U.S. patent application number 15/943306 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for modular fracturing pad structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to FMC Technologies, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is FMC Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Cook.
Application Number | 20180283102 15/943306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63673089 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180283102 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cook; James |
October 4, 2018 |
MODULAR FRACTURING PAD STRUCTURE
Abstract
A modular pad system includes a plurality of connected-together
modular skids, wherein each of the modular skids has a frame and a
primary manifold connection with a primary inlet, a primary outlet
and one or more primary flow paths extending therebetween, wherein
the frame of each modular skid has a mounting footprint having
substantially the same size, and wherein the primary manifold
connection of each modular skid are connected together to fluidly
connect the modular skids together.
Inventors: |
Cook; James; (Houston,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FMC Technologies, Inc. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FMC Technologies, Inc.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
63673089 |
Appl. No.: |
15/943306 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62480822 |
Apr 3, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 7/02 20130101; E21B
43/26 20130101; E21B 15/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 7/02 20060101
E21B007/02; E21B 43/26 20060101 E21B043/26; E21B 15/00 20060101
E21B015/00 |
Claims
1. A modular pad system, comprising: a plurality of
connected-together modular skids, wherein each of the modular skids
comprises: a frame; and a primary manifold connection with a
primary inlet, a primary outlet and one or more primary flow paths
extending therebetween; wherein the frame of each modular skid has
a mounting footprint having substantially the same size; and
wherein the primary manifold connection of each modular skid are
connected together to fluidly connect the modular skids
together.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising Tee configuration
modular skid connected to the plurality of connected-together
modular skids.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of modular skids
comprises any combination of at least one zipper manifold modular
skid, at least one pump skid, at least one auxiliary modular skid,
at least one pop-off/bleed-off tank modular skid, and/or at least
one isolation modular skid, and at least one spacer skid.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the least one auxiliary modular
skid comprises a universal power and control unit to power the
modular hydraulic fracturing pad system.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the least one zipper manifold
modular skid is coupled to at least one wellhead.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one pump skid is an
articulating fracturing arm modular skid.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting footprint of a base
of each modular skid comprises a selected length to correspond with
wellhead spacing.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a base with a
plurality of frame beams extending upward from the base, wherein
the plurality of frame beams are angled inward and are connected
with a top beam to form an A-frame.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame of each modular skid is
directly in contact with an adjacent modular skid.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein a material of the frame is a
metal, composite, or plastic material.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the modular skids are aligned
and connected together in an end-to-end manner to have a straight
line configuration.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the modular skids are aligned
and connected together to have configuration with at least one
perpendicular turn.
13. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one trailer,
wherein the modular skids are mounted to the at least one
trailer.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the modular skids are mounted
to the at least one trailer via a plurality of ISO connection
blocks provided on the modular skids connected to twist locks
provided on the at least one trailer.
15. A method for forming a modular pad system, comprising:
connecting a first modular skid to a second modular skid, wherein
each of the first and second modular skids comprises: a primary
manifold connection with a primary inlet, a primary outlet and one
or more primary flow paths extending therebetween; and a frame,
wherein the frames of the first and second modular skids have a
substantially same mounting footprint; and connecting the primary
manifold connection of the first and second modular skids together
to fluidly connect the first and second modular skids together.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting the frame
of the first modular skid to the frame of the second modular skid
to directly connect the first and second modular skids
together.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting a third
modular skid to the second modular skid, wherein the third modular
skid comprises a third primary manifold connection and a third
frame with the substantially same mounting footprint.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second modular
skids further comprises at least one equipment unit mounted to the
frame, the at least one equipment unit selected from any
combination of a zipper manifold, an articulating fracturing arm, a
universal power and control unit, a pop-off/bleed-off tank, and/or
an isolation unit.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second modular
skids are selected from any combination of a zipper manifold
modular skid, an articulating fracturing arm manifold modular skid,
an auxiliary modular skid, a pop-off/bleed-off tank modular skid,
an isolation modular skid, a spacer modular skid, and/or a Tee
configuration modular skid.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising powering the modular
pad system with a universal power and control unit provided by an
auxiliary modular skid.
21. The method of claim 15, further comprising fluidly connecting
the primary manifold connection of the first and second modular
skids together to a well of a wellhead.
22. The method of claim 15, wherein the first and second modular
skids are aligned in an end-to-end manner and connected together in
a linear configuration.
23. The method of claim 15, further comprising: connecting an axial
end of the primary manifold connection in the first modular skid to
a tie-in valve disposed along the primary manifold connection in
the second modular skid to connect the first and second modular
skids in a perpendicular configuration.
24. The method of claim 15, further comprising mounting the first
and second modular skids on a trailer and transporting the
connected-together first and second modular skids on the
trailer.
25. The method of claim 15, further comprising mounting the first
modular skid on a first trailer and mounting the second modular
skid on a second trailer.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising connecting the first
modular skid to the second modular skid without removing the first
modular skid from the first trailer or the second modular skid from
the second trailer.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein connecting the first modular
skid to the second modular skid comprises connecting the first
trailer to the second trailer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119,
of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/480,822 filed on Apr.
3, 2017 and entitled "Modular Fracturing Pad Structure." The
disclosure of this U.S. Provisional Application is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hydraulic fracturing is a stimulation treatment routinely
performed on oil and gas wells in low-permeability reservoirs.
Specially engineered fluids are pumped at high pressure and rate
into the reservoir interval to be treated, causing a vertical
fracture to open. The wings of the fracture extend away from the
wellbore in opposing directions according to the natural stresses
within the formation. Proppant, such as grains of sand of a
particular size, is mixed with the treatment fluid to keep the
fracture open when the treatment is complete. Hydraulic fracturing
creates high-conductivity communication with a large area of
formation and bypasses any damage that may exist in the
near-wellbore area. Furthermore, hydraulic fracturing is used to
increase the rate at which fluids, such as petroleum, water, or
natural gas can be recovered from subterranean natural reservoirs.
Reservoirs are typically porous sandstones, limestones or dolomite
rocks, but also include "unconventional reservoirs" such as shale
rock or coal beds. Hydraulic fracturing enables the extraction of
natural gas and oil from rock formations deep below the earth's
surface (e.g., generally 2,000-6,000 m (5,000-20,000 ft)), which is
greatly below typical groundwater reservoir levels. At such depth,
there may be insufficient permeability or reservoir pressure to
allow natural gas and oil to flow from the rock into the wellbore
at high economic return. Thus, creating conductive fractures in the
rock is instrumental in extraction from naturally impermeable shale
reservoirs.
