Multi-layer Hose for Shale Oil Fracturing Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing metal pipes used for delivering hydrofracturing liquid in shale oil and gas recovery are labor-intensive to install in complex terrains, prone to cracking and leaking, leading to soil pollution and inefficiencies in fluid delivery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer hose with a cover layer made of thermoplastic urethane, a woven enhancement layer, and an inner lining of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, bonded together for high structural integrity, chemical resistance, and flexibility, suitable for various terrains and high-pressure applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metal pipes are used for long distance delivery, then fluid delivery capability is achieved, but installation becomes labor intensive and difficult in complex terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal pipes with flexible hoses that can be easily laid in complex terrains without extensive installation labor. The flexible hose includes an inner lining layer, an enhancement layer with woven reinforcement, and an outer cover layer, providing both flexibility for easy installation and structural integrity for reliable fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers: an inner lining layer (thermoplastic elastomer or rubber), an enhancement layer (woven fabric with polyester, nylon, or aramid fibers), and an outer cover layer. This composite design combines the flexibility needed for easy installation with the strength required to prevent cracking and leaking.
2Reliability
If metal pipes are used for fluid delivery, then delivery capability is achieved, but couplings are susceptible to cracking and leaking causing soil pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The composite hose structure with inner lining, woven enhancement layer, and outer cover provides superior resistance to cracking and leaking compared to metal pipes with couplings. The seamless construction eliminates coupling joints that are prone to failure, thereby preventing fracturing liquid leaks and soil pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose design eliminates rigid couplings and joints that are susceptible to cracking. The continuous flexible structure can accommodate movement and terrain variations without creating stress concentration points that lead to leaks and pollution.
3Ease of operation
If flexible hoses are used to replace metal pipes, then ease of installation in complex terrains is improved, but structural integrity and pressure resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hose incorporates a woven enhancement layer made of high-strength fibers (polyester, nylon, or aramid) that provides the necessary pressure resistance and structural integrity. This reinforcement layer is embedded within the flexible hose structure, allowing the hose to maintain both flexibility for easy installation and sufficient strength for high-pressure fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhancement layer is strategically designed with specific weave patterns and fiber orientations to provide localized reinforcement where pressure and stress are highest, while maintaining overall flexibility. The different layers have specialized properties: inner lining for chemical resistance, enhancement layer for strength, and outer cover for environmental protection.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multi-layer hose comprising a cover layer, comprising a first polymer, an enhancement layer comprising woven filaments, and an inner lining, comprising a second polymer, wherein the first polymer and the second polymer are dissimilar. The first polymer is preferably a polymer with good wear resistance properties, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), TPU/PVC, or PVC, or PVC/NBR. The second polymer is preferably a polymer with good chemical resistance properties, e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing said multi-layer hose.