Centralized Frac Pump Power Supply to Cut Well Site Infrastructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic fracturing operations require extensive infrastructure, leading to large footprints, high operational costs, and safety concerns due to the need for numerous equipment and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A power system that supplies electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic power to frac pumps and tools, allowing for centralized control and reduction of equipment and personnel through the use of a common power source for multiple frac pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple transportable pumping units are used for fracturing operations, then the fracturing capability and power are improved, but the number of vehicles and personnel required increases, leading to increased operational costs and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pumping units into a single integrated fracturing system. Multiple pump units are mounted on a common chassis and share common power sources (engine(s)), hydraulic systems, and control mechanisms. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate vehicles and reduces personnel requirements while maintaining or enhancing fracturing capability through the coordinated operation of multiple pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system is designed with multi-functionality where a single vehicle platform performs multiple functions: housing multiple pump units, providing common power sources, containing hydraulic fluid reservoirs, and offering centralized control. This universal platform replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized vehicles, thereby reducing the total quantity of vehicles and personnel needed.
2Reliability
If each pumping unit has its own engine and power source, then the operational independence and reliability of each unit is improved, but the device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power sources and hydraulic systems into a shared infrastructure. Common engines drive hydraulic pumps that supply fluid to multiple pump units through a shared hydraulic system. This reduces the total number of independent power sources and hydraulic systems while maintaining operational reliability through centralized monitoring and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
While combining systems, the patent segments the pump units into modular components that can be independently controlled. Each pump unit can be individually activated or deactivated, allowing operational independence at the pump level while sharing common infrastructure. This segmentation enables selective operation of pump units based on fracturing requirements without requiring complete system shutdown or reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large fleet of tractor trailers is used to transport and operate pumping units, then the mobility and deployment flexibility are improved, but the work site congestion and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pumping units into a single transportable platform that can be moved as one unit. This integrated system replaces what would traditionally require multiple tractor-trailer combinations, significantly reducing the number of vehicles needed for transport and deployment. The single platform maintains deployment flexibility while minimizing work site congestion and associated environmental impacts.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a system including a single source of electric power for work site operations. In regard to hydraulic fracturing stimulation of a wellbore, the system includes a single source of electric power for starting one or more frac pumps comprising engines with electric starters.