PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/407,881, filed on September 19, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Wellsites can use various types of systems to handle the flowback of slurry from wellbores. For example, cyclones, separators, and filters can be set up at the wellsite to handle solids (e.g., sand) contained in the flow of slurry from the wells. The sand can be naturally produced from the well or may come from previous fracturing operations. Either way, the sand and other solid material can be produced over many production phases from the wells, and operators need to handle the sand in an environmentally responsible way.

[0003] In addition to solids, natural gas, such as methane, can also be present in the flowback of slurry. Methane is a greenhouse gas at least 25 times more detrimental than CO2 towards impacting climate change. More than 90% of natural gas that is released from a well is methane. Much of this natural gas may be vented into the atmosphere through equipment and processes in the oil and gas industry as well as other industries, such as the agriculture and textile industries. The venting of these cases increases pollution and has environmental impacts. In addition to methane, such oil and gas processes may also release Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs), such as benzene, toluene, xylenes, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0004] Venting of the gas is caused by three main factors: (1) flash losses, (2) working losses, and (3) standing losses. Often these losses are hard to track because leaking equipment causes fugitive emissions, which has been known to cause almost half of all unwanted emissions. The gases can be produced over many operational phases from the wells, and operators need to handle the gases in an environmentally responsible way. Unfortunately, the industry does not have a good way of measuring solids and gas produced during operation, and the industry also lacks the tools and techniques to remotely prevent venting or the mobility to deploy equipment on demand at any location within a few hours.

[0005] The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] A mobile transport disclosed herein is for handling slurry at a wellsite. The mobile transport comprises an enclosure, a weighing assembly, one or more liquid level sensors, one or more gas sensors, a vapor recovery assembly, and a control system. The enclosure is disposed on the mobile transport and has a chamber configured to hold the slurry and related gases. The weighing assembly is disposed on the mobile transport and is configured to weigh solid content of the slurry discharged from the wellsite to the chamber. The one or more liquid level sensors are disposed on the mobile transport and are configured to measure a level of the slurry in the chamber, and the one or more gas sensors are disposed on the mobile transport and are configured to measure a property of gas content in the chamber. The vapor recovery assembly disposed on the mobile transport is in communication with the chamber and is configured to recover the gas content of the slurry from the chamber. Finally, the control system is in operational communication with the weighing assembly, the one or more level sensors, the one or more gas sensors, and the vapor recovery assembly. The control system is configured to control the vapor recovery assembly at least in response to the measured property of the gas content in the chamber.

[0007] A mobile transport disclosed herein is for handling slurry. The mobile transport comprises an enclosure, a weighing assembly, one or more liquid level sensors, one or more gas sensors, a vapor recovery assembly. The enclosure disposed on the mobile transport has a chamber configured to hold the slurry, and the weighing assembly disposed on the mobile transport is configured to weigh solid content of the slurry discharged to the chamber. The one or more liquid level sensors disposed on the mobile transport are configured to measure a level of the slurry in the chamber, and the one or more gas sensors disposed on the mobile transport are configured to measure a property of gas content in the chamber. The vapor recovery assembly disposed on the mobile transport is in communication with the chamber and is configured to draw the gas content of the slurry from the chamber.

[0008] A method disclosed herein for handling slurry comprises: weighing, with a weighing assembly, solid content of the slurry discharged to an enclosed chamber; measuring, with one or more liquid level sensors in the enclosed chamber, a level of the slurry in the enclosed chamber; measuring, with one or more gas sensors in the enclosed chamber, a property of gas content in the enclosed chamber; and recovering, with a vapor recovery assembly in communication with the enclosed chamber, the gas content of the slurry from the enclosed chamber by controlling the vapor recovery assembly at least in response to the measured property of the gas content in the enclosed chamber.

[0009] A mobile transport is disclosed herein for handling slurry at a wellsite. The mobile transport comprises an enclosure and a weight assembly. The enclosure is disposed on the mobile transport and has a sealed chamber configured to hold the slurry. The weighing assembly is disposed on the mobile transport and is configured to weigh solid content of the slurry discharged from the wellsite to the chamber. The weighing assembly comprises one or more weight modules that are removably mounted to and disposed in the enclosure.

[0010] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic plan view of a discharge system according to the present disclosure for discharge at a wellsite.

[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates another schematic view of the disclosed discharge system.

[0013] Figs. 3 A illustrates a perspective view of a mobile transport according to the present disclosure for use with the discharge system.

