High-Pressure Multiport Pod Missile With Angled Inlets for Flow Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-pressure manifolds used in hydraulic fracturing face challenges such as complex flow paths, high stress, erosion, and resonance due to harsh operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues, particularly in winter operations where fluid purging is difficult and turbulent flow is prevalent.
Innovation Solution
A modular multiport pod missile system with angled input ports that merge high-pressure fluid streams at less than 90 degrees, reducing turbulence and energy loss, and featuring modular design for easy assembly and customization to minimize junctions and optimize flow orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional 90-degree junctions are used to aggregate high-pressure fluids from multiple pumps, then the manifold can handle high flow volumes, but turbulence and energy loss increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the junction angle from the traditional 90 degrees to an optimized angle between 30-60 degrees. This parameter modification reduces the shock angle when high-pressure fluids merge, thereby decreasing turbulence intensity and energy loss while maintaining the capability to aggregate fluids from multiple pumps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple junctions are used to connect 10-20 pumps, then all pumps can be integrated into the system, but the complexity of the manifold increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the manifold into multiple modular sections, each equipped with optimized junctions for connecting pumps. This segmentation allows the system to integrate 10-20 pumps while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized, repeatable modular units rather than a single complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fluid streams into a single aggregated flow path using optimized merger junctions. By consolidating flows from multiple pumps into unified streams that merge at optimized angles, the design reduces the number of separate connection points needed while maintaining adaptability to connect various numbers of pumps.
3Stress or pressure
If traditional manifold designs are used in harsh environments, then the system can operate under high pressure, but stress, erosion, and resonance problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the junction angle parameter to between 30-60 degrees, which reduces shock waves and pressure fluctuations when high-pressure fluids merge. This parameter change decreases resonant vibrations and stress concentrations, thereby improving reliability under harsh high-pressure operating conditions while maintaining the capability to handle high pressures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex flow paths are used to aggregate fluids from multiple pumps, then all pumps can be connected, but turbulent flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow path geometry by optimizing junction angles to 30-60 degrees, which creates smoother fluid transitions and reduces flow separation. This parameter modification decreases turbulence generation while maintaining the ability to integrate multiple pumps through streamlined, efficient flow paths.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The modular multiport pod missile system reduces turbulence, energy loss, and resonance, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fluid aggregation and delivery while allowing for easier maintenance and customization, effectively addressing the limitations of existing manifolds.
Implementation Method 1
The input ports are angled such that, when connected to a high-pressure line, high-pressure fluid flowing through the input ports merges with the fluid in the conduit generally in the same direction of travel as the fluid in the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A modular multiport pod missile includes a plurality of pipe sections securable together to form a conduit for transporting a fluid in a generally horizontal direction of travel, and at least one pod secured between two of the pipe sections forming the conduit. Each pod has a plurality of input ports extending radially outwardly at an angle from a perimeter of the pod. Each of the input ports is configured for connection to a high-pressure line for delivering a high-pressure fluid from a pump to the conduit. The input ports are angled such that, when connected to a high-pressure line, high-pressure fluid flowing through the input ports merges with the fluid in the conduit generally in the same direction of travel as the fluid in the conduit.