MOBILE ZIPPER UNIT

Abstract

An apparatus to distribute pressurized fluid from one or more sources to multiple wellbores. The apparatus includes a manifold having at least two inlets and at least two outlets. Pressurized fluid is brought into the manifold from opposing directions so that the fluid from one inlet will impinge upon the fluid from the other inlet thereby de-energizing the fluid. Additionally, the manifold is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the inlets is less than the cross-sectional area of the manifold thereby decreasing velocity minimizing the kinetic energy available to erode or otherwise damage equipment, while providing a pressure decrease as the fluid enters the manifold. The outlets are configured such that the cross-sectional area of the outlets providing fluid to a single wellbore is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the inlets such that no pressure increase occurs within the manifold or the outlets as the fluid exits the manifold. Additional velocity reduction enhancements may include angled or camp third turns between the inlet and the manifold or the manifold and an outlet.

Claims

1. A zipper manifold comprising: a first mixing block being positioned between a wellhead and a frac missile, the first mixing block including a first end, a second end, and a first plurality of outlets; a second mixing block having a third end, a fourth end, and a second plurality of outlets, the third end of the second mixing block being coupled to the second end of the first mixing block; a buffer chamber extending from the first end of the first mixing block to the fourth end of the second mixing block; a continuous sidewall from the first end of the mixing block to the fourth end of the second mixing block, the continuous sidewall including the first plurality of outlets and the second plurality of outlets.

2. The zipper manifold of claim 1, wherein the first end is a first inlet.

3. The zipper manifold of claim 2, wherein the fourth end is a second inlet, and the continuous sidewall does not include any other inlets between the first inlet and the second inlet.

4. The zipper manifold of claim 3, wherein the first inlet and the second inlet are configured to receive flowing fluid in substantially opposing directions.

5. The zipper manifold of claim 3, wherein the first inlet and the second inlet are directly coupled to the frac missile.

6. The zipper manifold of claim 2, wherein each outlet associated with the buffer chamber is positioned on the continuous sidewall.

7. The zipper manifold of claim 2, wherein the first plurality of outlets provides access to a first wellbore, and the second plurality of outlets provides access to a second wellbore.

8. The zipper manifold of claim 7, wherein a first valve controls fluid flowing into the first inlet, and a second valve controls fluid flowing into the second inlet.

9. The zipper manifold of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of outlets is configured to be independently opened and closed.

10. The zipper manifold of claim 1, wherein a flow pressure entering the first inlet and the second inlet is less than the flow pressure exiting the first plurality of outlets.

11. A method associated with a zipper manifold comprising: positioning a first mixing block between a wellhead and a frac missile, the first mixing block including a first end, a second end, and a first plurality of outlets; coupling a third end of a second mixing block to the second end of the first mixing block, the second mixing block having the third end, a fourth end, and a second plurality of outlets; forming a buffer chamber extending from the first end of the first mixing block to the fourth end of the second mixing block, wherein a continuous sidewall from the first end of the mixing block to the fourth end of the second mixing block includes the first plurality of outlets and the second plurality of outlets.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first end is a first inlet.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fourth end is a second inlet, and the continuous sidewall does not include any other inlets between the first inlet and the second inlet.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving first fluids via the first inlet in a first direction; receiving second fluids via the second inlet in a second direction, wherein the first direction and second direction are substantially opposite directions.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: directly coupling the first inlet and the second inlet to the frac missile.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein each outlet associated with the buffer chamber is positioned on the continuous sidewall.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the first plurality of outlets provides access to a first wellbore, and the second plurality of outlets provides access to a second wellbore.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: controlling, via a first valve, fluid flowing into the first inlet; controlling, via second valve, fluid flowing into the second inlet.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Independently opening and closing each of the first plurality of outlets.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein a flow pressure entering the first inlet and the second inlet is less than the flow pressure exiting the first plurality of outlets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The features and advantages of certain embodiments will be more readily appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. For a detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings:

[0017] FIG. 1 depicts an end on view of a mixing block.

[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the mixing block.

