Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
REFUELING METHOD FOR SUPPLYING FUEL TO FRACTURING EQUIPMENT
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The current application is a Continuation in Part and claims
priority to and the benefit
of co-pending US Patent Application Serial No. 15/163,614 filed on May 24,
2016,
issued as US Patent No. 9,856,131 on January 02, 2018, titled "REFUELING
METHOD FOR SUPPLYING FUEL TO HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
EQUIPMENT", which is a Continuation of claims priority to and the benefit of
US
Patent Application Serial No. 14/856,533 filed on September 16, 2015, issued
as US
Patent No. 9,371,831 on June 21, 2016, titled "REFUELING METHOD FOR
SUPPLYING FUEL TO HYDRAULIC FRACTURING EQUIPMENT", which
claims priority to and the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial
No.
62/051,185 filed September 16, 2014.
FIELD
[0002] The present embodiments generally relate to operations and
processes used in the oil
and gas industry. The present embodiments further relate to a fractionation
process
using an improved method and system for refueling one or more pieces of
equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are needs for a refueling method that supplies fuel to
multiple fractionation
pump units simultaneously to increase safety in the field and save time
refueling.
100041 There is a need for reducing the time involved with refueling.
There is a need for
recapturing unused fuel in order to reduce fuel costs.
[0005] The present embodiments meet these needs.
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CA 3028456 2018-12-21
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction
with the
accompanying drawings as follows:
[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram overview of a fractionation operation
using the refueling
method according to one or more embodiments.
[0008] Figure 2A is a side view of a coupling device as a connection
between a main fuel
source and at least one pressurization unit according to one or more
embodiments.
[0009] Figure 2B is a side view of a coupling device as a connection
between a main fuel
source and at least one pressurization unit according to one or more
embodiments.
[00010] Figure 2C is a side perspective view of at least one pressurization
unit with a
controller according to one or more embodiments.
[00011] Figures 3A is a cross-sectional view of a supply coupling device
according to one or
more embodiments.
[00012] Figure 3B is a perspective side view of a return coupling device
according to one or
more embodiments.
[00013] Figure 4 is a diagram of a refueling system with at least one piece of
fracturing
equipment pumping fluids down a well connected to the refueling system
according
to one or more embodiments.
[00014] Figure 5 is a diagram of the components of a refueling system as
connected to an
onboard motor and a pump containing at least one pressurization unit as
connected to
a main fuel source and a supply fuel line according to one or more
embodiments.
[00015] Figure 6 is a diagram of a controller for a refueling system having a
processor
connected to sensors and a data storage according to one or more embodiments.
[00016] Figure 7 is a diagram of a method for supplying fuel to equipment
according to one or
more embodiments.
2
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
'
[00017] The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the
listed Figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[00018] Before explaining the present method in detail, it is to be understood
that the method
is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or
carried out
in various ways.
[00019] The present embodiments generally relate to operations and processes
used in the oil
and gas industry. The present embodiments further relate to a method and
system for
using an improved method and system for refueling one or more pieces of
equipment.
[00020] Hydraulic fracturing as used herein can also be referred to and
interchangeable with
the terms fractionation, hydrofracturing, hydrofracking, fracking, fraccing,
and frac,
which refers to a technique in which rock is fractured by a pressurized
liquid. The
process involves the high-pressure injection of fracking fluid, which can
consist
primarily of water, containing sand and other proppants suspended with the aid
of
thickening agents, into a wellbore to create cracks in the formations through
which
natural gas, petroleum, and brine can flow more freely.
[00021] Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a refueling method for a
fractionation
operation with multiple pieces of fracturing equipment, such as trailers,
simultaneously without a hot zone, that can include at least one
pressurization unit
configured to provide pressurized fluid to a well, the unit having an optional
pump, a
motor, and a motor fuel source, a supply coupling device and a return coupling
device, a main fuel source can be configured to provide fuel to the motor fuel
source,
a supply fuel line configured to provide fuel transport from the main fuel
source to
the motor fuel source, and a return fuel line can be configured to provide
fuel
transport from the at least one pressurization unit to the main fuel source.
