Fracturing system layouts

Abstract

Systems for stimulation of a formation include a variable frequency drive configured to receive and output medium voltage power and in communication with high pressure pump. A variable frequency drive actuates an electric motor associated with the high pressure pump, such that the pumps pressurizes a fracturing fluid, proppant, or combinations thereof for flowing the fracturing fluid, proppant, or combinations thereof into the formation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to:[0002]I. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 010,302, filed Jun. 10, 2014;[0003]II. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 036,284, filed Aug. 12, 2014;[0004]III. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 036,297, filed Aug. 12, 2014;[0005]IV. United States Application for patent application Ser. No. 14 / 199,461, filed Mar. 6, 2014;[0006]V. United States Application for patent application Ser. No. 14 / 511,858, filed Oct. 10 , 2014;[0007]VI. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 774,237, filed Mar. 7, 2013;[0008]VII. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 790,942, filed Mar. 15, 2013;[0009]VIII. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 807,699, filed Apr. 2, 2013;[0010]IX. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 870,350, filed Aug. 27, 2013;[0011]X. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 915,093, filed Dec. 12, 2013;[0012]XI. United States Ap...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0047]An advantage of the present disclosure is the reduction in manual labor, with some embodiments configured to be managed from a remote location.

[0048]An advantage of the present disclosure includes reductions and / or elimination of emissions from pump equipment in some embodiments.

[0049]An advantage of the present disclosure includes reductions and / or elimination of noise from pump equipment in some embodiments.

[0050]An advantage of the present disclosure includes reduction in traffic to well site in some embodiments.

[0051]In various embodiments, disclosed systems can be used with medium voltage (e.g., 4160 volts), enabling smaller, lighter power conduits to be used, facilitating transport, installation, and safety, while minimizing line loss and the required amperage to operate the system.

[0052]In various embodiments, VFDs and / or similar components can be positioned a selected distance (e.g., 30 meters) from the high pressure pumps, thereby minimizing risks of ignition when pumping a flammable medium, such as propane and / or other hydrocarbon-based fracturing fluids. Separation of potential ignition sources from flammable components can eliminate the need to utilize explosion-proof measures (e.g., explosion-proof housings, pressurized environments, etc.)

Problems solved by technology

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.

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 engine.

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

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