[0014] Figs. 3B and 3C illustrate views of the mobile transport, showing components exposed. [0015] Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate end views of the mobile transport, showing details of the weighing unit.

[0016] Fig. 4D illustrates an exposed view of the mobile transport, showing details of the weighing unit and enclosure.

[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates an exposed view of the mobile transport, showing the command module.

[0018] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate views of the mobile transport, showing details of the vapor recovery unit.

[0019] Fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate a process for vapor capture with the disclosed system having the mobile transport.

[0020] Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate isolated views of components of a weight transmission module according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0021] A green completion refers to a closed loop system that reduces emissions and captures gases that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. To do this, fluids and gases are routed to a closed tank for separation. The separate gas or condensation can be captured and sold, preventing greenhouse gases from venting into an open-air pit or an open tank. A disposal system according to the present disclosure is directed to such a closed loop system to reduce emissions and to capture gases that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Although disclosed herein for use in vapor capture in the oil and gas industry to reduce venting of natural gas into the atmosphere, the disposal system of the present disclosure can be used in other industries in which vapors, gases, and other emissions can be captured rather than vented. For example, the disposal system can be used with equipment and processes in other industries, such as the agriculture and textile industries.

[0022] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a plan view of a disposal system 20 according to the present disclosure. The disposal system 20 handles the flowback of slurry from well(s) at wellsite(s). For example, the disposal system 20 can be used with a flow management arrangement 10 to handle the flowback of slurry having borehole fluid, gases, solid materials (e.g, sand), etc. In general, the flowback is referenced herein as a slurry, which can include liquid, gas, and solids. The flow management arrangement 10 is preferably a closed system to prevent emissions or vapor leaks as the slurry is delivered to the disposal system 20. In turn, the disposal system 20 is also a closed system to prevent emission or vapor leaks so the vapor can be captured and can then be stored, transported by other means, or used for another purpose.

[0023] The disposal system 20 includes a mobile transport 21 that can be moved to any wellsite on demand. When set up, the mobile transport 21 is configured to receive the slurry, weigh the waste, and perform vapor capture. Thus, as discussed below, the mobile transport 21 is a mobile unit that can be placed at a wellsite and can be used for vapor capture. Gas content from the captured vapor can then be collected on-site from the mobile transport 21 and can be stored, transported by other means, or used for another purpose. Waste and liquid from the slurry can be evacuated from the mobile transport 21 as the mobile transport 21 continues its vapor capture operations.

[0024] The entire disposal system 20 can operate in parallel to any flowback or oil and gas processes without interrupting the existing processes that are controlled by other equipment. In this way, the mobile transport 21 disclosed herein provides environmental benefits during solid recovery, waste management, and environmental gas/solid measurement operations while reducing the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

[0025] The disposal system 20 can include a control system 23 that can integrate the operation of the mobile transport 21 with the flow management arrangement 10 at the wellsite and with any remote monitoring systems. For example, the control system 20 can include a centralized control unit 25 having remote processing capabilities that can communicate with local control unit(s) 65 of one or more of the transports 21. The centralized control unit 25 can be located at the wellsite or can be remote. Wired or wireless communications can be used between elements of the centralized control unit 25 and the local control unit(s) 65 of the one or more mobile transports 21. Remote access for users can also be available to the centralized control unit 25 using appropriate application interfaces.

[0026] For its part, the mobile transport 21 includes a vapor capture system, which includes a weighing assembly 30, a vapor capture enclosure 50, a mobile command module 60 (having the local control unit 65), and a vapor recovery assembly 70.

[0027] The weighing assembly 30 includes one or more weight modules 40a-b installed on the transport 21. These module 40a-b can be removably mounted on the vapor capture enclosure 50. Each of the weight modules 40a-b includes an inlet 42 that can be connected to upstream processes or disposal equipment 14, 16 of the flow management arrangement 10. These upstream processes 14, 16 can include flowback handling equipment 14, such as cyclones, separators, and filters, which handle sand contained in flowback 12 from the wells. Additionally, the upstream processes 14, 16 can include a discharge skid 16 that delivers the waste (slurry of solids, sand, liquids, or the like) to the transport 21.