[0003] A wide variety of hydraulic fracturing equipment is used in
oil and natural gas fields such as a slurry blender, one or more
high-pressure, high-volume fracturing pumps and a monitoring unit.
Additionally, associated equipment includes fracturing tanks, one
or more units for storage and handling of proppant, high-pressure
treating iron, a chemical additive unit (used to accurately monitor
chemical addition), low-pressure flexible hoses, and many gauges
and meters for flow rate, fluid density, and treating pressure.
Fracturing equipment operates over a range of pressures and
injection rates, and can reach up to 100 megapascals (15,000 psi)
and 265 litres per second (9.4 cu ft/s) (100 barrels per
minute).
[0004] As seen by the prior art in FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates an
example of an existing hydraulic fracturing pad system 100 (often
referred to as a "frac pad" in the industry). The fracturing pad
system 100 includes at least one pump truck 102 connected to a
missile manifold 104 via fluid connections 106. Additionally, a
blending system 108 may be connected to the pump trucks 102 through
one or more hoses 110 to supply proppant and other particulates to
the pump trucks 102 to pump into the well (not shown) as part of
the fracturing process. The missile trailer 104 may be connected to
a valve structure 112 that, for instance, can include a safety
valve that may open to relieve pressure in the system under certain
conditions. The valve structure 112 may be connected to at least
one manifold 114 through a pipe spool 116 that is a plurality of
pipes flanged together, for instance. As can be seen from FIG. 1,
the fracturing pad system 100 includes many, non-uniform
connections that must be made up and pressure tested, including the
conduits to/from the pump trucks 102, missile trailer 104, and
blending system 108. Furthermore, the connections between the
missile manifold 104 and valve structure 112, and the pipe spool
116 between the valve structure 112 and the manifolds 114 are also
non-uniform connections that must be made up and pressure tested.
These connections take valuable time and resources on site.
Additionally, the fracturing pad system 100 is generally not
flexible regarding the number of pumps that can be used.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts that are further described below in the detailed
description. This summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0006] In one aspect, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to a
modular pad system that includes a plurality of connected-together
modular skids, wherein each of the modular skids has a frame and a
primary manifold connection with a primary inlet, a primary outlet
and one or more primary flow paths extending therebetween, wherein
the frame of each modular skid has a mounting footprint having
substantially the same size, and wherein the primary manifold
connection of each modular skid are connected together to fluidly
connect the modular skids together.
[0007] In another aspect, the embodiments disclosed herein relate
to a method of forming a modular pad system that includes
connecting a first modular skid to a second modular skid, wherein
each of the first and second modular skids a primary manifold
connection with a primary inlet, a primary outlet and one or more
primary flow paths extending therebetween, and a frame, wherein the
frames of the first and second modular skids have a substantially
same mounting footprint, and connecting the primary manifold
connection of the first and second modular skids together to
fluidly connect the first and second modular skids together.
[0008] Other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the
following description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a conventional
hydraulic fracturing pad system.
[0010] FIGS. 2A-2B are perspective views of a modular hydraulic
fracturing pad system in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0011] FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views of a trailer chassis in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 4A-4B are perspective views of an articulating
fracturing arm (AFA) modular skid in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIGS. 5A-5B are perspective views of a power system modular
skid in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 6A-6C are perspective views of a pop-off/bleed-off
tank modular skid in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a well isolation modular
skid in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIGS. 8A-8B are perspective views of a zipper manifold
modular skid in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 9A-9C are perspective views of equipment modular skids
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIGS. 10A-10B are perspective views of equipment modular
skids in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a
modular fracturing pad system. The modular fracturing pad system
may also be interchangeably referred to as a modular skid system in
the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "coupled" or
"coupled to" or "connected" or "connected to" may indicate
establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not
limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. Wherever
possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the
figures to identify common or the same elements. The figures are
not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of
the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of
clarification.
[0020] A modular skid system, according to embodiments herein, is a
system in which the elements of a hydraulic fracturing system are
modularized and deployed on connectable modular skids that can be
secured together to form an integrated fracturing structure capable
of spanning from the outlet of a hydraulic fracturing pump to the
wellhead. The hydraulic fracturing system elements are modularized
in a way such that the primary manifolds/flow functionality is made
up when the modular skids are connected. Further, the modularized
hydraulic fracturing system elements may be held on units having
standardized uniform connections, such that different types of
hydraulic fracturing system element units may be connected together
using the same connection type. The reduction of using non-uniform
connections that must be made up and pressure tested may
significantly reduce the complexity, design, time, and weight of
the system. Additionally, a modular skid system may be used to
direct fluid produced from or injected into a well. Furthermore,
the modular skid system may be adapted for any operations in or
around the well. For example, the modular skid system may be used
for flow back operations, drill-out operations, well-logging
operations, or any other post-drilling operations know in the
art.
[0021] In some embodiments, multiple modular skids may be loaded
onto and connected-together on a single chassis. In such
embodiments, a chassis holding multiple rigged-up modular skids may
be transported to a wellsite such that the equipment on the modular
skids (e.g., junk catchers, desanders, choke manifolds, etc.) may
all be pre-rigged and dropped on location in rigged-up condition.
By using modular skid systems according to embodiments of the
present disclosure to rig-up a wellbore operations system,
equipment may be pre-rigged and dropped on location in rigged-up
condition, thereby reducing rig-up time in the field. As used
herein, fluids may refer to proppant, liquids, gases, and/or
mixtures thereof. Other instruments and devices, including without
limitation, sensors and various valves may be incorporated within a
modular hydraulic fracturing pad system.
[0022] Conventional hydraulic fracturing pad systems in the oil and
gas industry typically consume a large amount of space and
resources of a rig area. Conventional hydraulic fracturing pad
systems may use elements that are individually designed and sized
with pipes, flow lines, and other conduits being used to
interconnect the conventional hydraulic fracturing pad systems.
Furthermore, pipes, flow lines, and other conduits being used to
interconnect the conventional hydraulic fracturing pad systems are
not uniform and take valuable time to make up and pressure test.