[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the mixing block.

[0020] FIG. 4 depicts a mixing block assembly including outflow valves.

[0021] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a trailer mounted zipper manifold.

[0022] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a trailer mounted zipper manifold.

[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a fracturing assembly including multiple pump trucks delivering pressurized fluid to a zipper manifold that in turn is distributing pressurized fluid to multiple wellheads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, or instruction sequences that embody techniques of the inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0025] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 depict an embodiment of a mixing block 1. The mixing block 1 has a first end 4 and a second end 3 where the first end 4 or second end 3 of the mixing block 1 may be connected to either an additional mixing block, such as in the embodiment of FIG. 4 where mixing block 30 is connected to at least mixing block 29), to a fluid flow adapter such as an injection head, such as in the embodiment of FIG. 4 where injection head 22 is connected to mixing block 30. Mixing block 1 has a mixing chamber 2 where fluid flow from the inlets, which may adjacent to the first end 4 and the second end 3, is directed. Mixing block 1 also has at least one outlet, in this instance outlets 5, 6, and 7, to allow fluid flow from the mixing chamber 2 to flow to the exterior of the mixing block 1, typically towards the desired well bore. Generally each outlet has some type of removable barrier usually a valve but it may be a cap or plate between the outlet and fluid conduit.

[0026] FIG. 4 depicts multiple mixing blocks 28, 29, and 30 connected in series. The first mixing block 30 has a buffer chamber 37. Buffer chamber 37 has a cross-sectional area A, depicted by reference numeral 100, that is at least equal to or greater than the cumulative cross-sectional areas B 102, C 104, D 106, and D 108 of inlets 23, 24, 25, and 26 or any combination thereof. Generally each inlet has some type of flow adapter where the flow adapter is connected between the pump and the inlet on the buffer chamber. The flow adapter allows the connection from a smaller diameter fluid conduit from the pump to the larger diameter of the buffer chamber. In some instances the flow adapter may be formed as a portion of a mixing block inlet.

[0027] The cumulative cross-sectional area areas B 102, C 104, D 106, and D 108 of each of the inlets 23, 24, 25, and 26 is preferably less than or equal to the cross-sectional area A 100 of the mixing chamber 2. By increasing the cross-sectional area A 100 of the mixing chamber as compared to the cumulative cross-sectional areas B 102, C 104, D 106, and D 108 of inlets 23, 24, 25, and 26 the velocity of the fluid decreases as the fluid enters the mixing chamber. The decrease in velocity reduces the kinetic energy available to erode or otherwise damage the mixing block 1. An additional benefit of increasing the cross-sectional area of the mixing chamber 2 as compared to the inlets 23, 24, 25, and 26 is a reduction in pressure buildup as the fluid moves from the inlets 23, 24, 25, and 26 into the mixing chamber 2. The reduction in pressure build up reduces wear and tear on the pumps and reduces the amount of power required to pump the frac fluid into the wellbore.

[0028] The outlets 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, and 146 respectively have cross-sectional areas F 110, G 112, H 114, I 116, J 118, K 120, L 122, M 124, and N 126 whereby the cumulative cross-sectional areas of the open lines leading to a wellbore such as cross-sectional area F 110, G 112, H 114, 1 116, J 118, K 120, L 122, M 124, and N 126 are greater than or equal to the cumulative cross-sectional areas B 102, C 104, D 106, and D 108 of inlets 23, 24, 25, and 26 thereby preventing a velocity increase through the outlets 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, and 146, and any associated valves in fluid communication with the outlets 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, and 146. It may be desirable that he combined cross-sectional area of the exit lines from each mixing block 28, 29, or 30 be at least equal to or greater than the combined cross-sectional area of the cross-sectional area B 102, C 104, D 106, and D 108 of inlets 23, 24, 25, and 26.

