Offshore Frac Head Clamp Assembly for Flow Line Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges in safely and efficiently connecting flow lines to the rig floor due to the unknown distance of the frac head flow manifold from the rig floor, leading to cumbersome handling and potential safety hazards for personnel.
Innovation Solution
The use of clamping devices that connect to and stabilize the fracking tool body and associated flow lines, allowing the inlet connection to be positioned closer to the rig floor, using primary and secondary clamps to secure and support the flow lines, thereby reducing the length of unsupported lines and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow manifold is positioned high above the rig floor (typically 25 feet or more), then the frac head can be suspended by rig elevators during hydraulic fracturing operations, but the flow lines become excessively long and heavy (approximately fifty pounds per linear foot), creating safety hazards and handling difficulties for personnel
Solution Approach 1:
A support arm assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the flow manifold and the rig floor. The support arm includes a first end connected to the flow manifold and a second end extending downward to connect to the rig floor, thereby providing intermediate support and reducing the unsupported length of flow lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm assembly extends vertically downward from the flow manifold to the rig floor, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal span and unsupported length of flow lines. This dimensional approach allows the inlet connection to be positioned closer to the rig floor while maintaining proper manifold elevation.
2Ease of operation
If the flow manifold is positioned 25 feet or more above the rig floor, then the frac head can be properly suspended and operated, but the flow lines must be handled at elevated heights, making installation cumbersome and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm assembly serves as a mediator that provides structural support at an intermediate height, allowing flow lines to be routed through or near the support arm structure. This enables personnel to connect flow lines at lower, safer heights rather than working 25 feet or more above the rig floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm assembly is installed and positioned before flow line installation, establishing a predetermined support structure that guides and facilitates the subsequent flow line connection process at safer, lower heights.
3Reliability
If the inlet connection is positioned far from the rig floor, then the frac head can be suspended by rig elevators, but the length of unsupported flow lines increases, creating vulnerability during high-pressure pumping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm assembly acts as an intermediary structural element that provides intermediate support along the flow line path. This reduces the length of unsupported flow line segments, minimizing vulnerability to high-pressure forces while maintaining the necessary elevation of the flow manifold for proper frac head suspension.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to clamping devices that connect to a fracking tool body and associated attached flow lines and the method of use thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to clamping devices that connect to and stabilize a fracking tool body and associated attached flow lines that aid in locating and supporting the inlet connection allowing it to be closer to the rig floor, and consequently, making it safer to install the rest of the rig flow lines.