Self-Supporting Flexible Pipe Arches for Fracturing Manifold Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well fracture systems face issues with rigid pipe connections that cause erosion, corrosion, leaks, cluttered workspaces, and accessibility problems due to multiple bends and vibrations, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The use of self-supporting flexible pipes forming arches to connect pumps to manifolds, which are designed to span over equipment and walkways, reducing vibrations and pressure loss while providing a more accessible and organized workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid pipe connections are used to connect pumps to manifolds, then structural stability is improved, but erosion, corrosion, leaks, and pipe failures increase due to vibrations and multiple bends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid pipe connections with flexible hose connections that can accommodate vibrations and movements without causing erosion, corrosion, or leaks. The flexible hoses are designed to connect pump outlets to manifold inlets while absorbing mechanical stresses and vibrations, thereby improving reliability and reducing pipe failures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid pipes with multiple bends are used to connect pumps to manifolds, then connection stability is improved, but workspace clutter and accessibility problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved and flexible hose routing instead of rigid pipes with multiple bends. The flexible hoses can be routed in smooth curves that span over equipment and walkways, eliminating cluttered workspaces while maintaining connection stability. The hoses accommodate spatial requirements without creating obstacles.
3Ease of operation
If flexible pipes are used to connect pumps to manifolds, then workspace accessibility is improved, but vibration resistance and pressure loss performance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies the use of reinforced flexible hoses with appropriate construction to resist vibrations and maintain pressure. The hoses are designed with sufficient structural integrity to withstand operating conditions while providing the flexibility needed for improved workspace accessibility and reduced clutter.
4Ease of operation
If self-supporting flexible pipes forming arches are used to span over equipment and walkways, then workspace organization and safety are improved, but assembly complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the natural flexibility and curvature of the hoses to form arches that span over equipment and walkways. This eliminates the need for additional support structures or complex assembly procedures, as the hoses can be easily configured into arch shapes during installation, improving workspace organization without significantly increasing assembly complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transferring fluid from a pump to a manifold, the manifold having a plurality of fluid inlets. A first pump truck includes a first pump having a first fluid outlet. A first flexible pipe couples the first fluid outlet to a first fluid inlet. The first flexible pipe is self-supporting and forms an arch extending over the first pump truck. The first pump truck may include a second pump having a second fluid outlet and a second flexible pipe may couple the second fluid outlet to a second fluid inlet. A second pump truck may include third and fourth pumps having third and fourth fluid outlets, respectively, that may be coupled to third and fourth fluid inlets by third and fourth self-supporting flexible pipes.