[0028] The slurry and weighed waste from the weighing assembly 30 fills a volume or chamber 52 of the vapor recovery enclosure 50. A weir plate 54 inside the chamber 52 can separate the solid waste from the liquid waste. When full of slurry and waste, the vapor capture enclosure 50 can be evacuated using a vacuum truck or it can be hauled away. For example, an outlet 55a can be provided on the solid waste side of the enclosure 50 for solid waste to be evacuated. Another outlet 55b can be provided on the liquid side of the enclosure 50 for liquid waste to be evacuated. Additionally, a drain 55c in the enclosure 50 can connect by piping to a transfer pump 80 to pump liquid waste from an outlet 86. [0029] The command module 60 can be mounted on the transport 21 between the vapor capture enclosure 50 and the vapor recovery assembly 70. As discussed in more detail below, the command module 60 includes a control unit 65 that communicates with various sensors on the transport 21; receives, records, and reports information on the operation of the transport 21; and controls the operation of the transport 21. The control unit 65 can be part of or can be in communication with the centralized control unit 25 of the disposed system 20. As will be appreciated, the control system 23 (i.e., centralized control unit 25 and/or local control unit 65) can include one or more computer processing units, computers, servers, and the like having suitable memory storage, software, and input/output interfaces. The control system 25/65 coordinates the operation of the module(s) 40a-b to measure and dump/discharge the waste based on the concurrent operation of the arrangement’s flow-back hardware 14 and discharge skid 16. The control system 25/65 can further remotely coordinate the dispatching of other resources, such as disposal or vacuum trucks, to the enclosure 50 for associated transports 21 that have measured and determined the enclosure 50 to be full.

[0030] Finally, the vapory recovery assembly 70 can be mounted on the end of the transport 21 so its components are accessible and are separated from the vapor capture enclosure 50. Components of the vapor recovery assembly 70 can be comparable to those used in the art. In fact, a preassembled skid having vapor recovery components can be mounted on the transport 21 as a unit.

[0031] The vapor recovery assembly 70 connects to the enclosure 50 to recover vapor collected from the discharge contained in the chamber 52. In particular, a vapor inlet 72 in the enclosure 50 connects by internal piping 74 to a compression package 76 and a suction pump 78 on the assembly 70. The vapor recovery assembly 70 can pull captured vapor from the chamber 52 and can process gas from the vapor for output to an outlet 79 of the vapor recovery assembly 70.

[0032] Having an understanding of the disposal system 20, the discussion turns to Fig. 2, which schematically illustrates features of the disposal system 20. In this schematic view, a discharge skid 16 of the flow management arrangement 10 connects an upstream process 14 to a weight module 40 of the weighing assembly 30 on the vapor capture enclosure 50. As noted above, the disposal system 20 can be used with flowback hardware 14 and the discharge skid 16 of the flow management arrangement 10. As is typical, slurry from well(s) (not shown) at the wellsite can be fed to the flowback hardware 14, such as cyclones, separators, and filters, which handle sand contained in the flow from the wells. Discharged slurry of sand and reduced liquid content is then conducted by discharge conduits and the discharge skid 16 to the weighing assembly 30 and the vapor capture enclosure 50 on the mobile transport 21.

[0033] As noted, the enclosure 50 has a chamber 52 configured to hold the slurry. The weighing assembly 30 has one or more weight units 40 configured to weigh the solid content of the slurry discharged from the wellsite to the chamber 52. One or more level sensors 64 are configured to measure a level of the slurry in the chamber 52, and one or more gas sensors 66 are configured to measure a property of gas content in the chamber 52.

[0034] The vapor recovery assembly 70 disposed on the mobile transport 21 is in communication with the chamber 52, for example, using a vapor line 74 and an inlet 72. The vapor recovery assembly 70 is configured to draw the gas content of the slurry from the chamber 52. Finally, the control unit 65 is in operational communication with the weighing assembly 30, the one or more level sensors 64, the one or more gas sensors 66, and the vapor recovery assembly 70. The control unit 65 is configured to control the vapor recovery assembly 70 at least in response to the measured property of the gas content in the chamber 52.

