Articulating Arms for Pressurized Fluid Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and disassembly of pumping modules in well operations are time-consuming and labor-intensive, posing health, safety, and environmental risks due to complex logistics and numerous connections required for fluid routing, which also lead to increased operational downtime and expenses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pumping system utilizing high-pressure and low-pressure articulating arms with swivel joint assemblies that allow for flexible, precise, and efficient connection of pumping modules to manifold systems without requiring precise positioning, reducing the need for multiple connections and minimizing human effort through a low-effort make-and-break connection mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tubular connections with swivel joint assemblies are used to connect pumping modules to manifold systems, then fluid routing capability is achieved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm is divided into multiple segments that can be quickly connected and disconnected. Each segment can be independently positioned and connected to the next, allowing for rapid assembly without requiring precise positioning of entire components. This segmentation enables workers to assemble the connection system in a modular fashion, significantly reducing rigging time compared to traditional single-piece tubular connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tubular connections and swivel joint assemblies are used for fluid routing, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but the number of connections increases leading to more health and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for multiple intermediate swivel joint assemblies and tubular connections by replacing them with a single articulating arm structure. The articulating arm provides the necessary positioning flexibility through its articulated joints while reducing the total number of connection points from multiple tubular joints to just the endpoints of the articulating arm, thereby reducing health and safety risks associated with numerous connections.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tubular connections are used, then fluid routing is achieved, but the weight and area required for connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate connection components (tubular sections, swivel joints, elbows, hammer union ends) into a single integrated articulating arm structure. This consolidation reduces the total weight of the connection system while maintaining the ability to route fluid between pumping modules and manifold systems. The articulating arm combines the functions of multiple components into one unified structure that is lighter than the equivalent traditional tubular connection system.
4Reliability
If numerous connections are made for fluid routing, then complete fluid system assembly is achieved, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm introduces dynamic positioning capability that simplifies assembly. The articulated joints allow the arm to be positioned in various configurations during assembly, making it easier to connect to pumping modules and manifold systems at different locations and angles. This dynamic flexibility reduces the complexity of assembly compared to rigid tubular connections that require precise pre-positioning and multiple fixed joints.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of routing pressurized fluid from a fluid source are disclosed. The system includes a composite articulating arm. The composite articulating arm further includes a first articulating arm and a second articulating arm. The first articulating arm and second articulating arm are coupled via a connection. The composite articulating arm of the disclosed system further includes no more than five elbows and six rotation points.