Frac Tree Bypass Flowback Layout for Continuous Well Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well fracturing methods require pump trucks to idle down to prevent damage to equipment during transitions between wells, reducing efficiency and increasing costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
An integrated bypass and flowback system with a zipper manifold, missile assembly, and bypass line allows continuous fracking by maintaining high-pressure fluid supply across multiple wells using a bypass line for fluid isolation and redirection, enabling simultaneous operation of pump trucks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pump trucks are stopped or idled during transitions between wells, then equipment damage is prevented, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line system enables continuous operation of pump trucks by providing an alternative flow path during well transitions. High-pressure fluid continues to flow through the bypass line connecting multiple frac trees, eliminating the need to idle pump trucks while protecting equipment through controlled flow redirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass line acts as an intermediary flow path between frac trees during transitions. It mediates the high-pressure fluid flow, allowing pump trucks to maintain operation while fluid is redirected to different wells, thus preventing equipment damage without stopping production.
2Reliability
If pump trucks are stopped during transitions between wells, then equipment damage is prevented, but downtime and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line system maintains continuous useful action by keeping pump trucks operating at full capacity throughout the fracking process. High-pressure fluid is continuously delivered through the bypass line during transitions, eliminating idle time and reducing the loss of productive time while still protecting equipment through controlled flow management.
3Reliability
If high-pressure fluid supply is interrupted during well transitions, then equipment damage is prevented, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line system ensures continuous high-pressure fluid supply during well transitions. Pump trucks maintain full operating pressure while fluid is redirected through the bypass line to different frac trees, preventing productivity loss that would occur from interrupting the high-pressure supply while still protecting equipment through controlled flow redirection.
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
Enhances fracking efficiency by reducing downtime, lowering costs, and minimizing equipment damage through continuous fluid supply and automated valve control, allowing for sequential well fracturing without pressure loss.
Implementation Method 1
delivering high pressure fracking fluid from the first frac tree to a second frac tree through a bypass line fluidly coupled to the first frac tree and the second frac tree
Implementation Method 2
fluidly isolating the first well by stopping delivery of the high pressure fracking fluid to the first frac tree from the original source of fracking fluid and preventing flow of high pressure fluid through the bypass line
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fracking at least two wells includes the steps of delivering high pressure fracking fluid to a first frack tree, fracking a first well associated with the first frac tree, delivering high pressure fracking fluid from the first frac tree to a second frac tree through a bypass line fluidly coupled to the first frac tree and the second frac tree while maintaining delivery of the high pressure fracking fluid to the first frac tree, delivering high pressure fracking fluid to the second frac tree from the original source of fracking fluid, and fluidly isolating the first well. High pressure fluid is continuously supplied by the original source of high pressure fluid while performing the steps of the method. An apparatus for performing the method includes a bypass line fluidly coupling the first and second wells.