U.S. patent application number 17/122781 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-16 for split flow suction manifold.
The applicant listed for this patent is Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brad Robert Bull, Timothy Holiman Hunter, Bruce Carl Lucas, Glenn Howard Weightman.
Application Number | 20220186589 17/122781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006374510 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220186589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bull; Brad Robert ; et
al. |
June 16, 2022 |
SPLIT FLOW SUCTION MANIFOLD
Abstract
The disclosure provides a manifold comprising a trailer and a
piping system. The piping system is disposed on top of the trailer,
wherein the piping system comprises a first set of conduits and a
second set of conduits. Each of the first set of conduits and the
second set of conduits comprises a first line comprising an inlet
disposed at a first side of the trailer and a second line
comprising an inlet disposed at the first side of the trailer,
wherein the first line is disposed above the second line. There is
a plurality of outlets and a plurality of valves disposed along the
second line.
Inventors: |
Bull; Brad Robert; (Duncan,
OK) ; Hunter; Timothy Holiman; (Duncan, OK) ;
Weightman; Glenn Howard; (Duncan, OK) ; Lucas; Bruce
Carl; (Marlow, OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006374510 |
Appl. No.: |
17/122781 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 34/00 20130101;
F04B 23/04 20130101; E21B 43/12 20130101; F04B 17/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/12 20060101
E21B043/12; F04B 23/04 20060101 F04B023/04; E21B 34/00 20060101
E21B034/00; F04B 17/06 20060101 F04B017/06 |
Claims
1. A manifold, comprising: a trailer; and a piping system
configured to facilitate low-pressure flow, wherein the piping
system is disposed on top of the trailer, wherein the piping system
comprises a first set of conduits and a second set of conduits,
wherein each of the first set of conduits and the second set of
conduits comprises: a first line comprising an inlet disposed at a
first end of the trailer; a second line comprising an inlet
disposed at the first end of the trailer, wherein the first line is
directly coupled to the second line at a location downstream from
the first end of the trailer, wherein the first line is in fluid
communication with the second line; a plurality of outlets disposed
along the second line; and a plurality of valves disposed along the
second line.
2. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of both the
first line and the second line is 8 inches.
3. The manifold of claim 1, with reference to the inlet of the
second line, wherein the distance between each one of the plurality
of outlets and one of the valves disposed downstream and adjacent
to each one of the plurality of outlets is 12 inches.
4. The manifold of claim 1, with reference to the inlet of the
second line, wherein the distance between each one of the plurality
of outlets and one of the valves disposed upstream and adjacent to
each one of the plurality of outlets is 12 feet.
5. The manifold of claim 1, wherein each one of the plurality of
valves is a butterfly valve.
6. (canceled)
7. The manifold of claim 1, wherein the first set of conduits is
disposed at a first side of the trailer, wherein the second set of
conduits is disposed at a second side of the trailer.
8. A method of operating a manifold for low-pressure flow,
comprising: introducing one or more fluids into an inlet of a first
line disposed at a first end of the manifold; introducing one or
more fluids into an inlet of a second line disposed at the first
end of the manifold, wherein the first line is directly coupled to
the second line at a location downstream from the first end of the
manifold, wherein the first line is in fluid communication with the
second line; monitoring a deadhead at one of a plurality of valve
disposed along the second line that is closed; actuating the one of
the plurality of valves that is closed to an open position; and
actuating another one of the plurality of valves that is open to a
closed position.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more fluids introduced
into the first line is clean water.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more fluids
introduced into the second line is treatment fluid.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein an information handling system
is configured to actuate the plurality of valves.
12. A well treatment facility, comprising: an array of pumps; a
manifold coupled to the array of pumps, comprising: a trailer; and
a piping system configured to facilitate low-pressure flow, wherein
the piping system is disposed on top of the trailer, wherein the
piping system comprises a first set of conduits and a second set of
conduits, wherein each of the first set of conduits and the second
set of conduits comprises: a first line comprising an inlet
disposed at a first end of the trailer; a second line comprising an
inlet disposed at the first end of the trailer, wherein the first
line is directly coupled to the second line at a location
downstream from the first end of the trailer, wherein the first
line is in fluid communication with the second line; a plurality of
outlets disposed along the second line; and a plurality of valves
disposed along the second line; and an information handling system
configured to monitor and actuate the piping system.
13. The well treatment facility of claim 12, wherein the inner
diameter of both the first line and the second line is 8
inches.
