Uni-bore Fracturing Manifold for Turbulent Flow and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of hydraulic fracturing operations in oilfields are exacerbated by the large number of equipment components and hoses, which lead to safety issues and inefficiencies in fluid transfer and manifold drainage, particularly when manifolds become restricted or plugged.
Innovation Solution
A modular skid system with uni-bore manifolds and valves of the same size as the manifold bore, allowing for less turbulent fluid flow and effective drainage, even when particles are entrained, by using valves and fittings that match the manifold bore for uniform flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manifolds with varying bore sizes are used, then fluid distribution to multiple wells is achieved, but turbulence increases and drainage becomes difficult when particles are entrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the manifold bore uniform throughout its length, rather than varying the bore size. This uniform bore design reduces turbulence when particles are entrained in the fluid and enables effective drainage by maintaining consistent flow characteristics throughout the manifold, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable drainage and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional manifold design approach by making the bore uniform rather than varying. Traditionally, manifolds have different bore sizes to distribute fluid to multiple wells, but this patent uses a uniform bore with valves at different positions to achieve both fluid distribution and effective drainage, turning the conventional wisdom upside down to solve the drainage problem
2Ease of operation
If multiple valves and fittings are installed in the manifold, then fluid distribution control is improved, but the risk of pressure spikes and equipment damage increases when drainage is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform bore design ensures consistent fluid flow characteristics throughout the manifold, preventing turbulence and pressure buildup that could lead to pressure spikes. This homogeneity in bore size works synergistically with the valve arrangement to provide both operational control and protection against harmful pressure variations
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold design incorporates drainage capability as a preliminary feature through its uniform bore structure, enabling particles and fluids to be effectively removed before they can cause blockages or pressure spikes. This preliminary drainage action prevents the development of harmful conditions rather than merely responding to them
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of equipment components and hoses is increased to service multiple wells, then well servicing capability is improved, but safety issues and operational inefficiencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluid distribution functions into a single manifold structure with a uniform bore. Instead of using separate lines and components for each well, the manifold integrates all distribution functions into one unified device, reducing the overall number of components and hoses while maintaining the ability to service multiple wells, thereby improving safety and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides one or more manifolds having manifold portions primarily of fluid conduit and flow components mounted to the manifold portions, such as valves and fluid fittings. The manifold is formed with a uniform bore, so that the manifold portions are the same size along the flow path of the manifold, and the valves and fluid fittings have a bore the same size of the bore of the manifold portions. The uni-bore manifold creates a less turbulent flow path and allows draining of the manifold through one or more valves coupled to an end of the manifold that otherwise can become restricted or plugged with particles entrained in fluids in the manifold.