Single High Pressure Manifold Trailer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manifold trailers with multiple high pressure piping systems face issues such as tight tolerances, binding, and increased rigging complexity, which lead to potential failures and increased rig-up time due to the stacking of discrete manifolds and pulsating high pressure fluids causing vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A manifold trailer design featuring a single high pressure manifold with flow assemblies coupled in series along the chassis, utilizing a sliding mounting structure to minimize binding and allow for expansion, and a splitter for fluid distribution to the wellhead, reducing the number of connections and tolerance stacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete manifolds are stacked to form high pressure piping systems, then the system can provide multiple discharge points, but tight tolerances must be maintained and binding/failure may occur due to expansion and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete manifolds into a single integrated manifold structure. This single manifold provides multiple discharge points through integrated flow assemblies rather than stacking separate manifolds, eliminating tolerance accumulation and connection binding issues while maintaining the capability to serve multiple discharge locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sliding connections that allow the flow assemblies to move relative to each other and the trailer frame. This dynamic capability accommodates thermal expansion and pressure-induced deformation of the high pressure piping, preventing binding and connection failure while maintaining system integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete manifolds are stacked horizontally and vertically, then multiple discharge points are achieved, but rigging complexity and rig-up time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple flow assemblies into a single manifold structure that is pre-configured on the trailer. This eliminates the need to stack and connect multiple separate manifolds during rig-up, significantly reducing rigging complexity and assembly time while maintaining multiple discharge capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow assemblies and manifold are pre-assembled and positioned on the trailer during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex field assembly and tolerance matching during rig-up operations, allowing for rapid deployment while maintaining multiple discharge points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high pressure flowline iron is stacked to form discrete manifolds, then multiple discharge points are provided, but tolerance stacks accumulate causing binding and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple flow assemblies into a single integrated manifold structure with a common reference frame. This eliminates the accumulation of tolerances that occurs when stacking multiple discrete manifolds, as all flow assemblies are positioned relative to a single manifold body rather than being stacked sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding connection design allows flow assemblies to adjust their positions dynamically, compensating for any manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic adjustment capability prevents tolerance stacks from causing binding or connection failure while maintaining the multiple discharge functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If numerous piping connections are used in stacked manifolds, then multiple discharge points are achieved, but component replacement time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple flow assemblies into a single manifold unit, reducing the total number of connections required compared to stacking discrete manifolds. This integration simplifies the piping system and reduces the time and complexity required for component replacement while maintaining multiple discharge capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is designed as a modular system where flow assemblies can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows for targeted maintenance of individual flow assemblies without requiring disassembly of the entire manifold system, reducing repair time and complexity.
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 design simplifies rigging and maintenance, reduces failure points, improves safety, and decreases operational complexity and costs by eliminating tolerance stacks and minimizing stress on high pressure components.
Implementation Method 1
High pressure fluid flowing through the high pressure flowline iron causes the piping components to expand
Implementation Method 2
high pressure fluid flowing through the high pressure flowline iron causes the piping components to expand
Implementation Method 3
high pressure fluid flowing through the high pressure flowline iron may pulsate, which causes vibrations that may induce cracks or failures
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold trailer is provided and includes a chassis, a low pressure piping system disposed along a length of the chassis, and a single high pressure output manifold disposed along the length of the chassis, the high pressure output manifold terminating at a splitter that distributes fluids from the high pressure manifold to a wellhead.