , a pair of piston rods  205  are used. Each piston rod  205  is held in a piston bore  204 , each of which is mounted on a mounting bracket  208 . The pistons can be extended and retracted such that the upper inlet transition  203 , and the connection inlet  210  connected thereto, can be pivoted upwardly and downwardly with respect to the lower inlet transition  202 , such that the upper inlet transition  203  is folded down and in front of the central inlet box  206 . Support pieces  207  provide stabilizing support to the upper inlet transition  203  when it is folded down.  FIG. 37  shows the side inlet box  201 , and  FIGS. 38 and 39  show front and side views thereof. The side inlet box  201  has a generally elongated box shape with a front panel  213 , side panels  214 , and bottom panel  211 , which elongated box shape can be approximately 24 inches by 48 inches by 12 inches. The side inlet box  201  has an upper opening surrounded by a connecting flange comprising side sections  218  and end sections  212 . The connecting flange can be approximately 28 inches by 16 inches. The side inlet box  201  has around inlet opening  216  and a connecting tube  217 , each of which has an inner diameter of approximately 20 inches. The round inlet opening  216  can be three inches long, and the connecting tube  217  can be approximately 18 inches long. Actuator connections or mounting points  215  are also shown.  FIG. 40  shows the lower inlet transition  202 , which has a generally trapezoidal front panel  221 , a generally trapezoidal rear panel  222  with an upper extension, generally trapezoidal upper side panels  227 , and generally rectangular lower side panels  224 . The upper opening is surrounded by a support flanges  228  and  229 , which are designed to contact the upper inlet transition  203 . A mounting bar connects the lower inlet transition  202  to the dust collector. Diverter panels  223  split the flow of air to the two inlet boxes  201 . Brackets  233  form part of the articulated or pivoting connection between the lower inlet transition  202  and the upper inlet transition  203 . 
       FIG. 41  shows the upper inlet transition  203 , which is generally box shaped with first panel  242 , second panel  243 , and side panels  241 . Flanges  248 ,  249  surround the opening which contacts the connecting inlet  210  or the extension box  280 . A divider  244  forms two air flow ducts or passages. An inner flange  245  and cover flange  246  form part of the connection to the lower inlet transition  202 . Attached to the cover flange  246  are hinge pieces  247  which connect to the brackets  233  of the lower inlet transition  202  to form the articulated or pivoting connection which allows the movement of the upper inlet transition  203  with respect to the lower inlet transition  202 . Mounting structures are used to connect the upper inlet transition  203  to the pistons  105 , which mounting structures comprise a hinge bracket made up of two sides  252 ,  253  and a base  251 , and are reinforced by a support piece  250 .  FIGS. 46, 47, 48 , and  49  show additional views of the upper inlet transition  203 .  FIG. 42  shows the central inlet box  206 , and  FIGS. 43, 44, and 45  show additional views thereof. The central inlet box  206  has a generally box shaped frame with side panels  261  and top and bottom panels  262  bordering a front panel that has two openings therein. Inlet  265  is connected to the first opening and short inlet  266  is connected to the second opening. Inlet  265  is to be connected to a pipe, which pipe is to be connected to a suction port adjacent the end of the T belt and blender. Inlet  266  is simply an access port to permit cleaning of the interior of the central inlet box  206 . Flanges  263 ,  264  surround the back edge of the central inlet box  206 . Actuator connections or mounting points  270  are also shown. Support brackets  268 ,  269  are mounted to the top panel  262  by connecting pieces  267 . The support brackets  268 ,  269  support the lower transition inlet  203  thereon.  FIG. 50  shows the connecting inlet  210 , which has a lower box shaped portion and an upper tubular portion mounted on the box shaped portion. The box shaped portion connects to the upper inlet transition  203 , either directly or via extension box  280 . The box shaped portion comprises front and back panels  271 , side panels  272 , and flanges  274 ,  275 . The tubular portion comprises a tube  273  and cross pieces  276 ,  277 .  FIG. 51  shows the extension box  280 , which comprises front and back panels  281 , side panels  282 , and flanges  283 ,  284 . 
       FIG. 52  shows an overall view of the dust collection system according to at least one possible embodiment. As can be seen in  FIG. 52 , the upper inlet transition  203  connects to the extension box  280 , which is in turn connected to the connecting inlet  210 . The connecting inlet  210  is covered on one end by an end covering  290 , while the other end of the connecting inlet  210  is connected to the rest of the dust collection system. The dust collector  125  is equipped with dispensing augers  285  and dispensing tubes  286 .  FIG. 52  shows the end of the dust collector  125 , specifically the dispensing augers  285  and dispensing tubes  286 . In operation, the augers  285  conduct dust out of the dust collector  125 , and then drop the dust out through the dispensing tubes  286  into a collection device or container, such as bags. 