14. The well treatment facility of claim 12, with reference to the
inlet of the second line, wherein the distance between each one of
the plurality of outlets and one of the valves disposed downstream
and adjacent to each one of the plurality of outlets is 12
inches.
15. The well treatment facility of claim 12, with reference to the
inlet of the second line, wherein the distance between each one of
the plurality of outlets and one of the valves disposed upstream
and adjacent to each one of the plurality of outlets is 12
feet.
16. The well treatment facility of claim 12, wherein each one of
the plurality of valves is a butterfly valve.
17. (canceled)
18. The well treatment facility of claim 12, wherein the first set
of conduits is disposed at a first side of the trailer, wherein the
second set of conduits is disposed at a second side of the
trailer.
19. The well treatment facility of claim 12, further comprising a
first well and a second well, wherein the manifold is coupled to
both the first well and the second well.
20. The well treatment facility of claim 12, wherein the
information handling system is configured to actuate the plurality
of valves to open and close.
21. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more fluids
introduced into the first line is directed to flow into at least a
portion of the second line.
22. The method of claim 8, wherein a distance between the one of
the plurality of valves that is closed and the one of the plurality
of outlets that is immediately upstream of that one of the
plurality of valves is related to the deadhead of the one or more
fluids introduced into the first line, wherein a distance between
the one of the plurality of valves that is closed and the one of
the plurality of outlets that is immediately downstream of that one
of the plurality of valves is related to the deadhead of the one or
more fluids introduced into the second line.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to well operations
and, more particularly, to systems and methods for simultaneously
treating multiple wells from a central location.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the production of oil and gas in the field, it is often
required to stimulate and treat several well locations within a
designated amount of time. Stimulation and treatment processes
often involve mobile equipment that is set up at a pad location and
is then moved by truck from pad to pad within short time periods.
To accommodate multiple wells, well treatment operations may treat
more than one well at the same time. However, there is an increased
likelihood of damaging equipment when pumping prepared treatment
fluids.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example centralized well
treatment facility, according to one or more aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example central control
system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example manifold,
according to aspects of the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example manifold,
according to aspects of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example manifold,
according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
[0008] While embodiments of this disclosure have been depicted and
described and are defined by reference to exemplary embodiments of
the disclosure, such references do not imply a limitation on the
disclosure, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The subject
matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification,
alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to
those skilled in the pertinent art and having the benefit of this
disclosure. The depicted and described embodiments of this
disclosure are examples only, and not exhaustive of the scope of
the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail herein. In the interest of clarity, not all
features of an actual implementation may be described in this
specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the
development of any such actual embodiment, numerous
implementation-specific decisions may be made to achieve the
specific implementation goals, which may vary from one
implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that
such a development effort might be complex and time consuming but
would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary
skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.
[0010] Throughout this disclosure, a reference numeral followed by
an alphabetical character refers to a specific instance of an
element and the reference numeral alone refers to the element
generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown in the
drawings), widget "la" refers to an instance of a widget class,
which may be referred to collectively as widgets "1" and any one of
which may be referred to generically as a widget "1". In the
figures and the description, like numerals are intended to
represent like elements.
[0011] To facilitate a better understanding of the present
disclosure, the following examples of certain embodiments are
given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or
define, the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described below
with respect to one implementation are not intended to be
limiting.
[0012] For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling
system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling
system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any
other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The information handling system may
include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing
resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or
software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile
memory. Additional components of the information handling system
may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for
communication with external devices as well as various input and
output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video
display. The information handling system may also include one or
more buses operable to transmit communications between the various
hardware components. The information handling system may also
include one or more interface units capable of transmitting one or
more signals to a controller, actuator, or like device.
[0013] For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media
may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities
that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time.
Computer-readable media may include, for example, without
limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device
(e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk drive), a sequential access
storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM,
DVD, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), and/or flash memory; as well as communications media such
wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other
electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of
the foregoing.
[0014] The terms "couple" or "couples," as used herein, are
intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if
a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be
through a direct connection, or through an indirect electrical
connection or a shaft coupling via other devices and
connections.
[0015] Simultaneous well stimulation and treatment processes from a
centralized location can simplify logistics and reduce operation
time and costs. In some applications, a single fracturing crew or
fleet can increase their productivity by fracturing multiple wells
from a centralized location without the need for additional
blending equipment or personnel. However, as multiple wells are
simultaneously stimulated or treated from a central location, an
operator may not be able to monitor fluid flow to each well treated
from the centralized location. Further, the operator may not be
able to address equipment damage presented through pumping
treatment fluids.
