Frac Flowline System

Abstract

A flowline system for fluidly connecting a fracturing manifold to a fracturing tree includes a first flowline assembly which is pre-assembled with the manifold, the first flowline assembly comprising a number of preassembled first flowline components and a first connection member which is located distally of the manifold; and a second flowline assembly which is connected to the tree, the second flowline assembly comprising a number of preassembled second flowline components and a second connection member which is located distally of the tree. The first and second connection members are configured to be releasably connected together to thereby fluidly connect the manifold to the tree.

Claims

1. A flowline assembly comprising: at least one swivel joint assembly which includes: a female hub which comprises a generally cube-shaped female body portion, a first female end portion which extends linearly from a first side of the female body portion, a first female recess which is formed axially in the first female end portion, and a second female end portion which extends linearly from a second side of the female body portion that is oriented approximately ninety degrees from the first side of the female body portion; a male member which includes a cylindrical end portion that is configured to be rotatably received in the first female recess; and first means for rotatably securing the end portion of the male member within the first female recess.

2. The flowline assembly of claim 1, wherein the male member comprises: a male hub which includes a generally cube-shaped male body portion, a first male end portion which extends linearly from a first side of the male body portion, and a second male end portion which extends linearly from a second side of the male body portion that is oriented approximately ninety degrees from the first side of the male body portion; wherein the cylindrical end portion of the male member comprises a cylindrical outer surface portion of the second male end portion.

3. The flowline assembly of claim 2, wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises at least one of a first connector member which is located at a distal end of the first male end portion and a second connector member which is located at a distal end of the second female end portion.

4. The flowline assembly of claim 2, wherein one of the first male end portion and the second female end portion comprises a cylindrical first end recess which is formed axially therein, and wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises: a first straight pipe segment which includes a first end portion that is configured to be rotatably received in the first end recess; and second means for rotatably securing the first end portion within the first end recess.

5. The flowline assembly of claim 4, wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises a first connector member which is located at a distal end of the first pipe segment and a second connector member which is located at a distal end of the other of the first male end portion and the second female end portion.

6. The flowline assembly of claim 2, wherein the first male end portion comprises a cylindrical first end recess which is formed axially therein, the second female end portion comprises a cylindrical second end recess which is formed axially therein, and the swivel joint assembly further comprises: a first straight pipe segment which includes a first end portion that is configured to be rotatably received in the first end recess; a second straight pipe segment which includes a first end portion that is configured to be rotatably received in the second end recess; second means for rotatably securing the first end portion of the first straight pipe segment within the first end recess; and third means for rotatably securing the first end portion of the second straight pipe segment within the second end recess.

7. The flowline assembly of claim 6, wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises a first connector member which is located at a distal end of the first pipe segment and a second connector member which is located at a distal end of the second pipe segment.

8. The flowline assembly of claim 1, wherein the male member comprises a first straight pipe segment and the cylindrical end portion of the male member comprises a cylindrical first end portion of the first pipe segment.

9. The flowline assembly of claim 8, wherein the second female end portion comprises a second female recess which is formed axially therein, and the swivel joint assembly further comprises: a second straight pipe segment which includes a first end portion that is configured to be rotatably received in the second female recess; and second means for rotatably securing the first end portion of the second pipe segment within the second female recess.

10. The flowline assembly of claim 9, further comprising at least one of a first connector member which is located at a distal end of the first pipe segment and a second connector member which is located at a distal end of the second pipe segment.

11. The flowline assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a second female hub which comprises a generally cube-shaped female body portion, a first female end portion which extends linearly from a first side of the female body portion, a first female recess which is formed axially in the first female end portion, and a second female end portion which extends linearly from a second side of the female body portion that is oriented approximately ninety degrees from the first side of the female body portion; wherein the first pipe segment comprises a cylindrical second end portion which is configured to be rotatably received in the first female recess of the second female hub; and second means for rotatably securing the second end portion of the first pipe segment within the first female recess of the second female hub.

12. The flowline assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the second female end portion of the first female hub and the second female end portion of the second female hub comprises a cylindrical first end recess which is formed axially therein, and wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises: a second straight pipe segment which includes a first end portion that is configured to be rotatably received in the first end recess; and third means for rotatably securing the first end portion of the second pipe segment within the first end recess.

13. The flowline assembly of claim 12, wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises a connector member which is located at a distal end of the second pipe segment.