       FIG. 53  shows an overall view of the dust collection system according to at least one possible embodiment. As can be seen in  FIG. 53 , the proppant storage trailers are elevated off of the ground. The extension box  280  is therefore useful in extending the height at which the connecting inlet  210  can be positioned. The connecting inlet  210  is connected by a pipe to a connector box  335 . The connector box  335  is connected by connector box hoses  336 , which can be 12 inch hoses, to a generally pipe-shaped manifold  334 . In operation, dust travels through the jumper hoses  103  and into the manifold  334 , then through the connector box hoses  336 , then through the connector box  335 , and then through the inlet arrangement  200  to the dust collector  125 . The connector box  335 , in the embodiment shown, has an extension box  337  to which dragon&#39;s tail hoses  338  can be connected. The dragon&#39;s tail hoses  338  can be connected to any suction port adjacent the dragon&#39;s tail, which will be discussed herein below. In the embodiment shown, the openings in the side inlet boxes  201  are closed by cover hatches  339 . 
       FIG. 54  shows an additional view of the dust collection system of  FIG. 53 . The table arrangement  340  can be clearly seen, on which two of the connector boxes  335  are supported or mounted. Each of the connector boxes  335  has a jumper hose connector  341  which permits a jumper hose  103  to be directly connected to the connector box  335 . In the embodiment shown, the jumper hose connector  341  is covered with a cap or other covering since it is not in use. The jumper hoses  103  are each connected to a valve arrangement  342 . Each of the valve arrangements  342  is openable and closable via a valve handle  343  to control flow of air therethrough. The valve arrangements  342  connect the jumper hoses  103  and door assemblies  350 . The valve arrangements  342  can either be integral with the jumper hoses  103 , or can be integral with the door assemblies  350 . Alternatively, the valve arrangements  342  could simply be separate pieces that could be connected to the jumper hoses  103  and the door assemblies  350  during set up and installation of the dust collection system. 
       FIG. 55  shows an embodiment of the connector box  335 . As discussed previously, the connector box  335  has an extension box  337  that comprises an extension box pipe  343 , which serves as a connection to the dragon&#39;s tail hoses  338 . The connector box  335  similarly has connector box pipes  344  for connecting to the connector box hoses  336 . The connector box  335  further has a connecting ring  345  which serves as the connection to the large pipes, which can be 24-inch pipes. A pair of mounting sleeves  346  are used to connect or mount the connector box  335  onto the table arrangement  340 . A lifting eye or tab  347  is located on top of the connector box  335 , to which a crane hook can be connected for lifting the connector box  335 . In at least one possible embodiment, the connector box  335  can be approximately 28″×28″×12″. The extension box  337  can be approximately 13 inches long by 8.75″ wide. The connecting ring  345  can be approximately 23.75″ in diameter, the connector box pipes  344  can be approximately 11.75″ in diameter, and the extension box pipe  343  can be approximately 7 37/64 inches in diameter. Each of the ring and/or pipe diameters can be selected or adjusted as necessary depending on the size of the pipes to be connected to the connector box. 
       FIG. 56  shows an embodiment of the T-box  300 . The T-box  300  has three connecting rings  301  to connect to rigid or flexible pipes. The T-box  300  also has a support tab  302 , to which a guide or support structure, such as a wire, can be connected in order to support a flexible pipe suspended between two proppant storage trailers. The T-box  300  also has a lifting eye  303 . A pair of mounting sleeves  304  are used to mount or connect the T-box  300  to the table arrangement  340 . In at least one possible embodiment, the three connecting rings  301  can be approximately 23.5″ in diameter, and the T-box  300  itself can measure 28″×28″×28″. 
       FIG. 57  shows a view of a portion of the dust collection system including the T-box  300 . The T-box  300  and the connector boxes  335  are mounted on the table arrangement  340  by their respective mounting sleeves  304 ,  346 . An elongated rod or bar is slid through the mounting sleeves  304 ,  346 , and then pins or other affixing structures are used to connect the T-box  300  and the connector boxes  335  to the rod or bar. A flexible pipe or hose is connected to the T-box  300 , which pipe is extended over to another T-box  300  on another proppant storage trailer. Such an arrangement is useful when proppant storage trailers are disposed apart from one another on opposite sides of a T-belt. 
