U.S. patent application number 13/109773 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-17 for work platform for hydraulic fracturing operations.
Invention is credited to James W. Gute.
Application Number | 20110278094 13/109773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44910775 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110278094 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gute; James W. |
November 17, 2011 |
WORK PLATFORM FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OPERATIONS
Abstract
A modular work platform providing at least two adjustable work
levels supported by transverse frames and an adjustable base plate,
where a deck support bracket may be affixed over a frame pin to
support the corners of the modular deck unit.
Inventors: |
Gute; James W.; (Jackson,
WY) |
Family ID: |
44910775 |
Appl. No.: |
13/109773 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61345336 |
May 17, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
182/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 1/14 20130101; E04G
1/15 20130101; E04G 5/02 20130101; E04G 1/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/223 |
International
Class: |
E04G 1/15 20060101
E04G001/15 |
Claims
1. A modular work platform comprising: a first modular deck unit; a
second modular deck unit; transverse frames configured to support
the first and second modular deck units, wherein the transverse
frames include at least one adjustable base plate; frame pins
positioned along a support of the transverse frames; and deck
support brackets affixed over the frame pins and positioned to
support one or more of the corners of the modular work
platform.
2. The modular work platform of claim 1, wherein each of the
transverse frames comprises: a first vertical support, a horizontal
support, and a second vertical support, wherein the horizontal
support is connected to the first vertical support and the second
vertical support; a first and second diagonal brace, wherein the
first diagonal brace is connected to the horizontal support and the
first vertical support and the second diagonal brace is connected
to the horizontal support and the second vertical support; a first
and second diagonal support, wherein the first diagonal support is
connected to the first diagonal brace and the first vertical
support and the second diagonal support is connected to the second
diagonal brace and the second vertical support; and a first and
second tube seat, wherein the first tube seat is connected to the
first diagonal support and the first vertical support and the
second tube seat is connected to the second diagonal support and
the second vertical support.
3. The modular work platform of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the deck support brackets comprises a first and second pintle, a
frame pin opening, a frame pin sleeve, a deck support plate, and a
first and a second stiffener plate.
4. The modular work platform of claim 3, wherein the deck support
bracket slides over the frame pin and is secured to the frame pin
with a removable pin inserted through the frame pin opening and
height adjustment openings of the frame pin.
5. The modular work platform of claim 1, wherein the frame pin
comprises an inner connector and an outer connector.
6. The modular work platform of claim 1, wherein the first modular
deck unit includes a portion that comprises removable segmental
floor decking.
Description
PRIORITY STATEMENT
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/345,336, filed May 17, 2010 entitled Work
Platform for Hydraulic Fracturing Operations.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The instant disclosure relates generally to the field of
work platforms.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Hydraulic Fracturing was first used commercially in 1949,
and due to its success, is now widely used in the gas and oil
industry to provide wells with added exposure to the oil and gas
bearing formations. Common hydraulic fracturing wellhead
configurations currently used in the industry (in the Rocky
Mountain region of the United States, for example) consist of
wellheads that project above the ground surface approximately
thirty feet. Several fittings and valves on these wellheads must be
accessed at all levels during the fracturing process.
[0004] Light-duty single-level work platforms were used in the past
to provide access to the lower levels of the wellheads. These
single-level platforms proved inconvenient, as additional lifts
with man-baskets were required to provide access to the upper
levels of the wellheads. In addition, these light-duty work
platforms do not meet OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health
Administration) requirements.
SUMMARY
[0005] Some embodiments described herein relate to a modular work
platform for use in the field of mineral extraction and in other
fields. More particularly, certain embodiments relate to the
technical field of natural gas and oil extraction. Some embodiments
relate to the technical field of hydraulic fracturing of oil and
gas bearing formations for completions of natural gas and oil wells
for natural gas and oil extraction.
[0006] Some embodiments disclosed herein provide improved access to
hydraulic fracturing equipment, typically on a wellhead above the
ground surface. Certain embodiments include a system that provides
access to two levels along the above-ground wellhead, and is
adjustable and modular to allow for field erection, break-down and
transport.
[0007] Certain embodiments of the work platform for hydraulic
fracturing operations provide two adjustable work levels to access
hydraulic fracturing wellheads. Stairways and handrails may provide
efficient and safe access to the wellheads. When used in the field
of natural gas and oil extraction, the work platform may serve six
wellheads simultaneously. In other embodiments, the work platform
may serve any number of wellheads. In certain embodiments, some
components of the system may be designed to be modular to allow for
efficient erection, disassembly and transport, and may be designed
to meet or exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) safety requirements.
