Fracturing systems and methods for a wellbore

Abstract

The disclosure contained herein describes systems, units, and methods usable to stimulate a formation including a pump usable to pressurize fluid, an electric-powered driver in communication with and actuating the pump, and an electrical power source in communication with and powering the electric-powered driver. The electrical power source can include on-site generators and / or grid power sources, and transformers can be used to alter the voltage received to a voltage suitable for powering the electric-powered driver. Air moving devices associated with the electric-powered driver can be used to provide air proximate to the pump to disperse gasses. In combination with fluid supply and / or proppant addition subsystems, the pump can be used to fracture a formation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This applications claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application for patent, having the Application Ser. No. 61 / 889,187, filed Oct. 10, 2013.[0002]This application further claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional application for patent, having the application Ser. No. 14 / 99461, and further claims priority to claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Application for patent, having the Application Ser. No. 61 / 774,237, filed Mar. 7, 2013; the U.S. Provisional Application for patent, having the Application Ser. No. 61 / 790,942, filed Mar. 15, 2013; the U.S. Provisional Application for patent, having the Application Ser. No. 61 / 807,699, filed Apr. 2, 2013; the U.S. Provisional Application for patent, having the Application Ser. No. 61 / 870,350, filed Aug. 27, 2013; the U.S. Provisional Application for patent, having the Application Ser. No. 61 / 889,187 filed Oct. 10, 2013; and the U.S. Provisional Application for patent, having the Application Ser....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for powering equipment on a mobile vehicle at a worksite using a single electric conduit. This eliminates the need for multiple cabling and conduits. The system also includes a transformer and a VFD (voltage-fed driver) that can be positioned at different locations on the vehicle. One advantage of this configuration is that it prevents potential danger from ignition sources (the VFD) near the fracturing materials, which may be volatile.

Problems solved by technology

Fracturing using aqueous fluids is often undesirable due to the negative effects of water on the formation.

For example, clays and other formation components can swell when exposed to water, while salts and other formation components may dissolve, such that exposure to a significant quantity of water can destabilize a formation.

Use of water and other aqueous fluids also generates issues regarding disposal.

Such a process can add considerable time and expense to a fracturing operation.

Additionally, many hydrocarbon-based fluids are volatile and / or otherwise unsuitable for use at wellbore temperatures and pressures, while lacking the density sufficient to carry many types of proppant.

Use of chemical additives generates waste and disposal issues similar to those encountered when performing fracturing operations using aqueous fluids.

Conventionally, such equipment is driven / powered using diesel engines, which can be responsible for significant quantities of noise, pollution, and expense at a worksite.

Electric drive systems have been contemplated as an alternative to diesel engines; however, such systems require numerous pieces of equipment, extensive cabling and / or similar conduits, and typically utilize on-site power generation, such as a natural gas turbine.

Use of turbine prime movers and similar equipment may be unsuitable when utilizing fracturing fluids that include flammable components.

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