Additionally, the sheer number of pipes, hoses, and other fluid
connections represent safety hazards for on-site workers. This
additional need of more components needed to interconnect the
conventional hydraulic fracturing pad systems adds to the weight,
installation costs, and overall cost of the conventional hydraulic
fracturing pad systems. However, using modular skid systems
according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may
overcome such challenges, as well as, provide additional advantages
over conventional fracturing systems.
[0023] In one or more embodiments, a modular skid system may
include purpose built, same-sized modular skids that are connected
together to form a multi-functional super structure for use in
fracturing operations. As used herein, purpose built modular skids
may include modular skids having known and/or new equipment that
serves a certain purpose or performs a certain job. For example, a
modular skid according to embodiments of the present disclosure may
have a known type of isolation valve mounted thereto or may have a
new type of isolation valve mounted thereto, where at least one
purpose of the purpose built modular skid is to selectively isolate
flow or fluid through the modular skid. Other equipment types
currently known and/or unknown in the art (e.g., as shown in some
of the examples provided herein) may be utilized in modular skids
according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] Modular skids according to embodiments of the present
disclosure may have standardized uniform mounting footprints,
whether same-type or different-type equipment is mounted to the
modular skids. In other words, a modular skid system according to
embodiments of the present disclosure may include modular skids
having same and/or different equipment configurations held on each
modular skid, where each modular skid in the modular skid system
may have the same mounting footprint. As used herein, a mounting
footprint may refer to the size (width and length) of a base of a
modular skid. Thus, in one or more embodiments, modular skids
having different equipment units may have the same mounting
footprint whether or not the different equipment units have
different heights and/or elements of the different equipment units
have different dimensions that swing or extend outward of the
modular skid. For example, a modular skid system according to
embodiments of the present disclosure may have a first modular skid
with one or more elements of the equipment (e.g., a valve actuator
or a valve connection flange) at a height above the first modular
skid base and extending a distance outside of the first modular
skid base width/length dimensions, and a second modular skid with
an equipment unit configuration different from the first modular
skid equipment, where both the first and second modular skids may
have the same base width/length dimensions).
[0025] As described above, each modular skid in a modular skid
system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may
have the same mounting footprint. However, in some embodiments,
such as described in more detail below, a modular skid system may
include one or more modular skids having a mounting footprint with
one or more irregularities compared with the mounting footprints of
the remaining modular skids, such that the modular skids in the
modular skid system have substantially the same mounting footprints
(i.e., have the same general widths and lengths not including the
one or more irregularities). For example, in some embodiments, a
modular skid system having modular skids with bases of the same
general width and length and with connection points at axial ends
of the base length may include a modular skid having base with an
additional connection point extending past the width of the
majority of the base, while the remaining modular skids in the
modular skid system may have bases without such irregularities in
the base width formed by an additional connection point.
[0026] The size of modular skids (including the size of modular
skid mounting footprints, modular skid heights, equipment
configurations arranged on the modular skids, etc.) may be selected
based, for instance, on the size limitations of common
transportation means, Department of Transportation (DOT)
requirements (e.g., to meet weight and size limits of loads being
transported on roads by trailers), the type of function each
modular skid is to perform, and/or to provide reduced cost and
reduced time to manufacture. For instance, the size of the mounting
footprint of modular skids may be selected so that three modular
skids may fit end to end on a flatbed trailer. In some embodiments,
the overall size of modular skids (including the mounting
footprints and the size of the equipment held on the modular skids)
may be selected such that one or more modular skids may be mounted
to a flatbed trailer and also meet DOT regulations for transporting
the loaded flatbed trailer.
[0027] For example, according to embodiments of the present
disclosure, a modular skid may have a mounting footprint having a
length ranging from, e.g., a lower limit selected from 7 ft, 10 ft
or 14 ft to an upper limit selected from 14 ft or 28 ft, and a
width ranging from, e.g., a lower limit selected from 4 ft, 6 ft or
8 ft to an upper limit selected from 6 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft, or 12 ft,
where any lower limit may be used in combination with any upper
limit. For example, in some embodiments, a modular skid may have a
mounting footprint of about 8.5 ft wide and about 11.5 ft long.
However, the dimensions of the mounting footprint of a modular skid
may vary within the above-mentioned ranges or may be outside of the
above-mentioned ranges, depending, for example, on the job the
modular skid is designed to perform, DOT regulations, and/or other
factors. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the
mounting footprint for a modular skid may be designed to correspond
with pump spacing when the modular skid is to be used in a pumping
operation.
[0028] Further, in some embodiments, a modular skid may have a
height ranging from, e.g., a lower limit selected from 2 ft, 4 ft
or 6 ft to an upper limit selected from 10 ft, 14 ft, or 18 ft,
where any lower limit may be used in combination with any upper
limit. However, the height of a modular skid may be outside the
above-mentioned ranges, depending, for example, on the job the
modular skid is designed to perform, DOT regulations, and/or other
factors. For example, in some embodiments, modular skids may be
designed to have the same or different heights (depending on the
types of equipment units being held on each modular skid), where
the height of each of the modular skids may be about 10.6 ft or
less. In instances where modular skids are being transported on a
trailer (and DOT height regulations apply), the height of modular
skids may be designed to be no greater than the regulation height
minus the height of the trailer on which the modular skids are
mounted to.
[0029] When modular skids according to embodiments of the present
disclosure are connected together to form a modular skid system,
different type equipment units held in different modular skids may
also be connected together to form a manifold having a continuous
flow path formed therethrough with limited connection. Thus,
modular skids according to embodiments of the present disclosure
may include substantially uniform mounting footprints in addition
to equipment configured to align and/or connect with equipment in
adjacently mounted modular skids.
