AERATION ELEMENT AND FLUID STORAGE VESSEL WITH AN AERATION ELEMENT

Field of the invention The present invention relates to an aeration apparatus and a method of aerating fluids. The present invention also relates to a fluid storage vessel and a method of conveying stored fluids from the same.

Background to the invention

Fluid storage and conveying apparatuses are known. Such apparatuses typically include a fluid storage vessel that includes a plurality of fluid outlets that are connected to a conveying apparatus. The vessel and the conveying apparatus are typically pressurised and operated by a number of valves to control the flow of fluids from the vessel to the conveying apparatus.

While such fluid storage and conveying apparatuses work well with wet fluids, such as drill cuttings, or the like, they are known to be less effective with dry fluids, such as powdered materials, such as cement and barite, or the like.

The inventor has appreciated the shortcomings in these known fluid storage and conveying apparatuses. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aeration apparatus comprising:

a fluid conduit having:

a fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet;

an air inlet; and

an air outlet,

wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are arranged to allow air to be supplied to the fluid conduit, and

wherein an air diffusing element is provided at the air outlet, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the fluid conduit.

The aeration apparatus may be for a fluid storage vessel. The aeration apparatus may be for a fluid outlet of a fluid storage vessel. The aeration apparatus may be configured to be attachable to a fluid storage vessel.

The aeration apparatus may be configured to be attachable to a fluid outlet of a fluid storage vessel. The aeration apparatus may be integrally formed with the fluid storage vessel. The aeration apparatus may be integrally formed with a fluid outlet of a fluid storage vessel.

The fluid stored in the vessel may include solids, liquids or gases, or any mixture thereof. The fluid stored in the vessel may be a powder material, or powdered material. The fluid stored in the vessel may include a one or more powders. The fluid stored in the vessel may comprise a substance consisting of loose particles formed by crushing, grinding or disintegration of a solid substance, such as rock, or the like. The solid may be a rock, such as a sedimentary rock. The fluid stored in the vessel may include barium sulphate. The fluid stored in the vessel may be barite. The fluid stored in the vessel may be cement. The fluid stored in the vessel may be powdered cement. The fluid stored in the vessel may be a dry powder. The fluid conduit may be cylindrical. The fluid conduit may be a hollow cylinder. The fluid conduit may be a right circular hollow cylinder. The fluid conduit may be a cylindrical shell. The fluid conduit may have a cylindrical outer surface. The fluid conduit may have a cylindrical inner surface. The fluid conduit may have an outer diameter. The fluid conduit may have an inner diameter. The fluid conduit may have two or more inner diameters, each diameter being a different size. The fluid conduit may have an inner bore. The fluid conduit may have a bore hole. The inner bore, or bore hole, may be cylindrical.

The inner diameter of the fluid conduit may be approximately 100mm. The inner diameter of the fluid conduit may be between 50mm and 150mm.

The inner diameter of the fluid conduit may be between 25mm and 450mm.

The outer diameter of the fluid conduit may be approximately 150mm.

The outer diameter of the fluid conduit may be between 50mm and 150mm. The outer diameter of the fluid conduit may be between 50mm and 500mm.

The fluid conduit may be configured to fit within the bore of a 6” pipe. The fluid conduit may be configured to fit within the bore of a 6” schedule 40 pipe. The pipe may be the fluid outlet of a storage vessel.

The wall thickness of the fluid conduit may be approximately 50mm. The wall thickness of the fluid conduit may be between 25mm and 130mm.

The fluid conduit may include a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be the axis of rotation of the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit may include a cavity. The cavity may be located in a wall portion of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be located adjacent the bore of the fluid conduit. At least a portion of the cavity is exposed to the bore of the fluid conduit. At least a portion of the cavity is exposed externally of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be located on the inner surface of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be located on the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be at least partially circumscribe the bore of the fluid conduit. The cavity may circumscribe the bore of the fluid conduit. The cavity may extend at least partially around the circumference of the bore of the fluid conduit. The cavity may extend around the circumference of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fluid conduit. The cavity may extend along substantially the entire length of the fluid conduit. The cavity may extend a significant portion of the length of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be channel portion. The cavity may be a sunken channel portion. The cavity may be a cut-out portion. The cavity may be formed by cutting out a portion of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be a slot. The cavity may be an elongate slot. The cavity may be an elongate channel.

The cavity may be at least partially cylindrical. The cavity may be at least partially cylindrical in shape. The cavity may be the shape of a partial hollow cylinder. The cavity may be the shape of a partial cylindrical shell. The cavity may be the shape of a cylindrical shell. The cavity may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be the shape of a hollow cylinder. The inner diameter of the hollow cylinder may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be at least partially disc-shaped. The cavity may be the shape of a partial disc. The cavity may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be the shape of a hollow disc. The inner diameter of the hollow disc may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be at least partially annular. The cavity may be annular. The cavity may be the shape of a partial annular ring. The cavity may be an annular ring. The cavity may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The inner diameter of the annular ring may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be an extended annular ring. The cavity may be an extended partially annular ring. The cavity may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be configured to receive the air diffusing element therein. The cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the air diffusing element therein.

The cavity may be located at, or adjacent to, the air outlet. The air outlet may be the cavity. The fluid conduit may be made from metal, such as steel. The fluid conduit may be made from carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, or the like. The fluid conduit may include an annular-shaped lower surface. The fluid conduit may include an annular-shaped upper surface. The fluid conduit may include an annular-shaped upper and lower surface.

