Low-Pressure Conduit Layout for Balanced Multi-Pump Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well stimulation fluid supply systems face inefficiencies in fluid conduit designs, particularly in low-pressure conduit assemblies with long lengths and additional manifolds, which increase costs and risk proppant accumulation due to uneven fluid flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conduit assembly with low-pressure conduits having inlets and outlets on both lateral sides, eliminating the need for additional manifolds and optimizing fluid flow paths to reduce proppant travel distance and accumulation, while using modular designs for cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional manifolds are added to the low-pressure conduit assembly, then fluid distribution capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manifold functions into a single integrated low-pressure conduit assembly. The conduit assembly directly provides both inlet and outlet connections along its length, eliminating the need for separate manifolds to distribute fluid to multiple pumps. This merging approach maintains fluid distribution capability while reducing system complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the low-pressure conduit is made longer to reach all pumps, then fluid supply coverage is improved, but proppant accumulation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear conduit arrangement to a two-dimensional configuration with outlets distributed along both lateral sides of the conduit. This allows pumps to be positioned along the entire length of the conduit rather than requiring a single long conduit segment, reducing the maximum fluid travel distance and minimizing proppant accumulation risk while maintaining comprehensive fluid supply coverage.
3Productivity
If the fluid supply system is expanded to accommodate more pumps, then processing capacity is improved, but system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes both lateral sides of the low-pressure conduit to position outlets and connected pumps, effectively arranging equipment in two dimensions rather than a single line. This allows multiple pumps to be accommodated within a compact footprint area, expanding processing capacity without proportionally increasing the system's spatial occupation.
4Ease of repair
If modular design is implemented, then ease of maintenance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the low-pressure conduit assembly into modular sections with standardized inlet and outlet configurations. Each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and assembled, facilitating easier maintenance and replacement without requiring customization for each specific system configuration. The segmentation uses common connection interfaces that simplify both manufacturing and assembly processes.
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
The solution reduces the length and width of the fluid supply system, minimizes proppant accumulation, and lowers costs by eliminating unnecessary manifolds and enhancing fluid flow efficiency through balanced inlet and outlet configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Each low-pressure inlet includes a fluid passage configured to independently direct low-pressure fluid from a fluid source to the low-pressure conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conduit assembly for a fluid supply system includes a low-pressure conduit assembly. The low-pressure conduit assembly includes a low-pressure conduit, multiple low-pressure inlets, and multiple low-pressure outlets. Each low-pressure inlet includes a fluid passage configured to independently direct low-pressure fluid from a fluid source to the low-pressure conduit, and the low-pressure outlets are configured to direct the low-pressure fluid from the low-pressure conduit to multiple fluid pumps.