[0016] The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for
an improved manifold for split flow operations. The provided
systems and methods may be able provide for simultaneous fracturing
and to mitigate equipment damage by reducing particle accumulation
present in the deadhead of treatment fluids within a piping
system.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a centralized well
treatment facility 100 that can employ the principles of the
present disclosure. Multiple wells, such as a first well 105 and a
second well 110 may be treated or stimulated simultaneously using
the centralized well treatment facility 100. The well treatment
facility 100 may be set upon a pad from which at least the first
well 105 and the second well 110 may be serviced. In some
embodiments, the well treatment facility 100 may be connected to at
least the first well 105 and the second well 110 via a central
manifold 115. Connections within the well treatment facility 100
may be a standard piping or tubing known to one of ordinary skill
in the art. The well treatment facility 100 may include a
centralized location 120 that includes at least some of the
components of the well treatment facility 100 and may be open, or
may be at least partially enclosed with various combinations of
structures including a supported fabric structure, a collapsible
structure, a prefabricated structure, a retractable structure, a
composite structure, a temporary building, a prefabricated wall and
roof unit, a deployable structure, a modular structure, a preformed
structure, or a mobile accommodation unit.
[0018] Advantageously, the well treatment facility 100 may allow
for fluids for treatment, stimulation, fracturing, or other well
operations to be manufactured, formed and/or mixed at the
centralized location 120 prior to being transferred to the first
well 105 and the second well 110. In some embodiments, well fluids
can be created by optionally mixing constituents in a hydration
blender 125 before mixing the fluid in a mixing blender 130. In
some embodiments, water from a water supply 135 and dry powder may
be introduced into the hydration blender 125. Dry powder, such as
guar may be metered into the hydration blender 125 from a storage
tank via a screw conveyor. In some embodiments, various chemical
additives and modifiers may be introduced into the hydration
blender 125 from a chemical storage system 140.
[0019] In some embodiments, the chemical storage system 140 is
connected to the hydration blender 125 and may include tanks for
breakers, gel additives, crosslinkers, and liquid gel concentrate.
The tanks may have level control systems such as a wireless
hydrostatic pressure system and may be insulated and heated.
Pressurized tanks may be used to provide positive pressure
displacement to move chemicals, and some tanks may be agitated and
circulated. The chemical storage system 140 may continuously meter
chemicals with additive pumps, which are able to meter chemical
solutions to the hydration blender 125 at specified rates as
determined by the required final concentrations and the pump rates
of the main treatment fluid from the hydration blender 125. In some
embodiments, chemical storage tanks of the chemical storage system
140 are pressurized to drive fluid flow. The quantities and rates
of chemicals added to the main fluid stream may be controlled by
valve-metering control systems. In addition, chemical additives may
be added to the main treatment fluid in the hydration blender 125
via aspiration. The rates that the chemical additives are aspirated
into the main fluid stream may be controlled via adjustable,
calibrated apertures located between the chemical storage system
140 and the hydration blender 125. In some embodiments, the
components of the chemical storage system 140 are modularized
allowing pumps, tanks, or blenders to be added or removed
independently.
[0020] After pre-mixing in the hydration blender 125, the treatment
or fracturing fluid may be further mixed in the mixing blender 130.
In some embodiments, mixing can occur solely in the mixing blender
130 without any pre-mixing in the hydration blender 125. In some
embodiments, the mixing blender 130 may be utilized to introduce,
mix and blend proppant and chemical additives into a base fluid.
Mixing can be accomplished at downhole pump rates. In some
embodiments, the mixing blender 130 is configured to blend proppant
and chemical additives into the base fluid without destroying the
base fluid properties while still providing ample energy for the
blending of proppant into a near fully hydrated fracturing
fluid.
[0021] Proppant may be introduced into the mixing blender 130 from
a proppant storage system 145. In some embodiments, the proppant
storage system 145 may include automatic valves and a set of tanks
that contain proppant. Each tank can be monitored for level,
material weight, and the rate at which proppant is being consumed.
This information may be transmitted to a controller or control
area. Each tank is capable of being filled pneumatically and may be
emptied through a calibrated gravity discharge. Tanks may be added
to or removed from the proppant storage system 145 as needed. Empty
storage tanks may be replenished as full or partially full tanks
are being used, allowing for continuous operation. The tanks may be
arranged around a calibrated v-belt conveyor. In addition, a
resin-coated proppant may be used by the addition of a mechanical
proppant coating system.