       FIG. 58  shows a partially-exploded view of a door assembly  350  according to at least one possible embodiment. The door assembly  350  is placed over existing doors or hatches on a proppant storage trailer. To do so, the hatches are opened and then the door assembly  350  is placed over the opening. The door assembly  350  comprises a lid or door  351 , which is joined to a box-shaped frame  352  by hinge pieces  335 ,  336 . The frame  352  has a base cover portion  353  which ensures that the door assembly  350  covers the opening in the proppant storage trailer. A handle  354  is connected to the door  351  to permit opening and closing thereof. A substantially trapezoidal vacuum box  357  is connected to the box frame  352 . An inlet  359  is formed in the box frame  352  to permit flow of air into the vacuum box  357 . A connecting pipe  358  extends from the vacuum box  357  and serves as a connection to the valve arrangement  342 . In at least one possible embodiment, the door  351  can be approximately 18″×18″, the box frame  352  can be approximately 17.25″×17.25″, the base cover  353  can be approximately 19.5″×19.5″, the shorter side of the vacuum box  357  can be approximately 10.75″, and the diameter of the connecting pipe  358  can be approximately seven and ⅝ inches.  FIG. 59  shows a view of the installed door assembly. As can be seen in this figure, the door assembly  350  is open and the interior of the hatch or opening in the proppant storage trailer can be seen. During filling of the proppant storage trailer with proppant, and during emptying of the proppant storage trailer of proppant, proppant dust becomes airborne and is propelled out of the proppant storage trailer via the hatches or openings. In operation of the dust collection system, the proppant dust is sucked through the inlet  359  and into the dust collection system. In this manner, a substantial portion or essentially all of the dust being propelled through the openings is collected and prevented from entering the atmosphere. 
     In at least one possible embodiment, the negative pressure generated at the inlet  359  can be approximately 2 inches of mercury (inHg), which is approximately 1 pound per square inch (PSI). The negative pressure can be varied depending on the positive pressure inside the proppant storage trailer, in addition to other factors. For example, a pneumatic tanker for filling a proppant storage trailer operates at approximately 1000 cubic feet per minute (CFM). The negative pressure generated at the inlet  359  must be sufficient to overcome the positive pressure generated inside the proppant storage trailer. If only one tanker is filling a proppant storage trailer, the dust collector  125  can be run at substantially an idle speed to generate sufficient negative pressure to produce a vacuum or section force at the inlet  359 . If multiple tankers, such as five or six, are filling multiple proppant storage trailers simultaneously, as can often be the case, the dust collector  125  can be run at substantially three quarters throttle to generate sufficient negative pressure at multiple inlets  359 . In addition, the proppant storage trailers can be filled at the same time as a hydraulic fracturing operation or a stage, during which proppant is transported along the belts to the blender and dust is generated at different points. Therefore, the suction force must be generated at various locations in addition to the inlets  359 . In such a situation, the dust collector  125  can be run at full throttle in order to provide sufficient negative pressure to collect a maximum amount of dust, that is, to reduce the amount of airborne dust to a desired and/or minimized level. According to at least one possible embodiment, the dust collector  125  should at least have a filtering capacity of 40,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) in order to produce the desired or sufficient negative pressure at all suction points. Dust collectors  125  which have a lesser filtering capacity may not supply negative pressure at all suction points sufficient to capture a desired percentage of dust, that is, sufficient to reduce the amount of airborne dust to a desired and/or minimized level. Such dust collectors  125  with a lesser filtering capacity may provide sufficient negative pressure at some of the suction points, but not all of the suction points if most or all of the proppant storage trailers are being filled during the running of a hydraulic fracturing operation or stage. 
       FIG. 60  shows a short support table  360 , which comprises four mounting sleeves  361 . In at least one embodiment, the short support table  360  has overall dimensions of approximately 92″×33″×42″, although these can obviously be adjusted as needed depending on the installation.  FIG. 61  shows a high support table  362 , which is constructed similarly to the short support table  360 , including mounting sleeves  361 . The key difference between the high support table  362  and the short support table  360 , aside from the height difference, is the passage  363  defined by the high support table  362 . This passage  363  allows workers to easily walk underneath the high support table  362 . Since the support tables  360 ,  362  are located on the end of the proppant storage trailer, the short support table  360  effectively blocks off the end of the proppant storage trailer, i.e. no workers walking on the top of the proppant storage trailer may walk past the short support table  360 . However, some designs of proppant storage trailers include components located at the end of the proppant storage trailer which must be accessed by the workers on a regular basis. Accordingly, the short support table  360  would not be compatible with such a proppant storage trailer, and thus the high support table  362  would be used instead so that the workers could walk underneath the high support table  362  and thereby access the components at the and of the proppant storage trailer. In at least one possible embodiment, the high support table  362  may have an overall length of approximately 88 inches, and the passage  363  could be approximately 32 inches across. Obviously, these dimensions could be adjusted as necessary depending on installation. 
