Weldless Hydraulic Fracturing Missile Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic fracturing missiles face issues with welded components, which are prone to failure due to chemical exposure and abrasion, leading to frequent maintenance and downtime. Additionally, the limited modularity and interchangeability of components restrict flexibility and efficiency in operations.

Innovation Solution

The development of hydraulic fracturing missiles with mostly or entirely weldless connections, utilizing mechanical connectors and modular skids that are interchangeable, reversible, and easily reconfigurable, allowing for quick assembly, modification, and maintenance without welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welded components are used in the LP line, then the initial structural integrity is strong, but the components are prone to failure due to chemical exposure and abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial structural integrityVSAvoidresistance to chemical exposure and abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes welds from the LP line components, extracting the problematic welding process from the system. The LP line is redesigned to use mechanical connections instead of welded joints, eliminating the weak points that are susceptible to chemical degradation and abrasion while maintaining structural integrity through alternative connection methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If weld-connected components are used, then the initial assembly is stable, but replacement and modification require extended shutdown and complex procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance shutdown time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The LP line is divided into modular segments that can be independently removed and replaced. Each component (blender manifold, spools, outlets) is designed as a separate module with standardized mechanical connections, allowing quick detachment and replacement without affecting the entire system, thus reducing maintenance shutdown time while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from static welded joints to dynamic mechanical connections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The mechanical connectors allow for rapid connection and disconnection of LP line components, enabling quick maintenance operations while maintaining system stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single blender manifold with fixed ports is used, then the initial design is simple, but the number and configuration of inlets are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanifold design simplicityVSAvoidnumber and configuration of inlets

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blender manifold is designed with universal, standardized port configurations that can accommodate multiple inlet options. The mechanical connection system allows the same manifold to work with different numbers and types of inlets by simply changing the connected components, providing versatility without increasing the manifold's inherent complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet configuration becomes dynamic rather than fixed. The mechanical connection system allows inlets to be added, removed, or reconfigured by detaching and reattaching components, enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining a simple base manifold design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If outlets are welded to the LP line, then the initial connection is strong, but adding or replacing outlets requires time-consuming welding operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of adding or replacing outlets

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Outlets are designed as separate modular components that connect to the LP line via mechanical connections rather than being welded as integral parts. This segmentation allows outlets to be independently added, removed, or replaced by simple mechanical attachment and detachment operations, maintaining strong connections while dramatically improving ease of modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12326076B2Hydraulic fracturing missile and related apparatus and methods

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 PALOMA TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Improved hydraulic fracturing missiles and related systems, apparatus and methods are provided. Certain embodiments involve the low pressure side of a frac missile including a first suction conduit having multiple suction conduit spools releasably, longitudinally, mechanically and fluidly interconnectable and separable without welding and at least one respective suction inlet and outlet releasably mechanically and fluidly connectable to and separable from the first suction conduit without welding.