[0030] Using modular skid systems according to embodiments of the
present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for extensive
non-uniform connections since the modular skid pad system is
modularized and may be deployed on connectable skids to reduce the
number of connections to other equipment. Further, modular skid
systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be
tailored to meet the specific job requirements needed (Rate, number
of pumps, etc.), for example, by adding or subtracting a number of
a certain purpose-type modular skid and/or by rearranging the
connection pattern of modular skids. Overall, a modular skid system
according to embodiments of the present disclosure may minimize
product engineering, risk associated with non-uniform connections,
reduction of assembly time, hardware cost reduction, and weight and
envelope reduction.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, FIGS. 2A-2B illustrates an example
of a modular skid system 200 which connects to at least one
wellhead 201. The modular skid system 200 couples with the at least
one wellhead 201 by using at least one time and efficiency (TE)
manifold modular skid or zipper manifold skid 202. A zipper
manifold skid 202 refers to a modular skid that is purpose built
for connection to a wellhead, which may include an outlet head
(which may be referred to as a fracturing head or goat head in
fracturing operations) for connection to the wellhead and one or
more gate valves. The zipper manifold equipment may be arranged to
fit on a modular skid frame having a selected mounting footprint,
such that the base of the zipper manifold skid 202 may have a
mounting footprint with a selected width and length.
[0032] Typically, spacing of the wellheads 201 is from 6 feet to 10
feet, and thus, the at least one zipper manifold skid 202 may be
designed to align with known spacing of the wellheads 201. For
example, the zipper manifold skids 202 may be designed to have a
mounting footprint with a selected length that corresponds with an
interval between wellheads 201. Spacer skids 207 (modular skids
that are purpose built to provide spacing between adjacent modular
skids, which may include equipment to connect between the equipment
in the adjacent modular skids) may be provided between the zipper
manifold skids 202 to provide closer alignment of the spacing
between the zipper manifold skids 202 with the spacing between the
wellheads 201. If the wellheads 201 are spaced irregularly, one
skilled in the art will appreciate how piping may be used to couple
the wellheads 201 to the at least one zipper manifold skid 202. One
skilled in the art will appreciate how the modular skid system 200
is not limited to a set number of wellheads 201. For example,
additional zipper manifold skids 202 may be added to the modular
skid system 200 to connect to additional wellheads 201.
[0033] In one or more embodiments, the modular skid system 200 may
include at least one pump modular skid 203 such as, but not limited
to, an articulating fracturing arm (AFA) modular skid. The pump
modular skids 203 may be used in the oil and gas production
industry to perform servicing operations on a well by connecting a
system manifold to a pump. For example, in a well fracturing
operation the pump modular skid 203 may be used to inject a slurry
into the wellbore in order to fracture the hydrocarbon bearing
formation, and thereby produce channels through which the oil or
gas may flow, by providing a fluid connection between pump
discharge and the modular skid system 200. In some embodiments, the
pump modular skid 203 may use standard 3'' connections with a
plurality of piping (i.e., ground iron) running on the ground from
a pump to the pump modular skid 203. In this operation, the pump
skids 203 may connect a number of high pressure pumping units to
the wellheads 201. The AFA manifold equipment may be arranged to
fit on a modular skid having a selected mounting footprint, such
that the base of the AFA skid 203 may have a mounting footprint
with a selected width and length.
[0034] In one or more embodiments, the modular skid system 200 may
include at least one auxiliary modular skid 204. The auxiliary skid
204 may provide a universal power and control unit, including a
power unit and a primary controller of the modular skid system 200.
Furthermore, the universal power and control unit within the
auxiliary skid 204 may contain programmable logic controllers
(PLC), sensors, and solar panel controllers. In one or more
embodiments, a programmable logic controller monitors at least one
sensor and makes decisions based upon a program to control the
state of at least one controllable element. Additionally, the
auxiliary skid 204 may include one or more electronically
controlled pressure relief valves (ePRV) which may be electrically
powered and require no gas bottles or hoses. For example, an
auxiliary modular skid may include a universal power and control
unit and two ePRVs. The ePRV may pop open in the event power is
lost, unless a battery backup is employed. The power manifold
equipment may be arranged to fit on a modular skid frame having a
selected mounting footprint, such that the base of the auxiliary
skid 204 may have a mounting footprint with a selected width and
length.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, the modular skid system 200 may
include at least one pop-off/bleed-off tank modular skid 205. The
pop-off/bleed-off tank modular skid 205 may be used in the oil and
gas production industry to perform servicing operations on a well.
For example, in a well fracturing operation the pop-off/bleed-off
tank skid 205 may allow discharge pressure from bleed off/pop off
operations to be immediately relieved and controlled. At the
conclusion of high-pressure tests or treatments, the pressure
within the associated systems must be bled off safely to enable
subsequent phases of the operation to continue. The bleed off
process must be conducted with a high degree of control to avoid
the effect of sudden depressurization, which may create shock
forces and fluid-disposal hazards. Thus, the pop-off/bleed-off tank
skid 205 may equalize or relieve pressure from a vessel or system
by collecting fluid bled-off from the system. The pop-off/bleed-off
tank equipment may be arranged to fit on a modular skid frame
having a selected mounting footprint, such that the base of the
pop-off/bleed-off tank skid 205 may have a mounting footprint with
a selected width and length.
[0036] In one or more embodiments, the modular skid system 200 may
include at least one isolation modular skid 206. The isolation skid
206 may be used in the oil and gas production industry to perform
servicing operations on a well. For example, in a well fracturing
operation an isolation modular skid may be used to allow pump-side
equipment and well-side equipment to be isolated from each other.
Additionally, the isolation skid 206 may be capable of being
simultaneously attached to multiple external holding vessels (e.g.,
pop-off/bleed-off tanks) and directing wellbore fluid bled-off from
the well-side equipment or from the pump-side equipment to any of
the external holding vessels. Furthermore, the isolation skid 206
may be connected to only one external holding vessel and may be
capable of directing fluid from either the well-side equipment or
from the pump-side equipment to the same external holding vessel.
Thus, the well isolation unit may provide more options for bleeding
off well-side and pump-side equipment than traditional well
isolation equipment. In the embodiment shown, the isolation skid
206 may include a bleed-off manifold fluidly connected to the
pop-off/bleed-off tanks held in the pop-off/bleed-off tank skid
205, such that fluid bled off from the isolation equipment may be
collected in the pop-off/bleed-offtanks.
[0037] Further, the isolation skid 206 may allow piping components
with larger inner diameters than the piping components used in
traditional wellbore operation systems to be used to perform
wellbore operations. The well isolation unit disclosed herein may
include automated valves. The isolation equipment may be arranged
to fit on a modular skid frame having a selected mounting
footprint, such that the base of the isolation skid 206 may have a
mounting footprint with a selected width and length. The modular
skids 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 may align together to form a
super structure. One skilled in the art will appreciate how the
modular skid system 200 is not limited to a set number of modular
skids but may have any number modular skids needed to perform a
required job parameter.