[0022] In some embodiments, the mixed or manufactured fluid from
the mixing blender 130 may be pumped simultaneously to the first
well 105 and the second well 110 via the central manifold 115. In
some embodiments, the central manifold 115 may be isolated into a
first isolated manifold path 150 directed to the first well 105 and
a second isolated manifold path 155 directed to the second well
110. The first isolated manifold path 150 and the second isolated
manifold path 155 may be integrated in a single, central manifold
115, which may be referred to as a "missile." The use of the
central manifold 115 may allow for multiple wells to be fractured
or treated simultaneously.
[0023] Treatment or fracturing fluid may be transferred,
transported, and/or pressurized within the first isolated manifold
path 150 and the second isolated manifold path 155 via an array of
pumps 160. The array of pumps 160 may be fluidly connected to the
first isolated manifold path 150 via suction lines 165 and
discharge lines 170. A separate array of pumps 160 may be fluidly
connected to the second isolated manifold path 155 via suction
lines 165 and discharge lines 170. The pumps 160 within the arrays
may be electric, gas, diesel, or natural gas powered. In some
embodiments, the pumps 160 may be modularized for ease of
configuration. In some embodiments, the output and pressure of the
pumps 160 may be adjusted in response to sensor data, such as data
received from a flow meter.
[0024] As treatment or fracturing fluid flows from the centralized
location 120 to the first well 105 and the second well 110 via the
central manifold 115, a flow meter may be in fluid communication
with the first isolated manifold path 150 and/or with the second
isolated manifold path 155 to provide an operator and/or a control
system 175 with flow rate and total flow information. The flow
meter may provide flow information about each flow to the first
well 105 and the second well 110 for precise measurement and
regulation. Flow measurements for the first well 105 and the second
well 110 may allow for enhanced control of treatment or fracturing
of both the first well 105 and the second well 110 while allowing
for the benefits of a centralized well treatment facility 100 as
described herein. Without limitations, the flow meter can be any
suitable type of flow meter, including, but not limited to an
orifice plate, Pitot tube, averaging Pitot tube, flume, weir,
turbine, target, positive displacement, rotameter, vortex,
Coriolis, ultrasonic, magnetic, wedge, v-cone, flow nozzle, and/or
Venturi type flow meters. The flow meter can be utilized to measure
mass and/or volumetric flow rates of the fluid. Information from
the flow meter can be transmitted to a display and/or to the
control system 175.
[0025] In some embodiments, the operations of the chemical storage
system 140, hydration blender 125, proppant storage system 145,
mixing blender 130, manifold 115, and/or pumps 160 are controlled,
coordinated, and monitored by the central control system 175. The
central control system 175 may utilize sensor data as well as
operating parameters from the chemical storage system 140,
hydration blender 125, proppant storage system 145, mixing blender
130, manifold 115, and pumps 160 to identify operation of the well
treatment facility 100. In some embodiments, the control system 175
may be utilized to adjust the output of the pumps 160 by utilizing
flow data in light of fluid flow targets for the first well 105
and/or the second well 110. In some embodiments, fluid flow to the
first well 105 and/or the second well 110 may be exclusively
controlled by adjusting the output of the pumps 160. Further,
information from a flow meter can be utilized to control desired
fluid properties such as density, rate, viscosity, etc. Flow
information can also be utilized to identify dynamic or steady
state bottlenecks within the well treatment facility 100. The
central control system 175 may also be used to monitor equipment
health and status.
[0026] In one or more embodiments, the central control system 175
may be disposed about any suitable location in the well treatment
facility 100. In alternate embodiments, central control system 175
may be located remotely from the well treatment facility 100. The
central control system 175 may be directly or indirectly coupled to
any one or more components of the well treatment facility 100.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example central control
system 175, according to aspects of the present disclosure. A
processor or central processing unit (CPU) 205 of the central
control system 175 is communicatively coupled to a memory
controller hub or north bridge 210. The processor 205 may include,
for example a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal
processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or
any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret
and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. Processor
205 may be configured to interpret and/or execute program
instructions or other data retrieved and stored in any memory such
as memory 215 or hard drive 235. Program instructions or other data
may constitute portions of a software or application for carrying
out one or more methods described herein. Memory 215 may include
read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), solid state
memory, or disk-based memory. Each memory module may include any
system, device or apparatus configured to retain program
instructions and/or data for a period of time (e.g.,
computer-readable non-transitory media). For example, instructions
from a software or application may be retrieved and stored in
memory 215 for execution by processor 205.
