Fracturing Manifold Coupling Layout for Swirl Flow and Proppant Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure fracturing operations face challenges in efficiently delivering fracturing fluid to subsurface formations due to inadequate energy dissipation, proppant suspension, and fluid drainage in manifold assemblies, leading to vibration, premature wear, and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The use of a manifold coupling with oriented inlet passages that promote swirling of fracturing fluid, enhancing energy dissipation and proppant suspension, and improving drainage by configuring the inlet passages to intersect with the manifold passage in a manner that reduces residual fluid and promotes turbulence, thereby reducing vibration and improving the homogeneity of proppant suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high-pressure fracturing fluid is pumped through conventional manifold assemblies, then fracturing operations can be performed, but excessive vibration occurs due to inadequate energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies controlled mechanical vibration principles by designing inlet passages that generate swirling flow patterns. The non-parallel orientation of inlet passages creates intentional turbulence and vortex formation, which dissipates pressure energy through controlled fluid motion rather than allowing uncontrolled vibrations in the manifold assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by configuring inlet passages to create swirling flow patterns in the fracturing fluid. The non-parallel arrangement of inlet passages generates hydraulic turbulence and vortex flow that dissipates pressure energy, reducing vibrations transmitted through the manifold assembly
2Stability of the object's composition
If fracturing fluid flows through conventional manifold assemblies, then fluid delivery is achieved, but proppant suspension is insufficient leading to reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through swirling flow generation. The non-parallel inlet passages create rotational fluid motion that continuously suspends proppants, preventing settling and maintaining homogeneous distribution throughout the fracturing fluid as it travels through the manifold assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by designing inlet passages that generate swirling flow patterns. This hydraulic turbulence creates sufficient upward and rotational forces to counteract gravity's effect on proppants, maintaining stable suspension and ensuring reliable proppant delivery to the formation
3Loss of substance
If conventional manifold assemblies are used, then fluid delivery is achieved, but drainage is inefficient leaving corrosive fluid residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration through swirling flow to enhance drainage. The rotational fluid motion created by non-parallel inlet passages prevents fluid from stagnating in dead zones, promoting complete drainage and reducing corrosive residue accumulation in the manifold assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by configuring inlet passages to create swirling flow patterns that enhance fluid movement. This hydraulic action prevents fluid stagnation and promotes complete drainage, minimizing corrosive residue left in the manifold assembly after operations
4Loss of energy
If inlet passages are oriented to promote swirling flow, then energy dissipation is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting inlet passages at non-parallel angles rather than symmetric parallel arrangements. This asymmetric configuration naturally generates swirling flow and turbulence, enhancing pressure energy dissipation without requiring additional complex components or mechanisms
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
This configuration effectively reduces vibration, enhances proppant suspension, and facilitates efficient drainage, leading to improved fracturing fluid delivery and extended equipment lifespan by dissipating pressure energy and preventing corrosive fluid residue.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second inlet passages may be oriented and/or configured such that fracturing fluid entering the manifold assembly via the first and second inlet passages promotes swirling of the fracturing fluid downstream of the manifold coupling
Implementation Method 2
enhancing energy dissipation and proppant suspension, and improving drainage by configuring the inlet passages to intersect with the manifold passage in a manner that reduces residual fluid and promotes turbulence
Implementation Method 3
enhancing dissipation of fluid energy associated with the fracturing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices to enhance fracturing fluid delivery to subsurface formations to enhance hydrocarbon production from the subsurface formations may include providing a manifold coupling having a manifold coupling passage with a manifold coupling axis. The manifold coupling may include a first inlet passage positioned to provide fluid flow between a first fracturing fluid output and the manifold coupling passage, and a second inlet passage positioned opposite the first inlet passage to provide fluid flow between a second fracturing fluid output and the manifold coupling passage. The first inlet passage may have a first inlet passage cross-section at least partially defining a first inlet axis extending transverse relative to the manifold coupling axis. The second inlet passage may have a second inlet passage cross-section at least partially defining a second inlet axis extending transverse relative to the manifold coupling axis and not being co-linear with the first inlet axis.