Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
88587843
APPARATUS FOR BALL CATCHING
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This application claims priority from Canadian Patent Application 2,876,608,
filed Jan. 6, 2015.
Technical Field
[0001] This
disclosure relates in general to an apparatus for oil and gas recovery and, in
particular, to an improved apparatus for ball catching during oil and gas
recovery operations.
Background of the Disclosure
[0002] Hydraulic
fracturing (also referred to as fracking) is a technique used to improve
recovery rates in oil and gas wells. Typically, fracking involves pumping a
fluid containing a
proppant (e.g. sand, ceramic beads) down the well and into the formation from
which oil or gas
is to be recovered. The fluid creates or enlarges fissures in the formation,
and the proppant
prevents the fissures from closing when pumping of the fluid ceases. After the
pumping of
fracking fluid down the well ceases, well fluid, which may contain oil or gas,
is allowed to flow
up the well for recovery.
[0003] In some
well operations, it is desirable to isolate different zones of the formation
through which the well extends before pumping fracturing fluid down the well,
in order to
fracture only a particular zone. The above-mentioned isolation is often
achieved by inserting frac
balls into the well. The frac balls, carried down the well by the fracturing
fluid, seal against seats
within the well casing, and actuate devices which restrict the fracturing
fluid contact to only the
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desired portion or stage of the well. Once the fracking operation is complete,
the well fluid
flowing up the well carries the frac balls with it.
[0004] When
the well fluid and frac balls reach the frac tree connected to the top of the
well,
they are directed to a ball catcher mechanism, which generally includes a
horizontal member
extending from the well, and a vertical chamber depending from the horizontal
member. The
well fluid and frac balls flow from the well through the horizontal member,
and the frac balls fall
into the vertical chamber while well fluid flows to downstream equipment. The
ball catcher can
then be isolated from the horizontal member and the balls can be recovered.
[0005] In
known solutions of separating debris and/or balls from a fluid flow, a screen
or
filter is used within the flow line to catch the debris and/or balls. This
screen or filter may be
designed with holes that are small enough to prevent debris and/or balls from
passing and thus
removing the debris and/or balls from the fluid flow. Some prior art designs
exist which allow
for removal of debris and/or balls from the screen without stopping the fluid
flow.
[0006] For
example, U.S. Patent No. 2,977,616 discloses a pig ball receiver 10 adapted to
receive or recover a pig ball 11 from a flow line 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2. The principal
purpose of the pig ball 11 is to remove deposits from the walls of the flow
line 12. FIG. 1 shows
the pig ball receiver 10 with a valve 13 in a first position for receiving the
pig ball 11. FIG. 2
shows the pig ball receiver 10 with the valve 13 in a second position for
preventing flow into a
receiver housing 14 to allow for removal of the pig ball 11.
[0007] As
another example, Canadian patent 2,635,852 discloses a ball catcher 15 fluidly
connected to a wellhead port 16 to receive well bore fluids and balls 17
carried therewith, as
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88587843
shown in FIG. 3. The ball catcher 15 includes an isolation valve 18 to isolate
the ball recovery
chamber 19 temporarily from the catcher body 20 for servicing.
[0008] Examples of a disadvantage with known techniques is that designs using
a plunger,
such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, expose the internal components,
such as the thread
of the valve, to the fluid flow. Other embodiments, such as the one shown in
Figure 3, are
generally more complicated and involve increased expense, and weight.
Summary
[0009] In an
aspect, there is provided an apparatus for ball catching. The apparatus
includes
a body having an inlet for receiving fluid and at least one ball, a fluid
outlet for permitting fluid
to exit the body, and a ball-collection outlet for accommodating at least one
ball. In addition, the
apparatus includes a chamber in communication with the ball-collection outlet,
the chamber for
receiving the at least one ball. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a
blockage disposed within
the fluid outlet, the blockage configured to prevent the passage of at least
one ball through the
fluid outlet and encourage at least one ball toward the ball-collection outlet
and configured to
permit the passage of fluid through the fluid outlet. The apparatus also
includes a plunger
moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed
prevents at least
one ball and fluid from entering the ball-collection outlet, prevents at least
one ball from entering
the fluid outlet, and permits fluid to exit the body through the fluid outlet.
