US Patent 11408248 Proppant dispensing system with intermediate surge hopper

A proppant container facilitates the transportation of wet sand for use in a hydraulic fracturing operation. A metering conveyor is positioned between a blender tub and a proppant motive mechanism, such as a conveyor or wash system that receives discharge direct from proppant containers of the type normally used to transport sand in support of a hydraulic fracturing operation. The metering conveyor is fitted with equipment including an intermediate surge hopper with a vibration system and a knife-edge gate that may be used to facilitate the operational movement of sand.