Manifold Header Connector Assembly for Fast Well-Treatment Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid conduit systems used in the oil and gas industry, particularly those involved in well treatments, require connections that are robust, reliable, and facilitate rapid assembly and disassembly, yet existing solutions often compromise on these aspects due to the need for frequent reconfiguration and handling.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conduit connection system comprising a trunk line, manifold headers, and valves with a network of connection rods that allow for secure and versatile connections, enabling efficient assembly and disassembly by aligning throughbores and using arrays of holes to match standard flange specifications, thereby reducing the number of flanged connections and bolts required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections or bolted flanged connections are used for fluid conduits, then mechanical strength and reliability are improved, but assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular components (connectors, couplings, flanges) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each connector has standardized features that enable quick mating while maintaining strong mechanical connections, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are pre-configured with standardized threading patterns, flange geometries, and coupling features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows field assembly to proceed rapidly without requiring complex on-site fabrication or alignment procedures, thus reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable connections.
2Strength
If multiple flanged connections and bolts are used to ensure robust connections, then connection strength is improved, but system weight and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into integrated connector designs. The connectors combine threading, flanging, and coupling features into single components that provide robust mechanical strength without requiring separate bolts and flanges for each function, thereby reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection components use localized reinforcement only where mechanically necessary. Flanges and threading are concentrated at connection points rather than being distributed throughout the entire conduit system, providing sufficient connection strength while minimizing unnecessary material and weight.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized flange specifications are used, then manufacturing ease and interchangeability are improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are designed with universal features that accommodate multiple connection types and configurations. Standardized threading patterns and flange geometries allow the same basic connector design to serve multiple functions and interface with various conduit sizes and types, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining connection versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conduit system includes a trunk line and a manifold header coupled to the trunk line. The manifold header has a first bore in fluid communication with the trunk line and a second bore intersecting the first bore. A first manifold valve is coupled to the manifold header. A second manifold valve is coupled to the first manifold valve. A fracture header is coupled to the second manifold valve. A plurality of connection rods is coupled to the manifold header and to the fracture header. Each connection rod extends through a corresponding hole in the first manifold valve and a corresponding hole in the second manifold valve.