     The connector boxes  335  can be mounted on the tables using a short connecting bar that has a plurality of holes therein. One end of the short connecting bar is to be inserted into a corresponding mounting sleeve  361  of a support table  360 ,  362 , and a hole in the mounting sleeve  361  can be aligned with one of the holes in the short connecting bar, depending how far the user wishes for the short connecting bar to extend out from the mounting sleeve  361 . A connecting pin or similar structure can then be inserted through the aligned holes to lock the short connecting bar in the desired position in the mounting sleeve  361 . Once all four short connecting bars are installed, the connector boxes  335  can then be mounted. Specifically, the mounting sleeves  346  of each connector box  335  can be slid over the projecting or extending ends of a pair of adjacent short connecting bars. A hole in each of the mounting sleeves  346  can be aligned with a hole in the short connecting bar, depending on the desired positioning of the connector box  335  on the short connecting bar. The connecting pins  366  can then be inserted into the aligned holes to lock the connector boxes  335  in the desired position. Since the short connecting bar is relatively short in length, it can only be utilized to support the connector boxes  335 , and thus is only useful in situations where only connector boxes  335  are mounted on the support table  360 ,  362  without a T-box  300 . 
     When both connector boxes  335  and the T-box  300  are installed on a table, two long connecting bars are utilized that are approximately as long as or longer than the support table. Each long connecting bar is to be inserted through a pair of aligned mounting sleeves  361  of the support table. Such a long connecting bar extends beyond the mounting sleeves  361  on either end of the support table, and also extends over the space between the pair of aligned mounting sleeves  361 . During assembly or installation, the long connecting bar is first inserted into a mounting sleeve  361  at one end of the support table, then is slid through a mounting sleeve  304  of the T-box  300 , and then is slid through another, aligned mounting sleeve  361  at the other end of the support table. This process is then repeated with the other long connecting bar such that the T-box  300  is supported on the pair of long connecting bars. The ends of the long connecting bars which extend beyond the mounting sleeves  361  are utilized to support the connector boxes  335 . The mounting sleeves  304  of the T-box  300  can be connected to the long connecting bar with or without the use of a connecting pin  365 . 
     Many proppant storage trailers include a so-called “dragon&#39;s tail” which extends from the end of the proppant storage trailer. The dragon&#39;s tail  370  (see  FIG. 65 ) is essentially an extension off of the back of a proppant storage trailer which resembles a tail. During operation of a proppant storage trailer, proppant is dispensed out of a plurality of dispensers located in the underside of the body of the proppant storage trailer. A conveyor belt is located beneath these dispensers to receive dispensed proppant thereon. The conveyor belt extends over the length of the body of the proppant storage trailer and beyond into the dragon&#39;s tail  370 . The conveyor belt therefore conveys proppant to the dragon&#39;s tail  370 , at which point the conveyor belt executes a return movement, and thereby releases the proppant onto the T-belt located below a spout or outlet of the dragon&#39;s tail  370 . 
     Some proppant storage trailers also include a crow&#39;s nest, which is an optional structure that is located on some types of proppant storage trailers at the end thereof adjacent the dragon&#39;s tail  370 . During operation of the proppant storage trailer, a worker will stand in the crow&#39;s nest to both monitor and control the feed of proppant. For proppant storage trailers which include a crow&#39;s nest, the high support table  362  is necessary so that the workers can walk through the passage  363  in the high support table  362  to get to the crow&#39;s nest. In contrast, the short support table  360  would effectively block access to the crow&#39;s nest. When the dragon&#39;s tail  370  is not in use or when the proppant storage trailer is being moved from one location to another, such as on the highway, the dragon&#39;s tail  370  can be retracted to an essentially vertical orientation. 
       FIG. 62  shows a side view of the beginning of the dragon&#39;s tail  370  and a trailer outlet suction unit  373  associated therewith. The conveyor belt  372  which conveys the proppant dispensed thereon is also shown. As this conveyor belt  372  moves out from under the body of the proppant storage trailer, proppant dust is caused to flow out the rear  371  of the proppant storage trailer. The trailer outlet suction unit  373  is therefore located at the rear  371  of the proppant storage trailer in order to suck up the proppant dust at this point. The trailer outlet suction unit  373  is connected by a hose to the rest of the dust collection system. A bracket is used to hook or hang the trailer outlet suction unit  373  onto the end  371  of the proppant storage trailer. The trailer outlet suction unit  373  has a generally trapezoidal housing and a connection port which connects the housing to a hose of the dust collection system. A lifting handle may be included. The outlet suction unit has a vacuum inlet, which may be made of expanded metal. When the trailer outlet suction unit  373  is installed on a proppant storage trailer, the vacuum inlet is oriented to face the upper side of the conveyor belt  372 . 
     The dragon&#39;s tail includes a dragon&#39;s tail spout  379 , which often has a spout ramp located below the spout  379 . In at least one possible embodiment, a dragon&#39;s tail spout suction unit  382  (shown in  FIG. 63 ) may be hung adjacent the spout  379  and above the spout ramp using support chains  386 . The dragon&#39;s tail spout suction unit  382  is oriented such that the side vacuum inlet  383  faces the end of the spout  379 , and the bottom vacuum inlet  384  faces toward the spout ramp and/or the T-belt. Each of these vacuum inlets  383 ,  384  may be made of expanded metal. A connection port  385  is used to connect the dragon&#39;s tail spout suction unit  382  the rest of the dust collection system. In at least one possible embodiment, the frame of the dragon&#39;s tail spout suction unit  382  can be approximately 20″×20″×6″, and the connection port can be approximately 8 inches. 
