Modular Manifold Frame With Flexible Conduits for Fluid End Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifold assemblies for high-pressure fluid ends in hydraulic fracturing operations are difficult to align and attach, leading to misalignment issues that reduce the operating life of the fluid ends.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly with a flexible frame and conduits that can be easily aligned and attached to the fluid end, reducing the risk of misalignment and facilitating quick connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid manifold assemblies are used for high-pressure fluid ends, then structural strength is improved, but alignment difficulty increases and operating life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible conduits with bellows-like expansions and contractions that can flex and bend to accommodate misalignment between the manifold assembly and fluid end. This flexible structure maintains structural integrity while allowing for easier alignment during operation, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and alignment ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold assembly incorporates movable and adjustable components including telescopic sections and flexible connections that can dynamically adapt to alignment requirements. This dynamic design allows the rigid structural elements to move or adjust during assembly and operation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and achieving easy alignment.
2Strength
If rigid manifold assemblies are used for high-pressure fluid ends, then structural strength is improved, but operating life decreases due to misalignment stress
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conduits with bellows structures absorb misalignment stresses through controlled flexing rather than transmitting them to the rigid structural components and fluid end. This protects the stationary objects from stress-induced failure, extending operating life while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bellows sections act as pre-designed stress-absorbing elements that cushion against misalignment forces before they can reach and damage the rigid structural components and fluid end connections, thereby extending operating life.
3Ease of operation
If flexible conduits are used for manifold connections, then alignment ease is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible conduits with integrated bellows structures that provide both the flexibility needed for easy alignment and sufficient structural strength to handle high-pressure fluid applications. The bellows design maintains pressure containment capability while allowing for movement and alignment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit assembly combines flexible materials with pressure-containing structural elements, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides alignment flexibility and the structural strength required for high-pressure hydraulic fracturing operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment procedures are used for manifold assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bellows conduits inherently accommodate misalignment through their flexing capability, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and precision adjustments during assembly. This reduces assembly time while maintaining adequate connection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit structure self-adjusts to alignment requirements through its inherent flexibility and elastic deformation, without requiring external alignment tools, procedures, or skilled intervention. This self-aligning capability dramatically reduces assembly time while maintaining connection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold assembly configured for use with a fluid end used in oil and gas operations. The manifold assembly comprises upper and lower manifolds supported on side posts such that the manifolds and posts define a central opening. In operation, the fluid end is positioned within the central opening such that the manifold assembly surrounds the fluid end. The manifold assembly is not attached to the fluid end other than flexible conduits interconnecting the fluid and the manifolds. The manifold assembly is modular and when assembled, may be moved together as a single unit.