[0038] In one or more embodiments, the modular skids 202, 203, 204,
205, 206, 207 may each include a primary manifold connection 210
with a single primary inlet and a single primary outlet and one or
more primary flow paths extending therebetween mounted on
same-sized A-frames 208 of the modular skids. Further, the primary
manifold connections 210 extend a length of the modular skids 202,
203, 204, 205, 206, 207. The same-sized A-frames 208 have a base
with frame beams extending upward from the base. Additionally, the
frame beams are angled inward and are connected with a top beam to
create an A shape. The top beam extends from one side of the
same-sized A-frame 208 to another end of the same-sized A-frame
208. It is further envisioned the same-sized A-frame 208 may be any
shape suitable to encompass the required equipment and is not
limited to being the same-sized shape shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
Furthermore, one skilled in the art will appreciate how the
same-sized A-frames 208 may be formed from a base material such as
metal, composite, plastic, or any material know in the art to be a
suitable frame. Additionally, the A-frame 208 may be coated with
any material know the art to protect the base material. The primary
manifold connections 210 and same-sized A-frame 208 allow for the
number and order of the modular skids 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207
to be easily changed depending on hydraulic fracturing pad design
considerations or well conditions. Additionally, the primary
manifold connections 210 may simplify the number of connections
needed system wide, as the primary manifold connections 210 allows
the modular skids 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 to be in fluid
communication via the primary manifold connections 210.
Furthermore, FIG. 2A shows the modular skids 202, 203, 204, 205,
206, 207 of the modular skid system 200 in a Tee configuration
(i.e., forming a T-shape). In one or more embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 2B, the modular skids 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 of the
modular skid system 200 may be in a straight or linear
configuration. One skilled in the art will appreciate how the
modular skid system 200 is not limited to a set configuration and
may be adapted to any configurations based on the job
requirements.
[0039] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a
primary manifold connection may include piping or a body having one
or more flow paths formed therethrough with a single inlet and a
single outlet to the one or more flow paths. For example, when a
primary manifold connection includes multiple flow paths (e.g., two
or more flow paths run in parallel), secondary flow paths may
branch off from a junction with a single inlet and/or may branch
off from a junction with a primary flow path extending from the
single inlet, and secondary flow paths may join at one or more
junctions to a single outlet and/or primary flow path. In some
embodiments, a primary manifold connection may include more than
one primary inlet and/or more than one primary outlet with one or
more primary flow paths extending therebetween.
[0040] As used herein, a flow path between a primary manifold
connection may be referred to as a primary flow path. When multiple
primary manifold connections (from multiple modular skids) are
connected together to make up the primary flow functionality of a
modular skid system, the connected-together primary manifold
connections may form a primary flow path extending from one end of
the modular skid system to another end of the modular skid system.
For example, in the modular skid system shown in FIG. 2A, the
connected-together primary manifold connections 210 may provide a
primary flow path extending from one or more pumps (at the pump
skids 203) to the wellheads (at the zipper manifold modular skids
202).
[0041] As mentioned above, a primary flow path may include one or
more secondary flow paths branching from and/or joining with the
primary flow path extending between a single primary inlet and
single primary outlet manifold connection. In some embodiments, one
or more secondary flow paths may be used in different subsystems of
a modular skid system. For example, secondary flow paths may be
formed through a bleed-off manifold in an isolation modular skid,
and flow path(s) formed between a primary manifold connection of
the isolation modular skid may form the primary flow path(s), where
the primary flow path(s) may be used for transporting fluid from
the pump side to the well side of the isolation modular skid, and
where the secondary flow paths may carry fluid from the primary
flow path(s) to be bled off (e.g., to a connected bleed-off tank or
other external holding vessel). Accordingly, in some embodiments,
secondary flow paths may have different outlets (referred to herein
as secondary outlets) from the single primary outlet of a primary
manifold connection. Further, in some embodiments, one or more
secondary flow paths may have a different inlet (referred to herein
as a secondary inlet) from the single primary inlet of the primary
manifold connection. In some embodiments, such as described above,
a secondary flow path may branch off and join a primary flow path
within the distance between a single primary inlet and a single
primary outlet of a primary manifold connection, such that the
secondary flow path does not have a secondary inlet or secondary
outlet.
[0042] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or
more modular skids may have one or more secondary inlets and/or
secondary outlets in addition to a primary manifold connection. In
some embodiments, a secondary inlet of a modular skid may connect
with a secondary outlet of an adjacent modular skid. In some
embodiments, a secondary inlet and/or a secondary outlet of a
modular skid may connect with an external vessel, which may or may
not be modularized into a modular skid.
[0043] As described above, the term "primary" may be used for
lines/manifold connections that are connected together to transport
fluid from the pump to the well, while the term "secondary" can be
used for lines/manifold that flow into or out of the primary
lines/manifold connections, such as bleed offs, prime up lines,
and/or chemical injections (Acid). In one or more embodiments of
the present disclosure, when the primary manifold connections 210
of each modular skids are made up in the modular skid system 200,
the connected-together primary manifold connections 210 provide a
primary flow path extending from pump(s) (not shown) to wellheads
201, whereas the secondary lines/manifold do not. For example, the
secondary lines/manifold may be used for priming. In priming, prime
pumps may be used to circulate fluid through prime-up lines in a
pump side system, but does not go all the way to the well.
Additionally, secondary lines/manifold, such as chemical injection
lines, may be used to inject different chemicals into the primary
lines/manifold. As such, the primary lines/manifold will typically
be bigger than secondary lines/manifold.
[0044] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the
modular skid system 200 may be configured to a pressure rating of
any job requirement. Specifically, a main pressure rating
limitation of the modular skid system 200 may correspond with the
wellheads 201, as known in the art. Furthermore, the modular skid
system 200 may be rated up to 15,000 psi but is not limited to
15,000 psi (in some cases the pressure rating may go up to 20,000
psi or more). One skilled in the art will appreciate how the
various equipment of the modular skid system 200 may have different
pressure ratings. For example, a pump side (i.e., the isolation
modular skid 206, pop-off/bleed-off tank modular skid 205, pump
skid 203, and auxiliary modular skid 204) may have a pressure
rating of 15,000 psi while the wellheads 201 and the zipper
manifold skid 202 may have a pressure rating of 10,000 psi. In some
embodiments, the pump side of the modular skid system 200 may be
pressure rated higher than the wellheads 201 and the zipper
manifold skid 202, which may have pressures ratings from 5,000 psi
up to 15000 psi, for example, and can change from job to job.