The apparatus
provides a means for sealing the chamber while preventing the passage of the
at least one ball
during collection of balls from the chamber.
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[0010] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may include a wing valve
connected to the
body for controlling flow of the fluid.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the wing valve may be connected upstream
from the body.
[0012] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may include a drain valve
connected to the
chamber, the drain valve for relieving pressure within the chamber.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the chamber may include a cleanout port for
removing at
least one ball from the chamber.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the plunger may be perforated.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the plunger may be configured to allow fluid
to flow from
the inlet, around at least a portion of the plunger, and through the fluid
outlet.
[0016] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may include a non-rising valve
stem
[0017] In certain embodiments, the non-rising valve stem may include a
thread, the thread
isolated from the fluid flowing through the body to reduce wear.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the plunger may be configured to discourage
fluid from
contacting the non-rising valve stem.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the plunger may include at an upper seal and
a lower seal.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the blockage may be welded to the body.
[0021] In certain embodiments, the blockage may include a screen that
includes holes for
allowing the fluid and at least some debris to pass through the screen.
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[0022] In another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for ball catching.
The apparatus
includes means for receiving fluid and at least one ball at an inlet. In
addition, the apparatus
includes means for permitting fluid to exit the body via a fluid outlet.
Furthermore, the apparatus
includes means for permitting at least one ball to enter a chamber via a ball-
collection outlet, the
chamber in communication with the ball-collection outlet. The apparatus
further includes means
for preventing the passage of the at least one ball through the fluid outlet.
The apparatus also
includes a plunger moveable between an open position and a closed position,
wherein the closed
position prevents at least one ball and fluid from entering the ball-
collection outlet, prevents at
least one ball from entering the fluid outlet, and permits fluid to exit the
body through the fluid
outlet. The apparatus provides a means for sealing the chamber while
preventing the passage of
the at least one ball during collection of balls from the chamber.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for
controlling flow
of the fluid.
[0024] In certain embodiments, the means for controlling flow of the fluid
may be connected
upstream from the body.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for
relieving
pressure within the chamber.
[0026] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for
the fluid to flow
through the body and through the fluid outlet.
[0027] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further include non-rising
control means
for controlling the plunger.
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[0028] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for
discouraging
fluid from contacting the non-rising control means to reduce wear.
[0029] In certain embodiments, the plunger may be configured to prevent
fluid from
contacting the non-rising valve stem when the plunger is in the closed
position.
[0030] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for
supporting the
plunger at an upper seal and a lower seal when the plunger is in the closed
position.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for
fixing the
screen to the body.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for
allowing the
fluid and at least some debris to pass through the fluid outlet.
[0033] In another aspect, there is provided a system for hydraulic
fracturing of a well. The
system includes a frac tree configured to connect to a wellhead of the well
and configured to
receive fluid and at least one ball from the wellhead. The system also
includes a ball catcher
connected to the frac tree. The ball catcher includes a body having an inlet
for receiving the
fluid and at least one ball from the frac tree, a fluid outlet for
accommodating, and a ball-
collection outlet for delivering the at least one ball; a chamber in
communication with the ball-
collection outlet, the chamber for receiving the at least one ball; a blockage
disposed within the
fluid outlet, the blockage configured to prevent the passage of at least one
ball through the fluid
outlet and encourage at least one ball toward the ball collection outlet and
configured to permit
the passage of fluid through the fluid outlet; and a plunger moveable between
an open position
and a closed position, wherein the closed position prevents at least one ball
and fluid from
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CA 02914395 2015-12-09
entering the ball-collection outlet, prevents at least one ball from entering
the fluid outlet, and
permits fluid to exit the body through the fluid outlet. The system further
includes downstream
equipment connected to the fluid outlet of the ball catcher, the downstream
equipment
configured to process fluid. The system connects to a wellhead and provides a
means for
collecting balls with the ball catcher during hydraulic fracturing.
[0034] Other
aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following
detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which are a
part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of
the inventions
disclosed.
