Horizontal Frac Tree Reduces Bending Moments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges with vertical frac trees experiencing excessive bending moments due to vibrations and external loads, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal frac tree configuration is introduced, featuring horizontally extending branches with goathead connections positioned closer to ground level, reducing bending moments and allowing for easier access and maintenance by positioning external loads vertically, thus minimizing the need for lifting equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a vertical frac tree configuration is used, then the structural stability is maintained, but excessive bending moments occur due to vibrations and external loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical orientation of the frac tree to a horizontal configuration. This inversion fundamentally changes the direction in which external loads and vibrations act relative to the tree structure, thereby reducing the bending moments experienced by the tree while maintaining structural stability through the new horizontal orientation.
2Strength
If a vertical frac tree configuration is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but access and maintenance become difficult requiring lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the frac tree from a vertical arrangement to a horizontal arrangement, effectively changing the spatial dimension in which the tree operates. This dimensional change allows service personnel to access connections and perform maintenance at ground level without requiring lifting equipment, while the horizontal structure maintains its structural integrity through proper engineering of the tree's support system.
3Device complexity
If goathead connections are positioned at elevated levels in a vertical tree, then the structural configuration is simplified, but serviceability is reduced requiring lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by repositioning the goathead connections from elevated vertical positions to ground-level horizontal positions. This repositioning maintains the structural configuration's simplicity while dramatically improving serviceability, as all connections are now accessible at ground level without requiring lifting equipment or special access arrangements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system 10, in certain embodiments, includes a horizontal fracturing tree 24. The horizontal fracturing tree 24 includes a first hydraulic fracturing bore configured to flow a first fluid, wherein the first hydraulic fracturing bore extends along a first horizontal axis 26, and the first horizontal axis 26 is generally perpendicular to a vertical axis 30 of a wellhead 18.