Mono-bore Flex Pipe for Multi-well Frac Pressure Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-well zipper frac systems rely on rigid piping and manifolds, which are prone to erosion, increase friction losses, and require extensive material and labor for setup and operation, limiting efficiency and flexibility in fracturing operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flexible pipe system with adjustable length, using a monobore flexible pipe that can be easily moved between fracturing trees, reducing the need for rigid piping and manifolds, and incorporating quick connect mechanisms for remote operation and reduced personnel exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid piping and manifolds are used in multi-well zipper frac systems, then structural strength and stability are improved, but friction losses increase and material usage becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid piping with flexible hoses that have smooth inner surfaces, eliminating the rough surfaces and sharp bends of rigid pipes that cause friction losses. The flexible hoses maintain sufficient strength through their construction while providing lower flow resistance throughout the fracturing system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid piping systems are used, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive setup and movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable flexible hose systems with quick-connect couplings that allow rapid assembly, disassembly, and repositioning between well sites. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different fracturing configurations without extensive manual setup while maintaining stable connections during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fracturing trees are arranged proximate one another with separate piping, then adaptability to multiple wells is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal flexible hose assemblies with standardized quick-connect interfaces that can be rapidly configured to connect any fracturing tree to any high-pressure fluid source. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated rigid piping for each well combination, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adaptability for multi-well fracturing operations.
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
This solution enhances operational efficiency by minimizing material usage, reducing pressure drops, and facilitating remote operations, while decreasing the number of connections and leak paths, thus improving the overall efficiency and safety of fracturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible pipe, coupled to a missile outlet of a missile receiving a high pressure slurry from a pump
Implementation Method 2
the flexible pipe arranged on a spool adapted to increase or decrease a working length of flexible pipe based on rotation of the spool
Data Source
AI summary
A system for fracturing an underground formation includes a flexible pipe receiving a high pressure slurry from a missile outlet, the flexible pipe including one or more sections arranged in series. The system also includes a connector secured to an end of the flexible pipe, the connector adapted to fluidly couple the flexible pipe to one or more fracturing trees of a plurality of fracturing trees associated with a wellbore, wherein the flexible pipe directs the high pressure slurry into the wellbore, via the one or more fracturing trees, the flexible pipe being movable between respective fracturing tree inlets of the plurality of fracturing trees.