Description of the Figures
[0035] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various
embodiments:
[0036] FIG 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a prior art
apparatus in an open
position;
[0037] FIG 2 is a schematic representation of the prior art apparatus of FIG.
1 in an closed
position;
[0038] FIG 3 is a schematic representation of another example of a prior art
apparatus in an
open position;
[0039] FIG 4 is a schematic representation of an apparatus in an open position
in
accordance with an embodiment;
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[0040] FIG 5 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of FIG. 4 in a
closed position;
[0041] FIG 6 is a schematic representation of an apparatus in an open position
in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0042] FIG 7 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of FIG. 6 in a
closed position;
[0043] FIG 8a is a front view of a screen of the apparatus of FIG. 6;
[0044] FIG 8b is a side view of a screen of the apparatus of FIG. 6;
[0045] FIG 9 is a schematic representation showing the assembly of the
apparatus of FIG. 6
in accordance with an embodiment;
[0046] FIG 10 is a schematic representation of an apparatus in an open
position in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0047] FIG 11 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of FIG. 10 in a
closed position;
[0048] FIG 12 is a schematic representation of the front cross sectional view
of the apparatus
of FIG. 10 in a closed position;
[0049] FIG 13 is a schematic representation of an apparatus in an open
position in
accordance with another embodiment;
100501 FIG 14 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of FIG. 13 in a
closed position;
[0051] FIG 15a is a schematic representation of the apparatus of FIG. 13 in a
partially open
position;
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[0052] FIG 15b is a zoomed view of the plunger of FIG. 15a;
100531 FIG 16 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of FIG. 13 in
another partially
open position; and
[0054] FIG 17 is a schematic representation of a system for hydraulic
fracturing in
accordance with an embodiment.
Detailed Description
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 4, an apparatus for ball catching is shown
generally at 50. It is
to be understood that the apparatus 50 is purely exemplary, and that
variations are contemplated.
The apparatus 50 includes a body 52, a chamber 54, a plunger 56, and a screen
58.
[0056] In the present embodiment, the body 52 includes an inlet 60 for
receiving fluid flow A
and at least one ball 90 carried by the fluid. It is to be appreciated that
the fluid flow A is not
particularly limited and can be a liquid or gas and can contain solids, such
as debris or proppant.
The body 52 also includes a fluid outlet 62 for permitting fluid to exit body
52. In the present
embodiment, the frac ball 90 is separated from fluid that exits body 52, and
fluid that exits body
52 is generally delivered to testers or any other piece of downstream
equipment. The body 52
further includes a ball-collection outlet 64 for accommodating a ball 90 that,
for example, has
been separated from fluid that exits body 52. During operation, one or more
balls 90 are carried
by fluid flowing into the inlet 60.
[0057] The chamber 54 is in communication with the ball-collection outlet 64.
In the present
embodiment, the chamber 54 is configured to receive balls 90 via the ball-
collection outlet 64.
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The chamber 54 can be constructed of any material or from any design that can
provide
sufficient mechanical properties to sustain the pressure. In the present
embodiment, the chamber
also optionally includes a drain valve 66 generally configured to relieve
pressure within the
chamber 54. The chamber further optionally includes a cleanout port 68
generally configured to
allow for removal of the ball 90 from the chamber 54.
[0058] The plunger 56 is disposed within the body 52 and generally configured
to be moveable
between an open position (as shown in FIG. 4) and a closed position (as shown
in FIG. 5). The
manner by which the plunger 56 is moved is not particularly limited. In the
present embodiment,
the plunger 56 is part of a plunger valve. The plunger valve can be controlled
by a user, such as
by turning a handle 57, to move the plunger 56 between the open position and
the closed position
via a non-rising valve stem 59. As another example, the plunger valve can be
automated and
controlled using a motor. In other embodiments, the non-rising valve stem 59
can be modified to
be another type of valve stem.
[0059] Screen 58 is disposed within the outlet 62 and generally configured to
prevent the
passage of the ball 90 while allowing fluid to flow through screen 58. In the
present
embodiment, the screen 58 is configured to enourage the ball 90 toward the
chamber 54 through
the outlet 64. The screen 58 can be integral (i.e. non-removable, such as
welded), or it can be
removably attached to a component of apparatus 50 such that it is in the
stream. In addition, any
other part or blockage can be used to prevent the passage of the ball 90
through the outlet 62
while allowing the passage of fluid through outlet 62.