[0028] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to FIG. 2
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, FIG. 2 shows a particular configuration of components of
central control system 175. However, any suitable configurations of
components may be used. For example, components of central control
system 175 may be implemented either as physical or logical
components. Furthermore, in some embodiments, functionality
associated with components of central control system 175 may be
implemented in special purpose circuits or components. In other
embodiments, functionality associated with components of central
control system 175 may be implemented in configurable
general-purpose circuit or components. For example, components of
central control system 175 may be implemented by configured
computer program instructions.
[0029] Memory controller hub (MCH) 210 may include a memory
controller for directing information to or from various system
memory components within the central control system 175, such as
memory 215, storage element 230, and hard drive 235. The memory
controller hub 210 may be coupled to memory 215 and a graphics
processing unit (GPU) 220. Memory controller hub 210 may also be
coupled to an I/O controller hub (ICH) or south bridge 225. I/O
controller hub 225 is coupled to storage elements of the central
control system 175, including a storage element 230, which may
comprise a flash ROM that includes a basic input/output system
(BIOS) of the computer system. I/O controller hub 225 is also
coupled to the hard drive 235 of the central control system 175.
I/O controller hub 225 may also be coupled to a Super I/O chip 240,
which is itself coupled to several of the I/O ports of the computer
system, including keyboard 245 and mouse 250.
[0030] In certain embodiments, the central control system 175 may
comprise at least a processor and a memory device coupled to the
processor that contains a set of instructions that when executed
cause the processor to perform certain actions. In any embodiment,
the central control system 175 may include a non-transitory
computer readable medium that stores one or more instructions where
the one or more instructions when executed cause the processor to
perform certain actions. As used herein, an information handling
system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling
system may be a computer terminal, a network storage device, or any
other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The central control system 175 may
include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing
resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or
software control logic, read only memory (ROM), and/or other types
of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the central control
system 175 may include one or more disk drives, one or more network
ports for communication with external devices as well as various
input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a
video display. The central control system 175 may also include one
or more buses operable to transmit communications between the
various hardware components.
[0031] FIGS. 3-5 illustrates an example of the manifold 115. FIG. 3
illustrates an isometric view of the manifold 115. FIG. 4
illustrates a side view of the manifold 115. FIG. 5 illustrates a
top view of the manifold 115. As illustrated, the manifold 115 may
comprise a trailer 300 and a piping system 305. In embodiments, the
trailer 300 may be configured to transport and support the piping
system 305 and other suitable equipment of the manifold 115. The
trailer 300 may comprise any suitable size, height, shape, and any
combinations thereof. In embodiments, the trailer 300 may generally
comprise a chassis 310 with a rectangular cross-sectional shape.
Further, the trailer 300 may comprise any suitable materials, such
as metals, nonmetals, polymers, composites, and any combinations
thereof. The chassis 310 may comprise one or more sets of wheels
315 disposed at a first end 320 of the trailer 300 to provide for a
means of conveying the trailer from one location to another. There
may further be a set of hydraulic supports 325 disposed near a
second end 330 of the chassis 310 opposite to the first end 320. In
one or more embodiments, the second end 330 of the chassis 310 may
be attached to a vehicle (not shown) to be transported. Once the
vehicle has transported to a designated location, an operator may
detach the chassis 310 from the vehicle and/or may actuate the set
of hydraulic supports 325 to physically support the chassis 310
near the second end 330.
[0032] As illustrated, the piping system 305 may be disposed on top
of the trailer 300. The piping system 305 may be configured to
facilitate a low-pressure flow of one or more fluids from the
centralized location 120 (referring to FIG. 1) to the arrays of
pumps 160 (referring to FIG. 1). The piping system 305 may comprise
of a first set of conduits 335 and a second set of conduits 340. In
one or more embodiments, the first set of conduits 335 may be
fluidly isolated from the second set of conduits 340. The first set
of conduits 335 may be disposed about a first side (for example,
first side 500) of the trailer 300, and the second set of conduits
340 may be disposed about a second side (for example, second side
505) of the trailer 300 (i.e., about the width of the trailer 300)
(as best seen on FIG. 5). In one or more embodiments, the first set
of conduits 335 and the second set of conduits 340 may be disposed
parallel to the length of the trailer 300.
[0033] Both the first set of conduits 335 and the second set of
conduits 340 may comprise a first line 345 and a second line 350.
