Fracturing Manifold Coupling Layout for Swirling Proppant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure fracturing operations in hydraulic fracturing face challenges with energy dissipation, proppant suspension, and fluid drainage due to pressure oscillations and manifold design, leading to vibration, premature wear, and reduced effectiveness in fracturing fluid delivery.
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 the manifold passage in a manner that reduces residual fluid and promotes turbulence, thereby reducing vibration and improving fluid flow and proppant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high-pressure fracturing operations are conducted with conventional manifold designs, then fracturing fluid can be delivered to subsurface formations, but pressure oscillations cause vibration and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful pressure oscillations and vibration into beneficial swirling flow patterns. The manifold coupling is specifically designed to transform the pulsating fluid flow from pumps into controlled vortex flow, which dissipates energy more effectively and reduces harmful vibrations in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters by introducing swirling motion to the fracturing fluid. The manifold coupling geometry is designed to convert linear pulsating flow into rotational vortex flow, fundamentally changing the flow characteristics to achieve better energy dissipation and reduced vibration.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional manifold designs are used, then fluid flow is maintained, but proppant suspension is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the pulsating flow from pumps, which would normally be considered a disturbance, and converts it into beneficial swirling motion. This vortex flow enhances proppant suspension by creating centrifugal forces that keep proppants distributed throughout the fluid, preventing settling and improving delivery effectiveness.
3Productivity
If traditional manifold configurations are used, then fluid delivery is maintained, but drainage efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the drainage flow parameters by maintaining swirling motion during the drainage phase. The manifold coupling design allows the vortex flow to continue during drainage, which prevents fluid from stagnating in dead zones and improves drainage efficiency by directing flow toward drainage ports.
4Reliability
If conventional inlet passage orientations are used, then simple manifold design is maintained, but vibration and equipment wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the inlet passages with specific orientations and angles tailored to each location in the manifold. Rather than using uniform simple connections, each inlet passage is configured to optimize the conversion of pulsating flow into swirling flow at that specific location, reducing vibration and equipment wear.
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, improving the overall delivery of fracturing fluids and extending the lifespan of equipment by reducing corrosion and weight imbalances during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
first and second inlet passages 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
improving drainage by configuring the inlet passages to intersect the manifold passage in a manner that reduces residual fluid and promotes turbulence
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.