[0060] Screen 58 can encourage the movement of the ball 90 within the
apparatus 50 (e.g.,
toward outlet 62). For example, when the plunger 56 is in the open position as
illustrated in FIG.
CA 02914395 2015-12-09
4, the apparatus 50 is configured to receive the ball 90 along with fluid via
the inlet 60 such that
the fluid passes through the apparatus 50 and exits the outlet 62, and the
ball 90 is encouraged by
screen 58 to enter chamber 54 via the outlet 64. Accordingly, apparatus 50
operates to separate
the ball 90 from the fluid exiting body 52 through outlet 62, which permits
ball 90 to be collected
while fluid moves to downstream equipment.
[0061] In the present embodiment, the apparatus 50 also optionally includes a
wing valve 74
for controlling the flow of the fluid. The wing valve 74 is generally disposed
upstream of the
body 52 and can be used to limit or stop the flow of fluid into the body 52.
100621 Referring to FIG. 5, the apparatus 50 is illustrated with the plunger
56 in a closed
position for preventing the ball 90 from passing through the apparatus 50 and
isolating the
chamber 54 by forming a seal 72 between the plunger 56 and the outlet 64. The
manner by
which the seal 72 is formed is not particularly limited. For example, the
diameter of plunger 56
can be substantially the same size as or slightly smaller than the diameter of
outlet 64 such that
fluid and/or ball 90 are prevented from entering outlet 64. As another
example, the plunger 56
can be made from a resiliently deformable material, such as a suitable plastic
or more malleable
metal, to enhance sealing. As another example, the outlet 64 can include a
feature, such as a seat
(not shown), configured to mate with the plunger 56. The seat can include an
inlay or insert to
enhance sealing. The inlay or insert is not particularly limited and can be
made from an erosion
and/or corrosion resistant material.
[0063] In the present embodiment, the plunger 56 includes a perforated section
76 to allow the
fluid to flow from the inlet 60 to the outlet 62 while plunger 56 is in a
closed position and fluid is
prevented from entering outlet 64. It is to be appreciated that the perforated
section 76 is not
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CA 02914395 2015-12-09
particularly limited and the perforated section is generally configured to
prevent a ball from
passing through to the fluid outlet 62. In some embodiments, the perforated
section 76 includes
passages through the plunger 56. In other embodiments the perforated section
76 can allow fluid
to flow around the plunger 56 within the body 52. For example, the plunger 56
can be sized to
allow the fluid to pass around plunger 56 while preventing the ball 90 from
passing between the
space formed by the inner wall of the body 52 and the plunger 56.
[0064] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the plunger 56 prevents the ball 90
from passing
through the body 52 to any of the outlets 62 or 64. Furthermore, fluid flows
directly from the
inlet 60 to the outlet 62. Therefore, because the chamber 54 is isolated from
the fluid flow, the
chamber 54 can be opened at the cleanout port to remove any balls therein
without stopping the
flow of fluid.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of an apparatus for ball
catching is shown
generally at 50a. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like reference to
their counterparts
in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix "a". The apparatus 50a
includes a body 52a, a
chamber 54a, a plunger 56a, and a screen 58a.
[0066] In the present embodiment, the body 52a includes an inlet 60a for
receiving fluid
flow A' and at least one ball 90 and / or other debris (not shown) carried by
the fluid. The body
52a also includes an outlet 62a for permitting fluid to exit body 52a, which
can include at least
some debris. In the present embodiment, the ball 90 is separated from fluid
that exits body 52a,
and fluid that exits body 52a is generally delivered to testers or any other
piece of downstream
equipment. The body 52a further includes an additional outlet 64a for
accommodating ball 90
that, for example, has been separated from fluid that exits body 52a.
