Single-Line Fracturing System with Rotating Well Selection Pipe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current manifold systems for hydraulic fracturing in multiwell pads require numerous adjustable components and can lead to unintended pressurization, reducing efficiency and increasing the time needed for fracturing operations due to exclusion zones around active wells.
Innovation Solution
A single-line fracturing system using a swiveling well selection pipe and rotatable fracturing trees, which reduces the number of connecting components and eliminates the need for a manifold, allowing for dynamic connections and simultaneous workover operations across the well pad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manifold system is used for fracturing multiple wells, then fluid distribution capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to numerous valves and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fracturing operation into sequential single-well stages, with each well being fractured independently through a single line connection. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex manifold system that would otherwise be required to distribute fluid to multiple wells simultaneously, reducing the number of valves and connectors while maintaining the ability to service multiple wells over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system is completely removed from the configuration. Instead of using a central distribution point with multiple branches, the invention extracts the fluid distribution function to a single line that connects sequentially to different wells. This eliminates the complex network of valves and connectors inherent in traditional manifold systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manifold system with multiple valves is used, then well isolation capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential valve failure and unintended pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system and its associated valve network are completely removed. The single line connection inherently provides well isolation by being physically connected to only one well at a time, eliminating the risk of valve failure causing unintended pressurization of other wells. The isolation function is achieved through the connection geometry rather than multiple valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simple, single-line connection that can be quickly disconnected and reconnected to different wells. Rather than relying on durable but complex valve mechanisms, the invention uses a simpler connection system that achieves isolation through its physical configuration, reducing the risk of failure.
3Reliability
If exclusion zones are established around active wells, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to inability to perform workover operations on other wells
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system that would require exclusion zones is removed. The single line connection inherently limits pressurization to only the actively fractured well, eliminating the need for exclusion zones around other wells. This allows simultaneous workover operations on non-pressurized wells, maintaining safety while increasing productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If numerous connecting components are used to provide degrees of freedom, then adaptability to well positioning variations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic, movable components including a telescoping boom with articulated sections that can extend, retract, and pivot to reach wells at various positions and elevations. This dynamic structure provides the necessary degrees of freedom to accommodate well spacing and elevation variations without requiring a complex static manifold system with multiple adjustable connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single line connection system with its movable mounting and telescoping boom serves multiple functions: it can connect to wells at different horizontal distances, different elevations, and different orientations. This universal, multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized connectors and adjustment mechanisms that would otherwise be required in a manifold system.
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
This approach enhances fracturing efficiency by reducing the time to production, minimizing valve and connector usage, and lowering the risk of pressurization failures, enabling quicker completion of fracturing stages and increased operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable well selection pipe in communication with the pressurized fluid inlet and configured to rotate such that the well selection pipe can be selectively connected to different wellbores
Implementation Method 2
A single-line fracturing system using a swiveling well selection pipe and rotatable fracturing trees
Data Source
AI summary
A system for distributing pressurized fluid during wellbore operations can include a pressure vessel having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The system can also include a conduit rotatably connected to the fluid outlet of the pressure vessel for coupling to one or more wellbores. Also, a method for distributing pressurized fluid during wellbore operations can include receiving pressurized fluid in a pressure vessel. The method can also include distributing to one or more wellbores the pressurized fluid from the pressure vessel through a conduit rotatably connected to the pressure vessel.