The first line 345 of each of the first set of conduits 335 and the
second set of conduits 340 may be disposed above each respective
second line 350. In one or more embodiments, each first line 345
may vertically align with each second line 350. In alternate
embodiments, each first line 345 may be offset from each second
line 350, wherein the first line 345 is disposed closer to or
further from a center of the trailer 300. In one or more
embodiments, the inner diameter of each of the first lines 345 and
each of the second lines 350 may be from about 1/2 inches (1.27 cm)
to about 2 inches (5.08 cm), from about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about
5 inches (12.7 cm), and from about 5 inches (12.7 cm) to about 12
inches (30.48 cm). Without limitations, the inner diameter of each
of the first lines 345 and each of the second lines 350 may be
about 8 inches (20.32 cm).
[0034] In one or more embodiments, an inlet 355 of each of the
first lines 345 may be disposed at the first end 320 of the trailer
300. Further, an inlet 360 of each of the second lines 350 may also
be disposed at the first end 320 of the trailer 300. The inlets
355, 360 may be configured to provide fluid communication from the
centralized location 120 (referring to FIG. 1) to the manifold 115.
As illustrated, there may be a plurality of outlets 365 disposed
along the second lines 350, wherein each of the plurality of
outlets 365 may be configured to provide fluid communication from
the manifold to the arrays of pumps 160 (referring to FIG. 1),
wherein the arrays of pumps 160 may increase the flow rate and/or
pressure of one or more fluids which may return to the manifold 115
for further operations. Without limitations, each one of the
plurality of outlets 365 may comprise dual connections to be
coupled to the arrays of pumps 160. As illustrated, each of the
first lines 345 may be coupled to each respective second line 350,
thereby providing fluid communication between the two, wherein the
plurality of outlets 365 may be utilized by one or more fluids
flowing through either the first line 345 or the second line 350.
The first lines 345 may be coupled to the second lines 350 at or
near the second end 330 of the trailer 300.
[0035] In one or more embodiments, there may be a plurality of
valves 370 disposed along each of the second lines 350 associated
with each of the plurality of outlets 365. Each of the plurality of
valves 370 may be disposed near each of the plurality of outlets
365 that is associated with that specific valve 370. As
illustrated, with reference to the inlets 360 of the second lines
350, each one of the plurality of valves 370 may be disposed
adjacent to and downstream of each one of the plurality of outlets
365. The plurality of valves 370 may be configured to switch
between allowing the flow of one or more fluids from either the
first lines 345 or the second lines 350 to flow out of the
plurality of outlets 365. Any suitable valve may be used as the
plurality of valves 370. Without limitations, a butterfly valve may
be used as each of the plurality of valves.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a method of operating the
manifold 115 may be described. In one or more embodiments, flowing
one or more fluids through the arrays of pumps 160 may increase the
likelihood of equipment damage if the one or more fluids are
already mixed and prepared for injection rather than flowing clean
water. In embodiments, the manifold 115 may inject clean water and
other materials into a wellbore, wherein they are mixed as they are
injected downhole rather than being prepared at the surface (for
example, at centralized location 120). With regards to the present
disclosure, the manifold 115 may be configured for split-flow,
simultaneous fracturing operations that can provide for pumping one
or more fluids clean water, treatment fluids prepared at the
centralized location 120, and combinations thereof.
[0037] During operations, the first set of conduits 335 may be
configured to provide for a predetermined number of pumping units
of one of the arrays of pumps 160 to receive clean water and for a
remaining number of pumping units of that one of the arrays of
pumps 160 to receive treatment fluids that were prepared at the
centralized location 120. Further, the second set of conduits 340
may also be configured to provide for a predetermined number of
pumping units of a separate one of the arrays of pumps 160 to
receive clean water and for a remaining number of pumping units of
that one of the arrays of pumps 160 to receive treatment fluids
that were prepared at the centralized location 120. In one or more
embodiments, the number of pumping units to receive clean water
from the first set of conduits 335 may be the same as the number of
pumping units to receive clean water from the second set of
conduits 340. In other embodiments, the number of pumping units to
receive clean water from the first set of conduits 335 may be
different from that from the second set of conduits 340.
