Monobore Fluid Conduit Assembly to Reduce Flow Restrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well stimulation fluid supply systems with multiple low-pressure conduits and a high-pressure conduit are costly, complex, and prone to flow restrictions and pump starvation due to multiple connections and conduits, which increase setup and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conduit assembly featuring a single low-pressure monobore conduit and a single high-pressure monobore conduit, with outlets and inlets positioned on both lateral sides, reducing the length and width of the system and minimizing connections, thereby lowering fabrication, installation, and maintenance costs while enhancing fluid velocity and reducing settling and flow restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple low-pressure conduits and a high-pressure conduit are used, then fluid distribution to multiple pumps is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple low-pressure conduits into a single low-pressure monobore conduit that serves multiple pumps through laterally positioned outlets. This merging approach maintains the ability to distribute fluid to multiple pumps while significantly reducing the number of separate conduit components, connections, and support structures required.
Solution Approach 2:
The single low-pressure monobore conduit performs multiple functions: it distributes fluid to multiple pumps located on opposite lateral sides, provides structural support, and eliminates the need for separate conduit assemblies for each pump connection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving versatile fluid distribution without increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conduits with multiple connections are used, then fluid supply to distributed pumps is achieved, but flow restrictions and pump starvation occur
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple conduit connections into a single monobore conduit with multiple outlets, the patent eliminates numerous connection points where flow restrictions could develop. The unified conduit structure ensures consistent fluid velocity and pressure distribution to all pumps, preventing pump starvation while maintaining versatile supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The monobore conduit provides homogeneous fluid flow characteristics to all connected pumps by maintaining consistent internal diameter and flow path geometry. This homogeneity ensures uniform fluid velocity and pressure distribution, preventing the flow restrictions and pump starvation that occur with multiple separate conduit connections of varying characteristics.
3Device complexity
If a single low-pressure monobore conduit is used, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but fluid distribution to multiple pumps must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a one-dimensional arrangement (multiple separate conduits) to a multi-dimensional structure (single conduit with outlets positioned on opposite lateral sides). This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables fluid distribution to multiple pumps while maintaining a single conduit body, thus reducing complexity without sacrificing distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The monobore conduit is segmented into multiple functional zones with outlets positioned at different locations along its length and on opposite lateral sides. This segmentation allows the single conduit to serve multiple pumps distributed in space, achieving versatile fluid distribution while maintaining the simplicity of a single conduit structure.
4Area of stationary object
If conduits are positioned on opposite lateral sides, then system width is reduced, but connection positioning becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of outlets on opposite lateral sides of the monobore conduit, optimized for the specific application requirements. This asymmetric design achieves compact system width while providing accessible connection points that balance manufacturing feasibility with space efficiency, resolving the contradiction between reduced area and manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conduit assembly for a fluid supply system includes a low-pressure monobore conduit assembly having a low-pressure monobore conduit and low-pressure outlets. The low-pressure outlets are configured to direct low-pressure fluid from the low-pressure monobore conduit to pumps. At least one first low-pressure outlet is positioned on a first side of the low-pressure monobore conduit, and at least one second low-pressure outlet is positioned on a second side of the low-pressure monobore conduit. The fluid conduit assembly includes a high-pressure monobore conduit assembly having a high-pressure monobore conduit and high-pressure inlets. The high-pressure inlets are configured to direct high-pressure fluid from the pumps to the high-pressure monobore conduit. At least one first high-pressure inlet is positioned on a first side of the high-pressure monobore conduit, and at least one second high-pressure inlet is positioned on a second side of the high-pressure monobore conduit.