Articulated Fluid Delivery Boom for High-Pressure Wellhead Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid delivery systems for fracking operations are inefficient, requiring extensive hardware and labor for setup and teardown, posing safety risks and optimizing hardware use poorly, with manual operations being slow and imprecise, especially when dealing with high-pressure and high-volume fluid delivery to multiple wellheads.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system featuring an articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) with a turret and stinger assembly, allowing independent rotation at multiple axes, enabling precise spatial positioning and robotic control, along with swivel joints capable of rotating under high pressure, to efficiently connect and disconnect from wellheads without interrupting fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fluid delivery systems are used for fracking operations, then fluid delivery to wellheads can be achieved, but extensive hardware and labor are required for setup and teardown, resulting in operational inefficiency and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is divided into modular components including a portable delivery unit, articulated boom sections, and a stinger assembly. Each module can be independently deployed and configured, eliminating the need for extensive permanent infrastructure while maintaining delivery capability to multiple wellheads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an articulated boom with multiple rotatable sections and a stinger assembly that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic configuration allows the delivery unit to reach multiple wellheads from a single deployment location, reducing setup/teardown operations while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If manual operations are used for connecting and disconnecting fluid delivery equipment, then wellheads can be serviced, but the process is slow and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control systems that provide feedback on the position and orientation of the articulated boom and stinger assembly. This feedback enables precise positioning at wellheads and facilitates automated or semi-automated connection operations, reducing both time and manual labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated boom and stinger assembly are designed to self-position and self-align with wellheads through automated control systems. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual positioning operations, significantly reducing operational time and improving positioning precision.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If high-pressure fluid delivery is maintained during adjustments, then continuous fluid flow is achieved, but the system must handle high-pressure rotation and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic actuators within the articulated boom and stinger assembly to enable rotation and positioning operations. These actuators are designed to operate under high-pressure conditions, allowing the system to maintain continuous high-pressure fluid flow while performing adjustments and positioning maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to maintain continuous high-pressure fluid flow throughout the delivery process, including during positioning and adjustment operations. The articulated components and sealing systems are engineered to prevent pressure loss or leakage during motion, ensuring uninterrupted fluid delivery to wellheads.
Data Source
AI summary
A spatially positioned assembly comprising, in preferred embodiments, a fluid inlet in fluid flow communication with a fluid connection adapter. A plurality of boom sections are concatenated in articulated fashion. The plurality is rotatably connected to a turret at a proximal thereof, and is rotatably connected with the fluid connection adapter at a distal end thereof. The fluid connection adapter is disposed for connection to a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Independent control of rotation at multiple axes on the spatially positioned assembly allows an operator to establish measured directional bearings at axes, such that sets of measured directional bearings values contribute to defining corresponding spatial positions for the assembly.