Fracturing Flow System with Segmented Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydraulic fracturing operations, the lengthy and complex piping arrangements between the hydraulic fracturing manifold and individual well trees lead to inefficiencies and potential failure points, making it difficult to manage fluid flow effectively across multiple wells.
Innovation Solution
A flow system comprising a tree attached to each wellhead, an inlet head connected to hydraulic fracturing pumps, and a fluid conduit with valves that allow for selective fluid flow control between the inlet head and the trees, reducing the need for extensive piping and minimizing bends and connections, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic fracturing manifold is located near the missile to service multiple wells, then fluid distribution capability is improved, but piping length and complexity increase leading to more bends, couplings, and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid distribution network into separate dedicated lines for each well, with each line having its own valve. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex centralized manifold with multiple bends and couplings, while still enabling independent control and distribution to multiple wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a centralized manifold architecture to a distributed architecture where fluid lines extend directly from the missile to each well. This dimensional reorganization reduces the number of intermediate connections and bends by changing the spatial arrangement of the fluid distribution network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lengthy piping with many turns and bends is used to connect the manifold to individual wells, then multiple wells can be serviced, but operational efficiency decreases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a dedicated fluid line for each well with individual valve control, the system enables efficient servicing of multiple wells without the inefficiencies of lengthy, bent piping. Each well can be independently accessed and serviced, improving operational efficiency while maintaining multi-well capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous couplings and fittings are used in the piping system to accommodate bends and turns, then flexibility in routing is improved, but the number of potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate dedicated fluid lines for each well, minimizing the need for couplings and fittings. Each line is a simpler, more direct connection from the missile to the well, reducing the number of potential failure points while maintaining the ability to service multiple wells independently.
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
The system allows for efficient management of pressurized fluid distribution to multiple wells by reducing piping complexity, decreasing setup time, and minimizing maintenance needs, while enabling precise control over fluid flow to each well, thus improving the overall efficiency of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
Hydraulic fracturing is a technique used to stimulate production from some hydrocarbon producing wells. The technique usually involves injecting fluid, or slurry, into a wellbore at a pressure sufficient to generate fissures in the formation surrounding the wellbore.
Implementation Method 2
The fluid used to fracture the formation is typically pumped into the well by high-powered hydraulic fracturing pumps.
Implementation Method 3
a valve in the fluid conduit and having an open position and a closed position, the valve permitting fluid flow through the fluid conduit when in the open position, and preventing fluid flow through the fluid conduit when in the closed position
Implementation Method 4
The fracturing fluid slurry, whose primary component is usually water, includes proppant (such as sand or ceramic) that migrate into the fractures with the fracturing fluid slurry and remain to prop open the fractures after pressure is no longer applied to the wellbore.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow system for use at a hydraulic fracturing well site, including a tree attached to a wellhead, an inlet head in fluid communication with at least one hydraulic fracturing pump at the well site, and an adjustable fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the inlet head and the tree. The flow system further includes a valve in the fluid conduit and having an open position and a closed position, the valve permitting fluid flow through the fluid conduit when in the open position, and preventing fluid flow through the fluid conduit when in the closed position, at least a portion of the fluid conduit positioned between the valve and the tree.