Articulated Wellhead Fluid Delivery With Orthogonal Swivel Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid delivery systems for fracking operations are inefficient, requiring extensive hardware and labor for setup and teardown, posing safety risks and being slow and imprecise due to manual operation, especially when dealing with multiple wellheads.

Innovation Solution

A fluid delivery system featuring an articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) with rotating connections and a stinger assembly that can independently rotate in orthogonal planes, allowing for precise spatial positioning and automated control, including wireless remote operation, to efficiently connect and disconnect from wellheads without the need for extensive piping and manual handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional fluid delivery systems are used for fracking operations, then fluid can be delivered to wellheads, but extensive hardware and labor are required for setup and teardown, and operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup and teardown efficiencyVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid delivery system is divided into modular components including a portable delivery unit, articulated boom sections, and interchangeable coupling assemblies. This segmentation allows the system to be configured for different wellhead scenarios and rapidly deployed without extensive permanent infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs an articulated boom with multiple rotational joints that can dynamically position the fluid delivery nozzle to reach various wellhead locations. The boom sections can independently rotate and extend, providing adaptive positioning capability that eliminates the need for fixed piping infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual operation is used for connecting and disconnecting fluid delivery equipment, then flexibility is maintained, but the process is slow and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidconnection and disconnection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly incorporates self-aligning features and quick-connect mechanisms that automatically guide and secure the connection between the articulated boom nozzle and wellhead equipment. This self-service capability reduces the need for precise manual alignment and accelerates the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical connection operations with an automated articulated boom that uses controlled rotation and extension to position and connect to wellheads. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with controlled mechanical automation increases both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stress or pressure

If extensive piping is used for fluid delivery, then high pressure and flow can be maintained, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery pressureVSAvoidpiping length

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a flexible articulated boom structure with integrated fluid delivery channels instead of rigid extensive piping. The boom can bend and rotate while maintaining fluid pressure, providing a space-efficient alternative to long rigid pipe runs while reaching multiple wellhead locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wellheads are serviced sequentially with conventional systems, then each wellhead can be treated, but extensive setup and teardown is required for each connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-wellhead capabilityVSAvoidsetup and teardown time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated boom system with standardized quick-connect couplings serves as a universal platform that can rapidly interface with multiple different wellhead configurations. The same boom and coupling assembly can service any wellhead within its operational range, eliminating the need for wellhead-specific permanent piping infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11662747B2Articulated fluid delivery system with swivel joints rated for high pressure and flow

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 FHE USA LLC

AI summary

An articulated fluid delivery unit (FDU) is disposed to deliver fluid remotely to, for example, a mating fluid connection housing assembly provided on a wellhead. Flow iron on the FDU preferably includes at least one swivel joint rated for high fluid pressure and high fluid volume flow. More preferably, the swivel joint has an internal diameter of not less than about 5 inches and is further capable of rotation while retaining an internal pressure of not less than about 10,000 psi.