Adjustable Flowline Connectors With Lug Coupling for Frac Trees
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil and gas production systems, particularly in hydraulic fracturing, face challenges with cluttered work sites due to numerous small bore flowlines, potential leak points, and cumbersome piping configurations, which complicate operations and increase hazards.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable flowline connections utilizing a lug system that allows for axial movement and adjustment, replacing traditional threaded or stud-based connections, enabling the use of large bore flowlines and reducing the number of connections, thus simplifying installation and reducing leak paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If numerous small bore flowlines are used to connect to the wellhead at a manifold, then fluid flow paths are established, but site clutter increases and the number of potential leak points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small bore flowline connections into a single large bore flowline connection using a manifold assembly with multiple ports. This merging approach reduces the number of separate connections from the wellhead to the fracturing tree, thereby reducing site clutter and minimizing potential leak points while maintaining the necessary fluid flow paths.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If hard piping is used for frac trees arranged proximate one another, then fluid flow is established, but the piping cannot be utilized for long periods of time while adjacent frac trees are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system using quick-connect couplings that allow the flowline to be easily disconnected and reconnected. This enables the piping configuration to be reconfigured between different frac trees, allowing each hard piping assembly to be utilized for longer periods through repeated use across multiple trees rather than being fixed to a single tree.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly with standardized ports and quick-connect couplings creates a universal connection interface that can be used with multiple different frac trees. This multi-functionality allows the same piping assembly to serve multiple purposes and be reused across different trees, extending its utilization period.
3Reliability
If a large number of small bore flowlines are used, then connections to the wellhead are established, but the work side becomes cluttered and installation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small bore flowline connections into a single large bore flowline connection with a manifold assembly containing multiple ports. This reduces the number of individual connections that need to be made at the wellhead, simplifying installation and reducing work side clutter while maintaining reliable fluid flow paths through the manifold's internal routing.
4Reliability
If traditional threaded or stud-based connections are used, then flowline connections are established, but installation time increases and adjustments require reworking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs quick-connect couplings that enable rapid connection and disconnection of flowlines without the time-consuming processes of threading or stud assembly. These couplings provide reliable, stable connections that can be made quickly and can be adjusted or reconfigured without reworking, significantly reducing installation and adjustment time while maintaining connection integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular connection system includes a connector coupled to a tubular segment, the connector having a first bore with a first bore diameter and a mating connector coupled to the connector, the mating connector having a second bore with a second bore diameter. The connector includes a plurality of connector lugs extending into the first bore. The connector also includes a plurality of gaps, respective gaps of the plurality of gaps are arranged between adjacent connector lugs of the plurality of connector lugs in a first alternating pattern. The plurality of connectors lugs are arranged in connector lug rows. The mating connector includes a plurality of mating lugs radially outward. The mating connector also includes a plurality of openings, respective openings of the plurality of openings are arranged between adjacent mating lugs of the plurality of mating lugs. The plurality of mating lugs are arranged in mating lug rows.