14. The flowline assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a male hub which includes a generally cube-shaped male body portion, a first male end portion which extends linearly from a first side of the male body portion, a first male recess which is formed axially in the first male end portion, and a second male end portion which extends linearly from a second side of the male body portion that is oriented approximately ninety degrees from the first side of the male body portion; wherein the first pipe segment comprises a cylindrical second end portion which is configured to be rotatably received in the first male recess; and second means for rotatably securing the cylindrical second end portion of the first pipe segment within the first male recess.

15. The flowline assembly of claim 14, wherein at least one of the second female end portion and the second male end portion comprises a cylindrical first end recess which is formed axially therein, and wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises: a second straight pipe segment which includes a first end portion that is configured to be rotatably received in the first end recess; and third means for rotatably securing the first end portion of the second pipe segment within the first end recess.

16. The flowline assembly of claim 15, wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises a connector member which is located at a distal end of the second pipe segment.

17. The flowline assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a second female recess which is formed axially in the second female end portion; a second male hub which includes a generally cube-shaped male body portion, a first male end portion which extends linearly from a first side of the male body portion, and a second male end portion which extends linearly from a second side of the male body portion that is oriented approximately ninety degrees from the first side of the male body portion; wherein the second male end portion of the second male hub comprises an outer surface portion which configured to be rotatably received in the second female recess; and second means for rotatably securing the outer surface portion of the second male end of the second male hub within the second female recess.

18. The flowline assembly of claim 17, wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises at least one of a first connector member which is located at a distal end of the first male end portion of the first male hub and a second connector member which is located at a distal end of the first male end portion of the second male hub.

19. The flowline assembly of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first male end portion of the first male hub and the first male end portion of the second male hub comprises a cylindrical first male recess which is formed axially therein, and wherein the swivel joint assembly further comprises: a first straight pipe segment which includes a first end portion that is configured to be rotatably received in the first male recess; and third means for rotatably securing the first end portion of the first pipe segment within the first male recess.

20. The flowline assembly of claim 19, further comprising a connector member which is located at a distal end of the first pipe segment.

21. The flowline assembly of claim 3, 5, 7, 10, 13, 16, 18 or 20 wherein said connector members comprise a clamp connector, a drill through flanged end connection, a studded end connection, a hammer union connector, a Grayloc connector or a Speedloc connector.

22. A method for fluidly connecting a fracturing manifold to a fracturing tree, the method comprising: (a) providing a first flowline assembly which comprises a number of first swivel joints; (b) connecting a first end of the first flowline assembly to the manifold; (c) providing a second flowline assembly; (d) connecting a first end of the second flowline assembly to the tree; and (e) after the first flowline assembly is connected to the manifold and the second flowline assembly is connected to the tree, connecting a second end of the first flowline assembly to a second end of the second flowline assembly to thereby fluidly connect the manifold to the tree.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising, after step (b) but prior to step (e), transporting the manifold with the first flowline assembly connected thereto to a location proximate the tree.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, further comprising, after steps (b) and (d) but prior to step (e), pressure testing at least one of the first flowline assembly and the second flowline assembly.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising: providing a lifting device; and after steps (b) and (d) but prior to step (e), using the lifting device to move the second end of the first flowline assembly into position for connection to the second end of the second flowline assembly.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a fixed tee which is connected to the tree and a first pipe segment which is connected to the fixed tee, and wherein a distal end of the first pipe segment comprises the second end of the second flowline assembly.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a fixed tee which is connected to the tree, a first pipe segment which is connected to the fixed tee and a first flowline subassembly which is connected to a distal end of the first pipe segment, wherein the first flowline subassembly comprises a number of second swivel joints, and wherein a distal end of the first flowline subassembly comprises the second end of the second flowline assembly.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a second swivel joint which is connected to the tree and a first pipe segment which is connected to the second swivel joint, and wherein a distal end of the first pipe segment comprises the second end of the second flowline assembly.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a second swivel joint which is connected to the tree, a first pipe segment which is connected to the second swivel joint and a first flowline subassembly which is connected to a distal end of the first pipe segment, wherein the first flowline subassembly comprises a number of third swivel joints, and wherein a distal end of the first flowline subassembly comprises the second end of the second flowline assembly.

30. The method of claim 22, further comprising: providing a third flowline assembly; wherein step (e) comprises connecting a first end of the third flowline assembly to a second end of the first flowline assembly and connecting a second end of the third flowline assembly to the second end of the second flowline assembly.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: providing a lifting device; and using the lifting device to move the first and second ends of the third flowline assembly into position for connection to the second end of the first flowline assembly and the second end of the second flowline assembly, respectively.

