Well Tree Valve Greasing Control for Safer On-Demand Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for greasing valves on a well tree, such as frac trees, are time-consuming, disruptive to stimulation operations, and pose tripping hazards due to the use of multiple grease hoses.
Innovation Solution
A system and methodology for facilitating the greasing of individual valves on a well tree using a connected greasing system with grease ports and actuatable grease valves, which can be automated and controlled via a greasing control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple grease hoses are connected between a manifold and multiple valves, then greasing can be performed on multiple valves simultaneously, but the hoses cause tripping and tangling hazards and operations must be stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hazardous grease hoses from the wellhead area by implementing a remote greasing system. The grease delivery mechanism is relocated to a safe distance from the high-pressure zone, eliminating tripping and tangling hazards while maintaining the capability to grease multiple valves through a controlled distribution system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated control system that mediates between the operator and the grease delivery mechanism. This system uses automated valve control and remote operation to eliminate the need for manual hose handling, thereby removing tripping hazards while maintaining greasing productivity
2Ease of operation
If manual greasing is performed by connecting a grease hose to each valve, then individual valve greasing is possible, but the process is time-consuming and disruptive to stimulation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual greasing operations into a single integrated automated system. Multiple valves are connected to a common grease distribution manifold that can deliver grease to multiple valves simultaneously or sequentially through automated control, eliminating the need for repeated manual connections and significantly reducing greasing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary connection of all valves to the grease distribution system before stimulation operations begin. This allows the greasing infrastructure to be pre-established, enabling rapid response and immediate greasing of any valve without disrupting ongoing operations
3Reliability
If grease is pumped through multiple valves simultaneously, then greasing coverage is improved, but all other activities at the well must be stopped due to high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic greasing system with individually controllable valves at each grease distribution point. This allows selective greasing of specific valves on-demand without pressurizing the entire system, enabling continuous stimulation operations while maintaining comprehensive greasing coverage when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by enabling independent greasing of individual valves or specific groups of valves rather than forcing a choice between greasing all valves simultaneously or none. Each valve can be greased locally based on its specific operational needs without affecting overall system productivity
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and safe greasing of specific actuatable valves as needed, minimizing interruptions to stimulation operations and reducing human exposure to high-pressure zones.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the high pressure of the fracturing system... A pump is used to pump grease to the grease valves... grease is forced through the valve during maintenance activities
Implementation Method 2
The grease also serves to lubricate moving parts inside the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates greasing of valves on a well tree, e.g. a frac tree, according to a simple process which enables selected, individual valves to be greased when desired. In some applications, the greasing process may be automated and controlled via a greasing control system. According to an embodiment, a greasing system is connected with grease ports at a plurality of actuatable valves located in a well tree. The greasing system has a plurality of grease valves which may be associated with each of the actuatable valves, e.g. with each of the grease ports. A pump is used to pump grease to the grease valves and the grease valves are selectively actuated to open positions to provide controlled greasing of desired actuatable valves so as to remove debris from and to lubricate selected actuatable valves.