Modular Hydraulic Manifold with Telescopic Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to complex deployment, assembly, and maintenance processes, particularly in connecting and pressurizing fracturing fluids for effective fluid delivery in subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydraulic fracturing system featuring a manifold assembly with telescopically extendable connectors and a pressure increaser, which allows for efficient formation of fracturing fluid mixtures and pressurization, reducing the need for external lifting and handling equipment by enabling modular assembly and maintenance at the well site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hydraulic fracturing system is used, then the fracturing fluid can be delivered to the well site, but the deployment and assembly processes become complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular manifold modules that can be independently positioned and connected at the well site. Each module contains flow line segments and connectors, allowing the system to be assembled in manageable sections rather than as a single complex unit, thereby simplifying deployment and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors feature telescopically extendable end faces that allow one connector assembly to be nested within another during assembly. This nesting capability enables compact storage and transport of the modular components while allowing straightforward connection at the well site by extending the telescopic elements to join modules together.
2Ease of operation
If external lifting and handling equipment is used, then the manifold modules can be positioned at target locations, but the operational costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold modules are designed with self-positioning capabilities through the telescopic connectors that can be extended and locked into place without requiring external lifting or handling equipment. The modules can be manually or mechanically positioned and connected using the built-in telescopic mechanism, eliminating the need for additional external equipment and reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of repair
If the manifold assembly is made modular with telescopically extendable connectors, then the assembly and maintenance become simpler, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors incorporate telescopically extendable end faces that can dynamically adjust their length during assembly and disassembly operations. This dynamic capability allows the rigid connector bodies to accommodate misalignments and gaps between modules while maintaining a simple overall design that is easy to manufacture and maintain, despite the added telescopic mechanism.
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 system enhances the efficiency and reduces costs of hydraulic fracturing operations by simplifying the assembly and maintenance of fracturing systems, improving fluid delivery and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure increaser receives a portion of the mixture from the manifold assembly and pumps the mixture portion at a higher pressure into the manifold assembly
Implementation Method 2
The mixer forms a mixture from at least a granular material received from at least one granular material source, and a liquid carrier received from at least one liquid carrier source
Implementation Method 3
The connector has a telescopically extendable end face connecting at least one flow line segment of the plurality of flow line segments to an adjacent connector assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering a fracturing fluid at a well site includes an input and a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly is connected receives a fluid mixture from the input and includes a plurality of manifold modules. Each manifold module includes a plurality of flow line segments, and at least one connector. The connector has a telescopically extendable end face connecting at least one flow line segment of the plurality of flow line segments to an adjacent connector assembly.