[0029] The angled or chamfered joints 41, 42, and 43 allow fluid leaving the mixing chamber 37 to maintain a laminar flow as the fluid exits the mixing chamber 37. Each of the first mixing block 30, second mixing block 29, and third mixing block 28 are designed to connect the flow path to a desired frac stack positioned on the wellhead. Preferably each mixing block 28, 29, and 30 is connected to a single frac wellhead. When multiple mixing blocks are coupled together they become a zipper manifold assembly. In certain instances a single mixing block may be formed incorporating the features of multiple mixing boxes bolted together thereby becoming a zipper manifold assembly.

[0030] In many instances the mixing block 1 is designed such that fluid enters the mixing block 1 from both the first end 4 and the second end 3 thereby causing the fluid from each end to impinge upon the fluid entering from the other end. As the fluid from one end impacts the fluid from the other end the fluid is de-energized inside buffer chamber 2. Additionally, the fluid already in the mixing block 1 tends to buffer and de-energize any fluid subsequently entering the mixing block 1.

[0031] An example of a three well zipper manifold design having a first mixing block 30, second mixing block 29, and third mixing block 28 is provided in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the pressure containing equipment, and a mounting system of the multiple mixing block zipper manifold mounted on a mounting system 44 shown on FIG. 5. Focusing on the embodiment on FIG. 4, any combination of injection points 23, 24, 25, and/or 26, can be used to connect the flow path from the frac missile 55 in FIG. 7 to the multiple mixing block zipper manifold assembly 9. The frac missile 55 is used to connect multiple frac pumps 54 to a centralized output. The combined cross-sectional area of the combination of incoming lines 56, 57, 58, and 59 provided on FIG. 7, must not exceed the cross-sectional area of any of the mixing chambers 35, 36, and/or 37in FIG. 4. The coupling devices for the inlets 23, 24, 25, or 26 can be threaded, studded, or any other coupling device.

[0032] The multiple mixing block zipper manifold assembly 9 includes lines 60, 61, and 62 that form the flow path 72 to the wellhead 69 shown in FIG. 7. The multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 depicts three flow paths, 72, 73, and 74exiting from the multiple mixing block zipper manifold assembly 9 where each flow path allows fluid to flow from a mixing block, such as mixing blocks 28, 29, and 30 in FIG. 4, to the respective wellheads 69, 70, and 71in FIG. 7. Flow path 72 includes exit lines 60, 61, and 62 and directs fluid to wellhead 69. Exit lines 63, 64, and 65direct fluid to wellhead 70. Exit lines 66, 67, and 68 direct fluid to wellhead 71. The combined cross-sectional area of the exit lines of each flowpath must be at least equal to or greater than the combined cross-sectional area of the cross-sectional area of the inlet lines 56, 57, 58, and 59. For example, exit lines 60, 61, and/or 62 must have a combined cross-sectional area equal to or greater than the combined square area of any combination of injection lines 56, 57, 58 and/or 59 used to pumped sufficient fluid volume into the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 to prevent the increase of fluid velocity and pressure increase, which minimizes damage to zipper manifold 9.

[0033] In FIG. 4, each exit lines 10-18 typically has at least two valves, barriers, or any combination thereof such as valves 19 and 20 which provide a barrier between mixing block 30 and exit line 18. Depending on which wellhead 69, 70, or 71 the fluid needs to be directed to, the exit lines on each mixing block 28, 29, or 30 will allow fluid to flow through or be isolated with valves or other barrier. For example, if the desired fluid path is directed to wellhead 69, the valves 19, 20, 221, 222, 223, and 224 are open or barriers are removed between mixing block 30 and exit lines 16, 17, and 18 allowing fluid to flow from mixing block 30 through exit lines 60, 61, and 62 and into the subterranean formation that wellhead 69 provides access to. If the fluid is being directed into wellhead 69, then wellheads 70 and 71are isolated from receiving fluid flow or pressure by closing the valves or adding barriers to exit lines 10-15 to prevent fluid from flowing through flow path 73 and/or 74.

