Missile Manifold Layout for Simultaneous Fracturing of Multiple Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing systems are limited to fracturing no more than two wells simultaneously, resulting in inefficiencies and reduced effectiveness when attempting to fracture three or more wells, as the flow rate to each wellbore falls below optimal levels.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hydraulic fracturing system that includes a high-pressure missile manifold with a widening section and a low-pressure missile manifold with a narrowing section, allowing for a higher flow rate and efficient distribution of fracturing fluid to multiple wellbores from a common wellpad, enabling the simultaneous fracturing of three or more wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple wells (3 or more) are fractured simultaneously using conventional equipment, then productivity increases, but the flow rate to each wellbore falls below optimal levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid distribution into multiple manifolds (HP missile manifold and LP missile manifold) that can independently manage flow to different wellbores. Each manifold has dedicated channels and control mechanisms, allowing simultaneous servicing of multiple wells while maintaining optimal flow rates to each.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic flow control through adjustable chokes and valves on each manifold channel, enabling real-time optimization of flow rates to individual wellbores even when multiple wells are being fractured simultaneously. This dynamic adjustment ensures each well receives the required flow rate regardless of the number of active fracturing operations.
2Device complexity
If conventional fracturing systems are used to fracture 3 or more wells, then equipment complexity remains limited, but the system cannot achieve sufficient flow rate distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a nested manifold architecture where the LP missile manifold is positioned within or alongside the HP missile manifold. The LP manifold receives fluid from the HP manifold and further distributes it to additional wellbores, creating a nested distribution system that multiplies the number of serviceable wells without proportionally increasing surface equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The LP missile manifold acts as an intermediary between the HP manifold and additional wellbores. It receives high-pressure fluid and conditions it for distribution to wells that require lower flow rates, enabling the system to serve more wells than the HP manifold alone could handle while maintaining optimal flow characteristics for each well type.
3Ease of operation
If the same field equipment is shared across multiple wellbores, then ease of operation improves, but the flow rate to each wellbore cannot be optimized independently
Solution Approach 1:
Each manifold channel is equipped with local flow control devices (chokes, valves) that enable independent adjustment of flow rates to individual wellbores. This local quality control allows the shared equipment to maintain ease of operation while achieving precise flow rate optimization for each well, as operators can adjust each channel independently without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system provides universal flow distribution capability across multiple wellbores through a single integrated structure. The same physical manifold can serve multiple wells simultaneously with independent control, combining the ease of shared equipment operation with the precision of individual well optimization through its multi-functional channel design.
Data Source
AI summary
A missile for a hydraulic fracturing system can include a high-pressure (HP) manifold, a low-pressure (LP) manifold, and a main manifold in between. The missile is configured to simultaneously fracture three or more wells. The HP manifold has multiple input channels, an output channel, and a main channel disposed in between. The LP manifold includes a LP input channel, multiple LP output channels, and a LP manifold in between.