Anti-Vibration Mount Structure for Frac Manifold Component Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frac manifolds are complex, time-consuming, and hazardous to assemble, with single-missile designs being difficult to handle due to their large and heavy components, and existing solutions for simplification, such as rail systems, are costly and complicated.
Innovation Solution
A chassis-mounted frac manifold with a frame, missile, and mounting system that uses roller bearing assemblies and anti-vibration mounts to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of flowline components, reducing the complexity and weight of handling by allowing components to be shifted along a common axis and providing secure, vibration-dampened support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-missile design is used to simplify the frac manifold, then the number of components and potential leak points is reduced, but the components become large and heavy, making them difficult to handle during assembly and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The single missile is divided into multiple smaller components that can be individually handled, transported, and assembled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the simplified single-missile design while enabling manageable handling of individual parts during assembly and servicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A rail system serves as an intermediary mechanism between the heavy missile components and the operators. The rails facilitate the movement and positioning of large, heavy components along a predetermined path, making assembly and servicing operations feasible despite the substantial weight of the missile components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional frac manifolds are assembled from many individual components, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming, expensive, and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is segmented into modular components that can be pre-assembled and tested off-site, then quickly installed at the well site. This maintains the adaptability of having multiple components while significantly reducing on-site assembly time and associated hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are prepared, pre-assembled, and tested in advance at a fabrication facility before being transported to the well site. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly operations and reduces the hazards associated with extended assembly procedures in the field.
3Ease of operation
If a rail system is used to facilitate handling of missile components, then assembly and disassembly become easier, but the system becomes costly and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is designed as a separate, dedicated handling infrastructure that is extracted from the manifold components themselves. This allows the handling function to be provided without adding complexity to the manifold's primary flow control components, keeping the two systems independent and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system uses standardized, off-the-shelf components and design elements that can be replicated from existing handling systems. This approach reduces development costs and complexity by leveraging proven designs rather than creating entirely new handling mechanisms.
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 solution simplifies the assembly and handling of frac manifolds by reducing the number of components and potential leak points, while enhancing safety and efficiency through the use of roller bearing assemblies and anti-vibration mounts, allowing for easier transportation and operation at well sites.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient body is carried around the connector. When the flowline component is coupled to the mount, the resilient body is between the flowline component and the connector head.
Implementation Method 2
The receptacle extends around the shaft between the shaft and the walls of the base cavity and has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is substantially filled with lead.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-vibration mount has a base with a cavity. A core extends through the cavity and is coupled at its lower end to the base. A connector is threaded to the core and couples a part subject to vibration to the mount. The base cavity and the core define a receptacle extending around the core. A lower portion of the receptacle is substantially filled with lead. A bushing is carried in the upper portion of the receptacle around the core and bears on the lead. The upper surface of the bushing is elevated above the top surface of the base and bears the load of the part. A resilient body is carried around the connecter and, when the part is coupled to the mount, between the part and a connector head.