The fluid inlet of the fluid conduit may include a tapered, or chamfered, portion. The upper wall portion of the fluid conduit may be tapered, or may include a chamfered portion. The inner diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit may progressively increase towards the upper portion thereof.

The fluid inlet of the fluid conduit may include a conical portion. The conical portion may be frusto-conical.

At least part of the fluid inlet the fluid conduit may be substantially complimentary in shape to at least a portion of a fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel. The aeration apparatus may be configured such that it may be locatable at least partially within the fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel. The aeration apparatus may be configured such that the fluid conduit thereof at least partially extends into a portion of the fluid storage vessel. The fluid conduit one or more fluid apertures located in the wall portion. The one or more fluid apertures may be located in the wall portion of the portion of the fluid conduit that extends into the portion of the fluid storage vessel. This allows fluid stored in the fluid storage vessel to enter the fluid conduit. The aeration apparatus may be configured such that it may be removably attachable to the fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel.

The fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel may be a 6” pipe. The fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel may be a 6” schedule 40 pipe.

The fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus may include an attachment member, the attachment member being configured to allow the aeration apparatus to be removably attached to the fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel.

The attachment member may be a flange portion. The flange portion may be attachable to the fluid conduit at the fluid outlet thereof. The

attachment member may be attached to the fluid conduit by bolts, welding, or the like. The attachment member may be attachable to a fluid storage vessel. The attachment member may be attachable to a fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel. The attachment member may be attached to the fluid storage vessel by bolts, welding, or the like. The attachment member may be configured to be sealed in engagement with the fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel, or fluid storage vessel. The seals may be o-ring seals, or the like.

The air inlet and the air outlet may be joined by a fluid passage. The fluid passage may join the air inlet and the air outlet.

The air inlet may be located on an outer surface of the fluid conduit. The air outlet may be located at, or adjacent to, the inner surface, or bore, of the fluid conduit. The air outlet may be located at, or adjacent to, the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The air inlet may be located towards a lower portion of the fluid conduit. The air inlet may be located on, or adjacent to, the lower surface of the fluid conduit.

The air inlet may be located on the attachment member of the fluid conduit. The air inlet may be located on, or adjacent to, the lower surface, or side surface, of the attachment member. The fluid passage may connect the air inlet to the air outlet via the cavity. The fluid passage may be arranged to supply air to the cavity.

The fluid passage may extend along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fluid conduit. The fluid passage may extend along the direction of the longitudinal axis in a wall portion of the fluid conduit.

The fluid passage may extend through the attachment member to the fluid conduit. The fluid passage may extend in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fluid conduit through the attachment member.

The air inlet may be configured to be connectable to a source of air. The source of air may be pressurised air. The pressurised air may have a pressure range of between 1 and 10 bar, or between 1 and 20 bar.

The air outlet may be located at, or adjacent to, the cavity.

The cavity may be configured to at least partially receive the air diffusing element. The cavity may be configured to at least partially receive and secure the air diffusing element therein. The cavity may be configured to receive the entire air diffusing element therein. The cavity may include one or more seals to seal the air diffusing element therein. The seals may be gasket materials, such as metal gaskets, plastic gaskets, rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber (buna rubber, buna-N rubber), silicon mastic. The cavity may be configured such that a gap, gap portion, or plenum, exists between the air diffusing element and a wall portion of the cavity, fluid conduit. The gap may be located between the fluid conduit and the air diffusing element. The gap may be located in the cavity between the fluid conduit and the air diffusing element. The gap, or gap portion, may be a plenum. The gap, or gap portion, may function as a plenum.

The air diffusing element may be at least partially cylindrical. The air diffusing element may be at least partially cylindrical in shape. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a partial hollow cylinder. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a partial cylindrical shell. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a cylindrical shell. The air diffusing element may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a hollow cylinder. The inner diameter of the hollow cylinder may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The air diffusing element may be at least partially disc-shaped. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a partial disc. The air diffusing element may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a hollow disc. The inner diameter of the hollow disc may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The air diffusing element may be at least partially annular. The air diffusing element may be annular. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a partial annular ring. The air diffusing element may be an annular ring. The air diffusing element may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The inner diameter of the annular ring may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The air diffusing element may be a porous material. The air diffusing element may be a porous membrane. The air diffusing element may be a membrane. The air diffusing element may be permeable by air, or gas. The air diffusing element may be a metal. The air diffusing element may be bronze. The air diffusing element may be a plastic. The air diffusing element may be a sintered material. The air diffusing element may be a sintered metal. The air diffusing element may be a sintered plastic.

The gap portion may be at least partially cylindrical. The gap portion may be at least partially cylindrical in shape. The gap portion may be the shape of a partial hollow cylinder. The gap portion may be the shape of a partial cylindrical shell. The gap portion may be the shape of a cylindrical shell. The gap portion may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The gap portion may be the shape of a hollow cylinder. The inner diameter of the hollow cylinder may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The gap portion may be at least partially disc-shaped. The gap portion may be the shape of a partial disc. The gap portion may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The gap portion may be the shape of a hollow disc. The inner diameter of the hollow disc may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit.