[0035] As shown, the weight module 40 mounts in or on the vapor capture enclosure 50 to be filled with solid content of the slurry (e.g., waste, sand, etc.) of the discharged slurry. The discharge of waste by the weight module 40 is data-driven, and the disposal system 20 can predict the dispatch of operators. In particular, the inlet 42 of the weight module 40 feeds into a hopper or container 44 of the module 40, which includes a movable gate or flap 46. An actuator 48, such as a hydraulic motor or the like, is actuated to open and close the flap 46 to periodically collect and hold the solid content in the module’s hopper 44 and to then dump the collected content into the chamber 52 of the enclosure 50. Details of the weight module 40 are disclosed in co-pending U.S. Appl. No. 17/652,079 filed February 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] While the flap 46 is closed, a weight measurement sensor or scale 62 associated with the module 40 can measure the weight of solid content in the hopper 44. In general, the weight measurement sensor 62 can include a scale sensor associated with the flap 46 or associated with the hopper 44 of the module 40. For example, the weight measurement sensor 62 can measure the load of the solid content as it rests under gravity against the flap 46 of the module 40. Alternatively, the hopper 44 can be mounted on the weight sensor 62 that measures the sand in the hopper 44 minus any tare value.

[0037] Preferably, the weight measurement is timed so that any residual liquid associated with the waste slurry in the module 40 can be drained off through an outlet and into the enclosure 50. In this way, the weight measurement can more accurately measure the amount of solid content (i.e., waste or sand) being deposited by the module 40, as opposed to measuring the additional liquid.

[0038] The controls (i.e., control unit 25 and/or local control unit 65) of the disclosed system 20 are configured to track the solid content of the discharges of the slurry based on the measured weight. These tracked weights can be correlated back to the sources (processes 14, 16, wells, etc.) of the discharges, which can serve several purposes. Moreover, the control system 25/65 can determine that a tracked amount of the solid waste in the enclosure 50 exceeds a defined threshold so an indication can be communicated, for example, that the vapor capture enclosure 50 needs to be emptied.

[0039] The disposal system 20 also includes one or more level sensors 64 that sense the level in the vapor capture enclosure 50. In turn, the sensed level is used to determine when the enclosure 50 needs to be evacuated. To that end, the control unit 65 can include controls for actuating the flap 46, timers 68a-b for timing operations of the flap 46 and the weight sensor 62, and communication interfaces for interfacing with the one or more level sensors 64.

[0040] The level sensors 64 can be associated with the transport 21 and can be mounted in the enclosure 50 for sensing the level to be communicated to the control system (25/65). The level sensor 64 uses level sensing technology for semi-solids so the disposal system 20 can estimate the fill level of the vapor capture enclosure 50. For example, several types of level sensors 64 can be located in the enclosure 50. The first of the level sensors 64 acts as a float and automatically cuts off hydraulic power when the level in the enclosure 50 reaches a certain threshold (e.g., 80% of height). A second of the level sensors 64 transmits digital data out to the command module 60, and the control unit 65 can transmit the data to a network, which can include a cloud-based server architecture, allowing for continuous monitoring of enclosure’s levels and notifying operators in real-time on tank level changes.

[0041] A strip of LED indicators (67; Fig. 2) or other visual displays on the enclosure 50 can provide a visual indication of the amount of solid waste that has settled on the inside bed of the transport 21 . Operators can see the level from outside of the enclosure 50. This indication can correlate to the measured value of the level sensor 64 received in the control unit 65 or a remote monitoring application.

[0042] One or more gas sensors 66 are also provided in the enclosure 50 to measure the captured vapor. The one or more gas sensors 66 can measure one or more properties of the gas content in the enclosure 50. For example, the one or more gas sensors 66 can measure a constituent (e.g., methane, hydrogen sulfide, etc.), a pressure level, a volume, or a concentration of the gas content in the chamber 52.

[0043] Overall, the control system 25/65 can coordinate the operation of the weight modules 40, the level sensors 64, and the gas sensors 66 with the other parts of the flow management system 10, such as the discharge skid 16 and the upstream hardware 14. This allows the disposal system 20 to notify operators at the opportune time to perform predictive maintenance (e.g., determining the tank fullness, notifying a clearance crew to clear the vapor capture enclosure 50, etc.).

[0044] In contrast to a manual process of dumping waste, the present system 20 operates with remote capabilities and offers pre-scheduling of operations. In fact, the disposal system 20 can have synchronized start/stop operations and can measure the disposal of discharge more accurately. Moreover, the disclosed system 20 can be remotely actuated and can operate under a customizable schedule, liberating a site from needing a dedicated human presence. These and other details are discussed below.

[0045] Figs. 3 A illustrates a perspective view of the mobile transport 21 according to the present disclosure. Figs. 3B and 3C also illustrate perspective views of the mobile transport 21, showing components exposed.

