Fracturing Manifold Layout for Independent Multi-Well Pad Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydraulic fracturing technologies are limited to fracturing no more than two wells simultaneously and independently from a single system, making the process expensive and time-consuming for multi-well pads.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a main manifold that receives high-pressure fracturing fluids from multiple missiles, each with different chemical compositions, and controls the flow of these fluids to multiple wellbores using valves to enable simultaneous and independent fracturing of three or more wells, with each well receiving a sufficient flow rate for effective fracturing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single fracturing system is used to fracture multiple wells, then equipment cost is reduced, but the system can only fracture no more than 2 wells simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment costVSAvoidnumber of wells fractured simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the fracturing operation into multiple independent flow paths, each capable of handling one well. The manifold assembly creates separate channels with individual control valves, allowing each well to receive fracturing fluid independently while sharing common equipment resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single fracturing system is designed to perform multiple functions by serving three or more wells simultaneously. The manifold assembly acts as a universal distribution network that can route fracturing fluid to any combination of wells, making the equipment versatile and adaptable to different well configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If fracturing operations are performed sequentially on multiple wells, then equipment complexity is reduced, but time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidfracturing operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous fracturing operations across multiple wells by eliminating idle time between well treatments. While one well is being fractured, the system can simultaneously prepare or fracture other wells, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic control through individual valves on each flow path, allowing operators to adjust flow rates and activate/deactivate specific wells in real-time based on operational requirements, enabling flexible simultaneous fracturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If different chemical compositions of fracturing fluid are used for different wells, then fracturing effectiveness is improved, but system adaptability must increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracturing effectivenessVSAvoidfluid composition flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the fluid delivery system into separate flow paths, each capable of receiving different chemical compositions. This segmentation allows each well to be treated with the specific fluid formulation required for its geological characteristics while maintaining a unified overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 the simultaneous and independent fracturing of multiple wells, enhancing efficiency and reducing the time and cost associated with fracturing operations by enabling higher flow rates and independent control of fracturing fluids to each well.

Implementation Method 1

a main manifold that receives high-pressure fracturing fluids from multiple missiles, each with different chemical compositions, and controls the flow of these fluids to multiple wellbores

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

controls the flow of these fluids to multiple wellbores using valves to enable simultaneous and independent fracturing of three or more wells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve flow control: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

Hydraulic fracturing operations (often more simply called fracturing operations) are becoming more common in certain wellbores having horizontal sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fracturing: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

when the shale is fractured at multiple points within the wellbore, a significantly larger amount of the subterranean resources can be extracted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS12509978B2Systems and methods for simultaneously and independently fracturing multiple wells from a common wellpad

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 CHEVRON USA INC

AI summary

A system for fracturing a plurality of wellbores on a multi-well pad includes multiple missiles, where each missile is configured to receive a high-pressure fracturing fluid from a plurality of pump trucks, where a high-pressure fracturing fluid includes substantially all components used for fracturing one or multiple wellbores. The system also includes a main manifold that receives the high-pressure fracturing fluids from the missiles, where the main manifold includes valves and output channels. The valves are operated to enable flow of the high-pressure fracturing fluids to different wellbores through the output channels to fracture the different wellbores.