Fracturing Manifold Alignment With Adjustable Heads and Rigid Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fracturing systems face difficulties in adjusting the position and alignment of large and heavy fracturing manifolds relative to fracturing trees, which complicates the fracturing process and reduces efficiency in extracting subterranean resources like oil and natural gas.
Innovation Solution
The fracturing system incorporates adjustable fracturing heads and joints that provide multiple degrees of freedom for alignment, allowing for efficient coupling of fracturing manifolds to fracturing trees through rigid conduits and valves, enabling easier and more precise alignment and fluid flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fracturing manifolds are made large and heavy to handle high fluid flow, then fluid flow capacity is improved, but alignment and adjustment between manifold and fracturing tree becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the fracturing manifold movable rather than fixed. The manifold is mounted on a movable platform that can be positioned and adjusted relative to the fracturing tree, allowing the system to adapt to different alignment requirements while maintaining high fluid flow capacity through the large manifold design
2Stability of the object's composition
If fracturing manifolds are mounted at fixed locations, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability between manifold and fracturing tree positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing a movable platform with adjustment mechanisms that allow the manifold to be dynamically repositioned. The platform can be moved to different locations and the manifold can be adjusted in position, providing both structural stability during operation and adaptability for different well configurations and positions
3Productivity
If rigid conduits are used to connect manifold to fracturing tree, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but difficulty in alignment and connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by providing adjustment mechanisms in the rigid conduits or connection components that allow for alignment adjustments. This enables the use of rigid conduits for efficient fluid flow while still allowing operators to adjust the connection to achieve proper alignment between the manifold and fracturing tree
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary adjustment mechanism or alignment device that mediates between the rigid conduit requirements for fluid efficiency and the need for alignment flexibility. This intermediary component allows alignment adjustments to be made while maintaining the rigid connection necessary for efficient fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A fracturing system is provided. In one embodiment, the fracturing system includes a fracturing manifold for routing fracturing fluid to multiple wells. The fracturing manifold can be coupled via fluid conduits to fracturing trees installed at the wells. In some cases, each fracturing tree that is coupled to the fracturing manifold is coupled by at least one rigid fluid conduit. The fracturing manifold can include a trunk line that provides fracturing fluid to multiple outlet branches, which can include valves for controlling flow of fracturing fluid to wells downstream of the valves. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.