[0046] In general, the transport 21 can be any suitable transportation unit or assembly, such as a trailer, a vehicle, a truck, a platform, a skid, and the like. The transport 21 shown here is a lay- down trailer having sections at different levels so the main trailer beams of the lay-down trailer can rest on the ground during operations. The mobile transport 21 can be moved using a pickup truck. As shown in this example, the mobile transport 21 includes a platform 22, which can have wheels 24 so the transport 21 can be moved by a transport vehicle. Walls 26 and a roof 28 enclose portions of the transport 21. As noted above, the assemblies, sections, or components of the transport 21 include the weighing assembly 30, the vapor capture enclosure 50, the mobile command module 60, and the vapor recovery assembly 70.

[0047] The weighing assembly 30 is installed at the backend of the transport 21 at the vapor capture enclosure 50. The weighing assembly 30 includes the one or more weight modules 40a- b that receive the slurry, weigh the solid content, and dump the solid content into the vapor capture enclosure 50. Below the weight modules 40a-b, the bed of the enclosure 50 is angled or sloped to force the slurry to flow down to the base of the enclosure 50. This ensures the level sensor (64) obtains accurate measurements.

[0048] The walls 26 and ceiling 28 of the enclosure 50 can be rated to a desired pressure limitation. The maximum gas volume capacity for the enclosure 50 can be 400 mcf. This capacity can be adjusted depending on the vapor recovery assembly 70. The total capacity of the enclosure 50 can hold a volume of slurry of about 300 bbl. The piping used in the enclosure 50 and other parts of the transport 21 is preferably coated with a corrosion-resistant material to avoid corrosion from hydrogen sulfide (H2S). A deflector plate may hang from the ceiling 28, facilitating the separation of the liquid and the gaseous component (produced by spray or evaporation). It strategically directs incoming slurry, forcing the liquid and solid down but allows for the gas to settle further away from the weighing assembly and closer to the vapor recovery unit. Thus, it creates a “gas drawer”, where the gas can naturally accumulate and helps in its controlled and optimized extraction of the gases.

[0049] As best shown in Fig. 3B and 3C, the vapor capture enclosure 50 has an enclosed volume or chamber 52. The floor of the chamber 52 is divided by a weir plate 54, which is used to separate liquids and solids in the discharge dropped into the enclosure 50 from the weight module 40a-b. A waste discharge outlet 55a and a fluid discharge outlet 55b are provided in the sidewall 26. These allow for connection to a vacuum truck or the like so waste and fluid can be removed. A drain 55c is included in the floor of the enclosure 50 on the liquid side of the weir plate, which can allow a transfer pump 80 to transfer liquid through piping 82, 84 to a coupling 86.

[0050] The mobile command module 60 is provided on the transport 21 next to the vapor capture enclosure 50. (Fig. 5 illustrates an exposed view of the mobile transport 21, showing the command module 60.) As shown, the mobile command module 60 is fully closed off from the vapor capture enclosure 50 to ensure the environmental safety of any personnel. The command module 60 includes the necessary electronics for sensing, monitoring, and controlling operations [0051] In particular, the command module 60 includes the control unit 65 (e.g., a programmable computer or other processing module) where the logic to autonomously operate the entire transport 21 resides. The control unit 65 also has dashboards and display panels to display all of the data of the weight sensors 62, the level sensor 64, the gas sensors 66, etc. Operators can see historical discharge weights on the control unit 65 or in a remote monitoring application as well. In one example of a visual indicator, the control unit 65 can display information on an LED display on the outside of the enclosure 50 that displays the last recorded weight of the slurry during the latest discharge, enabling operators to see the weight value from a distance.

[0052] The control unit 65 connects to the gas sensors (66) inside the vapor capture enclosure 50 and records a property of the gas content (e.g., the type of gas emitted and the volume (mcf) produced). The recorded properties can be timestamped over days of operation. This data can be automatically recorded and can be periodically transmitted to monitoring systems and agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EP A). Further, gas pressure may be used to understand the relative pressure build up or vacuuming of the chamber compared to atmospheric pressure. An escape hatch on the top or on the ceiling 28 may be opened accordingly given the pressure differential.

[0053] Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate end views of the mobile transport 21, showing details of the weighing assembly 30 and the weight modules 40a-b.

[0054] As noted above, the modules 40a-b can be removably mounted on the vapor capture enclosure 50. As shown, two weight modules 40a-b can be used. Both modules 40a-b can be used at the same time and can measure the discharge from separate sources. Alternatively, one may be used while the other is serviced. An appropriate mounting structure can be used to removably affix the modules 40a-b to the vapor capture enclosure 50. During downtime or when there is no discharge scheduled for the next 15 minutes, operators can detach the modules 40a-b from the vapor capture enclosure 50 and can remove and replace them as needed.