[0038] Before introducing one or more fluids to flow into the
inlets 355, 360, one of the plurality of valves 370 disposed in the
first set of conduits 335 and one of the plurality of valves 370
disposed in the second set of conduits 340 may be closed. In
embodiments, the same one of the plurality of valves 370 that is
mirrored in each of the first set of conduits 335 and the second
set of conduits 340 may be closed. Alternatively, different ones of
the plurality of valves 370 that are disposed at a different
position along the length of the second lines 350 may be closed. In
one or more embodiments, an operator may manually actuate the
plurality of valves 370 to close, the control system 175 may
actuate the plurality of valves 370 to close, and combinations
thereof. Further, the operator and/or the control system 175 may
actuate the well treatment facility 100 to introduce one or more
fluids into the inlets 355, 360.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, the one or more fluids
introduced into the inlets 355 may comprise of clean water, and the
one or more fluids introduced into the inlets 360 may comprise of
prepared treatment fluids. As the one or more fluids are introduced
into the inlets 355, 360, the one or more fluids may flow through
the first lines 345 and the second lines 350. The one or more
fluids flowing through the second lines 350 may be discharged out
of the plurality of outlets 365 until the one or more fluids
encounters the one of the plurality of valves 370 that is closed.
The one of the plurality of outlets 365 that is immediately
upstream of that one of the plurality of valves 370 that is closed
may be the last outlet 365 configured to allow for the outflow of
the one or more fluids from that second line 350.
[0040] As the plurality of outlets 365 and the plurality of valves
370 are disposed along the second lines 350, the one or more fluids
introduced into the inlets 355 may flow through the first lines 345
and circulate back through the respective second lines 350. The one
or more fluids flowing through the first lines 345 may be
discharged out of the plurality of outlets 365 until the one or
more fluids encounters the one of the plurality of valves 370 that
is closed. The one of the plurality of outlets 365 that is
immediately upstream of that one of the plurality of valves 370
that is closed may be the last outlet 365 configured to allow for
the outflow of the one or more fluids from that first line 345
(with reference from the inlet 355 of that first line 345).
[0041] As illustrated, the distance between the one of the
plurality of valves 370 that is closed and the one of the plurality
of outlets 365 that is immediately upstream of that one of the
plurality of valves 370 is greater than the distance between the
one of the plurality of valves 370 that is closed and the one of
the plurality of outlets 365 that is immediately downstream of that
one of the plurality of valves 370. Without limitations, the
distance between the one of the plurality of valves 370 that is
closed and the one of the plurality of outlets 365 that is
immediately upstream of that one of the plurality of valves 370 may
be from about 1 foot to about 5 feet, from about 5 feet to about 10
feet, or from about 10 feet to about 15 feet. In one or more
embodiments, the distance may be about 12 feet. Without
limitations, the distance between the one of the plurality of
valves 370 that is closed and the one of the plurality of outlets
365 that is immediately downstream of that one of the plurality of
valves 370 may be from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, from about 5
inches to about 10 inches, or from about 10 inches to about 15
inches. In one or more embodiments, the distance may be about 12
inches.
[0042] Each of those distances may be proportional to the deadhead
of the one or more fluids flowing through the first line 345 and
the second line 350, respectively. For example, the distance
between the one of the plurality of valves 370 that is closed and
the one of the plurality of outlets 365 that is immediately
upstream of that one of the plurality of valves 370 is related to
the deadhead of the one or more fluids of the first line 345, and
the distance between the one of the plurality of valves 370 that is
closed and the one of the plurality of outlets 365 that is
immediately downstream of that one of the plurality of valves 370
is related to the deadhead of the one or more fluids of the second
line 350. This configuration may provide for a reduction in
particle accumulation from the deadhead of the one or more fluids
in the second line 350. For example, a large deadhead produced on
the side of a given valve 370 downstream from the inlet 360 may
effectively get plugged off with sand and/or other solids that have
accumulated. This may entirely plug the line or cause a significant
slug of sand to be pushed into the pumps 160 when the valves 370
are changed, thereby causing equipment damage.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, the operator and/or the control
system 175 may actuate the one of the plurality of valves 370 that
is closed to open and a different one of the plurality of valves
370 to close. This may change which of and/or the number of pumping
units of one of the arrays of pumps 160 to receive clean water and
for the remaining number of pumping units of that one of the arrays
of pumps 160 to receive treatment fluids that were prepared at the
centralized location 120. This configuration may further provide
for mitigation of equipment failure by providing a method that
rebalances the number of pumping units receiving clean water or
prepared treatment fluids.