The gap portion may be at least partially annular. The gap portion may be annular. The gap portion may be the shape of a partial annular ring. The gap portion may be an annular ring. The gap portion may circumscribe a portion of the bore of the fluid conduit. The inner diameter of the annular ring may be the same as the diameter of the bore of the fluid conduit. The air diffusing element may be configured to spread, or scatter, air into the fluid conduit. The air diffusing element may be configured to spread, or scatter, pressurised air into the fluid conduit.

The aeration apparatus may be configured to have a first fluid conduit portion and a second fluid conduit portion. The fluid conduit may have a first portion and a second portion. The first fluid conduit portion may be configured to be located substantially within the fluid outlet of the fluid storage vessel. The second fluid conduit portion may be configured to be located substantially within the main body of the fluid storage vessel.

The apertures in the wall portion of the fluid conduit may be located between the first fluid conduit portion and the second fluid conduit portion.

The fluid conduit may have a sealed upper portion. The second fluid conduit portion may have a sealed upper portion.

The first fluid conduit portion may have a cavity on its inner surface and the second fluid conduit portion may have a cavity on its outer surface.

The first fluid conduit portion may not have a cavity on its inner surface and the second fluid conduit portion may have a cavity on its outer surface.

The second fluid conduit portion may include a cavity. The cavity may be located in a wall portion of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be located on the outer surface of the fluid conduit. At least a portion of the cavity is exposed externally to the fluid conduit. The cavity may be located on the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The cavity may at least partially circumscribe the outer surface of the second fluid conduit portion of the fluid conduit. The cavity may circumscribe the outer surface of the second fluid conduit portion of the fluid conduit. The cavity may extend at least partially around the circumference of the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The cavity may extend around the circumference of the outer surface of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fluid conduit. The cavity may extend along substantially the entire length of the fluid conduit. The cavity may extend a significant portion of the length of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be channel portion. The cavity may be a sunken channel portion. The cavity may be a cut out portion. The cavity may be formed by cutting out a portion of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be a slot. The cavity may be an elongate slot. The cavity may be an elongate channel.

The cavity may be at least partially cylindrical. The cavity may be at least partially cylindrical in shape. The cavity may be the shape of a partial hollow cylinder. The cavity may be the shape of a partial cylindrical shell. The cavity may be the shape of a cylindrical shell. The cavity may circumscribe a portion of the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be the shape of a hollow cylinder. The outer diameter of the hollow cylinder may be the same as the outer diameter of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be at least partially disc-shaped. The cavity may be the shape of a partial disc. The cavity may circumscribe a portion of the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The cavity may be the shape of a hollow disc. The outer diameter of the hollow disc may be the same as the outer diameter of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be at least partially annular. The cavity may be annular. The cavity may be the shape of a partial annular ring. The cavity may be an annular ring. The cavity may circumscribe a portion of the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The outer diameter of the annular ring may be the same as the outer diameter of the fluid conduit.

The cavity may be an extended annular ring. The cavity may be an extended partially annular ring.

The cavity may be configured to receive the air diffusing element therein.

The air diffusing element may be located on the inner surface of the fluid conduit in the first portion and on the outer surface of the fluid conduit in the second portion. That is, in use, diffused air is delivered to fluid inside the first portion of the fluid conduit and to fluid outside the second portion of the fluid conduit. In this arrangement, fluid flows from outside the second portion of the conduit into the first portion during use of the aeration apparatus. The fluid enters the first portion of the fluid conduit via the apertures located between the first portion and the second portion.

The cavity of the second fluid conduit portion may be located at, or adjacent to, the air outlet. The air outlet may be the cavity.

The air diffusing element may be at least partially cylindrical. The air diffusing element may be at least partially cylindrical in shape. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a partial hollow cylinder. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a partial cylindrical shell. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a cylindrical shell. The air diffusing element may circumscribe a portion of the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a hollow cylinder. The outer diameter of the hollow cylinder may be the same as the outer diameter of the fluid conduit.

The air diffusing element may be at least partially disc-shaped. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a partial disc. The air diffusing element may circumscribe a portion of the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a hollow disc. The outer diameter of the hollow disc may be the same as the outer diameter of the fluid conduit.

The air diffusing element may be at least partially annular. The air diffusing element may be annular. The air diffusing element may be the shape of a partial annular ring. The air diffusing element may be an annular ring. The air diffusing element may circumscribe an outer surface of the fluid conduit. The outer diameter of the annular ring may be the same as the outer diameter of the fluid conduit. The air diffusing element may be a porous material. The air diffusing element may be a porous membrane. The air diffusing element may be a membrane. The air diffusing element may be permeable by air, or gas. The air diffusing element may be a metal. The air diffusing element may be bronze. The air diffusing element may be a plastic. The air diffusing element may be a sintered material. The air diffusing element may be a sintered metal. The air diffusing element may be a sintered plastic.

The air diffusing element may be configured to spread, or scatter, air out of the second portion of the fluid conduit. The air diffusing element may be configured to spread, or scatter, pressurised air out of the second portion of the fluid conduit.

The fluid conduit may include a plurality of air inlets. The air inlets may be located around the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The air inlets may be evenly spaced around the outer surface of the fluid conduit.

