Methods for expandable storage and metering

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for expandable storage and metering are disclosed. In some embodiments, the expandable storage and metering device comprises a body with a storage cavity therein, a chassis upon which the body is mounted, and at least one port in communication with the storage cavity, wherein the body is expandable and collapsible to change the internal volume of the storage cavity. Some method embodiments for operating the expandable storage and metering device comprise expanding the device and collapsing the device, wherein said expanding and said collapsing comprises utilizing actuators to raise/lower or extend/retract the walls of the device. In other method embodiments for operating the device, said expanding comprises removing the roof of the device and positioning at least one stackable module on top of the device and said collapsing comprises removing the at least one stackable module and replacing the roof.

1 . A method of servicing a wellbore comprising:
 transporting an expandable well servicing storage and metering device to a well site to be serviced;   expanding the device to increase an internal storage volume of the device;   introducing at least one material into the internal storage volume of the device;   metering material from the internal storage volume of the device to a location external to the internal volume of the device;   placing the metered material into the wellbore; and   collapsing the device to decrease the internal storage volume of the device.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expanding, collapsing, or both comprises actuating one or more structural members defining all or a portion of the internal storage volume. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the structural members comprise one or more walls that are raised or lowered vertically via the actuating. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the structural members comprise one or more walls that are extended or refracted horizontally via the actuating. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the structural members further comprise one or more walls that are extended or retracted horizontally via the actuating. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the structural members further comprise one or more floor portions that are extended or retracted horizontally via the actuating. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the structural members further comprise one or more floor portions that are extended or retracted horizontally via the actuating. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the walls are raised or lowered vertically by actuating a roof attached to the walls. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein vertically actuating the walls raises or lowers a roof attached to the walls. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the walls are extended or retracted horizontally by opening or closing a roof attached to the walls. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein horizontally actuating the walls opens or closes a roof attached to the walls. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the walls are raised or lowered vertically by actuating a roof attached to the walls, wherein the walls are extended or retracted horizontally by opening or closing a roof attached to the walls, or both. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein vertically actuating the walls raises or lowers a roof attached to the walls, wherein horizontally actuating the walls opens or closes a roof attached to the walls, or both. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the structural members comprise one or more dividers for dividing the internal storage volume into two or more separate volumes. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein different well servicing materials are introduced in the separate volumes. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expanding comprises adding one or more stackable modules to the device and wherein the collapsing comprises removing the one or more stackable modules from the device. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising supporting the device by lowering at least one landing leg beneath the device. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising sensing the amount of material stored in the device. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the metering further comprises determining the mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate of the one or more materials leaving the device and adjusting the mass flow rate or volumetric flow rate. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wellbore service comprises drilling, cementing, fracturing, or combinations thereof. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising transporting the device from the well site upon completion of the wellbore service. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the transportation is carried out over the road without need for procuring an oversized vehicle permit or an escort vehicle.