[0034] When the desired fluid flow path is directed to wellhead 70, the valves/barriers on exit lines 13, 14, and 15 are opened/removed to allow the flow path to exit the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9, through exit flow lines 63, 64, and/or 65 and flow into the subterranean formation through access provided by wellhead 70. When fluid is directed to wellhead 70, wellheads 69 and/or 71 are isolated from receiving fluid flow or pressure by closing the valves or adding barriers to exit lines 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, and/or 18 in the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 to prevent flow and pressure on wellheads 69 and 71.

[0035] When the desired fluid flow path is directed to wellhead 71, the valves/barriers on exit lines 10, 11, and/or 12 are opened/removed to allow the flow path to exit the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9, flow through the flow path lines 74 that couple the fluid path from the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 to the subterranean formation provided by wellhead 71. When fluid is directed to wellhead 71, wellheads 69 and/or 70 are isolated from receiving fluid flow or pressure by closing the valves or adding barriers to exit lines 13-18 in the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 to prevent flow and pressure on wellheads 69 and/or 70

[0036] An example in accordance with the mounting system 44 is presented in FIG. 5. The entire multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 is mounted to a skid or trailer 45 to allow for transportation to and from the job site, and is used to support the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 during operations. In certain instances, the barriers or valves 19, 20, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, and 234 connected between the mixing blocks 28, 29, and 30 to the exit lines 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and/or 18 can be operated manually, electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or any other known means. Preferably the valves 19, 20, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, and 234 are powered by hydraulic closing unit 29 that is used to open or closed the hydraulic valves. The power unit 29 can be left on the trailer 31 during operations or might be removed from the trailer 31 depending on customer preference. The mounting system 31 has integrated plumbing that runs between the hydraulic closing unit 46 to the valves/barriers 19, 20, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, and 234 of each exit line 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and/or 18. The plumbing system of the mounting system 44 is designed to eliminate the plumbing from being a trip or fall hazards, while also position in way that provides access to the plumbing.

[0037] The mounting system is built with a mezzanine working deck 47 that allows a clear walking space to access the valves and associated equipment on the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9. The panels of the mezzanine working deck 47 are removable to provide access to equipment and coupling points of the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 position under or around the mezzanine working deck 47. The mezzanine working deck is accessible by a stairway 48 that runs from the ground level up to the mezzanine working deck 47 level. Both the stairway 48 and mezzanine working deck 47 have safety support railings 49 that allow for safe operations on the mounting system 44.

[0038] The mounting system 45 in FIG. 5 is structurally engineered to support the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9 and the associated equipment during transit and operations.

[0039] The mounting system has a series of support legs or stands 50, 51, 52, and 53 that can be deployed to add stability to the mounting system 44 during operations and retracted when the mounting system 44 is in transit. As seen in an example of a job site in FIG. 7, the mounting system of the manifold 44 is transported to location and set on the job site in accordance to customer instructions. The support legs 50-53 on the mounting system 45 are deployed after the unit 44 is set in its desired location. Incoming fluid conduits 56, 57, 58, and/or 59 are coupled to the appropriate injection points 23, 24, 25, and/or 26 shown in FIG. 4 to make a flow path for fluid and pressure to enter the buffer chambers 28, 29, and 30 in FIG. 2. The fluid flow and pressure are generated upstream of the mounting system 44 by pump trucks 54 that pump the fluid(s) to the frac missile 55 and then through the incoming fluid conduits 56, 57, 58, and/or 59 to connect to the multiple mixing block zipper manifold.

[0040] Next, the exiting flow conduits 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and/or 68 are coupled to the exit lines 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and/or 18 of the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9, which provides the flow path for fluid and pressure to flow to wellheads 69, 70, and or 71. Once the flow conduits paths 72, 73, and/or 74 are coupled to wellheads 69, 70, and/or 71 via the exit flow lines 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and/or 68 to the multiple mixing block zipper manifold 9, in turn fluidly connected to the frac missile 55 and thereby to the pump trucks 54, fluid access is provided, as desired, to the formations. Once operations commence, a series of valves/barriers will be opened/closed to direct fluid to the appropriate wellhead and isolate fluid and pressure from the adjacent wellhead(s) as described previously.

[0041] While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible.

[0042] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.