Dual blender system for hydraulic fracture treatments

A method of blending fracture treatment fluids for hydraulic fracture treatments, the method comprising:

• moving a divider associated with a mixing tub of a blender system, wherein the mixing tub comprises an interior volume, and the divider is moved from:
• an open position, in which the mixing tub allows liquid to flow between a first portion of the interior volume and a second, distinct portion of the interior volume;
• and
• a closed position, in which the divider prevents liquid flow between the first and second portions of the interior volume;
• while the divider is in the closed position:
• by operation of a first input pump, pumping fluid into the first portion of the interior volume;
• mixing a first fracture treatment fluid in the first portion of the interior volume;
• by operation of a first output pump, pumping the first fracture treatment fluid from the first portion of the interior volume;
• by operation of a second input pump, pumping fluid into the second portion of the interior volume;
• mixing a second fracture treatment fluid in the second portion of the interior volume;
• and
• by operation of a second output pump, pumping the second fracture treatment fluid from the second portion of the interior volume.

A method of blending fracture treatment fluids for hydraulic fracture treatments, the method comprising:

• operating a blender unit in a first mode of operation, wherein operating the blender unit in the first mode of operation comprises:
• mixing a first fracture treatment fluid in a first portion of a mixing tub of the blender unit;
• and
• mixing a second fracture treatment fluid in a second, distinct portion of the mixing tub, wherein a divider in the mixing tub prevents the first fracture treatment fluid from mixing with the second fracture treatment fluid during the first mode of operation;
• moving the divider to change between the first mode of operation and a second mode of operation;
• and
• operating the blender unit in the second mode of operation, wherein operating the blender unit in the second mode of operation comprises mixing a third fracture treatment fluid in the first and second portions of the mixing tub, wherein the third fracture treatment fluid flows between the first portion of the mixing tub and the second portion of the mixing tub during the second mode of operation.