[0045] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a
primary manifold connection may have an inner diameter ranging
from, for example, 4 inches to 8 inches, such as about 7 inches.
One skilled in the art will appreciate how the primary manifold
connection is not limited to the range of 4 inches to 8 inches and
may be any desired inner diameter based on the job requirements. As
such, the primary manifold connection may be as small as 3/4 inches
(i.e., a 1'' flow line) or as large as 30'' (API 6A has regulations
up to a 30'' ID, 3000 PSI capacity). In some embodiments, the
single primary inlet and the single primary outlet of a primary
manifold connection may have inner bore diameters greater than the
inner diameter of the one or more primary flow paths extending
between the inlet and outlet. In such a case, the ends of the
primary manifold connection may have an upset section to transition
from a larger inner diameter at the ends to a smaller inner
diameter. As stated above, the primary flow path will more than
likely be larger than any of the secondary flow path lines.
Typically, the primary flow path will be a 7 1/16'' bore while the
secondary lines may be 2'' flow line iron (actual inner diameter
1.75'').
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2B, the modular skids 202, 203,
204, 205, 206, 207 of the modular skid system 200 may be mounted
onto at least one trailer chassis 209 prior to deployment to the
field. The modular skids 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 may use ISO
blocks and twist locks (not shown) to mount the modular skids to
the at least one trailer chassis 209. In other embodiments,
different connection types (such as mechanical fasteners) may be
used to connect a modular skid to a chassis or other platform.
Additionally, the modular skids may use an adhesive or be welded to
the at least one trailer chassis 209. In some embodiments, the
weight of the modular skid and connections to adjacent modular
skids (e.g., manifold connections and/or frame connections) may be
used to hold the modular skid on a trailer. Furthermore, the at
least one trailer chassis 209 may be formed to have a surface with
a plurality of grooves so that the same-sized A-frame 208 of the
modular skids are designed to fit within the grooves.
[0047] Multiples trailer chassis 209 may be used depending on the
number of modular skids being used. When using multiple trailer
chassis 209, the trailer chassis 209 may be aligned and joined
using similar technology to removable gooseneck trailers. In
mounting the modular skids 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 to the at
least one trailer chassis 209, a field rig-up time may be
significantly reduced. As stated above, the at least one trailer
chassis 209 may allow for different configurations per job
requirements. Additionally, in using the same-sized A-frame 208,
the modular skids 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 may have identical
mounting footprints, regardless of function. However, it is further
envisioned that the modular skids 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 may
be transported to the field and placed on a ground or other
platform structure instead of using the at least one trailer
chassis 209.
[0048] As seen by FIGS. 3A-3C, in one more embodiments, perspective
views of a trailer chassis 300 is shown. The trailer chassis 300
has a top surface 301 adapted to be a carrier for the modular skids
described in FIGS. 2A-2B. Furthermore, the top surface 301 may be
configured to lock the modular skids in place with a plurality of
ISO retractable twist locks 302 or any known locking device known
in the art. FIG. 3A illustrates the trailer chassis 300 utilizing a
removable gooseneck 303 as known in the art. The removable
gooseneck 303 may allow the trailer chassis 300 to be easily
coupled to a motor vehicle (not shown) and removed if the trailer
chassis 300 needs to be connected to a second trailer chassis 304
(shown in FIGS. 3B-3C).
[0049] Further, seen by FIGS. 3B-3C, a plurality of male
connections 306 on the trailer chassis 300 may be inserted into a
plurality of female connections 305 on the second trailer chassis
304 to aid in proper alignment of the two trailers 300, 304.
Furthermore, a plurality of trailer twist locks 307 on the trailer
chassis 300 may engage and lock a plurality of ISO connection
blocks 308 on the second trailer chassis 304, thereby, locking the
two trailers 300, 304 together. It is further envisioned that the
two trailers 300, 304 may be coupled together by a means of any
mechanical fastener and not limited to the plurality of trailer
twist locks 307 and the plurality of ISO connection blocks 308.
Additionally, hydraulics may be used in conjunction or alone of the
mechanical fastener. Furthermore, subsea connection technologies
such as soft/hard landing may be used to couple the two trailers
300, 304. In some embodiments, the two trailers 300, 304 may be
welded together or use adhesives.
[0050] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a
modular skid system may include a plurality of trailer chassis
(e.g., as described FIGS. 3A-3C) adapted to be a carrier for
modular skids according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
Furthermore, the primary flow line of the modular skid system may
be connected-together by physically attaching the plurality of
trailer chassis together in the field. For example, a first modular
skid may be mounted on a first trailer and a second modular skid
may be mounted on a second trailer. The first modular skid may be
connected to the second modular skid without removing the first
modular skid from the first trailer or the second modular skid from
the second trailer. Additionally, the connecting of the first
modular skid to the second modular skid may include connecting the
first trailer to the second trailer. It is further envisioned that
the first modular skid on the first trailer may be connected to the
second modular skid on the second trailer by using piping (i.e.,
ground iron) and with or without connecting the first trailer to
second trailer.
[0051] As seen by FIGS. 4A-4B, in one more embodiments, a
perspective view of pump skid or an articulating fracturing arm
(AFA) modular skid 400 from two different sides is shown. While
FIGS. 4A-4B illustrates articulating fracturing arm (AFA) modular
skid 400, one skilled in the art would understand the AFA skid 400
may be configured to be a pump modular skid carrying other pump
connecting equipment. For example, using a different pump modular
skid, the plurality of AFA arms 403 may be replaced with a standard
3'' connection. The AFA skid 400 may include a primary manifold
connection 401 (e.g., primary manifold connection with a single
primary inlet and a single primary outlet and one or more primary
flow paths extending therebetween, such as described above) and a
dual segment low pressure line 402 (which may have secondary flow
paths formed therethrough). The primary manifold connection 401 may
be connected to a pump (not shown) on either side via the AFA arms
403 and may receive pressurized output from the pumps.