[0008] The primary structural components of the Work Platform for
Hydraulic Fracturing Operations consist of Transverse Frame Units,
Frame Pins, Deck Support Brackets, Modular Deck Units and
Adjustable Base Plates. In certain embodiments, some components
consist of Adjustable Cross-Braces, Adjustable Stairs and
Handrails. In some embodiments, components of the work platform are
steel. In other embodiments, the work platform components consist
of other building materials known to those skilled in the art such
as, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium or stainless steel. In
some embodiments, the structural components may be assembled with
welded connections, and may be then attached to one another using
pinned connections.
[0009] Changes and/or modifications to the work platform may be
made to the disclosed embodiments to accommodate any number of
additional requirements, including, but not limited to, different
floor loading requirements, wellhead spacing and height, stair and
railing configuration, and height adjustment requirements. In
addition, bolted, pinned and welded connections may be changed as
required to satisfy different fabrication and erection
requirements.
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention are set forth or are more fully apparent in the
description that follows and in the appended drawings. Furthermore,
the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the
practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description,
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order for the manner in which the above recited and other
features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a
more particular description of the invention will be rendered by
reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in
the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only
typical embodiments of the present invention and are not,
therefore, considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the
present invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of the work platform.
[0013] FIG. 2 is side view of the work platform.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a close up view of the transverse frame.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a close up view of the frame pin.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows various views of the deck support bracket.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of the modular deck unit.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a close up view of the corner angle pocket.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a close up view of the adjustable base plate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The instant disclosure relates generally to the field of
work platforms. This disclosure is intended to provide a general
description of one exemplary embodiment in which some embodiments
may be configured and implemented. One skilled in the art, though,
will appreciate that the invention may be embodied by a variety of
configurations.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary work platform 10. As
illustrated in this figure, in at least one embodiment work
platform 10 includes a first modular deck unit 12 and a second
modular deck unit 14. The work platform 10 supports the first
modular deck unit 12 and second modular deck unit 14 by at least
one transverse frame 16. Each transverse frame may include an
adjustable base plate 18. In addition, a frame pin 20 is positioned
along a first support 22 of the transverse frame 16. A deck support
bracket 24 may also be affixed over the frame pin 20 and may be
used to support the corners of the modular deck units, 12, 14.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the exemplary work platform 10
according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 shows modular deck
units 12 and 14 including their structural support. For instance,
this embodiment shows deck support bracket 24 as it is affixed over
the frame pin 20. In some embodiments, the frame pin 20 may connect
first transverse frame 16 with a second transverse frame 26 in a
substantially vertical manner. In addition, the deck support
bracket 24 may support the corners of the modular deck units 12,
14. This embodiment also shows adjustable base plate 18 supporting
the work platform 10 at the ground level.
[0023] FIG. 3 represents the transverse frame 16 in isolation from
work platform 10. In some embodiments, the transverse frame 16 may
provide lateral stability and support for the work platform 10. In
at least one embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 3, the transverse
frame 16 may include first vertical support 28, horizontal support
30, a second vertical support 32, a first and second diagonal brace
34, 36, a first and second diagonal support 38, 40, and a first and
second tube seat 42, 44.
[0024] FIG. 3 also shows a cross-sectional view of a representative
embodiment of transverse frame 16. This embodiment shows a first
pin connection opening 46, the horizontal support 30, the vertical
support 28, the diagonal support 38, the tube seat and pad-eye 42
and a second pin connection opening 48. In certain embodiments, the
transverse frame 16 uses hollow structural sections (HSS), which
are materials having a metal profile with a hollow tubular cross
section. In some embodiments, the HSS are of circular or
rectangular section, or even elliptical. As shown in this figure,
the first and second tube seats, 42, 44, provide convenient
connection points for the first and second diagonal supports, 38,
40, and the first and second diagonal braces 34, 36. As is also
shown in this figure, the pin connection openings, 46, 48, are
provided for connection to frame pins (not shown in this
figure).
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a representative frame pin 50. In certain
embodiments, frame pin 50 includes two connectors; an inner
connector 52 and an outer connector 54. As shown in this figure,
the outer connector 54 may be shorter and wider than the inner
connector 52, so that the smaller, longer inner connector 52 is
centered on the inside of the larger, shorter outer connector 54,
the ends of the inner connector projecting from each end of the
larger outer connector 54. In some embodiments, frame pin 50 may
connect transverse frame 16 (not shown in this figure) with second
transverse frame 26. In at least one embodiment, the ends 56 of
inner tube 52 slide inside first and second vertical support 28, 32
and may be affixed with removable pins 58 (not shown) through frame
pin connection opening 60, thereby connecting the first and second
vertical supports 28, 32 together. In some embodiments, the first
and second supports 28, 32 bear directly on the ends 56 of inner
tube 52. Frame pin 50 may have height adjustment openings 62 at
uniform intervals for deck height adjustments.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows various views of deck support bracket 24. In
some embodiments, deck support bracket 24 affixes over frame pin 50
(not shown in FIG. 5) and includes pintles 64, a frame pin opening
66, a frame pin sleeve 68, a deck support plate 70 and stiffener
plates 72. In certain embodiments, deck support bracket 24 supports
a corner 74 of modular deck unit 12. Some embodiments of the deck
support bracket 24 use steel HSS and steel plates. Other
embodiments use other materials known to those skilled in the art.