       FIG. 64  shows a dragon&#39;s tail return suction unit  390 . In operation, the conveyor belt  372  executes a return movement at or inside the dragon&#39;s tail  370 , at which time proppant on the conveyor belt  372  is dumped off of the conveyor belt  372  and out of the dragon&#39;s tail spout  379 . However, proppant particles and dust still remain on the returning conveyor belt  372 , which proppant particles and dust can again become airborne by falling off of the returning conveyor belt  372 . The dragon&#39;s tail return suction unit  390  sucks up this dust coming off of the returning conveyor belt  372 . The dragon&#39;s tail return suction unit  390  is hung by a bracket from the dragon&#39;s tail  370  adjacent the spout  379  and directly below the returning conveyor belt  372 . The dragon&#39;s tail return suction unit  390  includes a vacuum inlet  393  that can be formed of expanded metal, and a connection port  392  which is used to connect the dragon&#39;s tail return suction unit  390  to the rest of the dust collection system. In at least one possible embodiment, the vacuum inlet  393  can be approximately 30″×4″, and the frame of the dragon&#39;s tail return suction  393  can taper in width from approximately 30 inches to approximately 8.5 inches, and can expand in thickness from approximately 4 inches to approximately 8.5 inches. 
     A plastic sheet or skirt can be connected to a lower portion of a proppant storage trailer. The plastic sheet or skirt substantially encloses the lower portion of a proppant storage trailer where proppant is dispensed onto the conveyor belt  372 , to thereby minimize or essentially prevent the escape of proppant dust out the sides of the proppant storage trailer. In at least one possible embodiment, the plastic sheet or skirt is used in conjunction with the trailer outlet suction unit  373 . To further explain, the plastic sheet or skirt traps the proppant dust in the space underneath the proppant storage trailer. The movement of the conveyor belt  372  causes this airborne proppant dust to move or be urged toward the rear  371  of the proppant storage trailer, at which point the trailer outlet suction unit  373  can suck up the proppant dust. In other words, the plastic sheet or skirt can assist in guiding the proppant dust toward the trailer outlet suction unit  373  to further minimize the escape of proppant dust into the surrounding environment. 
     Many T-belt assemblies include a splitter or divider which splits the dispensed proppant onto two separate belts, as well as gratings that filter the proppant, which gratings can be located above or below the splitter.  FIG. 65  shows a top view of a T-belt assembly  400  with installed T-belt suction units  405 . In general, the T-belt suction unit  405  is used to collect proppant dust generated by the impact of the proppant on the T-belt  130  and/or the splitter and/or the grating. The T-belt suction units  405  are generally rectangular shaped units that are positioned above and/or on the grating. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 97 , the T-belt suction units  405  are positioned on either side of the splitter  401 . As the proppant slides down the sides of the splitter  401  and drops onto the T-belt  130  below, the proppant slides or flows past a vacuum inlet  408 , which can be formed by a sheet of expanded metal bent at a 90° angle. The dust generated by the movement of the proppant is sucked up through the vacuum inlet  408 . Inner walls or baffles serve to reduce the interior space inside the T-belt suction unit  405  to concentrate the vacuum force over a smaller area, and thereby increase the suction power. The inner walls or baffles guide or funnel the collected dust toward the connection port  409 , which can be an 8 inch connection port. Dragon&#39;s tail hoses  338  are connected to the connection ports  409  to thereby connect the T-belt suction units  405  to the rest of the dust collection system. Four handles  407  are included for carrying or lifting the T-belt suction unit  405 . 
       FIG. 66  shows an embodiment of the T-belt suction unit  405 . In this embodiment, two of the four handles  407  on top of the T-belt suction unit  405  used for carrying have been moved to the sides. Also included are two support pieces  411 , which are used to support the T-belt suction unit  405  on the edge of the T-belt assembly  400 , when installed as shown in  FIG. 97 . In addition, the T-belt suction unit  405  includes a cover extension  412 , which is slidably retained in retaining brackets  410 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 97 , the cover extension  412  can be extended towards the splitter in order to reduce the space between the edge of the cover extension  412  and the surface of the splitter. By reducing this space the suction force generated by the T-belt suction unit  405  is increased. In at least one possible embodiment, the connection port  409  is shifted from a central location to a corner of the T-belt suction unit  413 . Accordingly, the inner walls or baffles would be adjusted accordingly in this embodiment. 
     As shown in previous figures, the T-belt suction unit  405  and the dragon&#39;s tail spout suction unit  387  are connected by hoses to the rest of the dust collection system in order to supply a suction force. Since these units  387 ,  405  are located a substantial distance from the rest of the dust collection system, such as the connector boxes  335  mounted on the support tables on top of the proppant storage trailer, dragon&#39;s tail hoses  338  must be utilized to connect these units  387 ,  405 . A dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement  420  can be used as an alternative way of connecting the units  387 ,  405  to the rest of the dust collection system.  FIG. 67  shows a side view of an elevated dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement  420 , which primarily comprises a T-belt manifold  421 , which has a large connection port  422  to connect directly to the dust collector  125 , and a plurality of connection ports  423 . The T-belt manifold  421  has a pair of lifting eyes  434  to permit lifting of the T-belt manifold  421  by a crane. In the embodiment shown, a pair of support legs  426  support the T-belt manifold  421  in a position higher than and/or above the dragon&#39;s tails  370 . The support legs  426  are mounted in a support bracket  427  located on the T-belt assembly  400 , and the T-belt manifold  421  is connected to the support legs  426  by a high mount bracket  428 . The dragon&#39;s tail spout suction units  387  are connected by hoses  424  to corresponding connection ports  423 . The T-belt suction units  405  are connected by hoses  425  to corresponding connection ports  423 . By using this embodiment of the dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement  420 , lengthy dragon&#39;s tail hoses  338  can be eliminated, thereby eliminating a possible trip hazard and reducing the time required for installation of the dust collection system. 
       FIG. 68  shows an end view of the elevated dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement  420 . A pivot mount  430  is shown at the end of the T-belt assembly  400 . The pivot mount  430  allows for the support leg  426  to be tilted at an angle and locked into an angled position as desired in the event that an object or structure is preventing installation of the T-belt manifold  421  in the vertical position shown in the figures. Pinholes  429  are also shown, in which locking pins may be inserted to lock the T-belt manifold  421  in place on the support legs  426 . A low mount bracket  431  is also shown, which bracket  431  is utilized in the lowered dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt section arranged in  420  shown in  FIGS. 69 and 70 .  FIG. 69  shows a side view of the lowered dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement  420 . In this installation, the dragon&#39;s tail and T-belt suction arrangement  420  is flipped over or inverted from the elevated position such that the connection ports  423  are facing away from the T-belt assembly  400 . The top surface of the T-belt manifold  421  is positioned immediately adjacent or resting on the T-belt assembly  400 . The low mount bracket  431  is connected to a bolt flange  432  to thereby connect or mount the T-belt manifold  421  on one side of the T-belt assembly  400 , as can be seen in  FIG. 70 . The low mount bracket  431  also includes pinholes  431  for locking pins. An extension connection  433  within an opening or connection port therein is utilized to connect to the dust collector  125 . Any connection ports  423  that are not in use are either capped or plugged. In at least one possible embodiment, instead of connecting directly to the dust collector  125 , the T-belt manifold  421  could be connected to a T-box on one of the proppant storage trailers. 
     At the end of the T-belt, proppant is carried by a single conveyor or by dual conveyors upwardly at an angle by a blender feed  440  ( FIG. 73 ). At the end of the blender feed  440 , the conveyor(s) executes a return movement, and thereby dumps the proppant through a blender feed chute  442  ( FIG. 72 ) into a blender hopper, in which the proppant is mixed with liquids. A substantial amount of proppant dust is propelled into the air at the blender feed chute  442 , and thus a blender suction unit  445  is mounted at the blender feed chute  442 . The blender suction unit  445  has an essentially tubular body  446  with a vacuum inlet  447  formed therein. A support piece, which can be essentially hook-shaped, can be utilized to hang or suspend the blender suction unit  445  from a chute bar on the blender feed chute  442 . D-rings  449  allow for straps or chains to further support the blender suction unit  445  on the blender feed chute  442 .  FIG. 71  shows an embodiment of the blender suction unit  445 , which includes a hood  450  extending from and surrounding the vacuum inlet  447 , which can be formed using expanded metal. A plastic hood or sheet can be draped over the vacuum inlet  447  and the blender hopper in order to increase the suction force and trap proppant dust.  FIG. 72  shows another embodiment of the blender suction unit  445 , with a blender suction unit hose  452  which connects the blender suction unit  445  to the dust collector  125 . 
     It should be noted that the blender suction unit  445  performs the same function as the T-belt manifold  119 , but is designed to be used with different blender feeds. To further explain, some manufacturers design a blender feed which is divided into two separate feed chutes which feed into two separate blender hoppers. Generally, proppant is dispensed from a first feed chute, into one blender hopper, but can alternatively be dispensed from a second feed chute into a second blender hopper, especially if there is an interruption or problem with the operation of the first feed chute and/or first blender hopper, or if the first blender hopper already has a sufficient amount of proppant therein. Accordingly, a dust collection device must be located at each of the feed chutes. The T-belt manifold  119  includes two vacuum devices which are connected by a connecting piece in a generally U-shaped configuration, and thus one vacuum device is located above each of the two feed chutes. Alternatively, some manufacturers design a blender feed with a single, movable feed chute. When the operator wishes to switch the feed of proppant from one blender hopper to another, the feed chute can be swung or moved from a position above a first hopper to a position above a second hopper. Since the blender suction unit  445  is mounted on the feed chute, the blender suction unit  445  moves with the feed chute when the feed chute is pivoted between positions above the two hoppers, thereby maintaining suction of proppant dust at the feed chute regardless of position. 