Additionally, the dual segments low pressure line 402 may form two
portions of a single low pressure manifold that receive
particulates from a blending system (not shown) and provide
particulates to fluid from the pumps through outlets. Furthermore,
blenders (not shown) may operate anywhere from 0-150 psi, and a max
of 120 BPM, and thus, the low pressure equipment may be rated
higher than 150 psi for a safety factor. One skilled in the art
would understand how the further away the pump is from the blender,
the lower the pressure head can be at the pump. For example, if all
the pumps are stroking, the first few pumps closest to the blender
may have the greatest suction head and the ones further away may
have less. Thus, the pumps may be run at different rates to
compensate and prevent cavitation on the pumps with low suction
head.
[0052] The dual segments low pressure line 402 has one end that is
a low pressure hose 404 and an opposite end that is a low pressure
header 405. One skilled in the art will appreciate how the low
pressure hose 404 may allow flexibility in connecting the skids
during rig-up operation. It is further envisioned that the dual
segments low pressure line 402 may self-connect and not be limited
having the low pressure hose 404 and the low pressure header 405.
Furthermore, the low pressure header 405 may include vane (air)
actuated butterfly valves 409. Further seen by FIGS. 4A-4B, the AFA
skid 400 contains its own independent local hydraulic accumulator
406 for shock absorption. Additionally, a local power station 407
may be powered by a solar panel 408, which may provide power to
work area flood lights (not shown). In some embodiments, the local
power station 407 may include at least one programmable logic
controllers (PLC), at least one sensor, and other electronics to
aid in communicating directly with the automation of the AFA skid
400. Additionally, a hydraulically actuated 3'' ULT Valve 410 may
be connected to the AFA arms 403 and the primary manifold
connection 401. Also seen by FIGS. 4A-4B are a plurality of ISO
connection blocks 411 which may engage with the plurality of ISO
retractable twist locks 301 (see FIG. 3A) to lock the AFA skid 400
to the trailer chassis 300 (see FIG. 3A).
[0053] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 4A
illustrates a height 412, a width 413, and a length 414 of the AFA
skid 400. For example, the width 413 may be 81/2 feet and the
length 414 may be 111/2 feet. However, width 413 and the length 414
is not limited to 81/2 feet and 111/2 feet respectively and may be
any width or length to properly align the AFA skid 400 with the
pumps or any other job requirements. Furthermore, the height 412 of
the AFA skid 400 may be limited by a Department of Transportation
(DOT) requirement. For example, in Texas the height limit is 14
feet of a total height of equipment mounted on a trailer chassis.
As such, the height 412 of the AFA skid 400 may correspond with a
height of a trailer that the AFA skid 400 sits on. For example, if
the trailer sits 40 inches off the ground, the height 412 of the
AFA skid 400 may not exceed 10.6 feet to comply with some DOT
requirements (if the height 412 exceeds 10.6 feet, special permits
are needed). Furthermore, the aforementioned dimensions of the AFA
skid 400 may be used on any modular skids mentioned in the present
application but are only shown in FIG. 4A for simplicity
purposes.
[0054] Now referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, in one or more embodiments,
FIGS. 5A-5B illustrates an electronically controlled pressure
relief valves (ePRV)/auxiliary modular skid 500 with a primary
manifold connection 501 (e.g., a primary manifold connection with a
single primary inlet and a single primary outlet and one or more
primary flow paths extending therebetween, such as described above)
that can be connected directly to another modular skid in any
particular order. The auxiliary modular skid 500 may include a low
pressure header 502 configured to couple to dual segment low
pressure line 402 of the AFA skid 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. The
auxiliary skid 500 may have dual ePRVs 503 for redundancy.
Furthermore, the auxiliary skid 500 may include an ePRV discharge
iron 504 to discharge directly into a pop-off tank (not shown) or
other external holding vessel. Additionally, hydraulically actuated
isolation valves 505 may be used to connect the dual ePRVs 503 with
the primary manifold connection 501. The auxiliary skid 500 may
have a local power station 506, which may be powered by a solar
panel 507. Further, hydraulic/air storage tanks 508 may be used on
the auxiliary skid 500. Also seen by FIGS. 5A-5B are a plurality of
ISO connection blocks 509 which may engage with ISO retractable
twist locks (e.g., locks 301 in FIG. 3A) to lock the power skid 500
to a trailer chassis (e.g., trailer chassis 300 in FIG. 3A) or
other mounting structure. One skilled in the art will appreciate
how the power skid 500 may have an onboard power unit 510, such as
an EnPac unit, to provide hydraulic/air/electricity for the entire
modular hydraulic fracturing pad system. The local power station
506 may run off of battery/solar system primarily, but may use the
onboard power unit 510 if the battery/solar system supply isn't
sufficient. In some embodiments, the local power station 506 may
include at least one programmable logic controllers (PLC), at least
one sensor, and other electronics to aid in communicating directly
with the automation of the auxiliary modular skid 500.
[0055] Now referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, in one or more embodiments,
FIGS. 6A-6C illustrates a pop-off/bleed-off tank modular skid 600
with a primary manifold connection 601 (e.g., a primary manifold
connection with one or more primary inlets, one or more primary
outlets and one or more primary flow paths extending therebetween)
that can be connected directly to another modular skid in any
particular order. The pop-off/bleed-off tank skid 600 may collect
all discharge energy from bleed off/pop off operations (via a bleed
off inlet 606 or a pop off inlet 604 in tank 603) to provide
immediate relief and control. It is further envisioned a smart
fluid level technology (not shown) may be used in a tank 603 to
detect need for draining, leak detection from ePRV or bleed off
systems, etc. Further, a drain valve may be disposed near a bottom
of the tank 603. Additionally, the pop-off/bleed-off tank skid 600
may have a built-in baffle system 602 (See FIG. 6C) to distribute
pressure and force into the tank 603. The pop-off/bleed-off tank
skid 600 has the ability to be daisy chained in the modular
hydraulic fracturing pad system for increased capacity.
