Fracking Valve Grease Manifold for Selective Lubrication Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for lubricating fracking valves lack precise and controlled methods for greasing, which can lead to suboptimal operation and reduced longevity of the fracking system.

Innovation Solution

A grease distribution system with a distribution manifold and multiple manifold valves is mounted on the wellhead or other platforms, allowing for selective and controlled lubrication of fracking valves through a grease pump, ensuring precise application and monitoring of grease distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional grease distribution systems are used, then all fracking valves receive grease simultaneously through a common line, but precise and selective lubrication control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrease distribution control precisionVSAvoiddistribution system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution manifold is divided into multiple independent outlets, each with its own valve. This segmentation allows selective control of grease distribution to individual fracking valves while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates manually operable valves at each manifold outlet that can be dynamically opened or closed to control grease flow to specific fracking valves. This dynamic control enables precise selection of which valves receive lubrication at any given time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If manual greasing of each fracking valve is performed individually, then precise control is achieved, but time consumption and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication operation efficiencyVSAvoidgrease distribution time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fracking valves are connected to a common grease distribution manifold, allowing grease to be distributed to multiple valves through a single pump system. This merging approach maintains efficient operation while enabling selective control through individual valve management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows operators to pre-position and control valves in the manifold to prepare for selective grease distribution to specific fracking valves before initiating the greasing operation, streamlining the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If grease is distributed to all fracking valves simultaneously, then operational simplicity is maintained, but selective lubrication control and precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrease distribution operation simplicityVSAvoidlubrication application precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution manifold is divided into multiple independent outlets, each with its own valve. This segmentation allows selective control of grease distribution to individual fracking valves while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates manually operable valves at each manifold outlet that can be dynamically opened or closed to control grease flow to specific fracking valves. This dynamic control enables precise selection of which valves receive lubrication at any given time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates individual and precisely-controlled lubrication of fracking valves, enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of the fracking system while minimizing footprint on the wellhead.

Implementation Method 1

distributing grease from the grease pump through the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves to the at least one of the fracking valves by operation of the grease pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11125385B2Grease distribution methods

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 GOUGE LEE C

AI summary

Methods of lubricating fracking valves on a wellhead include mounting a distribution manifold of a grease distribution system on, adjacent to or remotely with respect to the wellhead, the distribution manifold having a plurality of manifold valves; selecting at least one of the fracking valves for lubrication; coupling at least one of the plurality of manifold valves of the grease distribution system to the at least one of the fracking valves; coupling a grease pump to the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves; opening the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves; and distributing grease from the grease pump through the at least one of the plurality of manifold valves to the at least one of the fracking valves by operation of the grease pump.