Flexible Flowline Connection for Fracturing Tree Erosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting a fracturing manifold to a fracturing tree in multi-pad drilling and fracturing operations are time-consuming, costly, and risky due to the need for high-pressure connections, which also lead to erosion of components and require the use of cranes for alignment and support.
Innovation Solution
A method involving flexible flowlines that distribute fluid from the fracturing manifold to the fracturing tree without abrupt or right-angle changes in direction, using a flow distribution block and flexible conduits to reduce erosion and eliminate the need for crane-supported connections, with the flexible flowlines being evenly spaced for balanced impingement and having a combined cross-sectional area greater than the manifold outlet to reduce flow velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid high-pressure conduit lines are used to connect the fracturing manifold to the fracturing tree, then structural strength and pressure containment are improved, but alignment difficulty and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid high-pressure conduit lines with flexible flowlines that can bend and conform to the spatial arrangement between the fracturing manifold and fracturing tree. This flexibility eliminates the need for precise alignment and crane-supported operations while maintaining pressure containment capabilities through the flexible hose construction with reinforcement layers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid conduit lines with right-angle elbows are used for connection, then structural stability is improved, but erosion of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates right-angle elbows and abrupt directional changes by using flexible flowlines that create smooth, gradual bends. This curvature in the flow path reduces turbulence and directional changes in the high-pressure fluid flow, thereby minimizing erosion of the conduit walls and connected components while maintaining structural stability through the flexible hose construction.
3Productivity
If high flow velocity is maintained in the connection lines, then fluid delivery efficiency is improved, but erosion of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible flowlines provide smooth internal surfaces and gradual bends that reduce turbulence and flow separation, allowing efficient fluid delivery at reduced velocities. The flexibility of the hose allows for optimal routing that minimizes abrupt directional changes, thereby reducing erosion while maintaining productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If crane-supported alignment is used for rigid conduit connections, then connection precision is improved, but safety risks and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible flowlines eliminate the need for crane-supported alignment operations by allowing the conduits to be routed and connected without precise alignment requirements. The flexibility of the hoses accommodates spatial variations and enables straightforward connection procedures, reducing operational complexity and safety risks while maintaining adequate connection precision for high-pressure service.
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
This solution reduces the time and cost of connecting fracturing manifold modules, minimizes erosion of components, and enhances safety by eliminating the need for crane-supported alignments, while maintaining efficient fluid distribution and reducing flow velocity to mitigate erosion.
Implementation Method 1
fluid from the manifold outlet is distributed into the plurality of flexible flowlines and into the fracturing tree
Implementation Method 2
having a combined cross-sectional area greater than the manifold outlet to reduce flow velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and fluid connection system to fluidly connect a fracturing manifold to a fracturing tree. The method includes fluidly connecting a plurality of flexible flowlines between the manifold outlet of a fracturing manifold module and the fracturing tree such that fluid from the manifold outlet is distributed into the flexible flowlines and into the fracturing tree to avoid abrupt or right angle changes in direction in all fluid connections at the fracturing tree and between the manifold outlet and the fracturing tree. The fluid connection system includes a flow distribution block having a single inlet and a plurality of outlets, and distributes fluid flow between the single inlet and the plurality of outlets without abrupt or right angle changes in direction. The flexible flowlines have a first end fluidly connected to one of the plurality of outlets, and a second end fluidly connected to the fracturing tree.