Flexible Fracturing Flow System for Multi-Well Pad Piping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations face inefficiencies due to lengthy and complex piping arrangements between hydraulic fracturing manifolds and well trees, leading to potential failure points and reduced operational efficiency when servicing multiple wells.
Innovation Solution
A flow system with expandable conduit segments and rotating flanges, along with valves positioned between the inlet head and well trees, allows for flexible and controlled fluid distribution, reducing the need for lengthy piping and minimizing failure points by enabling independent control of fluid flow to each well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic fracturing manifold is located near the missile and some distance from the wells, then the manifold can be positioned for operational access, but the piping connecting the manifold to the trees becomes lengthy and complex with many turns and bends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the conduit flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt its configuration dynamically. The flexible conduit can be routed directly from the inlet head to each tree without requiring fixed manifold positioning, eliminating turns and bends while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Productivity
If the hydraulic fracturing manifold is positioned for operational access, then operators can service multiple wells, but the lengthy piping requires couplings and fittings that add possible failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fluid distribution system into independent flexible conduits for each well, eliminating the need for a centralized manifold with multiple couplings and fittings. Each conduit is a separate, continuous element that reduces potential failure points while maintaining the ability to service multiple wells independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit acts as an intermediary element that directly connects the inlet head to each tree, replacing the traditional manifold intermediary. This direct connection eliminates multiple couplings and fittings that would otherwise be required in a manifold-based system, reducing failure points while enabling multi-well servicing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional manifold piping is used to service multiple wells, then fluid can be distributed to multiple locations, but the complex piping arrangement with many turns and bends leads to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using flexible conduits that can be directly routed from the inlet head to each tree without requiring complex fixed piping configurations. The flexibility allows the system to adapt to different well locations while maintaining simple, direct conduit paths, eliminating turns and bends that characterize traditional manifold systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow system for use at a hydraulic fracturing well site, including a tree attached to a wellhead, an inlet head in fluid communication with at least one hydraulic fracturing pump at the well site, and an adjustable fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the inlet head and the tree. The flow system further includes a valve in the fluid conduit and having an open position and a closed position, the valve permitting fluid flow through the fluid conduit when in the open position, and preventing fluid flow through the fluid conduit when in the closed position, at least a portion of the fluid conduit positioned between the valve and the tree.