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[0067] As described above, the chamber 54a is in communication with the outlet
64a. In the
present embodiment, the chamber 54a is configured to receive the ball 90 and /
or other debris
via the outlet 64a. The chamber 54a can be constructed of any material or from
any design that
can provide sufficient mechanical properties to sustain the pressure, such as
steel or another
alloy. In the present embodiment, the chamber 54a also includes a drain valve
66a generally
configured to relieve pressure within the chamber 54a. The chamber 54a
includes a cleanout
port 68a configured to facilitate removal of the ball 90 and/or debris from
the chamber 54a.
[0068] The plunger 56a is disposed within the body 52a and generally
configured to be
moveable between an open position (as shown in FIG. 6) and a closed position
(as shown in
FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, the plunger 56a is part of a plunger
valve. The plunger
valve can be controlled by a user, such as by turning a handle 57a, to move
the plunger 56a
between the open position and the closed position via a non-rising valve stem
59a. In particular,
the non-rising valve stem 59a is configured to rotate about an axis to move
the plunger 56a along
the axis without having the non-rising valve stem 59a move along the axis. One
advantage of
using the non-rising valve stem 59a in the present embodiment is that the
handle 57a does not
move along the axis of rotation to facilitate manual rotation of the handle
57a. In addition, as
shown in FIG. 7, when the plunger 56a is in the closed position, the plunger
56a forms another
seal 73a at the top of the plunger to substantially isolate the thread
controlling the plunger 56a
from the fluid. In addition, the plunger 56a includes a perforated section 76a
to allow the fluid to
flow from the inlet 60a to the outlet 62a while sealing the outlet 64a and
preventing the ball 90
from passing through. Accordingly, the thread of the non-rising valve stem 59a
is subjected to
less wear, and the plunger 56a is supported in the body 52a at both the seal
72a and the seal 73a
when in the closed position. It is to be appreciated that the manner by which
the seal 72a and the
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CA 02914395 2015-12-09
seal 73a are formed is not particularly limited and can include manners
discussed above in
connection with the seal 72.
100691 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the screen 58a is disposed within the outlet
62a and
generally configured to prevent the passage of the ball 90 and / or other
debris while allowing
fluid and at least some debris to flow through screen 58a. In the present
embodiment, the screen
58a is configured to prevent the ball 90 from entering the outlet 62a and to
encourage the ball 90
to enter the chamber 54a through the outlet 64a. Furthermore, in the present
embodiment, the
screen 58a is welded onto the sidewall of the outlet 62a using a weld joint
70a. Any other part or
blockage can be used to prevent the passage of the ball 90 through the outlet
62a while allowing
the passage of fluid through outlet 62a.
100701 Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the screen 58a is shown in greater
detail. It is to be
understood that the screen 58a is purely exemplary, and a variety of screens
are contemplated
for the present embodiment as well as other embodiments. The screen 58a
includes a face 100a,
a side 105a and a base 110a. In the present embodiment, the screen 58a is a
unitary body;
however, it is to be appreciated that variations are contemplated. For
example, the screen 58a
can be constructed from separate pieces that are welded or otherwise attached
together.
100711 The face 100a is generally configured to allow fluid and at least some
debris to pass
through face 100a. In the present embodiment, the face 100a includes a
plurality of circular
holes 115a dimensioned to prevent the ball 90 as well as larger pieces of
debris from passing
through face 100a. It is to be understood that the face 100a is not
particularly limited to any
material and that several different types of materials are contemplated. In
the present
embodiment, the face 100a is a steel plate of sufficient thickness to stop the
ball 90 in the fluid
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CA 02914395 2015-12-09
flow. The minimum thickness of face 100a can depend, for example, on the
material of the face
100a.
[0072] The side 105a is generally configured to allow fluid and at least some
debris to continue
along the fluid path and to support the face 100a within the outlet 62a. In
the present
embodiment, the side 105a includes a plurality of slots 120a dimensioned to
allow fluid and
small debris to pass through slots 120a. In particular, each slot 120a extends
almost the length of
the side 105a from the face 100a to the base 110a. It is to be understood that
the side 105a is not
particularly limited to any material and that several different types of
materials are contemplated.
