Shuttle Valve Multi-Well Fracturing Pad Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fracturing manifold systems for multi-well pads require numerous valves and connections, leading to potential unintended well pressurization and reduced efficiency, as well as the need for exclusion zones that increase the time required to fracture all zones.

Innovation Solution

The use of shuttle valves in a multi-well fracturing pad system that allows for fewer connecting components and visual verification of configurations, eliminating the need for a fracturing manifold and exclusion zones by isolating wells efficiently through 2-way or 3-way valve configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional manifold systems with multiple valves are used for multi-well fracturing, then well isolation can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and unintended pressurization risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell isolation reliabilityVSAvoidmanifold valve system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the fracturing operation into separate, independently controllable well streams. Each well has its own pump and valve assembly, creating modular units that can be operated independently. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex centralized manifold while maintaining reliable well isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A common header acts as an intermediary structure that receives fracturing fluid from multiple independent well streams. The header provides a simplified common connection point without requiring complex valve manifolds, reducing system complexity while maintaining isolation through individual well stream control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional manifold systems are used, then fracturing can be performed on multiple wells, but exclusion zones are required that reduce operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracturing operation efficiencyVSAvoidexclusion zone time loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the fracturing system into independent well streams with individual pumps and valves, each well can be pressurized and fractured independently without affecting other wells. This eliminates the need for exclusion zones, allowing simultaneous operations on multiple wells and significantly improving productivity while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional manifold systems with multiple valves are used, then well isolation is possible, but the number of connections and potential failure points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell isolation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of valves and connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the fracturing operation into independent well streams, eliminating the need for a complex centralized valve manifold. Each well stream has minimal valves localized to that well, reducing the total number of connections and potential failure points while maintaining reliable isolation through independent well stream control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex valve manifold system is extracted and removed from the design. Instead of using a centralized manifold with multiple valves, the system uses independent well streams with minimal localized valves, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing the number of components that could fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If shuttle valves with visual verification are used, then configuration verification is simplified, but valve mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration verification easeVSAvoidshuttle valve mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shuttle valve mechanism incorporates visual indicators (such as color-coded tags or position indicators) that show the valve configuration state. This allows operators to easily verify the correct setup without complex instrumentation, improving ease of operation while the valve mechanism itself remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS10563778B2Multi-well fracturing pads using shuttle valves

AI summary

A multi-well pad for fracturing a subterranean formation can include a valve assembly that includes a shuttle valve, an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet, where the inlet is coupled to a fracturing pump, where the first outlet is coupled to a first well, where the second outlet is coupled to a second well, where first shuttle valve has a first position and a second position. The fracturing pump and the first well can form a continuous first path through the valve assembly while closing off a second path between the fracturing pump and the second well when the shuttle valve is in the first position. The fracturing pump and the second well can form a continuous second path through the valve assembly while closing off the first path between the fracturing pump and the first well when the shuttle valve is in the second position.