Wellhead Valve Pressure Equalization for Frac Line Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid systems in oil and gas operations face challenges in efficiently managing pressure differentials and fluid flow control, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in hydraulic fracturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A system with intelligent control of fluid systems, including zipper modules, frac lines, and wellheads, equipped with pressure sensors and equalization valves, to manage pressure differentials and optimize fluid flow, using a controller to coordinate valve operations and ensure safe and efficient hydraulic fracturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional valve systems are used in hydraulic fracturing, then the system structure is simple, but pressure differentials cannot be effectively managed leading to potential damage and inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure differential managementVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An equalization valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the frac line and the wellhead. This valve actively manages pressure differentials by equalizing pressures on either side, preventing damage to the wellhead while maintaining the overall system structure. The equalization valve acts as a mediator that resolves the pressure imbalance issue without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Pressure sensors are integrated into the system to provide real-time feedback on pressure conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the equalization valve to respond dynamically to pressure differentials, opening or closing based on detected pressure imbalances. The feedback loop ensures reliable pressure management while keeping the control logic relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual valve operation is used, then the device complexity is low, but fluid flow control efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow control efficiencyVSAvoidcontroller coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The equalization valve is designed to operate automatically based on pressure sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention. The valve self-regulates by opening when pressure differential exceeds a threshold and closing when pressures are equalized, improving fluid flow control efficiency without requiring complex centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical valve operation is replaced with an automated control system that uses pressure sensors and automated actuation. This substitution improves response time and control precision, enabling more efficient fluid flow management while the modular design keeps the overall system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12516587B2Oil and gas operations with valve operably coupled to wellhead

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 DOWNING WELLHEAD EQUIPMENT LLC

AI summary

Oil and gas operations according to which a wellhead is operably associated with a wellbore, a valve is operably coupled to the wellhead, opposite the wellbore, a frac line is operably coupled to the wellhead, and a zipper module is operably coupled to the frac line, opposite the wellhead.