Fly Ash Storage and Distribution System

Abstract

A fly ash storage and distribution system for storing and distributing fly ash in bulk. The fly ash storage and distribution system generally includes a storage tank having an upper opening positioned at its upper end and a hopper positioned at its lower end. A support frame and skid guard assembly are provided for allowing the present invention to stand upright and not be damaged during transport. A valve is preferably positioned within the hopper and a plurality of fluidizers are provided for more efficiently distributing particulate matter such as fly ash through a distribution hose which is connected to an outlet of the hopper. An end cap positioned on the outlet may include additional fluidizers for additional efficiency in fly ash distribution.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fly ash storage and distribution system, comprising:
 a storage tank for storing fly ash, wherein said storage tank includes an upper end and a lower end;   an opening in said upper end of said storage tank;   a hopper positioned at said lower end of said storage tank;   a support frame attached to said storage tank;   a fluidizer assembly for distributing compressed air;   a first plurality of fluidizers positioned within said storage tank; and   an outlet for distributing said fly ash, said outlet being oriented at a first angle; and   a second plurality of fluidizers connected to said outlet, wherein a plurality of fluidizer conduits connect said fluidizer assembly with said first plurality of fluidizers and said second plurality of fluidizers.   
     
     
         2 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein said storage tank and hopper are integrally formed of a unitary structure. 
     
     
         3 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 1 , further comprising a skid guard assembly attached to a first side of said storage tank. 
     
     
         4 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 3 , wherein said skid guard assembly includes an upper extension extending over said upper end of said storage tank. 
     
     
         5 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 1 , further comprising a motor and a blower. 
     
     
         6 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 6 , wherein said blower is connected to each of said plurality of fluidizers. 
     
     
         7 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein said outlet is comprised of a bi-directional outlet having a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         8 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 7 , further comprising a distribution hose secured to said first end of said outlet. 
     
     
         9 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 8 , further comprising an end cap secured to said second end of said outlet. 
     
     
         10 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of said fluidizers is connected to said end cap. 
     
     
         11 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 8 , further comprising a winch secured to said storage tank. 
     
     
         12 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 11 , further comprising a mount member positioned on said distribution hose. 
     
     
         13 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 12 , wherein said mount member of said distribution hose is connected to said winch by a connector. 
     
     
         14 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 7 , wherein said outlet is angular disposed on said hopper. 
     
     
         15 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 1 , further comprising a valve positioned within said hopper. 
     
     
         16 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 15 , further comprising a valve control for operating said valve. 
     
     
         17 . A fly ash storage and distribution system, comprising:
 a storage tank for storing fly ash, wherein said storage tank includes an upper end and a lower end;   an opening in said upper end of said storage tank;   a hopper positioned at said lower end of said storage tank;   a support frame attached to said storage tank;   a skid guard assembly attached to a first side of said storage tank, wherein said skid guard assembly includes an upper extension extending over said upper end of said storage tank;   a motor;   a blower, wherein said blower is driven by said motor;   a fluidizer assembly, wherein said fluidizer assembly is connected to said blower by a conduit;   a plurality of fluidizers positioned within said storage tank, wherein each of said plurality of fluidizers are connected to said fluidizer assembly by a fluidizer conduit; and   a bi-directional outlet for distributing said fly ash, wherein said outlet includes a first end and a second end.   
     
     
         18 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 17 , further comprising a distribution hose secured to said first end of said outlet. 
     
     
         19 . The fly ash storage and distribution system of  claim 18 , further comprising an end cap secured to said second end of said outlet, wherein at least one of said plurality of fluidizers is connected to said end cap. 
     
     
         20 . A fly ash storage and distribution system, comprising:
 a storage tank for storing fly ash, wherein said storage tank includes an upper end and a lower end;   an opening in said upper end of said storage tank;   a hopper positioned at said lower end of said storage tank;   a support frame attached to said storage tank;   a skid guard assembly attached to a first side of said storage tank, wherein said skid guard assembly includes an upper extension extending over said upper end of said storage tank;   a motor;   a blower, wherein said blower is driven by said motor;   a fluidizer assembly, wherein said fluidizer assembly is connected to said blower by a conduit;   a plurality of fluidizers positioned within said storage tank, wherein each of said plurality of fluidizers are connected to said fluidizer assembly by a fluidizer conduit;   a bi-directional outlet for distributing said fly ash, wherein said outlet includes a first end and a second end;   a distribution hose connected to said first end of said outlet;   an end cap connected to said second end of said outlet, wherein at least one of said plurality of fluidizers is connected to said end cap;   a valve positioned within said hopper;   a valve control for operating said valve; and   an equipment mount attached to said storage tank, wherein said motor and said blower are each positioned on said equipment mount.