Fracturing Manifold Layout for Simultaneous Multi-Well Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing systems are limited to fracturing no more than two wells simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in extracting subterranean resources like oil and natural gas from multi-well pads.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a missile and a main manifold that receives high-pressure fracturing fluid from pump trucks, allowing for the simultaneous fracturing of three or more wells by optimizing the flow rate and pressure distribution through a network of valves and channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydraulic fracturing systems are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but the number of wells that can be fractured simultaneously is limited to two
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is divided into multiple independent valve assemblies, each controlling flow to a specific wellbore. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple wells simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design, where each valve assembly can be independently operated and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system is designed with multiple output channels and valves that can serve different wellbores, making the system multi-functional. The same manifold infrastructure supports fracturing operations for three or more wells by distributing high-pressure fluid through controlled pathways to each wellbore as needed.
2Productivity
If multiple wells are fractured simultaneously, then resource extraction efficiency is improved, but flow rate distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assemblies incorporate dynamic flow control capabilities that allow operators to adjust flow rates to each wellbore independently during the fracturing process. This dynamic control enables optimization of fluid distribution across multiple wells simultaneously, ensuring each well receives appropriate flow rates based on real-time operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes monitoring and control mechanisms that provide feedback on flow rates and pressure conditions at each wellbore. This feedback enables operators to make real-time adjustments to valve positions and pump rates, maintaining optimal flow distribution across multiple wells during simultaneous fracturing operations.
3Loss of time
If three or more wells are fractured simultaneously, then operational time is reduced, but system reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system is designed with redundant pathways and pressure regulation mechanisms that cushion against potential failures during multi-well simultaneous fracturing. The system includes pressure relief valves and alternative flow paths that can compensate for issues in one wellbore without compromising the fracturing operations in other wellbores, thereby maintaining overall system reliability.
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
Enables effective fracturing of multiple wells simultaneously, improving resource extraction efficiency and reducing the time and cost associated with hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
Hydraulic fracturing operations (often more simply called fracturing operations) are becoming more common in certain wellbores having horizontal sections
Data Source
AI summary
A system for fracturing multiple wellbores on a multi-well pad can include a missile that receives high-pressure fracturing fluid from a plurality of pump truck. The system can also include a main manifold that receives the high-pressure fracturing fluid from the missile, where the main manifold includes multiple valves and multiple output channels, where each of the valves are operated between an open position and a closed position. The system can further include multiple wellbores including a first wellbore, a second wellbore, and a third wellbore, where the wellbores are connected to the output channels of the main manifold. The valves of the main manifold can be operated to enable simultaneous flow of the high-pressure fracturing fluid to the first wellbore, the second wellbore, and the third wellbore so that the first wellbore, the second wellbore, and the third wellbore are fractured simultaneously.