Rubber Lining of Piping Interiors for Abrasive Fracturing Fluids

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Solution Overview

Problem

The abrasive nature of fracturing fluids in hydraulic fracturing operations degrades equipment such as pumps, piping, and fittings, necessitating equipment-specific conventional approaches that are not universally effective.

Innovation Solution

Applying a thin rubber lining to the internal surfaces of piping and fittings using an inflatable bladder process, which accommodates varying dimensions and geometries, and utilizing an electric or gas heated oven for vulcanization, allowing for low capital investment and transportability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional equipment-specific approaches are used to mitigate abrasive degradation, then equipment durability may be improved for specific applications, but the solution lacks universal effectiveness and requires multiple different approaches for different equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment durabilityVSAvoiduniversal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a universal rubber lining solution that can be used across multiple equipment types (pumps, piping, fittings) subjected to abrasive fracturing fluids. The inflatable bladder system with liquid rubber composition provides a multi-functional protection method that works universally for different equipment geometries and applications, replacing the need for equipment-specific mitigation approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional rubber lining methods are used, then equipment protection is provided, but the process requires high capital investment and lacks transportability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidcapital investment and transportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/thermal curing systems with an inflatable bladder system that uses liquid rubber composition. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive, fixed vulcanization equipment and high capital investment facilities. The liquid rubber can be applied and cured in-situ using portable equipment, providing both equipment protection and economic feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an inflatable bladder as a flexible form tool to apply the rubber lining. This flexible shell approach allows the same equipment to adapt to different equipment geometries and sizes, providing universal applicability without requiring multiple fixed installation systems, thereby reducing capital investment and improving transportability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If thick rubber lining is applied to ensure durability of at least a year, then equipment degradation is effectively mitigated, but the application process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelifespanVSAvoidapplication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the rubber from solid to liquid form during application. The liquid rubber composition can be easily pumped and applied to thick sections, then cured in-situ. This parameter change simplifies the application process for thick linings compared to traditional methods that would require multiple layers or complex forming operations, while achieving the desired lifespan through adequate thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 rubber lining effectively mitigates equipment degradation, providing a durable solution with a lifespan of at least a year, suitable for high-pressure hydraulic fracturing operations.

Implementation Method 1

An inflatable bladder is used to line the variety of geometries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The techniques can be combined with rubber linings specifically designed for some equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentUS20250326179A1Method of applying rubber lining to the internal surface of piping and fittings

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 CONTITECH USA INC

AI summary

A method of lining a piping assembly with rubber to form a rubber liner. An inner surface of the piping assembly is selected for lining. One or more containment devices are attached/inserted in the piping based on the selected surfaces. The inflatable bladder is introduced to an inner bore of the piping. The inflatable bladder is inflated to a predetermined pressure. An oven or autoclave is heated to a predetermined temperature. The piping assembly is introduced to the oven and heated until a predetermined curing temperature. The piping assembly is cooled for a predetermined cooling time and a rubber inner liner is formed on the selected surface.