Swivel-Joint Flowline Assembly for Faster Fracturing Rig-Up
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowline assemblies for hydrocarbon well fracturing operations require extensive time to assemble due to numerous connections, and while newer systems reduce the number of assemblies, they are heavy and difficult to manage, necessitating faster and more efficient connection methods.
Innovation Solution
A flowline assembly utilizing novel swivel joints with cube-shaped hubs and rotatable connections, allowing for pre-assembly and reduced field connections, enabling easier installation and configuration by providing multiple degrees of rotational freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipe segments are coupled together by traditional swivel joints with multiple connections, then the flowline assembly can be adjusted and positioned as needed, but the assembly time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The flowline assembly is pre-assembled with all swivel joints and pipe segments configured before reaching the wellsite. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for time-consuming field connections, while the swivel joints maintain full adjustability for positioning the manifold relative to the tree.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pipe segments and swivel joints are merged into a single integrated flowline assembly unit. This combination reduces the number of separate connections that would otherwise need to be made in the field, significantly reducing assembly time while preserving the adjustable positioning capabilities of the swivel joints.
2Loss of time
If newer systems use fewer flowline assemblies with swivel flanges, then the number of connections is reduced, but the system becomes heavy and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The flowline system is segmented into multiple lighter flowline assemblies rather than using fewer heavier assemblies. This segmentation makes the system easier to handle and maneuver on-site, while the pre-assembly of each segment maintains efficiency by reducing the total number of connections required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic swivel joints that enable flexible positioning and movement of the flowline assembly. This dynamic capability improves manageability by allowing the assembly to be easily oriented and positioned, counteracting the effects of the system's weight.
3Productivity
If traditional hammer unions and threaded connections are used, then connections can be made relatively quickly, but the overall rig-up time remains long due to the number of connections
Solution Approach 1:
All connections using hammer unions and threaded connections are established during pre-assembly at the manufacturing facility rather than in the field. This preliminary action allows for faster, more controlled connection processes under ideal conditions, while reducing the total rig-up time by eliminating the need to make these connections at the wellsite.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A flowline system for fluidly connecting a fracturing manifold to a fracturing tree includes a first flowline assembly which is pre-assembled with the manifold, the first flowline assembly comprising a number of preassembled first flowline components and a first connection member which is located distally of the manifold; and a second flowline assembly which is connected to the tree, the second flowline assembly comprising a number of preassembled second flowline components and a second connection member which is located distally of the tree. The first and second connection members are configured to be releasably connected together to thereby fluidly connect the manifold to the tree.