The fluid conduit may include a plurality of air outlets. The air outlets may be located around the inner surface of the fluid conduit. The air outlets may be evenly spaced around the inner surface of the fluid conduit.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, the air outlets may be located around the outer surface of the fluid conduit. The air outlets may be located around the outer surface of the second portion of the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit may include a plurality of fluid passages. Each fluid passage may be located between an air inlet and an air outlet.

Each air outlet may be associated with a cavity. Each cavity may include an air diffusing element. An air diffusing element may be located between each air inlet and each air outlet. Each air diffusing element may be located at the air outlet.

Each air inlet may be evenly distributed about the edge portion of the attachment member.

Each air inlet may be connected to the, or a, source of air, or pressurised air. The aeration apparatus may be configured to be retro-fitted/retro-fittable to the fluid outlet, or discharge outlet, of a fluid storage vessel.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a fluid storage vessel, the fluid storage vessel comprising:

at least one fluid inlet; and

at least one fluid outlet,

wherein the at least one fluid outlet includes an aeration apparatus comprising:

a fluid conduit having:

a fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet;

an air inlet; and

an air outlet,

wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are arranged to allow air to be supplied to the fluid conduit, and

wherein an air diffusing element is provided at the air outlet, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the fluid conduit.

The at least one fluid outlet may be located towards the base portion of the vessel. The at least one fluid outlet may be located towards a cone portion, guide portion, or funnel portion, of the base portion of the vessel. The fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus is configured to receive fluid from the storage vessel.

The fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus may be at least partially located within the at least one fluid outlet of the fluid storage vessel.

The fluid inlet of the fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus may extend into the main body of the fluid storage vessel.

The aeration apparatus may be attached to the fluid storage vessel, or the at least one fluid outlet thereof. The aeration apparatus may be attached to the fluid storage vessel, or the at least one fluid outlet thereof, by bolts, or the like.

The aeration apparatus may be integrally formed with the fluid storage vessel, or the at least one fluid outlet thereof.

The at least one fluid outlet of the fluid storage vessel may be associated with a conveyor, or conveying, apparatus. The conveyor apparatus may be configured to receive and convey fluids passed from the fluid storage vessel and aeration apparatus away from the vessel.

The fluid inlet of the fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus may be configured to substantially align with a surface of the cone portion, guide portion, or funnel portion, of the base portion of the vessel. In this arrangement, the fluid inlet of the fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus is an extension of the surface of the cone portion, guide portion, or funnel portion, of the base portion of the vessel.

The fluid storage vessel may include two or more fluid outlets. Each fluid outlet may include an aeration apparatus. Each fluid outlet may be located towards the base portion of the vessel. Each fluid outlet may be located towards a cone portion, guide portion, or funnel portion, of the base portion of the vessel. Each fluid outlet may be associated with the, or a, conveying apparatus. The fluid outlets may be evenly distributed about the base portion of the vessel.

The fluid storage vessel may include six fluid outlets. Each fluid outlet may include an aeration apparatus. Each fluid outlet may be located towards the base portion of the vessel. Each fluid outlet may be located towards a cone portion, guide portion, or funnel portion, of the base portion of the vessel. Each fluid outlet may be associated with the, or a, conveying apparatus. The fluid outlets may be evenly distributed about the base portion of the vessel. The fluid storage vessel may be configured to be pressurised. That is, the fluid storage vessel may be configured such that the inner volume may be raised to a pressure that is greater than the atmospheric pressure surrounding the vessel. The fluid storage vessel may include a frame. The frame may house the fluid storage vessel therein. The fluid storage vessel may be attachable to the frame. The frame may be an ISO frame, or the like, which facilitates transport and shipping of the fluid storage vessel. Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention or its embodiments. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of aerating a fluid, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an aeration apparatus comprising:

a fluid conduit having:

a fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet;

an air inlet; and

an air outlet,

wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are arranged to allow air to be supplied to the fluid conduit, and

wherein an air diffusing element is provided at the air outlet, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the fluid conduit; providing fluid to the fluid inlet of the fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus; and

providing air to the air inlet of the fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus, such that diffused air is provided to the fluid in the fluid conduit.

The air may be pressurised air.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first or second aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the third aspect of the present invention or its embodiments. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of conveying stored fluid from a fluid storage vessel, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a fluid storage vessel, the fluid storage vessel comprising: at least one fluid inlet; and

at least one fluid outlet,

wherein the at least one fluid outlet includes an aeration apparatus comprising:

a fluid conduit having:

a fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet;

an air inlet; and

an air outlet,

wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are arranged to allow air to be supplied to the fluid conduit, and

wherein an air diffusing element is provided at the air outlet, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the fluid conduit; providing a conveying apparatus, the conveying apparatus being associated with the at least one fluid outlet;

providing fluid from the fluid storage vessel to the fluid inlet of the fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus;

providing air to the air inlet of the fluid conduit of the aeration apparatus, such that diffused air is provided to the fluid in the fluid conduit; and

conveying fluid from the fluid outlet of the aeration apparatus from the vessel.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fourth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of retro-fitting an aeration apparatus to a fluid storage vessel, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a fluid storage vessel, the fluid storage vessel comprising: at least one fluid inlet; and

at least one fluid outlet,

providing an aeration apparatus comprising, the aeration apparatus comprising:

a fluid conduit having:

a fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet;

an air inlet; and

an air outlet,

wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are arranged to allow air to be supplied to the fluid conduit, and

wherein an air diffusing element is provided at the air outlet, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the fluid conduit; attaching the aeration apparatus to the at least one fluid outlet of the fluid storage vessel.

Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fifth aspect of the present invention or its

embodiments. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an aeration apparatus comprising:

a fluid conduit having:

a fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet;

an air inlet; and

an air outlet,

wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are arranged to allow air to be supplied to the fluid conduit, and

wherein the air outlet includes an air diffusing element, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the fluid conduit.

Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the sixth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided an aeration apparatus comprising:

a fluid conduit having:

a fluid inlet;

a fluid outlet;

an air inlet; and

an air outlet,

wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are arranged to allow air to be supplied to the fluid conduit, and

wherein an air diffusing element is provided at the air outlet, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid outside the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit may include a first portion and a second portion. Air may be supplied to the first and second portions of the fluid conduit. The air diffusing elements may be provided at the second portion of the fluid conduit.

Air diffusing elements may be provided at air outlets of the first portion of the fluid conduit. In this arrangement air diffusing elements are provided at the air outlet, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the first portion of the fluid conduit.

Air diffusing elements may be provided at air outlets of the first portion and second portion of the fluid conduit. In this arrangement air diffusing elements are provided at the air outlet of the first portion of the fluid conduit, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the first portion of the fluid conduit, and air diffusing elements are provided at the air outlet of the second portion of the fluid conduit, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid outside the second portion of the fluid conduit.

Embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the seventh aspect of the present invention or its embodiments. Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a fluid storage vessel according to the present invention;

Fig. 2a is a partial sectional plan view of the fluid storage vessel of Fig. 1 ;

Figs. 2b and 2c are partial sectional views of the lower portion of the fluid storage vessel of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3a is a partial sectional side view of an aeration apparatus according to the present invention located in a fluid storage vessel;

Fig. 3b is a partial sectional end view of the aeration apparatus of Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4 is a partial sectional side view of alternative embodiment of an aeration apparatus according to the present invention located in a fluid storage vessel; and

Fig. 5 is a partial sectional side view of further alternative embodiment of an aeration apparatus according to the present invention located in a fluid storage vessel. Description of preferred embodiments

Fig. 1 illustrates a fluid storage vessel 1 and a conveying apparatus 2 for transporting fluids stored in the vessel 1 .

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the storage vessel 1 is used to store powdered materials, such as cement or barite. However, it should be appreciated that the vessel 1 may store other fluids, wet or dry. The vessel 1 is typically used to store and transport powdered materials. The conveying apparatus 2 then moves the material to the point of use. Materials stored in the vessel 1 may be required at petroleum

production/exploration drill holes, where, for example, drill casings are required to be cased in cement. However, it should be appreciated that the vessel 1 may store other fluids for other purposes, such as drill cuttings from drill holes, or the like.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the storage vessel 1 is a pressurised vessel and the conduits 2a of the conveying apparatus 2 are also pressurised. The vessel 1 may be pressurised via a pressurised air line, or the like, 3, which is connected to a source of

pressurised/compressed air, not shown. The pressurised air line 3 pressurises the vessel 1 and the conduits 2a of the conveying apparatus 2.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2a to 2c, the vessel 1 has six fluid outlets 1 a. The fluid outlets 1 a provide a fluid path between the main storage body 1 b and the conduits 2a of the conveying apparatus 2. As best illustrated in Figs. 1 , 2b and 2c, the fluid outlets 1 a are arranged in two parallel rows 1 c, each row 1 c being connected to a conduit 2a of the conveying apparatus 2. The conduits 2a of the conveying apparatus 2 may be considered as a manifold, with each conduit 2a coming together to join a common conduit 2b. As best illustrated in Figs. 2b and 2c, each fluid outlet 1 a is located beneath a cone portion 1 d of the vessel 1. Each cone portion 1 d is located towards a lower portion of the main storage body 1 b of the vessel 1. The cone portions 1 d are arranged to guide fluids in the main storage body 1 b towards the fluid outlets 1 a. The cone portions 1 d may include flat wall portions, or may have smooth, continuous, wall portions. The main storage body 1 b of the vessel 1 also includes an inverted cone portion 1 e. The inverted cone portion 1 e assists in evenly distributing fluids from the main storage body 1 b to fluid outlets 1 a. With reference to Figs. 3a and 3b, an aeration apparatus 10 for a fluid storage vessel 1 is illustrated. As illustrated in Fig. 3a, the aeration apparatus 10 is attached to the inside of a fluid outlet 1a of the vessel 1. It should be appreciated that each fluid outlet 1 a may include an aeration apparatus 10.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the aeration apparatus 10 is attached to the fluid outlet 1 a of the vessel 1 by bolting an

attachment member 14 to a corresponding upper attachment member 1f of the fluid outlet 1a, as described further below. Note: the lower attachment member 1 g of the fluid outlet 1 a (see Figs. 2b and 2c) has been omitted from Fig. 3a for clarity.

The aeration apparatus 10 includes a fluid conduit 12 and an attachment member 14. The fluid conduit 12 and the attachment member 14 are made from steel. However, other suitable materials may be used. The fluid conduit 12 has a fluid inlet 12a, a fluid outlet 12b, an air inlet 12c, and an air outlet 12d.

The fluid inlet 12a of the fluid conduit 12 includes a tapered, or chamfered, corner portion 12a’, which defines a conical entrance. The angle of the taper, or chamfer, is arranged to substantially match inner surface 1 d’ of the cone portion 1 d of the vessel 1. That is, the fluid inlet 12a of the fluid conduit 12 includes a conical (frusto conical) entrance 12a”. The matching of the conical entrance 12a” of the fluid conduit 12 to the inner surface 1 d’ of the cone portion 1 d of the vessel 1 assists in the transfer from fluids from the main storage body 1 b to the fluid outlets 1 a.

As described further below, the air inlet 12c and the air outlet 12d are arranged to allow air to be supplied to the fluid conduit 12.

As best illustrated in Fig. 3a, an air diffusing element 16 is provided at the air outlet 12d. As described further below, the air diffusing element 16 is provided at the air outlet 12d, such that, in use, diffused air may be provided to fluid in the fluid conduit 12.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the fluid conduit 12 is a generally bored cylindrical member. As described further below, the bore 12e connects the fluid inlet 12a to the fluid outlet 12b of the fluid conduit 12. In this arrangement the fluid conduit 12 has a cylindrical outer surface 12f, with an outer diameter, and a cylindrical inner surface 12g, with an inner diameter.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the inner diameter of the fluid outlet 1 a may be between 50mm and 150mm, the inner diameter of the fluid conduit 12 may be between 50mm and 150mm, and the outer diameter of the fluid conduit 12 may be between 50mm and 150mm. The fluid conduit 12 of the aeration apparatus 10 may have a wall thickness of between 25mm and 130mm. The aeration apparatus 10 may be designed to fit with a fluid outlet 1 a that is a 6” schedule 40 pipe. However, it should be appreciated that the aeration apparatus 10 may be of any suitable size and may be used with any suitably-sized fluid outlet 1 a.

The fluid conduit 12 includes a cavity 12h located on the inner surface 12i thereof. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the cavity 12h is the shape of a hollow cylinder (cylindrical shell). The cavity 12h circumscribes the bore 12e. A side portion of the cavity 12h is therefore exposed to the bore 12e. As illustrated in Fig. 3a, the cavity 12h extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12j of the fluid conduit 12 and occupies almost the entire length thereof. The inner diameter of the cavity 12h is the same size as the diameter of the bore 12e/inner diameter of the fluid conduit 12. It should, of course, be appreciated that other

arrangements of the cavity 12h are possible.

The cavity 12h is located at the air outlet 12d. That is, in use, air entering the fluid inlet 12a passes through the cavity 12h at the air outlet 12d. As described further below, a fluid passage 12k links the air inlet 12c and air outlet 12d.

The cavity 12h is arranged to receive the air diffusing element 16. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the air diffusing element 16 is also the shape of a hollow cylinder (cylindrical shell). In this arrangement the air diffusing element 16 also circumscribes the bore 12e and a side portion of the air diffusing element 16 is therefore exposed to the bore 12e. As illustrated in Fig. 3a, the air diffusing element 16 also extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12j of the fluid conduit 12 and occupies almost the entire length of the cavity 12h. The inner diameter of the air diffusing element 16 is the same size as the diameter of the bore 12e/inner diameter of the fluid conduit 12. In this arrangement, the cavity 12h receives the entire air diffusing element 16 therein.

However, as illustrated in Fig. 3a, a gap (plenum) 121 exists between the air diffusing element 16 and outer wall portion 12h’ of the cavity. The shape of the gap (plenum) 121 is therefore also a hollow cylinder. The gap (plenum) 121 circumscribes the outer surface 16a of the air diffusing element 16. As described further below, in this arrangement air from the air inlet 12c is supplied to the gap (plenum) 121. That is, air is supplied to substantially the entire outer surface 16a of the air diffusing element 16.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the air diffusing element 16 is made of a porous material. That is, the air diffusing element 16 may be air (or gas) permeable. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the air diffusing element 16 may be made from a sintered metal, or a sintered plastic. However, it should be appreciated that other elements could be used that cause diffusion of the air passed therethrough. As described further below the air diffusing element 16 is configured to spread, or scatter, pressurised air into fluid in the fluid conduit 12.

The air diffusing element 16 is sealed in engagement with the cavity 12h at seal points 12m. The seals may be gasket materials, such as metal gaskets, plastic gaskets, rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber (buna rubber, buna-N rubber), silicon mastic, or the like. This allows pressurised air to be supplied through the air diffusing element 16 to the fluid conduit 12 without any loss of pressure, or air. The fluid conduit 12 includes a generally annular-shaped lower surface 12n. The attachment member 14 is attached to the fluid conduit 12 by bolts 15 or welds (not shown). The attachment member 14 is then attached to the upper attachment member 1f of the fluid outlet 1 a, as described above.