In the present embodiment, the side 105a is made from steel. In other
embodiments, side 105a
can be replaced or supplemented by a plurality of support rods for supporting
the face 100a while
allowing fluid and debris to pass between adjacent rods. In the present
embodiment, the side
105a is configured to allow substantially all debris to pass through via the
slot 120a so that debris
does not build up in the annular chamber formed between the screen 58a and the
sidewall of the
outlet 62a. However, some further embodiments can be configured to prevent
larger debris from
passing through the side 105a of the screen 58a.
[0073] The base 110a is generally configured to support the screen 58a within
the outlet 62a.
In particular, the base 110a is configured to be welded to the sidewall of the
outlet 62a using a
weld joint 70a to increase the rigidity of the body 52a. It is to be
understood that the base 110a is
not particularly limited to any material and that several different types of
materials are
contemplated. In the present embodiment, the base 110a is an annular steel
ring.
CA 02914395 2015-12-09
[0074] The manner by which the screen 58a is welded into the outlet 62a of the
body 52a is not
particularly limited. To encourage ball 90 to enter outlet 64a, for example,
the face 100a can be
positioned substantially close to an end of the outlet 62a in the present
embodiment.
[0075] The manner by which the screen 58a is positioned during assembly of the
ball catcher
prior to welding is not particularly limited. For example, FIG. 9 shows one
manner by which the
face 100a is to be positioned substantially close to the end of the entry of
the outlet 62a within
the body 52a. During assembly of the apparatus 50a, a pipe 200 is inserted
through the body 52a
passing through the outlet 64a. The screen 58a is subsequently inserted into
the body 52a until
the face 100 abuts against the pipe 200. The screen 58a is then welded to the
sidewall of the
passage 62a, and the pipe 200 is removed from the body 52a and assembly of the
remainder of
the apparatus 50a is carried out accordingly.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of an apparatus for ball
catching is shown
generally at 50b. Like components of the apparatus 50b bear like reference to
their counterparts
in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix "b". The apparatus 50b
includes a body 52b, a
chamber 54b, a plunger 56b, and a screen 58b.
[0077] In the present embodiment, the body 52b includes an inlet 60b for
receiving fluid
flow A" and at least one ball 90 and / or other debris (not shown) carried by
the fluid. The body
52b also includes an outlet 62b for permitting fluid to exit body 52b, which
can include at least
some debris. In the present embodiment, the fluid can be delivered to testers
or to any other
piece of downstream equipment. The body 52b further includes an additional
outlet 64b for
accommodating ball 90 that, for example, has been separated from fluid that
exits body 52b.
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[0078] As described above, the chamber 54b is in communication with the outlet
64b. In the
present embodiment, the chamber 54b is configured to receive the ball 90 and /
or other debris
delivered via the outlet 64b. In the present embodiment, the chamber 54b also
includes a drain
valve 66b generally configured to relieve pressure within the chamber 54b. The
chamber 54b
includes a cleanout port 68b configured to facilitate removal of the ball 90
and/or debris from the
chamber 54b.
[0079] The plunger 56b is disposed within the body 52b and generally
configured to be
moveable between an open position (as shown in FIG. 10) and a closed position
(as shown in
FIG. 11). In the present embodiment, the plunger 56b is part of a plunger
valve. The plunger
valve can be controlled by a user, such as by turning a handle 57b, to move
the plunger 56b
between the open position and the closed position via a non-rising valve stem
59b. In particular,
the non-rising valve stem 59b is configured to rotate about an axis to move
the plunger 56b along
the axis without having the non-rising valve stem 59b move along the axis. In
the present
embodiment, the plunger 56b includes a guide member 55b configured to
frictionally engage the
inside wall of the body 52b. The guide member 55b can be any protrusion
dimensioned to fit
within the body 52b. In the present embodiment, the body 52b further includes
a stop 53b for
stopping the plunger 56b from any further axial motion. It is to be
appreciated with the benefit
of the specification that the guide member 55b interacts with the stop 53b by
abutting against the
stop 53b to prevent the plunger 56b from travelling any further into the
outlet 64b or from
disengaging the stem 59b and from excessive travel of the plunger 56b.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 11, when the plunger 56b is in the closed position,
the plunger 56b
forms another seal 73b at the top of the plunger to isolate the thread
controlling the plunger 56b
from the fluid. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill in
the art with the benefit
17
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of this description that the thread of the non-rising valve stem 59b is
subjected to less wear than
other embodiments and that the plunger 56b is supported in the body 52b at
both the seal 72b and
the seal 73b when in the closed position. It is to be appreciated that the
manner by which the
seal 72b and the seal 73b are formed is not particularly limited and can
include manners
discussed above in connection with the seal 72.