Additionally, more than one pop-off/bleed-off tank skid 600 may be
provided in a modular hydraulic fracturing pad system. One skilled
in the art will appreciate how the pop-off/bleed-off tank skid 600
provides the capability to remove iron (piping connections) from
the ground (where without the pop-off/bleed-off tank modular skid,
iron must be ran to an open top/tank on location). Furthermore, the
pop off inlet 604 may couple to the ePRV discharge iron 504 of the
auxiliary modular skid 500 (not shown). Additionally, the bleed off
inlet 606 may couple to an isolation modular skid (not shown). Also
seen by FIGS. 6A-6C are a plurality of ISO connection blocks 607
which may engage with the plurality of ISO retractable twist locks
to lock the pop-off/bleed-off tank skid 600 to a trailer chassis or
other mounting platform.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 7, in one or more embodiments, FIG. 7
illustrates an isolation modular skid 700 with a primary manifold
connection 701 that can be connected directly to another modular
skid. The isolation skid 700 may include an integrated automated
bleed-off manifold having one or more valved bleed-off outlets 702
(e.g., two bleed-off outlets 702 shown in FIG. 7) configured to
couple to the bleed off inlet of an external holding vessel (e.g.,
the bleed off inlet 606 of the pop-off/bleed-off tank skid 600
shown in FIGS. 6A-6C). Additionally, the integrated automated
bleed-off manifold may have one or more connections 703 for
connecting the bleed-off manifold to other bleed-off pathways in
the modular skid system. Furthermore, the isolation skid 700 may
have at least one hydraulically actuated 4'' ULT valve 704 and at
least one 4'' check valve 705. Advantageously, the isolation skid
700 may remove all treating lines from the modular hydraulic
fracturing pad system, integrates with the pop-off/bleed-off tank
pod 600 (see FIGS. 6A-6C), bleeds well side or pump side
independently to one or more bleed-off outlets, and optionally to a
connected bleed-off tank (e.g., tank 603 in FIGS. 6A-6C). Also seen
by FIG. 7 is a plurality of ISO connection blocks 706 which may
engage with a plurality of ISO retractable twist locks to lock the
isolation skid 700 to a trailer chassis or other mounting
platform.
[0057] Now referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, in one or more embodiments,
FIGS. 8A-8B illustrates a time and efficiency (TE) manifold modular
skid, also referred to as a zipper manifold modular skid 800 with a
primary manifold connection 801 that can be connected directly to
another modular skid. A gate valve 802 may be provided on the
primary manifold connection 801 to divert flow into the TE manifold
skid 800 (which may prevent "Sand-Offs" of unused mainline).
Furthermore, the zipper manifold skid 800 may save space by using a
dual valve block 803 (e.g., which may include one manual valve 804
and one hydraulic valve 805) to open/close flow to a specific well
(not shown). Additionally, a goat head 806 (also referred to as a
frac head in the industry) may hang off a side of the zipper
manifold skid 800 for easy ground access for rigging up to the
well. One skilled in the art will appreciate how the modular
hydraulic fracturing pad system may have multiple zipper manifold
skids 800, as needed per job requirements. Also seen by FIGS. 8A-8B
are a plurality of ISO connection blocks 807 which may engage with
a plurality of ISO retractable twist locks to lock the zipper
manifold modular skid 800 to a trailer chassis or other mounting
platform.
[0058] Now referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, in one or more embodiments,
FIGS. 9A-9C illustrates different equipment modular skids with a
primary manifold connection 901 that can be connected directly to
another modular skid in any particular order. In FIG. 9A, a spacer
modular skid 900 is shown that is configured to allow proper
equipment spacing when needed in the modular skid system. Further,
FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate a Tee configuration modular skid 902
which includes a tie-in valve 903 connected to a Tee manifold
connection 906 to allow the modular skid system to be reconfigured
for different pad layouts/requirements. The manifold connection of
the Tee configuration modular skid 902 may be referred to as a Tee
manifold connection, as the primary flow path extending between an
inlet and an outlet has a third access point (via the tie-in valve.
The inlet, the outlet and/or the tie-in valve of the Tee manifold
connection may be connected to an adjacent primary manifold
connection to provide the primary flow functionality of a modular
skid system. Additionally, FIG. 9C shows a trailer tie-in 904 to
allow the Tee configuration modular skid 902 to secure to a trailer
chassis. Also seen by FIGS. 9A-9C are a plurality of ISO connection
blocks 905 which may engage with a plurality of ISO retractable
twist locks to lock the spacer modular skid 900 or the Tee
configuration skid 902 to a trailer chassis or other mounting
platform.
[0059] Further seen by FIGS. 10A-10B, in one or more embodiments,
FIGS. 10A-10B illustrates an example of a post-drilling operation
modular skid 1000 with a plurality of equipment 1001 mounted on a
trailer 1002. The post-drilling operation skid 1000 may connect to
the at least one wellhead, for example, using piping. One skilled
in the art will appreciate how the plurality of equipment 1001 of
the post-drilling operation skid 1000 may include equipment
required for flow back operations, drill-out operations,
well-logging operations, or any other post-drilling operations know
in the art.
[0060] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an axial
end of a primary manifold connection on a modular skid may be
connected to a tie-in valve of a Tee manifold connection on an
adjacent Tee configuration modular skid to provide a perpendicular
turn in the configuration of a modular skid system. In some
embodiments, more than one Tee configuration modular skid may be
used in a modular skid system to provide multiple perpendicular
turns in the configuration of a modular skid system. In some
embodiments, a Tee manifold connection may not be used, where a
modular skid system may be made up of connected-together modular
skids having a linear configuration.
[0061] In one or more embodiments, a modular skid system can be
deployed in at least two ways. In a first way, modular skids may be
loaded onto a truck and unloaded on site via a crane, for instance.
Once unloaded, the modular skids can be placed in proximity to one
another and secured together, such as by bolts and/or hydraulics,
to form a unitary structure. The end portions (the primary inlet(s)
and the primary outlet(s)) of primary manifold connections on the
modular skids may be connected together by any known mechanisms,
including flanges, clamps, grayloc hubs, KL4 connectors. In some
embodiments, modular skids may be mounted and deployed on flatbeds.
Primary manifold connections between multiple modular skids on a
truck can be made up before the trucks are driven to the site. In
the case that enough modular skids are required such that multiple
trucks are needed, the primary manifold connection between the end
modules of the trucks may be made up in the field.
[0062] While the present disclosure has been described with respect
to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art,
having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other
embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of
the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the
disclosure should be limited only by the attached claims.
* * * * *