Why Store Frac Sand?
Industries around the world rely on industrial sand for their daily production needs. From serving as a proppant for fracking operations to maintaining the structural integrity of ceramic products, the modern world cannot live without sand. This reliance makes the proper storage of bulk sand a top priority, as keeping it dry preserves the sand's strength and protects employees. Let's take a look at the proper ways to store sand.
Frac Sand Tank Storage
One of the most common methods of storing frac sand is using tanks. This method of storage offers several advantages over other methods, including cost and flexibility. Tank-based storage systems are inexpensive to build and maintain, making them ideal for companies with limited budgets. They also offer great flexibility in transportation and loading, as they can be easily moved from one location to another.
Frac Sand Storage Tanks are portable steel containers that withstand abrasive materials and maintain sand quality while protecting the environment. These tanks can hold thousands of gallons of sand material and offer the following benefits:
Accessible
Frac Sand Tanks are designed to allow for easy access through multiple valves. They can be connected to pumps, filters, and vacuum tanks, and are easy to maintain.
Increased Productivity
Frac sand tanks increase productivity because they are portable and can be taken anywhere. This saves time transporting materials back and forth from storage locations and increases employee efficiency.
Versatility
Storage tanks are ideal for protecting frac sand from the elements, but they are also a good solution for storing a variety of materials on a job site, such as fertilizer, manure, and water.
Frac Sand Silo Storage
Frac sand storage systems based on silos offer a safe and efficient way to store large quantities of material without the regular maintenance and cleaning that tanks require. Silos are typically made of reinforced concrete or steel and can safely store large quantities of materials, such as frac sand. Silos also offer greater efficiency when handling large quantities of material because they offer direct access ports that can load trucks or trains directly from the structure.
Industries that use sand in their daily operations always have a need for large quantities of sand, so storage silos are built on site and loaded with sand using one of the following methods:
Pneumatic Systems
Pneumatic systems use compressed air to move sand from transport trucks to the silos. This was an early solution for storing large quantities of sand, but it is no longer popular due to the risk of worker exposure to silica dust.
Conveyor Systems
Frac sand producers need the right conveyor system to transfer and store the material, so the system is tailored to your specific frac sand needs. Conveyors are highly customizable and reduce material handling compared to other methods, which helps prevent contamination. Conveyors provide better performance and greater efficiency for your frac sand operation.
While silo-style frac sand storage systems are initially more expensive than tanks, they generally offer better long-term value because they require less maintenance and cleaning. Additionally, silos tend to take up less space than tanks while still offering high capacity due to their stacking capabilities.
Safety Considerations for Frac Sand Storage
Proper storage of frac sand is critical to ensuring workplace safety and preventing costly accidents or injuries from improper material handling. Before storing any material, such as frac sand, all necessary safety precautions must be taken, including:
Proper ventilation
Wear protective gear
Utilize leak control techniques
Keep flammable materials away from equipment that creates sparks or open flames
It is also important that employees follow all company policies related to working with hazardous materials, such as frac sand storage, to ensure safety at all times.
Maintenance Tips for Frac Sand Storage Systems
In addition to following all necessary safety protocols when handling frac sand, storage systems must be properly maintained to ensure safe operation year-round. This includes regularly inspecting the system for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or dents in walls or floors, weak seals around pipes, loose fasteners, rust or corrosion.
If any issues are found, they should be addressed immediately to minimize further damage or potential hazards before the problem becomes a problem. Additionally, the interior of the facility and the exterior of the building should be cleaned regularly, as these are areas where flammable materials may accumulate.