Single-Piece Connector Block for Compact Frac Tree Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Christmas trees used in well sites are large, cumbersome, and difficult to assemble and clean, posing safety concerns and increasing the risk of equipment failure due to their size and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A connector block with a single piece body featuring an axial bore, valve chambers, frac bores, and wing bores, allowing for a reduced profile Christmas tree design that is easier to assemble, operate, and clean, with valve actuators accessible from the ground, enabling offsite assembly and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional Christmas tree configuration is used, then the valve assemblies provide sufficient flow control capacity, but the device size becomes large and cumbersome requiring lifts or platforms for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the Christmas tree by arranging valve assemblies in a compact, multi-dimensional layout around a central connector block. Instead of vertical stacking that requires height, the valves are positioned at different radial positions and elevations, allowing ground-level operation while maintaining sufficient flow control capacity through optimized spatial arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional Christmas tree configuration is used, then the valve assemblies provide sufficient flow control capacity, but the device complexity increases requiring multiple components to be assembled at the well site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve assemblies, connectors, and support structures into a single unified Christmas tree configuration. The central connector block serves as a hub that consolidates multiple connection points, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple independent components at the well site.
3Ease of manufacture
If valves are capped at a single end in traditional configuration, then the structure is simpler, but cleaning becomes difficult due to debris traps in uncapped valve ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different capping configurations to different valve assemblies based on their specific locations and functions. Some valves are capped at both ends, others at one end, and some remain open, allowing optimized cleaning accessibility for each valve type while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector block having a single piece body may be configured for use in a Christmas tree. The connector block may include an axial bore formed therethrough, one or more valve chambers, passing fully through the connector block and intersecting the axial bore, one or more frac bores, extending from an outer surface of the connector block to the axial bore; and, one or more wing bores, extending from the outer surface of the connector block to the axial bore.