[0081] In the present embodiment, the plunger 56b is configured to be narrower
in the center
portion to form passages 76b within the plunger 56b such that, if the plunger
56b is in the closed
position, fluid can flow from the inlet 60b to the outlet 62b and ball 90 is
prevented from flowing
through outlet 62b. It is to be appreciated that the passages 76b are not
particularly limited and
are generally dimensioned to prevent a ball 90 from passing through passage
76b. In the present
embodiment, the passages 76b include single slot shaped passages on either
side of and passing
through the plunger 56b as shown in FIG. 12.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the screen 58b is disposed within the
outlet 62b and
generally configured to prevent the passage of the ball 90 and / or other
debris while allowing
fluid and at least some debris to flow through screen 58b. In the present
embodiment, the screen
58b is configured to prevent the ball 90 from entering the outlet 62b and to
encourage the ball 90
to enter the chamber 54b through the outlet 64b. Furthermore, in the present
embodiment, the
screen 58b is welded onto the sidewall of the outlet 62b using a weld joint
70b. Any other part
or blockage can be used to prevent he passage of the ball 90 through the
outlet 62b while
allowing the passage of fluid through outlet 62b.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment of an apparatus for ball
catching is shown
generally at 50c. Like components of the apparatus 50c bear like reference to
their counterparts
18
CA 02914395 2015-12-09
in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix "c". The apparatus 50c
includes a body 52c, a
chamber 54c, a plunger 56c, a seal 82c, and a screen 58b.
[0084] In the present embodiment, the body 52c includes an inlet 60c for
receiving fluid
flow A" and at least one ball 90 and / or other debris (not shown) carried by
the fluid. The
body 52c also includes an outlet 62c for permitting fluid to exit body 52c,
which can include at
least some debris. In the present embodiment, the fluid can be delivered to
testers or to any other
piece of downstream equipment. The body 52c further includes an additional
outlet 64c for
accommodating ball 90 that, for example, has been separated from fluid that
exits body 52c.
[0085] Similar to the apparatus 50a, the chamber 54c is in communication with
the outlet 64c.
In the present embodiment, the chamber 54c is configured to receive the ball
90 and / or other
debris delivered via the outlet 64c. In the present embodiment, the chamber
54c also includes a
drain valve 66c generally configured to relieve pressure within the chamber
54c. The chamber
54c includes a cleanout port 68c configured to facilitate removal of the ball
90 and/or debris
from the chamber 54c.
[0086] In the present embodiment, the plunger 56c is disposed within the body
52c and
generally configured to be moveable between an open position (as shown in FIG.
13) and a
closed position (as shown in FIG. 14). In the present embodiment, the plunger
56c is part of a
plunger valve. The plunger valve can be controlled by a user, such as by
turning a handle 57c, to
move the plunger 56c between the open position and the closed position via a
non-rising valve
stem 59c. In particular, the non-rising valve stem 59c is configured to rotate
about an axis to
move the plunger 56e along the axis without having the non-rising valve stem
59c move along
the axis. In the present embodiment, the plunger 56c includes a guide member
55c configured to
19
CA 02914395 2015-12-09
frictionally engage the inside wall of the body 52c. The guide member 55c can
be any protrusion
dimensioned to fit within the body 52c. In the present embodiment, the body
52c further
includes a stop 53c for stopping the plunger 56c from any further axial
motion. It is to be
appreciated with the benefit of the specification that the guide member 55c
interacts with the
stop 53c by abutting against the stop 53c to prevent the plunger 56c from
travelling any further
into the outlet 64c or from disengaging the stem 59c and from excessive travel
of the plunger
56c.