[0055] As shown, the weighing assembly 30 includes two weight modules 40a-b positioned laterally side by side. This allows the transport 21 to serve more sources (e.g., wells) providing the slurry. The purpose of having dual weight modules 40a-b is to support a large number of wells that a single mobile transport 21 can support. Under normal operating conditions, this means vapor from about twelve wells can be simultaneously captured by one mobile transport 21.

[0056] Further, the two weight modules 40a-b provide redundancy to operations. If one weight module 40a-b requires maintenance, the slurry can be routed to the other weight module 40a-b. In fact and as described in more detail below, the weight modules 40a-b can be designed as pull-out shelves 47. A field operator can use a forklift to easily replace the weight module 40a-b, take it out for maintenance, or install it in the field. This improves production uptime and eases maintenance. Finally, the weight modules 40a-b can calculate released waste quantities, which is Y02P 80/30 of the Climate Change Mitigation scheme.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 4A, for example, the weight modules 40a-b are supported on separate scale panels 32 that mount to the side of the weighing assembly 30 so that the weight modules 40a-b extend into the enclosure 50. Forklift inserts 34 in the scale panels allow a forklift to install and remove the weight modules 40a-b. Inlet panels 36 can be removably mounted on the scale panels 32 so servicing can be performed without the need to remove the entire module 46a- b.

[0058] Showing additional details, Fig. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a weight module 40 for the disclosed system, and Fig. 8B illustrates an isolated view of a hopper-gate assembly 43 for the module (40) in Fig. 8A. As noted, the module 40 includes the movable gate or flap 46 in the receiving hopper 44, which has the inlet 42 for receiving the discharge from the flow management arrangement 10. The movable flap 46 is operated by an actuator 48, such as an electric motor, hydraulic pistons, chargeable solenoids, etc. The weight measurement sensor (62) is used in conjunction with the movable flap 46 in the hopper 44 to measure the weight of solid content held in the hopper 44 while the flap 46 is closed. In one embodiment of the module 40, the hopper 44 can hold about 350 lbs. of solid (dehydrated) waste under a single discharge. This amount is approximately twice the amount that a very active well can usually make within a 10-minute time period.

[0059] In addition to these components, the weight module 40 includes a mounting structure 47. As shown, the mounting structure 47 includes cross-support bars 47a on which the module 40 is supported and which mount on shelves 47b. Mounting brackets affix these support bars 74a to the shelves 47b, which can extend from the scale panel (32) of the weighing unit (30). [0060] In addition to these components, the weight module 40 includes a hopper-gate assembly 43 having the hopper 44, screens 45, movable gates or flap 46a-b, the actuator 48, and a linkage 49. For its part, the inlet 42 receives the discharge and can include a gas buster 41a for handling any free or entrained gas in the received discharge. Slurry (solids and liquids) pass through the vessel of the gas buster 41 toward the hopper-gate assembly 43, while any gas can exit a gas vent 41b at the top of the module 40. After the discharge has been held in the module 40 for an appropriate, controlled time for the gas buster 41a to function and for the weight of the material to be determined, the hopper-gate assembly 43 on the module 40 opens its flap doors 46a-b to drop the material into the enclosure (50). While the material is being held in the module 40, fluid can escape through one or more screens 45 on the module 40.

[0061] The hopper-gate assembly 43 includes hinged flapper doors 46a-b installed at the bottom of a hopper or walled container 44. Only the frame of the structural elements is shown in Fig. 8B for illustration. One or both sides of the walled hopper 44 may frame screens or filters (45) for dehydrating fluid from the solid material held in the hopper 44. The flapper doors 46a- b can have panels or screens 45. To actuate the flapper doors 46a-b, an actuator 48 in the form of a hydraulic piston or the like can connect to the doors 46a-b through a linkage 49. As will be appreciated with the benefit of this example, several mechanical configurations, actuators, and other components can be used for the disclosed module (40).