     Similarly to the conveyor belt  372  in the dragon&#39;s tail  370 , the T-belt  130  executes a return movement inside the blender feed  440 , at which time proppant on the T-belt  130  is dumped off of the T-belt  130  and out through the blender feed chute  442 . However, proppant particles and dust still remain on the returning T-belt  130 , which proppant particles and dust can again become airborne by falling off of the returning T-belt  130 . The T-belt return suction unit  455 , shown in  FIG. 73 , sucks up this dust coming off of the returning T-belt  130 . Like the blender suction unit  445 , the T-belt return suction unit  455  is essentially a tubular pipe  456  with an opening cut therein to form a vacuum inlet. The T-belt return suction unit  455  is connected by a T-belt return hose to the dust collector  125 .  FIG. 74  shows a possible embodiment of a T-belt return suction unit  457 . The T-belt return suction unit  457  comprises a vacuum inlet  459  and a connection port  458  for connecting the vacuum inlet  459  to a hose. As discussed herein above, regardless of how the proppant is delivered to the T-belt or similar conveyor, either by a proppant storage trailer or by a proppant storage device placed on the T-belt or similar conveyor, dust is always generated at the dump off into the blender hopper(s) and by the mixing or blending of the proppant, so the vacuum dust collection devices relating to the end of the T-belt and the blender area are necessary to control dust generated there. 
       FIG. 75  shows an additional overall view of an embodiment of the installed dust collection system. 
     According to at least one possible embodiment, the operation of the dust collection system could involve the following steps for a worker installing, operating, and/or maintaining the dust collection system. The first part of the method is the startup procedure. The operator first performs a complete walk around inspection of the dust collection system, checking that the system is installed properly, and that all pins, keepers, and safety devices are installed properly. Next, all fluid levels on the dust collector and air compressor unit are checked. These fluids include fuel levels, engine oil levels, coolant levels, and hydraulic fluid levels (hydraulic level is on the dust collector only). If any of these levels are not in operating range, damage could occur. When these checks are complete, the engine on the dust collector can be started. The operator should make sure that the orange and red lights go out on the display. The dust collector should be allowed to warm up for approximately five minutes. The clutch on the suction fan is then engaged, which should be done slowly otherwise damage could occur to the fan clutch. One way to promote safe startup is to use the one finger method, which involves the operator placing his or her index finger on the clutch handle using slight pressure. Once suction fan speed matches engine RPM, the clutch is forced into the locked position. Finally, both airline connection valves are opened and then the air compressor is started (this will relieve air pressure on the pump and allow the air compressor to start easier). Once the engine starts, the valves are closed and the compressor is allowed to warm up for 5 minutes (operator should refer to the air compressor manufacturer&#39;s recommended startup procedures). 
     Once startup is complete, the system is ready to commence dust collection. To do so, the operator opens the valve on the air compressor that supplies air to the dust collector. The regulator on the dust collector should read 90 psi. The air dryer is turned on and all three drain valves on the water filters are opened slightly. Next, the purge system is activated by a switch located under the magnehelic gauge. The gauge will illuminate green and the dust collector should begin to purge. A final walk around inspection is performed to check for suction leaks, making sure that caps at the end of aluminum manifolds are installed along with caps on unused ports on connector boxes. The operator should check that the right, center and left suction doors are open. If the suction doors are closed, the operator should first check that the engine is at an idle before opening the suction doors. To open or close doors there are toggles on the left rear of machine that operate air actuated valves. During fracking or sand trailer loading, the dust collector is operated between 1300 and 1900 RPM&#39;s, which are determined by the amount of suction needed to perform a specific task. During sand trailer or proppant storage trailer filling operations, the operator should open only valves needed for dust collection, and make sure that valves that are not needed are in the off position (the handle is pointing down). During fracking operations, the operator should check periodically that dust collection boxes on the T-belt do not interfere with sand falling from the dragon&#39;s tail. When the frack stage is complete and sand trailer loading is finished, the dust collector&#39;s filters can be allowed to purge. This operation should be done at low idle for more effective filter cleaning. If the magnehelic gauge reads above 6 during high RPM use, the filtration system needs to be purged. 
     The dust collector can be emptied only when there is no need for dust collection. To do so, first turn the purge control off. The green illuminated light should go out. The suction fan is still engaged and the dust collector is operated at low idle. At this time the side access doors may be opened to determine whether unloading is necessary. The operator can inspect the material without removing safety screens. If the collection bin needs to be emptied, the suction fan is disengaged and the air compressor is shut down as discussed herein below. The valves on front of the discharge augers are opened. The handles should be perpendicular to the valve body. If the handle is parallel to the valve body, the valve is closed. A bag is placed under the unloading auger and then tied to the discharge chute. The operator then walks to the rear of the dust collector and engages the unloading auger. The handle should remain in a detent position for unloading. It is only possible to unload one auger at a time. All augers should then be turning. If one or more of the augers are not turning, there is likely a blockage that needs to be addressed before unloading resumes. Augers should be activated unsupervised. While unloading it is acceptable for the operator to tap the sides of the dust collector with a rubber mallet to help material fall into the auger. Once half of the bin is empty, the appropriate steps of bin unloading should be performed for the other half. The operator should monitor the unloading to be sure that material is flowing into the bag and not backing up in discharge tube. When the bins are emptied, the augers are disengaged and the discharge chute valves are closed. 
     The shutdown procedures may involve the following steps. First, with the suction fan engaged at an idle speed, the dust collector is brought down to a low idle. The air compressor ignition is turned to the off position, and excess air pressure is relieved by opening both airline connection valves. The suction fan can then be disengaged. A swift blow with the operator&#39;s hand will disengage the clutch. The purge system is then turned to the off position (illuminated green light will go out). Failure to do these steps will drain the dust collector&#39;s battery. The air dryer is then turned off, and the dust collector ignition is turned to the off position. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/606,913, filed on Sep. 7, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/416,256, filed on Mar. 9, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/451,435, filed Mar. 10, 2011, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/590,233, filed Jan. 24, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/601,875, filed Feb. 22, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/786,274, filed Mar. 14, 2013, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. 
     The components disclosed in the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents disclosed or incorporated by reference herein, may possibly be used in possible embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof. 
     The purpose of the statements about the technical field is generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patent application. The description of the technical field is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describe the technical field of this patent application. However, the description of the technical field may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the technical field are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. 
     The appended drawings in their entirety, including all dimensions, proportions and/or shapes in at least one embodiment of the invention, are accurate and are hereby included by reference into this specification. 
     The background information is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately provide background information for this patent application. However, the background information may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the background information are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. 
     All, or substantially all, of the components and methods of the various embodiments may be used with at least one embodiment or all of the embodiments, if more than one embodiment is described herein. 
     The purpose of the statements about the object or objects is generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patent application. The description of the object or objects is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describe the object or objects of this patent application. However, the description of the object or objects may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the object or objects are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. 
     All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein. 
     The summary is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately summarize this patent application. However, portions or all of the information contained in the summary may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the summary are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. 
     It will be understood that the examples of patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents which are included in this application and which are referred to in paragraphs which state “Some examples of . . . which may possibly be used in at least one possible embodiment of the present application . . . ” may possibly not be used or useable in any one or more embodiments of the application. 
     The sentence immediately above relates to patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents either incorporated by reference or not incorporated by reference. 
     All of the references and documents cited in any of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, except for the exceptions indicated herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein except for the exceptions indicated herein. All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, referred to in the immediately preceding sentence, include all of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited anywhere in the present application. 
     The purpose of incorporating patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents is solely to provide additional information relating to technical features of one or more embodiments, which information may not be completely disclosed in the wording in the pages of this application. 
     Words relating to the opinions and judgments of the author of all patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein and not directly relating to the technical details of the description of the embodiments therein are not incorporated by reference. 
     The words all, always, absolutely, consistently, preferably, guarantee, particularly, constantly, ensure, necessarily, immediately, endlessly, avoid, exactly, continually, expediently, ideal, need, must, only, perpetual, precise, perfect, require, requisite, simultaneous, total, unavoidable, and unnecessary, or words substantially equivalent to the above-mentioned words in this sentence, when not used to describe technical features of one or more embodiments of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents, are not considered to be incorporated by reference herein for any of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein. 
     The description of the embodiment or embodiments is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately describe the embodiment or embodiments of this patent application. However, portions of the description of the embodiment or embodiments may not be completely applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made relating to the embodiment or embodiments are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. 
     The details in the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein may be considered to be incorporable, at applicant&#39;s option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patentably distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art. 
     The purpose of the title of this patent application is generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to determine quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of this patent application. The title is believed, at the time of the filing of this patent application, to adequately reflect the general nature of this patent application. However, the title may not be completely applicable to the technical field, the object or objects, the summary, the description of the embodiment or embodiments, and the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during prosecution of this patent application, and as ultimately allowed in any patent issuing from this patent application. Therefore, the title is not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. 
     The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b):
         A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
 
Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
       

     The embodiments of the invention described herein above in the context of the preferred embodiments are not to be taken as limiting the embodiments of the invention to all of the provided details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention.