Fracturing Power Distribution Using Single-Cable Transport Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations face complex logistical challenges, including equipment investment, labor, fuel consumption, and environmental impact, necessitating innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce footprint.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a hydration-blender transport system that integrates a hydration tank, a fracturing blender, and an internal manifold system within a single transport frame, along with an electric fracturing system that utilizes a switch gear transport and transformers to efficiently distribute power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate transports are used for hydration tank, fracturing blender, and power distribution, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity and number of equipment units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydration tank, fracturing blender, and power distribution equipment into a single integrated transport unit. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate transports, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize each functional component within the unified design framework.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate transports are deployed, then functional flexibility is maintained, but fuel consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple transports into one integrated unit, the patent reduces the total fuel consumption required for operation. The unified system eliminates redundant propulsion and support equipment while maintaining functional flexibility through internal modular design that allows different operational configurations.
3Area of stationary object
If a single integrated transport is used, then the number of equipment units and footprint is reduced, but the complexity of integrating multiple functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the hydration tank, fracturing blender, and power distribution equipment are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration within the single transport. This nesting approach minimizes the on-site footprint while managing integration complexity through organized spatial relationships and shared support structures.
4Ease of operation
If traditional separate transports are used, then ease of individual component operation is maintained, but overall operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated transport combines multiple functions into a single operational unit, improving overall efficiency by eliminating coordination delays between separate transports. Each functional component remains operable independently while benefiting from the synergistic effects of the integrated design, such as shared power distribution and coordinated fluid handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
Providing electric power distribution for fracturing operations comprising receiving, at a transport, electric power from a mobile source of electricity at a first voltage level and supplying, from the transport, the electric power to a fracturing pump transport at the first voltage level using only a first, single cable connection. The first voltage level falls within a range of 1,000 V to 35 kilovolts. The transport also supplies electric power to a second transport at the first voltage level using only a second, single cable connection.