[0062] As noted above, the vapor recovery assembly 70 connects to the enclosure 50 to recover vapor collected from the discharge contained in the enclosed chamber 52. The vapor recovery assembly 70 is tasked with sucking the gas content out of the vapor enclosure 50 so the vapor can be safely transmitted to a gas line to an outlet 79 instead of being vented. As shown in Figs. 3B-3C and 6A-6B, a vapor inlet 72 installed in the chamber 52 connects by a vapor line 74 to a compression package 76 and an air suction pump 78. The compression package 76 is designed specifically to capture low-pressure, wet gas streams from oil and condensate in the enclosure 50.

[0063] In general, the compression package 76 can include a compressor, such as a liquid ring compressor, flooded rotary screw, or rotary sliding vane. The compressor is connected to the vapor inlet 74 from the chamber 50 and is connected to a source of an absorbent supply, such as water. The compressed output from the compressor can be communicated to a separator, which has a demister. Gas from the separator can be communicated to a gas outlet. Condensed hydrocarbons can be communicated from the separator, and the absorbent supply from the separator can be cooled by a cooling unit for reuse. In operation, gas content from the chamber (52) enters the compressor along with the absorbent supply. After the compression phase, a compressed mixture of gas, absorbent supply, and hydrocarbon enters the separator, which separates the three elements. The gas passes through the demister to remove droplets and leaves the separator from the top. Meanwhile, condensed hydrocarbons and absorbent supply are separated from the vapor stream by gravity. The absorbent supply is sent back to the compressor, after being cooled by a cooling element. Any condensed hydrocarbons can be discarded or put back into the chamber.

[0064] Other configurations can be used for vapor recovery. For example, a vacuum pump 78 can draw vapors from the chamber (52). A compressor, such as a liquid-ring compressor, is connected to the vapor line (74) and to an absorbent supply, such as liquid in a storage tank. The output of the compressor is connected to a scrubber, which also receives the absorbent supply. Gas from an upper outlet on the scrubber can pass to a membrane stage from which clean gas can be produced for output at the outlet 79. The absorbent supply with any recovered product can be output from a lower outlet on the scrubber to the storage tank. The vacuum pump 78 draws a vacuum from the membrane stage to feed into the compressor at the vapor inlet.

[0065] During operation, the gas sensors (66) installed in the chamber (52) collect data of the captured vapor. Various vapor and gas properties can be measured. The control unit 65 can create and maintain a sequence of pressure set of points in the gas blanketing system, which allows for automatic capture of gas content on demand at the vapor recovery assembly 70. The operation can save energy by not running at periodic intervals, but only on demand depending on the mcf of gas contained within the chamber.

[0066] The vapor recovery assembly 70 can use cogeneration or energy recovery methods by using the exhausted gas to power the turbine in a regenerative fashion. This involves using the compressor initially to pull in gas content and then using the pressure to power the residual turbine operation. Based on gas and slurry data collected, the speed of the compressor fan in the compression package 76 can be altered remotely, thus preventing over-condensation or vacuum. [0067] As noted, the pressure relief valve 59 is provided in the ceiling 28 of the enclosure 50 so that pressure can be relieved should a pressure limit be reached. The pressure relief valve 59 can open if a significant pressure differential is created and the chamber 52 is too pressurized for the suction pump (78) of the vapor recover unit (70) to operate. This ensures that the system 20 can avoid a hazardous situation by preventing explosions in an over-pressurized enclosure.

[0068] Finally, as shown in Figs. 3B and 6B, the transfer pump 80 uses transfer lines 82, 84 to connect the drain 55c in the enclosure 50 to a coupling 86. The transfer pump 80 can be operated to clear out the sand and slurry deposited in the chamber 52. The transfer pump 80 can be operated to make sure that the contents do not jam the weight modules 40a-b when they deposit new waste into the chamber 52.

[0069] A power unit 90 is also included on the transport 21 to power the operation of the components on the transport 21. The power unit 80 is preferably a hydraulic system and not a pneumatic system because fugitive emissions from pneumatic systems have caused 29% of methane emissions according to an EPA 2011 study. Pneumatic systems are also notorious for vapor leaks that are hard to track down.

[0070] Fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate a process 100 for vapor capture with the disclosed system 20 having the mobile transport 21. For clarity, references to the elements in the other figures are used in the discussion below of the disclosed process 100.

[0071] Before every run or discharge, the status of the system 20 is checked (Block 102). The control systems (i.e., control unit 25 and/or control unit 65) determine if an elapsed last discharge time has been reached (Block 104). This is the time that has elapsed since the last discharge.