The attachment member 14 may be a bored flange portion, best illustrated in Figs. 3a and 3b. The attachment member 14 may include bolt holes 14a evenly distributed around the bore 14b thereof. The bolt holes receive bolts 15. The attachment member 14 may allow the aeration apparatus 10 to be removably attached to the fluid outlet 1 a of a fluid storage vessel 1. That is, the aeration apparatuses 10 may be retro-fitted to the vessel 1. Seals (o-rings) 14c may be included to seal the attachment member 14 to the fluid outlet 1 a of a fluid storage vessel 1 . However, it should also be appreciated that the aeration apparatuses 10 may be fixedly attached to the fluid outlets 1 a of the vessel 1 by welding, or the like. It should also be appreciated that the aeration apparatuses 10 may be integrally formed with the fluid outlets 1 a of the vessel 1. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the fluid conduit 12 includes two air inlets 12c. The air inlets 12c are located on the edge of the attachment member 14, as best illustrated in Figs. 3a and 3b. Each air inlet 12c is joined to the air outlet 12d by fluid passages 12k. The fluid passages 12k run horizontally through the attachment member 14 and then vertically upwards into the wall portion 12o of the fluid conduit 12, where they meet the cavity 12h/gap 121, air diffusing element 16 and air outlet 12d. It should, of course, be appreciated that the fluid conduit 12 may include a plurality of individual air outlets 12d, each being associated with its own air diffusing element 16. It should also be appreciated that the fluid conduit 12 may include any suitable number of air inlets 12c and fluid passages 12k linking them to the air outlet(s) 12d.

Each air inlet 12c is connected to a source of pressurised air (compressed air, or the like). The pressurised air may have a pressure range of between 1 and 10 bar, or between 1 and 20 bar.

As described above, each fluid outlet 1 a of the vessel 1 includes an aeration apparatus 1. Fig. 3a illustrates one partial sectional view of one fluid outlet 1 a, each fluid outlet 1 a has the same arrangement.

In use, fluids, such as powdered materials stored in the vessel 1 may be transferred from the vessel 1 and conveyed to the location of use by the following steps. The vessel 1 , and the fluids therein, are initially pressurised via the pressured air line 3. The conduits 2a of the conveying apparatus 2 are then opened to receive fluids from the vessel 1 . As the conduits 2a of the conveying apparatus 2 are opened pressurised air is supplied to the air inlets 12c of the fluid conduits 12 of the aeration apparatuses 10. As described above pressurised air flows into the air inlets 12c, through the fluid passages 12k and to the cavity 12h/plenum 121. Here the pressurised air can only flow to the air outlets 12d by passing through the air diffusing elements 16. The pressurised air diffuses as it passes through the air diffusing elements 16 and enters the bore 12e of the fluid conduit 12. Fluids entering the fluid inlets 12a of the fluid conduits 12 are subjected to the diffused pressurised air from the air diffusing elements 16. The diffused pressurised air mixes with the fluids (powdered material) passing through the fluid conduit 12 to the fluid outlet 12b. The fluids exiting the fluid outlets 12d enter the conduits 2a of the conveying apparatus 2. As described above, the conduits 2a are arranged as a manifold and join together in a common conduit 2b. In this

arrangement the conveying apparatus 2 via the conduits 2a and common conduit 2b receive the fluids from the vessel 1 and transfer them to their location of use.

Because the aeration apparatus 10 includes an air diffusing element 16 located at the air outlet 12d, powdered material, such as cement, or barite, or the like, can easily flow out of the main storage body 1 b, through the cone portion 1 d, through the fluid conduit 12, out the fluid outlet 12d and into the conveying apparatus 2. This is because the diffused pressurised air in the fluid conduit 12 between the fluid inlet 12a and fluid outlet 12d mixes with the powdered material and ensures that the powdered material continuously flows therethrough, without any choking of the fluid outlet 1a. The aeration apparatus 10 produces an air/powder mixture in the fluid conduit 12. The aeration apparatus 10 thus reduces the viscosity of the fluid in the region of the fluid conduit 12. This reduces the likelihood of the fluid choking the fluid outlet 1 a (fluid outlet 12d), and eases the flow of fluid from the vessel 1 to the conveyor apparatus 2.

It should be appreciated that the air pressure of air supplied to the aeration apparatus 10 and vessel 1 can be varied to suit any particular fluids and any fluid transfer requirements. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that any number of aerations apparatuses 10 may be selected for operation in the vessel 1. That is, any individual aeration apparatus 10 may be selected for operation, or all aeration apparatuses 10 may be operated simultaneously, or any combination thereof. With reference to Fig. 4, an alternative embodiment of an aeration apparatus 100 is illustrated. The aeration apparatus 100 of Fig. 4 is similar to the aeration apparatus 10 of Figs. 3a and 3b. However, the fluid conduit 1 12 in this embodiment extends further into the vessel 1 than the fluid conduit 12 of the apparatus 10. As illustrated, the fluid conduit 1 12 extends into the cone portion 1 d. In this embodiment the fluid conduit 1 12 does not include a conical entrance and the upper portion is simply sealed with a sealing portion 120a. The fluid conduit 1 12 includes apertures 120b located in the wall portion thereof. The apertures 120b allow fluids to flow from the vessel 1 into the fluid conduit 1 12. In this arrangement the cavity 1 12h and air diffusing element 1 16 are simply elongated with the fluid conduit 1 12. The air diffusing element 1 16 is sealed to the top of the sealing portion 120a in the same manner as the aeration apparatus 10. The operation of the aeration apparatus 100 is the same as the aeration apparatus 10. Extending the aeration apparatus 100 further into the cone portion 1 d of the vessel 1 provides additional mixing of the diffused pressurised air with the powdered material. This increases the viscosity of the fluid in the region around the fluid inlet 1 12a of the fluid conduit 1 12 and reduces the reduces the likelihood of the fluid choking the fluid outlet 1 a (fluid outlet 1 12d) even further.