[00022] In embodiments, the fracturing equipment can be hydraulic fracturing
equipment.
3
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
[00023] While persons having ordinary skill in the art are well aware of using
pumps for fluid
transfer, certain applications may lend themselves to gravity feeding fluids
in lieu of
pumping. As such, it will be readily apparent that a pump is optional for use
only
when necessary.
[00024] An oil or gas well can include a wellbore extending into a
subterranean formation at
some depth below a surface (e.g., Earth's surface), and can be usually lined
with a
tubular, such as casing, to add strength to the well. Many commercially viable
hydrocarbon sources are found in "tight" reservoirs, which mean the target
hydrocarbon product cannot be easily extracted. The surrounding formation
(e.g.,
shale) to these reservoirs typically has low permeability, and it is
uneconomical to
produce the hydrocarbons (i.e., gas, oil) in commercial quantities from this
formation
without the use of drilling accompanied with fractionation operations.
[00025] Fractionation is common in the industry and growing in popularity and
general
acceptance, and can include the use of a plug set in the wellbore below or
beyond the
respective target zone, followed by pumping or injecting high pressure
fracking fluid
into the zone. The fractionation operation results in fractures or "cracks" in
the
formation that allow hydrocarbons to be more readily extracted and produced by
an
operator, and can be repeated as desired or necessary until all target zones
are
fractured.
[00026] In a conventional fracturing operation, "slurry" of fluids and
additives can be injected
into a hydrocarbon bearing rock formation at a wellbore to propagate
fracturing. The
fluids, which can be mixed with chemicals, sand, and acid, can be pressurized
and
transported at a high rate via one or more high pressure pumps, typically
driven by
diesel fueled prime movers/motors. The majority of the fluids injected will
flow back
through the wellbore and be recovered, while the sand will remain in the newly
created fracture, thus "propping" it open.
[00027] The term "automatically controlled" as used herein can refer to
operation of
equipment of the refueling system using a controller, which can be made up of
a
processor and a data storage, or by another remote device connected to the
equipment
4
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
. .
of the refueling system, such as by a network. The remote device can be a
computer,
a laptop, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, or any similar
device
capable of executing instructions via a processor or microprocessor.
[00028] The term "fractionation operation" as used herein can refer to
fractionation of a
downhole well that has already been drilled.
[00029] The term "fuel" as used herein can refer to the fuel that drives the
motors of the
fracturing equipment.
[00030] The term "land based fractionation operation" as used herein can refer
to a
fractionation operation which occurs around a land based well.
[00031] The term "pump" as used herein can refer to a fuel pump with the
capacity to flow
fuel. In embodiments, the pump can be removed and the fuel from the supply
coupling device can be gravity fed to the onboard motor.
[00032] The term "manually controlled" as used herein can refer to valves or
equipment
which can be operated by personnel.
[00033] The term "motor" as used herein can refer to an engine such as a
combustion engine
mounted on the fracturing equipment or trailer having the at least one
pressurization
unit, the fracturing equipment or trailer providing fuel to allow multiple
hydraulic
equipment and multiple trailers and/or trucks to simultaneously hydraulically
fractionate a formation through an existing wellbore.
[00034] A benefit of the method can be to eliminate hot refueling by
operators, such as truck
operators, allowing operators to extend uninterrupted and extended pump times
for
fractionation operations.
[00035] Explosions causing injury and death can occur with hot refueling
operations. The
present embodiments can save lives by eliminating the need for personnel to be
in the
hot zone for hot refueling activities.
[00036] The present embodiments can have the benefit of eliminating human
error that can
5
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
cause fires during hot refueling by eliminating the need for hot refueling of
multiple
pieces of fracturing equipment simultaneously.
[00037] In traditional hot refueling, in the hot zone, one person can have a
fire extinguisher
with the fuel nozzle, a second person can be in the hot zone with line of
sight to the
person refueling with the fire extinguisher, and then a third person can be on
the fuel
truck with his finger on the emergency stop button.
[00038] The present embodiments can save the lives of people, by no longer
requiring them to
be in the field in this "hot zone" for hot refueling.
