Swirl-Flow Manifold Coupling for Fracturing Fluid Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure fracturing operations face challenges in efficiently delivering fracturing fluid to subsurface formations due to inadequate energy dissipation, proppant suspension, and fluid drainage issues in manifold assemblies, leading to vibration, premature wear, and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The use of a manifold coupling with oriented inlet passages that promote swirling of fracturing fluid, enhancing energy dissipation and proppant suspension, and improving drainage by configuring the inlet passages to intersect the manifold passage in a manner that reduces fluid retention and promotes turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high-pressure fracturing fluid is pumped through conventional manifold assemblies, then fracturing operations can be performed, but excessive vibration occurs due to inadequate energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies controlled mechanical vibration principles by designing inlet passages that generate swirling flow patterns. The non-parallel orientation of inlet passages creates intentional turbulence and vortex formation, which dissipates pressure energy through controlled fluid motion rather than allowing uncontrolled vibrations in the manifold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by configuring the inlet passages to create specific flow patterns within the fluid itself. The swirling flow and turbulence generated by the non-parallel inlet arrangement dissipate energy through fluid-internal mechanisms rather than transmitting vibrations to the manifold structure, leveraging the fracturing fluid's own motion to solve the vibration problem.
2Loss of energy
If high-pressure fracturing fluid is delivered to subsurface formations, then fracturing effectiveness is achieved, but proppant suspension is insufficient due to inadequate energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet passages are designed to generate mechanical turbulence and swirling flow that creates continuous fluid motion. This agitation prevents proppants from settling by maintaining sufficient kinetic energy in the fluid, thereby keeping proppants suspended during transport through the manifold assembly while still allowing energy dissipation for vibration reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters (velocity distribution, turbulence intensity, swirl ratio) by configuring non-parallel inlet passages. These parameter changes create optimal conditions for proppant suspension in the high-pressure fracturing fluid while simultaneously providing the energy dissipation needed to reduce manifold vibrations.
3Productivity
If conventional manifold assemblies are used, then fracturing fluid delivery is achieved, but fluid drainage is inefficient leading to corrosive fluid retention
Solution Approach 1:
The swirling flow and turbulence generated by the non-parallel inlet passages create continuous fluid motion that prevents stagnant zones from forming. This mechanical agitation promotes complete fluid drainage by preventing corrosive fluids from settling and remaining in contact with manifold surfaces, thereby reducing corrosion risk while improving drainage efficiency.
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 configuration reduces vibration, enhances proppant suspension, and facilitates efficient drainage, improving the overall performance and longevity of fracturing fluid delivery systems by dissipating pressure energy and preventing corrosive fluid retention.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second inlet passages may be oriented and/or configured such that fracturing fluid entering the manifold assembly via the first and second inlet passages promotes swirling of the fracturing fluid downstream of the manifold coupling
Implementation Method 2
enhancing energy dissipation and proppant suspension, and improving drainage by configuring the inlet passages to intersect the manifold passage in a manner that reduces fluid retention and promotes turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices to enhance fracturing fluid delivery to subsurface formations to enhance hydrocarbon production from the subsurface formations may include providing a manifold coupling having a manifold coupling passage with a manifold coupling axis. The manifold coupling may include a first inlet passage positioned to provide fluid flow between a first fracturing fluid output and the manifold coupling passage, and a second inlet passage positioned opposite the first inlet passage to provide fluid flow between a second fracturing fluid output and the manifold coupling passage. The first inlet passage may have a first inlet passage cross-section at least partially defining a first inlet axis extending transverse relative to the manifold coupling axis. The second inlet passage may have a second inlet passage cross-section at least partially defining a second inlet axis extending transverse relative to the manifold coupling axis and not being co-linear with the first inlet axis.