With reference to Fig. 5, a further alternative embodiment an aeration apparatus 200 is illustrated. The aeration apparatus 200 of Fig. 5 is similar to the aeration apparatus 100 of Fig. 4. However, the fluid conduit 212 in this embodiment extends further into the vessel 1 than the fluid conduit 1 12 of the apparatus 100, and the air diffusing element 216’ is located on the outer surface 212f of the upper portion of the fluid conduit 212. The fluid conduit 212 includes apertures 220b in a similar arrangement to the apertures 120b of the fluid conduit 1 12 of Fig. 4. The fluid conduit 212 is also sealed at the top in a similar manner. Fig. 5 illustrates a top plate 213 extending across the top of the fluid conduit 212. However, it should be appreciated that the top of the fluid conduit 212 may be open, as with the fluid conduit 120 of Fig. 4.

The fluid conduit 212 may include a first potion 212’ and a second portion 213'. The first potion 212’ is generally identical to the fluid conduit 12 of Figs. 3a and 3b. However, as described above, the second portion 213’ has a different arrangement.

The second portion 213’ of fluid conduit 212 has the air diffusing element 216’ on its outer surface 212f. That is, the first portion 212’ of the fluid conduit 212 has its air diffusing element 216 on its inner surface 212g, and the second portion 213’ of fluid conduit 212 has its diffusing element 216’ on its outer surface 212f. This means that the cavity 212h of the first portion 212’ opens to the inner surface 212g of the fluid conduit 212 and the cavity 212h’ of the second portion 213’ opens to the outer surface 212f of the fluid conduit 212. Note that the inner diameter and outer diameter of the fluid conduit 212 is the same as the fluid conduits 12 and 1 12 of previous embodiments. It should also be appreciated that the cavities 212h, 212h’ are the same shape. Both cavities 212h and 212h’ are hollow cylinders, as described above in relation to previous embodiments. The only difference is the entrances of each point in opposite directions.

In the second portion 213’ of the fluid conduit 212 the location of the air diffusing element 216’ and the wall portion 212o are essentially swapped, and the opening to the cavity 212h’ is switched from inside the fluid conduit 212 to outside the fluid conduit 212. The cavity 212h of the first portion 212’ of the fluid conduit 212 receives the air diffusing element 216 in the same manner as previous

embodiments. The air diffusing element 216’ is engaged with the cavity 212h’ of the second portion 213’ of the fluid conduit 212 in a similar manner. However, the air diffusing element 216’ is located on the outside of the fluid conduit 212. The air diffusing element 216’ is again a hollow cylinder, except with greater inner and outer diameters than the air diffusing element 216 of the first portion 212’.

The operation of the aeration apparatus 200 is the same as the aeration apparatus 10 and 100. Extending the aeration apparatus 200 further into the cone portion 1 d of the vessel 1 and changing the direction of the pressurised diffused air provides additional mixing of the diffused pressurised air with the powdered material. This increases the viscosity of the fluid in the vessel 1 and in the region around the fluid inlet 212a of the fluid conduit 212 and reduces the reduces the likelihood of the fluid choking the fluid outlet 1 a (fluid outlet 212d) even further. Modifications and improvements may be made to foregoing without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the fluid conduit has been illustrated and described above as being a hollow cylinder, it should be appreciated that other suitable shapes of conduits may be used.

Also, although pressurised air has been described above as being used with the diffusing element, it should be appreciated that other suitable fluids or pressurised fluids/gases may be used. Furthermore, although the fluid stored in the vessel 1 has been described above as a powder material, it should be appreciated that the fluid may be, or include, solids, liquids or gases, or any mixture thereof, including drill cuttings from a drill hole, or the like. The term fluid used in the present application should be interpreted as anything that flows.

Also, the aeration apparatus 10, 100, 200 of the present invention has been described above as being attachable to the fluid outlets 1 a of the vessel 1 , it should be appreciated that the aeration apparatus 10, 100, 200 may be integrally formed with each fluid outlet 1 a. In addition, the aeration apparatus 10, 100, 200 may be fixedly attached to the fluid outlets 1 a by welding, or the like.

Furthermore, although the cavity 12h, 1 12h, 212h, 212h’ has been described above as a single hollow cylinder that circumscribes the bore 12e of the fluid conduit 12, 1 12, 212, it should be appreciated that the fluid conduit 12, 112, 212 may include a plurality of cavities, each cavity being capable of receiving pressurised air and being associated with an air diffusing element. Each cavity may have a partially hollow cylindrical shape. However, the cavities may be any suitable shape that allows diffused air to be provided to the fluid conduit.

Also, it should be appreciated that the vessel 1 may include additional aeration devices. These additional aeration devices may be configured to supply diffused air to the main storage body of the vessel 1.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the fluid conduit 212 may be arranged such that the first portion 212’ does not include an air outlet, or an air diffusing element. In this arrangement the only air outlets are in the second portion 213’, with the air diffusing element being configured to supply diffused air externally of the fluid conduit. The air inlets are arranged in the same manner as previous embodiments. However, diffused air is only provided at the outer surface of the upper portion of the fluid conduit.