[0044] An embodiment of the present disclosure is a manifold
comprising: a trailer; and a piping system, wherein the piping
system is disposed on top of the trailer, wherein the piping system
comprises a first set of conduits and a second set of conduits,
wherein each of the first set of conduits and the second set of
conduits comprises: a first line comprising an inlet disposed at a
first side of the trailer; a second line comprising an inlet
disposed at the first side of the trailer, wherein the first line
is disposed above the second line; a plurality of outlets disposed
along the second line; and a plurality of valves disposed along the
second line.
[0045] In one or more embodiments described in the preceding
paragraph, wherein the inner diameter of both the first line and
the second line is 8 inches. In one or more embodiments described
above, with reference to the inlet of the second line, wherein the
distance between each one of the plurality of outlets and one of
the valves disposed downstream and adjacent to each one of the
plurality of outlets is 12 inches. In one or more embodiments
described above, with reference to the inlet of the second line,
wherein the distance between each one of the plurality of outlets
and one of the valves disposed upstream and adjacent to each one of
the plurality of outlets is 12 feet. In one or more embodiments
described above, wherein each one of the plurality of valves is a
butterfly valve. In one or more embodiments described above,
wherein the first line is coupled to the second line at a second
end of the trailer, wherein the first line is in fluid
communication with the second line. In one or more embodiments
described above, wherein the first set of conduits is disposed at a
first side of the trailer, wherein the second set of conduits is
disposed at a second side of the trailer.
[0046] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of
operating a manifold, comprising: introducing one or more fluids
into an inlet of a first line disposed at a first end of the
manifold; introducing one or more fluids into an inlet of a second
line disposed at the first end of the manifold, wherein the first
line is coupled to the second line at a second end of the manifold,
wherein the first line is in fluid communication with the second
line; monitoring a deadhead at one of a plurality of valve disposed
along the second line that is closed; actuating the one of the
plurality of valves that is closed to an open position; and
actuating another one of the plurality of valves that is open to a
closed position.
[0047] In one or more embodiments described in the preceding
paragraph, wherein the one or more fluids introduced into the first
line is clean water. In one or more embodiments described above,
wherein the one or more fluids introduced into the second line is
treatment fluid. In one or more embodiments described above,
wherein an information handling system is configured to actuate the
plurality of valves.
[0048] A further embodiment of the present disclosure is a well
treatment facility, comprising: an array of pumps; a manifold
coupled to the array of pumps, comprising: a trailer; and a piping
system, wherein the piping system is disposed on top of the
trailer, wherein the piping system comprises a first set of
conduits and a second set of conduits, wherein each of the first
set of conduits and the second set of conduits comprises: a first
line comprising an inlet disposed at a first side of the trailer; a
second line comprising an inlet disposed at the first side of the
trailer, wherein the first line is disposed above the second line;
a plurality of outlets disposed along the second line; and a
plurality of valves disposed along the second line; and an
information handling system configured to monitor and actuate the
piping system.
[0049] In one or more embodiments described in the preceding
paragraph, wherein the inner diameter of both the first line and
the second line is 8 inches. In one or more embodiments described
above, with reference to the inlet of the second line, wherein the
distance between each one of the plurality of outlets and one of
the valves disposed downstream and adjacent to each one of the
plurality of outlets is 12 inches. In one or more embodiments
described above, with reference to the inlet of the second line,
wherein the distance between each one of the plurality of outlets
and one of the valves disposed upstream and adjacent to each one of
the plurality of outlets is 12 feet. In one or more embodiments
described above, wherein each one of the plurality of valves is a
butterfly valve. In one or more embodiments described above,
wherein the first line is coupled to the second line at a second
end of the trailer, wherein the first line is in fluid
communication with the second line. In one or more embodiments
described above, wherein the first set of conduits is disposed at a
first side of the trailer, wherein the second set of conduits is
disposed at a second side of the trailer. In one or more
embodiments described above, further comprising a first well and a
second well, wherein the manifold is coupled to both the first well
and the second well. In one or more embodiments described above,
wherein the information handling system is configured to actuate
the plurality of valves to open and close.
[0050] Unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters
set forth in the specification and attached claims are
approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties
sought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure.
At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application
of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claim, each
numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the
number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary
rounding techniques.
[0051] Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain
the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are
inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are
illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and
practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.
Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of
construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the
claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular
illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined,
or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope
and spirit of the present disclosure. The disclosure illustratively
disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any
element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any
optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods
are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or
"including" various components or steps, the compositions and
methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the
various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed
above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a
lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any
included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed.
In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to
about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or,
equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be
understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within
the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have
their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and
clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles
"a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one
or more than one of the element that it introduces.
* * * * *