32. A flowline system for fluidly connecting a fracturing manifold to a fracturing tree, the flowline system comprising: a first flowline assembly which is pre-assembled with the manifold, the first flowline assembly comprising a number of preassembled first flowline components and a first connection member which is located distally of the manifold; and a second flowline assembly which is connected to the tree, the second flowline assembly comprising a number of preassembled second flowline components and a second connection member which is located distally of the tree; wherein the first and second connection members are configured to be releasably connected together to thereby fluidly connect the manifold to the tree.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a fixed tee which is connected to the tree and a first pipe segment which is connected to the fixed tee, and wherein the second connection member is located at a distal end of the first pipe segment.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a fixed tee which is connected to the tree, a first pipe segment which is connected to the fixed tee and a first flowline subassembly which is connected to a distal end of the first pipe segment, wherein the first flowline subassembly comprises a number of swivel joints, and wherein the second connection member is located at a distal end of the first flowline subassembly.

35. The system of claim 32, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a swivel joint which is connected to the tree and a first pipe segment which is connected to the swivel joint, and wherein the second connection member is located at a distal end of the first pipe segment.

36. The system of claim 32, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a first swivel joint which is connected to the tree, a first pipe segment which is connected to the first swivel joint and a first flowline subassembly which is connected to a distal end of the first pipe segment, wherein the first flowline subassembly comprises a number of second swivel joints, and wherein the second connection member is located at a distal end of the first flowline subassembly.

37. The system of claim 22, further comprising: a third flowline assembly which comprises a first end on which a third connection member is located and a second end on which a fourth connection member is located; wherein the first and third connection members and the second and fourth connection members are configured to be releasably connected together, respectively, to thereby fluidly connect the manifold to the tree.

38. The system of claim 37, further comprising a lifting device which is configured to move the third flowline assembly into position for connection of the first connection member to the third connection member and the second connection member to the fourth connection member.

39. The system of claim 32, wherein the second flowline assembly comprises a first fixed tee which is connected to the tree, a first pipe segment which is connected to the fixed tee and a second fixed tee which is connected to a distal end of the first pipe segment, and wherein the second connection member is located on the second fixed tee.

40. A swivel joint which comprises: first and second hubs which each include a generally cube-shaped body portion having six generally flat sides, a first end connection which extends from a first side, a second end connection which extends from a second side oriented generally ninety degrees from the first side, and a flowbore which extends completely through the body portion and the end connections; a hub connector which rotatably connects a first end connection on the first hub to a second end connection on the second hub; and a seal assembly which seals the interface between the first end connection on the first hub the second end connection on the second hub while permitting relative rotation between the first and second hubs; wherein the first and second hubs are substantially identical.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective, partial cross sectional view of a prior art Chiksan-style swivel joint;

[0048] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a swivel joint which is suitable for use in the flowline assembly of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a swivel joint which is suitable for use in the flowline assembly of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a swivel joint which is suitable for use in the flowline assembly of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a swivel joint which is suitable for use in the flowline assembly of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a flowline assembly of the present disclosure shown installed between a representative manifold and a typical tree which may be used, e.g., in a fracturing operation;

[0053] FIG. 7 is a top view of the flowline assembly shown in FIG. 6;

[0054] FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of a flowline assembly of the present disclosure shown installed between a representative manifold and a typical tree which may be used, e.g., in a fracturing operation;

[0055] FIG. 9 is a top view of the flowline assembly shown in FIG. 8;

[0056] FIG. 10 is a side view of a further embodiment of a flowline assembly of the present disclosure shown installed between a representative manifold and a typical tree which may be used, e.g., in a fracturing operation;

[0057] FIG. 11 is a top view of the flowline assembly shown in FIG. 10;

[0058] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the flowline assembly shown in FIG. 10;

[0059] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating one method of installing a flowline assembly of the present disclosure between a representative manifold and a typical tree which may be used, e.g., in a fracturing operation:

[0060] FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating another method of installing a flowline assembly of the present disclosure between a representative manifold and a typical tree which may be used, e.g., in a fracturing operation;

[0061] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of a flowline assembly of the present disclosure shown installed between a representative manifold and a typical tree which may be used, e.g., in a fracturing operation;

[0062] FIG. 16 is a top view of the flowline assembly shown in FIG. 15;

[0063] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a swivel joint which is suitable for use in the flowline assembly of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the swivel joint shown in FIG. 17; and

[0065] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the portion of the swivel joint labeled A in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The present disclosure is directed to a system, apparatus and method for improved fluid connection between elements of a fracturing system which offers adjustable functionality in the form of an improved swivel joint that can be deployed in a single flow path and is easier to install and comprises fewer field connections than the prior art elbow block system.

