Fracturing Manifold Piping Layout for Two-Sided Pump Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing systems often require multiple manifold assemblies for simulfrac operations, leading to underutilization of one lateral side due to spatial constraints and proximity issues, which reduces operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A piping assembly that fluidly couples hydraulic fracturing pumps to a manifold assembly, extending laterally from one side to the opposite side, allowing high-pressure discharge fluid to flow into the high-pressure section, and includes a mounting block assembly for stable support, enabling efficient use of both sides of the manifold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple manifold assemblies are used for simulfrac operations, then the ability to stimulate multiple well bores simultaneously is improved, but spatial constraints cause one lateral side to remain unutilized, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The piping assembly extends laterally from the first side of the manifold assembly towards the second side, utilizing the lateral dimension to bridge across the manifold. This allows pumps positioned at the second side to connect to inlets at the first side, effectively using both lateral sides of the manifold assembly simultaneously and resolving the spatial constraint issue.
2Area of stationary object
If pumps are positioned close to the manifold assembly, then spatial constraints are reduced, but one lateral side remains unutilized due to proximity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The piping assembly acts as an intermediary element that bridges the spatial gap between the manifold assembly and the pumps. It extends laterally from the first side inlets towards the second side, enabling fluid connection while allowing the pumps to be positioned at the second side where there is adequate space, thus utilizing both lateral sides effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If piping assemblies extend laterally across the high-pressure section, then both sides of the manifold can be utilized, but the complexity of the piping configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piping assembly is designed with a universal configuration that can be fluidly coupled to the first side inlets and connected to pumps at the second side. This multi-functional design allows the same piping assembly structure to serve multiple purposes: extending laterally across the high-pressure section, providing fluid connection, and enabling utilization of both lateral sides, thereby managing complexity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a hydraulic fracturing operation includes providing a manifold assembly to deliver a fracturing fluid into a well bore. The manifold assembly has a low-pressure section and a high-pressure section. The high-pressure section includes first side inlets at a first side of the manifold assembly, second side inlets at a second side of the manifold assembly. The second side inlets face away from the first side inlets and the second side faces towards fracturing pumps. The method includes fluidly coupling piping assemblies to respective first side inlets. Each piping assembly, at least in part, extends laterally from the first side towards the second side and spans over the high-pressure section. The method includes fluidly coupling high-pressure discharge portions of the fracturing pumps with the piping assemblies such that, high-pressure discharge fluid flows from the fracturing pumps into the high-pressure section via the respective first side inlets.