Integrated Wellhead Valve Skid to Cut Connections and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellhead systems require multiple skids and components, leading to increased costs, resource expenditure, operational delays, and reduced efficiency due to their weight and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
An integrated valve skid apparatus that combines a check valve with a gate valve, eliminating the need for flanged connections, flow iron connections, or flexible hose connections, and includes a pump side block, well side block, and pressure relief valves, all coupled together directly for reduced complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate skids are used for check valves and isolation valves, then each valve can be independently maintained and operated, but the number of components increases, leading to increased weight, cost, and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the check valve and isolation valve onto a single skid, integrating two previously separate components into one unified assembly. This merging reduces the total number of skids and components while maintaining the functional independence of each valve through separate mounting arrangements and connection interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate skids and components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the total weight increases, requiring increased resources for deployment and operation
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple valve components onto a single skid, the patent reduces the cumulative weight of separate assemblies while preserving the functional optimization of each valve type through dedicated mounting positions and connection interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate skids are used, then each valve can be independently selected and installed, but the footprint and space requirements increase at the wellsite
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of check valve and isolation valve onto one skid consolidates the footprint of multiple separate components into a single compact assembly, reducing the total space occupied at the wellsite while maintaining independent selection and installation capabilities through standardized interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If multiple separate components with flanged connections are used, then each connection can be independently assembled and disassembled, but the number of connections increases, leading to increased assembly time and operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple valves onto a single skid with shared connection points, the patent reduces the total number of flanged connections required compared to separate skid assemblies, thereby reducing assembly time and operational delays while maintaining the ability to independently assemble and disassemble connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to valve skid apparatus and related methods for wellhead systems. A check block of the check valve includes a check side face that interfaces with a gate side face of a gate block of the gate valve. A pump side block is coupled to the gate valve, and a well side block is coupled to the check valve. A first pressure relief valve is coupled to a top face of the pump side block, and a first bleed-off valve is coupled to a top face of the first pressure relief valve. A second pressure relief valve is coupled to a top face of the well side block, and a second bleed-off valve is coupled to a top face of the second pressure relief valve.