[0067] The flowline assembly of the present disclosure employs a number of swivel joints to impart flexibility to the assembly. A first embodiment of one such swivel joint is shown in FIG. 2. The swivel joint of this embodiment, generally 26, includes a male hub 28 which is rotatably connected to a female hub 30. The male hub 28 includes a generally cube-shaped male body portion 28a (see, e.g., FIG. 6), a first male end portion 32 which extends linearly from a first side of the male body portion, a cylindrical recess 34 which is formed in the first male end portion, a second male end portion 36 which comprises a cylindrical outer diameter surface and extends linearly from a second side of the male body portion that is oriented approximately ninety degrees from the first side, and a male flowbore which extends through the male hub from a base of the recess to a distal end of the second male end portion. The male flowbore includes a first male flowbore section 38 which extends through the male body portion 28a and the first male end portion 32 to the recess 34, and a second male flowbore section 40 which extends at an angle, for example ninety degrees, from the first male flowbore section through the distal end of the second male end portion 36.

[0068] The female hub 30 includes a generally cube-shaped female body portion 30a (see, e.g., FIG. 6), a first female end portion 42 which extends linearly from a first side of the female body portion, a first female recess 44 which is formed in the first female end portion, a second female end portion 46 which extends linearly from a second side of the female body portion that is oriented approximately ninety degrees from the first side, a second female recess 48 which is formed in the second female end portion, and a female flowbore which extends through the female hub from a base of the first female recess to a base of the second female recess. The female flowbore includes a first female bore section 50 which extends through the female body portion 30a and the first female end portion 42 to the first recess 44, and a second female bore section 52 which extends at an angle, for example ninety degrees, from the first female flowbore section to the second recess 48.

[0069] The male and female hubs 28, 30 may be rotatably connected using a swivel connection of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,148, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Referring still to FIG. 2, the second male end portion 36 of the male hub 28 is received in the first female recess 44 of the female hub 30 and is secured therein by, e.g., a suitable thrust bearing 54 which is received in corresponding aligned radial grooves in the second male end portion and the first female recess. Also, a number of sleeve bearings 56 are positioned between the second male end portion 36 and the first female recess 44 to facilitate relative rotation therebetween. In this manner, the male hub 28 is rotatably connected to the female hub 30. In addition, the male hub 28 is sealed to the female hub 30 by, e.g., a suitable radial seal 58 which is positioned between the outer diameter surface of the second male end portion 36 and the first female recess 44, and possibly also a suitable end seal 60 which is positioned between the distal end of the second male end portion and a shoulder which is formed at the intersection of the first female bore section 50 and the first female recess.

[0070] In the embodiment of the disclosure shown in FIG. 2, the swivel joint 26 also includes a first straight pipe segment 62 which is rotatably connected to the male hub 28 and a second straight pipe segment 64 which is rotatably connected to the female hub 30, each using a swivel connection of the type described above for rotatably connecting the male hub to the female hub, for example. The first pipe segment 62 includes a first end portion 66 which is configured to be received in the male recess 34 of the first male end portion 34. Similarly, the second pipe segment 64 includes a first end portion 68 which is configured to be received in the second female recess 48 of the second female end portion 46. The first end portions 66, 68 may be secured and sealed to the male recess 34 and the second female recess 48, respectively, using means similar to those described above for securing and sealing the second male end portion 36 of the male hub 28 to the first female recess 44 of the female hub 30.

[0071] The first pipe segment 62 comprises a first pipe flowbore 70 which is connected to the first male flowbore 38 of the male hub 28, and the second pipe segment 64 comprises a second pipe flowbore 72 which is connected to the second female flowbore 52 of the female hub 30. The first pipe segment 62 also includes a second end portion 76 to which a first connector, such as a first clamp connector 78, may be secured to enable the male hub 28 to be connected to a second component of the flowline assembly (not shown). Likewise, the second pipe segment 64 includes a second end portion 80 to which a second connector, such as a second clamp connector 82, may be secured to enable the male hub 28 to be connected to a third component of the flowline assembly (not shown). In this manner, the swivel joint 26 provides a sealed fluid conduit between the second and third components of the flowline assembly. Also, the swivel connections between the first pipe segment 62 and the male hub 28, between the male hub and the female hub 30, and between the female hub and the second pipe segment 64 provide three degrees of rotational freedom between the second and third components which allow great flexibility in the configuration of the flowline assembly.