Deck support bracket 24 slides over frame pin 50 and is secured to
the frame pin 50 with removable pin 58 inserted through frame pin
opening 66 and the height adjustment openings 62 of the frame pin
50. In at least one embodiment, the stiffener plate 72 reinforces
the lower section of each pintle 64 and the frame pin sleeve 68.
The pintle sleeve 68 on the modular deck unit 12 may be set over
the pintle 64 and may be supported by the deck support plate
70.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary modular deck unit 12 that makes up
the floor system of the work platform 10 and includes framing
members 76, floor decking 78; handrail inserts 80; corner angle
pockets 82; pintle sleeves 84 (shown in FIG. 7) and stair
connection brackets 86. In some embodiments, each modular deck unit
12 is similar such that they may be interchangeable throughout the
work platform system 10. A center section 88 of the modular deck
unit 12 is open and may be covered with removable segmental floor
decking 90 which may be arranged to accommodate variations. For
instance, when the work platform 10 is used in the hydraulic
fracturing industry, the arrangement of the removable segmental
floor decking 90 may accommodate variations in wellhead spacing.
The pintle sleeve 84 fits over the pintles 64 on the deck support
brackets 24, while the corner angle pockets 82 provide room for the
deck support brackets 24 and frame pins 20, while minimizing the
space between adjacent modular deck units.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a close up of the corner angle pocket 82 and
shows pintle sleeve 84, deck support bracket 24, framing members
76, and handrail insert 80.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the adjustable base plate 18
as it may be used to support the work platform 12 at ground level,
and where it may be adjustable to provide leveling of the work
platform 12. The adjustable base plate 18 includes a tube insert 92
welded to a frame support plate 94, which has a nut 96 welded over
an opening 98 at its center. A threaded rod 100 may be attached to
the center of a bearing plate 102 on one end, while the other end
is threaded into the nut 96 on the frame support plate 94, and
projects through an opening 98 in the center of the frame support
plate 94. Adjustment may be made by turning the threaded rod 100
into or out of the nut 96. The entire assembly of the adjustable
base plate 18 may be inserted into the end of the first support 22
of the transverse frame 16 at ground level and secured with the
removable pin 58.
[0030] Certain embodiments have one or more of the following
characteristics: compliance with OSHA requirements for floor
loading and railing design; floor system multi-level and modular,
and may be adjustable as required to access well fittings and
valves, blow-off preventers and other devices; stair systems may be
adjustable to accommodate all floor elevation ranges; in some
embodiments, all parts and fittings may be designed to be similar
and interchangeable in order to expedite field erection, breakdown
and transport; openings in the floor system allow well heads to
project up through all levels of the structure; floor decking
sections over open sections may be arranged as required to
accommodate various well spacing and can be secured while in
service; upper and lower levels may be enclosable to allow for heat
entrapment for frost protection during cold conditions; system is
designed to resist wind loading while enclosed, if properly
anchored and braced; and base plates are height adjustable for
rough leveling to accommodate uneven site grades.
[0031] In addition, in some embodiments, several of the elements of
work platform 10 may be modified to accommodate different project
requirements. These modifications include, but are not limited to,
the following: transverse frames 16 may be re-configured, including
height, width, member sizes, member types and configurations; frame
pins 50 may be re-configured, or made integral with the transverse
frames 16, and opening sizes and spacing may be changed to
accommodate different loading conditions and deck elevation
increments and ranges; modular deck unit 12 may be modified in
length, width, thickness, load rating, framing member configuration
and member type; deck support brackets 24 may be re-configured and
re-sized to accommodate frame and deck re-configurations, as well
as different load ratings and adjustment requirements; guardrails
may be changed and re-configured to accommodate different lateral
loading conditions, scaffold access and stairway access
requirements; stairways may be re-configured to accommodate
different access requirements; adjustable base plates 18 may be
re-configured to accommodate different soil pressure requirements
and adjustment ranges; cross-bracing system may be re-designed to
allow for different bracing scenarios (i.e. tension only or both
tension and compression); and overall framing configuration may be
modified to accommodate different well-head configurations and
requirements.
[0032] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *