Modular Frac Pump Skid Standardized Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic fracturing equipment requires time-consuming and resource-intensive setup due to non-uniform connections that need to be made and pressure tested, limiting flexibility and increasing installation costs and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A modular pumping pad skid system with standardized uniform connections allows for pre-rigged equipment deployment, reducing the complexity and time required for setup by modularizing fracturing pump elements and using connectable skids that can be easily secured together at the well site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hydraulic fracturing equipment with non-uniform connections is used, then the system can handle complex fracturing operations, but the installation time and setup complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracturing operations capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fracturing equipment is divided into modular pump units that can be independently assembled and connected. Each pump unit contains integrated components (pump, motor, controls) that function as self-contained modules, allowing rapid deployment without complex field assembly of individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection points that allow the same modular unit to be configured for different fracturing operations. The units can be arranged in various configurations (single pump, tandem, parallel) to handle different pressure and flow requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized equipment types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If non-uniform connections are made up and pressure tested, then the system can ensure proper connectivity, but the number of connections and testing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple connection functions are merged into integrated coupling mechanisms. The pump units feature unified inlet/outlet ports that combine fluid flow connections, electrical connections, and control signal connections into single integrated interfaces, reducing the total number of separate connections required while maintaining reliable connectivity through standardized coupling procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple non-uniform connections are required, then the system can accommodate various equipment configurations, but the resources and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

All connections and configurations are pre-assembled and pre-tested at the manufacturing stage. The modular pump units arrive at the wellsite ready-to-operate with all internal connections already made and pressure-tested, eliminating the need for field workers to perform hazardous connection and testing operations that pose safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11339637B2Packaging and deployment of a frac pump on a frac pad

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 FMC TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A modular pumping pad skid may include a base with one or more high pressure fluid conduits and one or more low pressure conduits. Additionally, two or more pumps may be removably fixed to the base, and fluidly connected to the high pressure fluid conduits and the low pressure conduits.