[0087] The seal 82c is generally configured to create a seal 72c within the
body 52c between
the ball-collection outlet 64c and a protrusion 80c of the plunger 56c when in
the closed position.
The seal 82e can be constructed of any material that can provide a seal
between the protrusion
80e and the outlet 64c of the body 52c. In the present embodiment, the seal
82c is a metal ring.
In other embodiments, the seal 82c can be made of a rubber or plastic
material. In the closed
position (as shown in FIG. 14), the seal 82c rests at the opening of the
outlet 64c and the
protrusion 80c is positioned within a central opening of the seal 82c.
Accordingly, the seal 82c
and the protrusion 80c prevent fluid from entering the outlet 64c.
Furthermore, the plunger 56c
also forms another seal at the top of the plunger 56c to isolate valve stem
59c and other
components of the apparatus from the fluid when in the closed position.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 15a, the plunger 56c is shown in a partially open
position. It is to be
appreciated ,that, as the plunger 56c is raised from the closed position shown
in FIG. 14, the
protrusion 80c is initially lifted to separate from the seal 82c to allow
fluid to enter the outlet 64c
via the small gap created. Since the protrusion 80c has a smaller diameter
than the opening of
the outlet 64c, less torque would need to be applied at the handle 57c to
break the seal 72c and
raise plunger 56c. Once fluid enters the outlet 64c via the gaps below the
plunger 56c (as shown
CA 02914395 2015-12-09
in FIG. 15b), the pressure is balanced above and below to provide for easier
unseating of the seal
82c. In the present embodiment, a snap ring 84c is disposed on the protrusion
80c below the seal
82c. The snap ring 84c is configured to engage the seal 82c to lift and
completely unseat the seal
82c as the plunger 56c is raised as shown in a partially open position in FIG.
16. In other
embodiments, the snap ring 84c can be replaced by another means to lift the
seal 82c, such as an
additional protrusion extending from the protrusion 80c or a pin.
100891 In the present embodiment, the seal 82c has an outer diameter of
approximately
4.06 inches and an inner diameter of approximately 2 inches. The protrusion
80c is generally
tapered and forms a flow channel of approximately 0.036 inches in the position
shown in
FIG. 15. However, it is to be appreciated that the dimensions of the seal 82c
and the plungers
56c are not particularly limited. For example, the inner diameter can be
smaller to further
decrease the amount of torque required to move the plunger 56c from the closed
position shown
in FIG. 14 to the partially opened position shown in FIG. 15. For example,
seal 82c can have a
larger outer diameter (e.g., 5 inches, 6 inches, or more), a smaller outer
diameter (e.g., 3 inches,
2 inches, or less), a larger inner diameter (e.g., 3 inches, 4 inches, or
more), or a smaller inner
diameter (e.g., 1.5 inches, 1 inch, or less).
100901 Referring to FIG. 17, a system for hydraulic fracturing of a well is
shown at 500
including the apparatus 50. It is to be understood that the system 500 is
purely exemplary and it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of configurations
are contemplated. For
example, as an example of a variation, the apparatus 50 can be substitute or
the apparatus 50a.
The system 500 further includes a frac tree 508 and downstream equipment 512.
The
downstream equipment 512 can include, for example, any combination of pipes,
testing devices,
storage vessels and the like. The fi-ac tree 508 is connected, at a wellhead
end 516, to a well 517
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CA 02914395 2015-12-09
extending through a ground surface 518 to the underground formations from
which the recovery
of oil or gas is desired.
[0091] In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific
terminology has been
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended
to be limited to the
specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific tenn
includes other
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a
similar technical
purpose. Terms such as "left" and right", "front" and "rear", "above" and
"below" and the like
are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be
construed as
limiting terms.
[0092] In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its
"open" sense, that
is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense,
that is the sense of
"consisting only of'. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the
corresponding words
"comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.
[0093] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the
invention(s), and
alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto
without departing from
the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being
illustrative and not
restrictive.
Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with what are presently
considered to be
the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not to
be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to
cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope
of the
invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented
in
22
CA 02914395 2015-12-09
conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be
combined with
aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments. Further, each
independent
feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional
embodiment.
23