[0072] A second embodiment of the swivel joint of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 3. The swivel joint of this embodiment, generally 84, is similar in many respects to the swivel joint 26 described above. Thus, the swivel joint 84 includes a male hub 28 which is rotatably connected to a female hub 30 using a swivel connection of the type described above. In contrast to the swivel joint 26, however, swivel joint 84 does not comprise the first and second straight pipe segments 62, 64 which are rotatably connected to the male and female hubs 28, 30, respectively. Instead, the first male end portion 32 is configured to be secured to a suitable first connector, such as a first clamp connector 78, and the second female end portion is configured to be secured to a suitable second connector, such as a second clamp connector 82. Thus, the swivel joint 84 provides a single degree of rotational freedom between the components (not shown) which are connected to the swivel joint via the first and second clamp connectors 78, 82.

[0073] A third embodiment of the swivel joint of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4. The swivel joint of this embodiment, generally 86, is similar to the swivel joint 26 described above. Accordingly, the swivel joint 86 includes a male hub 28 which is rotatably connected to a female hub 30, a first straight pipe segment 62 which is rotatably connected to the male hub, and a second straight pipe segment 64 which is rotatably connected to the female hub, each using a swivel connection of the type described above. In this embodiment, however, a flanged end connection 88, such as a conventional API 6A drill through flanged end connection, is connected to or formed integrally the second end portion 76 of the first pipe segment 62. The flanged end connection 88 enables the first pipe segment 62 to be bolted to a matching connection of another component of the flowline assembly (not shown).

[0074] A fourth embodiment of the swivel joint of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 5. The swivel joint of this embodiment, generally 90, is similar to the swivel joint 84 discussed above. Thus, the swivel joint 90 includes a male hub 28 which is rotatably connected to a female hub 30, such as with a swivel connection of the type described above. In this embodiment, however, the first male end portion 32 of the male hub 28 is truncated and is configured as a studded end connection 92, such as a conventional API 6A studded end connection, which includes a number of bolts 94 that are secured in the distal end of the first male end portion. This studded end connection is particularly suitable for use with the flanged end connection 88 of the swivel joint 86 described above.

[0075] It should be apparent from the above description that the different swivel joints just described may be connected together into a single flowline assembly to enable the flowline assembly to be easily configured for connection between components which are spaced apart both vertically and horizontally, which are angularly offset relative to each other, and which employ different connectors. For example, the end portions of the swivel joints can be pre-fabricated with different end flanges to accommodate a variety of connectors, such as a flanged end for a studded end connection or a naked flange for Grayloc or Speedloc connector. In addition, a straight pipe segment can be connected to an adjacent swivel joint, and single or triple-bend swivel joints can be made using the swivel joints described above as building blocks. Also, instead of a comprising both a male hub and a female hub, a swivel joint could be constructed with two female hubs joined by a length of straight pipe.

[0076] A first embodiment of a flowline assembly which is constructed using the swivel joints of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The flowline assembly of this embodiment, generally 100, is shown being used to connect a flowline manifold 102 to a christmas tree 104. The flowline assembly includes a single-bend swivel joint 106 which is connected to a valve block 108 on the tree 104 using a flanged end connection 110 similar to the flanged end connection 88 described above in connection with the swivel joint 86. The single-bend swivel joint 106 is rotatably connected to a triple bend swivel joint 112 by a straight pipe segment 114. The triple bend swivel joint 112 may include, e.g., a first male hub 116 which is rotatably connected to the straight pipe segment 114, a female hub 118 which is rotatably connected to the first male hub, and a second male hub 120 which is rotatably connected to the female hub and which includes a flanged end connection 122 similar to the flanged end connection 88 described above in connection with the swivel joint 86.

[0077] The flowline assembly 100 also includes two double-bend swivel joints 124, 126 for connecting the second male hub 120 to a valve block 128 on the manifold 102. The first double-bend swivel joint 124 includes a male hub 130 which is connected to the flanged end connection 122 of the male hub 120 via a second rotatable flanged end connection 132, and a female hub 134 which is rotatably connected to the male hub 130. The first double-bend swivel joint 124 is rotatably connected to the second double-bend swivel joint 126 by a straight pipe segment 136. The second double-bend swivel joint 126 includes a female hub 138 which is rotatably connected to the straight pipe segment 136, and a male hub 140 which is rotatable connected to the female hub 138. The male hub 140 is in turn rotatably connected to the valve block 128 by a rotatable flanged end connection 142.

[0078] During assembly of the flowline assembly 100, the sub-assembly of the single-bend swivel joint 106 and the triple-bend swivel joint 112 is pre-installed on the tree 104. Also, the sub-assembly comprising the two double-bend swivel joints 124, 126 is connected to the manifold 102 (which is shown mounted on a manifold skid 144), pressure tested, and sent to the fracturing site on the manifold skid. Using this method, only a single connection, namely, the connection between the flanged end connections 122 and 132, is required to be made up in the field, which greatly simplifies the connection of the manifold 102 to the tree 104. It should be understood that the flanged end connections 122, 132 could be any other type of suitable connection, such as a Grayloc or Speedloc connector. Also, the manifold skid can be trailer deployed with a gantry arm (not shown) for unfurling the sub-assembly of the two double-bend swivel joints 124, 126.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the connections between the components in the first flowline subassembly (i.e., the assembly of the single bend swivel joint 106, the pipe segment 116 and the triple bend swivel joint 112) and the connections between the components in the second flowline subassembly (i.e., the assembly of the straight pipe segment 136 and the two double bend swivel joints 124, 126) are of the type that are typically not made up in the field. For example, the connection between the pipe segment 114 and each of the single bend swivel joint 106 and the triple bend swivel joint 112 are rotary swivel connections which, as may be apparent from the description of the swivel joint embodiment of FIG. 2, are normally made up during assembly of the swivel joints. Likewise, the connections between the double bend swivel joints 124, 126 and the pipe segment 136 are rotary swivel connections which are typically made up during assembly of the swivel joints. The present disclosure allows for the first flowline subassembly to be made up off-site, transported to the fracturing site and then connected to the tree 104. Similarly, the second flowline subassembly can be made up off-site and connected to the manifold 102. Moreover, since the manifold 102 is transportable, the second flowline subassembly can be connected to the manifold 102 off-site and this entire assembly can then be transported to the fracturing site. Thus, once at the fracturing site, the only connection that has to be completed in order to fully deploy the flowline assembly is the connection between the flanged end connections 122, 132.

[0080] Once assembled, the flowline assembly 100 may be configured such that both the triple-bend assembly 112 and the first double bend assembly 124 rest on a supporting surface 146, such as the ground. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the male hub 116 of the triple-bend assembly 112 and the female hub 134 of the double bend assembly 124 are supported on the supporting surface 146. Due to the generally cube-shaped configuration of the male and female body portions, the male and female hubs 116, 134 contact the supporting surface 146 over an extended area. This helps to stabilize the flowline assembly 100 and thereby reduce stresses on the swivel joints. In addition, the cube-shaped configuration of the male and female hubs 116, 134 ensures that the connecting pipe segments (such as pipe segment 204 in FIG. 9) remain elevated off the supporting surface.

[0081] A second embodiment of a flowline assembly in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The flowline assembly of this embodiment, generally 200, is similar in many respects to the flowline assembly 100 described above. In the present embodiment, however, the single-bend swivel joint 106 is rotatably connected to the first male hub 116 of the triple-bend swivel joint 112 by a flanged connection 202 (not visible in FIG. 8) between the single-bend swivel joint and the male hub 116 of the-triple bend swivel joint. Also, the male hub 120 of the triple-bend swivel joint 112 is rotatably connected to the male hub 130 of the first double-bend swivel joint 124 by a straight pipe segment 204.

[0082] During assembly, the single-bend swivel joint 106 is pre-installed on the tree 104, and the sub-assembly comprising the triple-bend swivel joint 112 and the two double-bend swivel joints 124, 126 is connected to the manifold 102, pressure tested, and sent to the fracturing site on the manifold skid. Thus, only one connection needs to be made up in the field, namely, the flanged connection 202 between the single-bend swivel joint 106 and the triple-bend swivel joint 112. Once assembled, the flowline assembly 200 may be configured such that both the triple-bend assembly 112 and the first double bend assembly 124 rest on the supporting surface 146. Also, the flanged connection 202 could be any other type of suitable connection, such as a Grayloc or Speedloc connector.

[0083] A third embodiment of the flowline assembly of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 10-12. The flowline assembly of this embodiment, generally 300, is somewhat similar to the flowline assembly 100 described above. In this embodiment, however, the single-bend swivel joint 106 is omitted. Instead, the valve block 108 on the tree 104 is connected to a fixed tee 302, which in turn is rotatably connected to the male hub 116 of the triple-bend swivel joint 112 using, e.g., a studded end connection 304 similar to the studded end connection 92 discussed above in connection with the swivel joint 90.

[0084] During assembly, the sub-assembly comprising the tee 302 and the triple-bend swivel joint 112 is pre-installed on the tree 104, and the sub-assembly comprising the two double-bend swivel joints 124, 126 is connected to the manifold 102, pressure tested, and sent to the fracturing site on the manifold skid 146. Using this method, only a single connection, namely, the connection between the flanged end connections 122, 132, is required to be made up in the field. As in the previous embodiments, the flanged end connections 122, 132 could be replaced with any other suitable connection, such as a Grayloc or Speedloc connector.

[0085] Another embodiment of the flowline assembly of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 13. The flowline assembly of this embodiment, generally 400, is similar to the flowline assembly 300 just described. In the flowline assembly 400, however, the fixed tee 302 is connected to the triple-bend swivel joint 112 using a clamp connector 402, the triple-bend swivel joint is connected to the first double-bend swivel joint 124 using a straight pipe segment 404 and a pair of clamp connectors 406, the first double-bend swivel joint is similarly connected to the second double-bend swivel joint 126 using a straight pipe segment 408 and a pair of clamp connectors 410, and the second double-bend swivel joint is connected to the valve block 128 using a clamp connector 412 which is connected to a straight pipe segment 414 that in turn is bolted to the valve block. Of course, other types of connectors can be used in place of one or more of the clamp connectors.

[0086] During assembly, the fixed tee 302 is pre-installed on the tree 104 and the remainder of the flowline assembly 400 is pre-assembled, connected to the manifold 402, pressure tested if necessary, and sent to the fracturing site on the manifold skid 146. Once the manifold skid 146 arrives at the tree 104, the assembly can be connected to the fixed tee 302 with the use of a crane or other lifting device (not shown) which comprises a rope 416 that is guided through a fulcrum eye 418 attached to the tee and secured to a tie off point 420 on the male hub 116. In this manner, the crane can be used to lift the male hub 116 into position for connection to the tee 302. Thus, only one connection, namely, the clamp connector 402 needs to be made up in the field.

[0087] Another method for connecting the flowline assembly 400 between the manifold 102 and the tree is shown in FIG. 14. In accordance with this method, the triple-bend swivel joint 112 and the first and second double-bend swivel joints 124, 126 are pre-assembled on an intermediate skid 422, which also may include a hand operated crane 424 and/or a piston lifting device 426. In use, the crane 424 and/or the piston lifting device 426 may be used to lift and level the flowline assembly 400 so that the triple-bend swivel joint 112 can be connected to the fixed tee 302 and the second double-bend swivel joint 126 can be connected to the straight pipe segment 414 which is connected to the manifold valve block 128.

[0088] Another embodiment of a flowline assembly which may be constructed using the swivel joints disclosed herein is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The flowline assembly of this embodiment, generally 500, comprises two identical flowline segments 502, 504 which are each connected between a flowline manifold 102 and a christmas tree 104. In this illustrative embodiment, the flowline assembly 500 may also be considered to comprise a first fixed tee 506 which is connected to the flowline manifold 102, a second fixed tee 508 which is connected to the tree 104, and a third fixed tee 510 which is located proximate the base of the tree and is connected via a straight pipe segment 512 to the second fixed tee. In this embodiment, the flowline segments 502, 504 are each connected between the first and third fixed tees 506, 510.

[0089] Each flowline segment 502, 504 includes a triple bend swivel joint 514 which is connected to the first tee 506, a double bend swivel joint 516 which is connected to the third tee 510, and a straight pipe segment 518 which is connected between the triple bend swivel joint 514 and the double bend swivel joint 516. The triple bend swivel joint 514 comprises a first male hub 520 which is connected to the first tee 506 using a flanged end connection 522 similar to the flanged end connection 88 described above in connection with the swivel joint 86, a female hub 524 which is rotatably connected to the first male hub, and a second male hub 526 which is rotatably connected to the female hub. The second male hub 526 includes a rotatable straight pipe segment 528 similar to the straight pipe segment 62 discussed above in connection with the swivel joint 26, and this straight pipe segment 528 is connected to a first end of the straight pipe segment 518 using a suitable connector 530, such as a clamp connector.

[0090] The double bend swivel joint 516 includes a female hub 532 which is rotatably connected to a male hub 534 in a manner similar to that of the swivel joint 26 discussed above. The female hub 532 includes a rotatable straight pipe segment 536 similar to the straight pipe segment 64 of the swivel joint 26. This straight pipe segment 536 is connected via a suitable connector 538, such as a clamp connector, to a stub joint 540 which is bolted to the third tee 510. The male hub 534 includes a rotatable straight pipe segment 542, similar to the rotatable straight pipe segment 528 of the second male hub 526. This rotatable straight pipe segment 542 is connected to a second end of the straight pipe segment 518 using a suitable connector 544, such as a clamp connector.

[0091] During assembly, a first sub-assembly comprising the second and third fixed tees 508, 510, the straight pipe segment 512 and the stub joints 540 is assembled with the tree, and a second sub-assembly comprising the flowline segments 502, 504 and the first fixed tee 506 is assembled with the manifold 102. The flowline segments 502, 504 may then be pressure tested, after which the manifold 102 and the second sub-assembly may be transported as a unit to the fracturing site on the manifold skid 144. Once at the tree 104, the flowline segments 502, 504 may be connected to corresponding stub joints 540 using the clamp connectors 538 to thereby connect the manifold 102 to the tree. Using this method, only two connections, namely, the connections between each double bend swivel joint 516 and its corresponding stub joint 540, are required to be made up in the field, which greatly simplifies the connection of the manifold 102 to the tree 104. If required or desired, the manifold skid 144 can be trailer deployed with a gantry arm (not shown) for unfurling the flowline segments 502, 504.

[0092] In other embodiments, the flowline segments 502, 504 may be connected directly to the second fixed tee 508 such that the pipe segments 512 and the third fixed tee 510 are no longer needed. In this embodiment, the flowline segments 502, 504 may be lengthened to accommodate the connection at the fixed tee 508 by using longer straight pipe segments 518.

[0093] A further embodiment of a swivel joint which is suitable for use with the flowline assemblies of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 17-19. The swivel joint of this embodiment, generally 600, includes first and second hubs 602, 604 which are rotatably connected together by a hub connector 606. Each hub 602, 604 comprises a generally cube-shaped body portion 608 having six generally flat sides, a first end connection 610 which extends from a first side of the body portion, a second end connection 612 which extends from a second side of the body portion oriented generally ninety degrees from the first side, and a flowbore 614 which extends completely through the body portion 608 and the end connections 610, 612. Each hub 602, 604 may also comprise a support pad 616 which extends from a side of the body portion 608, such as the side of the body portion located opposite one of the end connections 610, 612, and serves to elevate the swivel joint 600 and ensure that the hub connector 606 is not resting on the supporting surface (e.g., the ground).

[0094] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the first and second hubs 602, 604 are designed to be substantially identical so that they can be constructed from identical block forgings to thereby reduce the complexity and cost of the swivel joint 600. Also, although the swivel joint 600 is depicted as a double bend swivel joint, additional hubs may be rotationally connected to the first and/or second hubs 602, 604 with hub connector similar to the hub connector 606 to create swivel joints having two or more degrees of rotation.

[0095] Referring also to FIG. 19, the hub connector 606 includes two clamp halves 618a, 618b which are positioned around the end connections 610, 612 and secured together with a pair of internally threaded lock rings 620, which when tightened onto the threaded ends of the clamp halves firmly secure the clamp halves to the end connections. Each clamp halve 618a, 618b comprises an inner circumferential groove 622 having beveled axial ends 624a, 624b which are configured to engage corresponding beveled end portions 626a, 626b of the end connections 610, 612 to thereby secure the first and second hubs 602, 604 together.

[0096] The interface between the end connections 610, 612 is sealed by an annular seal assembly 628 which is positioned in a corresponding seal pocket 630 that is defined by a pair of adjoining inner annual grooves 632a, 632b, each of which is formed in a corresponding end connection 610, 612 at an end of the flowbore 614 (see, e.g., FIG. 18). The seal assembly 628 includes a bushing or sleeve bearing 634 to facilitate relative rotation between the first and second hubs 602, 604, a pair of face seals 636, each of which is sealingly engaged between an axial end of the bushing and an adjacent end of the seal pocket 630, and an optional pair of backup seal rings 638, each of which is positioned in an annular seal pocket formed in a corresponding end connection 610, 612 and is sealingly engaged with the outer diameter surface of the bushing. In this manner, the seal assembly 628 forms a fluid and pressure tight seal between the flowbores 614 of the first and second hubs 602, 604 while allowing the hubs to be rotated relative to each other into any orientation which the flowline assembly may require.

[0097] It should be recognized that, while the present disclosure has been presented with reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art may develop a wide variation of structural and operational details without departing from the principles of the disclosure. For example, the various elements shown in the different embodiments may be combined in a manner not illustrated above. Therefore, the following claims are to be construed to cover all equivalents falling within the true scope and spirit of the disclosure.