Multi-port Valve with Dual Directional Strainer for Fracturing Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for connecting an injection pump system to a tank in hydraulic fracturing lack a means to filter fluids, are labor-intensive to assemble, prone to leaks, and impose unnecessary stress on tanks due to heavy, pressurized fluid fittings, leading to waste, environmental risks, and reduced tank lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port valve device with a dual directional strainer that filters fluids flowing to both the injection pump and gauge, featuring a one-piece design with reduced threaded connections and leak paths, designed for non-pressurized fluids, reducing assembly time and weight, and made with thinner walls for increased efficiency and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipe fittings with threaded ends are used to connect tank to injection pump and gauge, then the system can be assembled with standard components, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pipe fittings (tank connection fitting, injection pump connection fitting, gauge connection fitting, and strainer assembly) into a single integrated valve device body. This merging eliminates the need for multiple threaded connections and reduces assembly time while maintaining adaptability through standardized port configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve device body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a connection point for the tank, provides a connection interface for the injection pump, accommodates gauge attachment, and houses the strainer assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of manufacture
If threaded pipe fittings are used to connect components, then standard assembly methods can be employed, but leak paths are created at each threaded connection point
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple threaded connection points into a single integrated valve device body with fewer external connections, the patent reduces the number of potential leak paths. The internal fluid passages are sealed within the monolithic body, eliminating leaks at internal threaded joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the strainer assembly as a separate removable component from the valve device body. This allows the strainer to be removed for cleaning without disassembling the main valve body connections, maintaining system reliability while simplifying maintenance.
3Strength
If heavy pipe fittings designed for pressurized fluids are used to connect tank to injection pump, then the connections can handle high pressure, but unnecessary stress is placed on tanks and the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the valve device body with wall thickness and material properties optimized for the specific pressure conditions at each location. The body is engineered to handle the maximum pressure expected at the injection pump connection while using thinner walls in areas where lower pressure prevails, such as the tank connection side before pressurization.
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 solution significantly reduces labor costs, leak-related waste and risks, and extends tank lifespan by providing a quick, efficient, and leak-resistant connection system for hydraulic fracturing fluids, while minimizing environmental and health hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a strainer member at least partially disposed within the second arm, the strainer member being arranged and configured to strain fluids flowing through the fluid passageway from the first arm through the strainer member and into the body in a first direction and to strain fluids flowing from the first arm through the strainer member and into the body in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port valve device with a dual directional strainer is disclosed herein. The disclosed valve device generally comprises a body including a cylindrical wall, the body having a front face, a rear face, a top face, and a bottom face; a first arm including a cylindrical wall, wherein the first arm is attached to the rear face of the body and extends perpendicularly from the rear face of the body; a second arm including a substantially cylindrical wall, wherein the second arm is attached to the bottom face of the body and extends obliquely from the bottom face of the body; a fluid passageway extending through the cylindrical walls of the first arm and the body; and a strainer member at least partially disposed within the second arm, the strainer member being arranged and configured to strain fluids flowing through the fluid passageway from the first arm through the strainer member and into the body in a first direction and to strain fluids flowing from the first arm through the strainer member and into the body in a second direction, the second direction being opposite of the first direction. The disclosed valve device may be utilized to fluidly connect a tank to an injection pump and to a gauge.