One time limit can be 5 minutes, but this can vary depending on the implementation. The time period can be set manually or automatically and can be adjusted during operations as needed. [0072] The control system 25/65 determines if the liquid level in the enclosure 50 is below a given threshold (Decision 106). As with other limits disclosed herein, the threshold level can vary depending on the implementation, type of slurry being discharged, etc. The threshold can be set manually or automatically and can be adjusted during operations as needed.

[0073] If the liquid level threshold has been exceeded (Yes at Decision 106), the control system 25/65 can request a vacuum truck to be dispatched to the mobile transport to remove liquid. This request can be automatically generated and communicated.

[0074] In addition to determining if the liquid level threshold has been exceeded, the control system 25/65 determines if the gas level in the enclosure 50 is below a given threshold (Decision 108). As with other limits disclosed herein, the threshold level can vary depending on the implementation, type of slurry being discharged, etc. The threshold can be set manually or automatically and can be adjusted during operations as needed. If the gas level threshold has been exceeded (Yes at Decision 108), the control system 25/65 runs the vapor recovery assembly 70 on the transport 21. The assembly 70 can be run for a predefined amount of time, such as 60 seconds.

[0075] Once the status check is complete, the control system 25/65 executes its operational sequence (Block 120) in Fig. 7B. Here, the control system 25/65 closes the scale flaps 46 of the weight modules 40a-b (Block 102) to ready the weighing assembly 30 to receive a discharge of slurry. (Block 102). The flaps 46 remain closed as the discharge is sent to the modules 40a-b. The slurry can be discharged to the modules 40a-b while the discharge time elapses (Decision 124 and Block 126). Once the discharge time has elapsed, the control system 25/65 calculates and records the weight of the solid content that has been discharged (Block 128) and opens the flaps 46 on the modules 40a-b to discharge the waste into the enclosure 50 (Block 130).

[0076] Once the operational sequence is complete, the control system 25/65 performs postprocessing operations (Block 150) in Fig. 7C. The control system 25/65 measures for any rise in gas (mcf) in the vapor capture enclosure 50 (Block 152). The gas is analyzed using the gas sensors 66, and the information is recorded (Block 154).

[0077] In the analysis of the gas content, the control system 25/65 can determine if certain gases are present. This includes determining if particularly harmful gases are present, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) (Decision 156). If the defined gas or gasses are found, the control system 25/65 runs the vapory recovery assembly 70 on the transport 21 for a defined period of time, such as 60 seconds (Block 158).

[0078] If the defined gas or gases are not found (No at Decision 156), the control system 25/65 determines if the volume of gas content in the enclosure 50 is above a threshold (Decision 160). As with other limits disclosed herein, the threshold level can vary depending on the implementation, type of flow-back being discharged, etc. The threshold can be set manually or automatically and can be adjusted during operations as needed. If the gas level threshold has been exceeded (Yes at Decision 60), the control system 25/65 run the vapor recovery assembly 70 on the transport 21. The vapor recovery assembly 70 can be run for a predefined amount of time, such as 60 seconds. Operations then return to monitoring (Block 154). [0079] In the process 100, the control system 25/65 also determines if the hydraulic pressure of the operational equipment is below a threshold (e.g., 2000 psi) (Decision 162). If so, the hydraulic pressure unit 90 is run to increase the pressure (Block 164).

Reference numerals flow management arrangement 10 flowback 12 upstream process 14 conduit 15 discharge skid 16 conduit 17 disposal system 20 mobile transport 21 platform 22 wheels 24 control unit 25 walls 26 roof or ceiling 28 weighing assembly 30 scale panel 32 forklift inserts 34 inlet panel 36 weight module 40a-b gas buster 41 inlet 42 hopper-gate assembly 43 hopper 44 screen 45 shelves 47 movable gates or flaps 46a-b actuator 48 linkage 49 vapor capture enclosure 50 enclosed volume or chamber 52 weir plate 54 waste discharge outlet 55a fluid discharge outlet 55b drain 55c pressure relief valve 59 mobile command module 60 weight sensor or scale 62 level sensor 64 gas sensor 66 timers 68a-b vapor recovery assembly 70 vapor inlet 72 vapor line 74 compression package 76 suction pump 78 outlet 79 transfer pump 80 transfer lines 82, 84 coupling 86 hydraulic power unit 90

[0080] The foregoing description of preferred and other embodiments is not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts conceived of by the Applicants. It will be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure that features described above in accordance with any embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter can be utilized, either alone or in combination, with any other described feature, in any other embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter.