Studded Fracturing Wing Valve Layout for Shorter Tree Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing systems face challenges with the space, weight, and assembly of fracturing trees, particularly in the design of wing valves, which can be improved for enhanced performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a studded hydraulic valve with a cuboid valve body, a gate valve mechanism, and a T-slot coupling system, which reduces the wing dimension by 23% compared to traditional flanged valves, offering a lighter, safer, and easier-to-assemble option with improved flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional flanged valves are used in fracturing trees, then the connection is robust and reliable, but the wing dimension increases by 23% and the overall weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flange component from the valve assembly, replacing it with a studded connection system. The studs are directly integrated into the valve body, eliminating the need for separate flanges and their associated bolting hardware, thereby reducing wing dimension while maintaining connection reliability through the stud's direct threading into the valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The studded connection system nests the stud directly within the valve body structure, with studs integrated into the valve body rather than attached as separate components. This nesting eliminates the need for external flanges and reduces the overall wing dimension by 23% while maintaining robust connections.
2Weight of stationary object
If traditional flanged valves are used in fracturing trees, then the connection is stable, but the assembly complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stud and valve body into a single integrated structure, where studs are directly formed or threaded into the valve body rather than being separate components requiring assembly. This combining eliminates the need for separate flanges and bolting hardware, reducing both weight and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The studded valve design creates a universal connection system that combines the functions of the valve body, connection points, and mounting features into a single integrated component. The studs serve both as structural support and as direct connection points, eliminating the need for separate flanges and reducing overall assembly complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If smaller wing valves are used to reduce space, then the fracturing tree becomes more compact, but the flow capacity and pressure handling may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the valve design by changing the dimensional configuration from traditional flanged extensions to a compact studded arrangement. The studs are positioned and oriented to provide full flow capacity and pressure handling within a reduced wing dimension, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently to maintain functionality while reducing overall volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic fracturing tree wing is formed with a studded hydraulic valve next to a manual valve. The stud-to-flange connection allows for a shorter, lighter wing. The studded hydraulic valve may be a gate valve that includes a T-slot coupling between an operating stem and the gate. A bonnet seal ridge may be formed to withstand undue deformation during operation that wears or destroys seals. A method for forming a hydraulic fracturing tree assembly includes using a flanged manual valve with a studded hydraulic valve. Other valves and methods are presented.