[00039] Herein disclosed are novel apparatuses, systems, and methods that
pertain to a
refueling method for a fractionation operation, details of which are described
herein.
[00040] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with
reference to the
accompanying Figures. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms
"including" and "comprising" can be used in an open-ended fashion, such as to
mean,
for example, "including, but not limited to". While the disclosure may be
described
with reference to the relevant apparatuses, systems, and methods, it should be
understood that the disclosure cannot be limited to the specific embodiments
shown
or described. Rather, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of
configurations can be implemented in accordance with embodiments herein.
[00041] Although not necessary, like elements in the various figures can be
denoted by like
reference numerals for consistency and ease of understanding. Numerous
specific
details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the
disclosure; however, it can be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
that the
embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced without these specific details.
In other
instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid
unnecessarily complicating the description. Directional terms, such as
"above,"
"below," "upper," "lower," "front," "back,", are used for convenience and to
refer to
general direction and/or orientation, and are only intended for illustrative
purposes
only, and not to limit the disclosure.
6
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
[00042] Method steps disclosed in the claims are arranged for clarity, and do
not require for
the steps to be performed in any specific order.
[00043] Connection(s), couplings, or other forms of contact between parts,
components, and
so forth can include conventional items, such as lubricant, additional sealing
materials, such as a gasket between flanges, PTFE between threads, and the
like.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide for one or more components to be new,
used,
and/or retrofitted to existing machines and systems.
[00044] Turning to the Figures, Figure 1 is a block diagram overview of a
fractionation
operation using the refueling method according to one or more embodiments.
[00045] Although Figure 1 shows a land-based operation, it is within the scope
of the
disclosure that embodiments herein can be just as applicable to a subsea
fractionation
operation.
[00046] Figure 1 shows an operation 200, as a fractionation operation.
[00047] The refueling system useable with the operation 200 can be identified
with reference
to Box A.
[00048] Box A can be connected to at least one well 216a and 216b through
piping.
[00049] In this embodiment, a plurality of pressurization units 202a-202j are
shown.
[00050] In embodiments, the at least one pressurization unit, for example, can
be a frac pump
truck or a frac pump trailer.
[00051] A plurality of pressurization units 202a-202j can each include various
components or
subcomponents, such as an optional pump, a motor or gravity feed mechanism,
and
an optional fuel tank. In embodiments, the fuel tank can be a motor fuel tank.
[00052] A main fuel source 220 can provide fuel to at least one pressurization
unit or to a
plurality of pressurization unit(s) 202a-202j simultaneously.
[00053] In embodiments, the fuel can be or include but is not limited to
gasoline, kerosene,
7
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
diesel, and natural gas. The fuel can be any suitable fuel. Moreover, the fuel
need not
be 100 percent in perfect composition, as impurities, compounds, or other
components can be present.
[00054] The refueling method can include one or more supply fuel lines, supply
fuel lines
208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d are shown.
[00055] Each supply fuel line 208a-208d can be configured to provide fuel from
the main fuel
source 220 to the at least one pressurization unit 202a-202j.
[00056] The refueling system can include one or more return fuel lines. Two of
the return fuel
lines 222a and 222b can be configured to provide fuel transport return from
the at
least one pressurization unit 202a-202j to the main fuel source 220.
[00057] Box B shows ancillary equipment supporting the fracturing equipment,
such as
trailers. The ancillary equipment can be sand, chemical blenders, equipment
for the
crosslinking of gels, and the like.
[00058] Figure 2B shows a component connection view of a refueling system 301
having at
least one pressurization unit 302 according to one or more embodiments.
[00059] The refueling system 301 can be constructed of a number of
interconnected and/or
interoperable components, subcomponents, and so forth. The refueling system
301
can include similar components and materials of construction as described for
other
embodiments herein, such that there can be similarity or exactness between
them,
however, the systems need not be identical.
[00060] The at least one pressurization unit 302 can include other components,
that receive
fuel, such as a pump 338, a motor (motor-generator) or prime mover 337 fluidly
connected to the pump, a fuel level sensor (not shown), and a filter or
filtration
system 332.
[00061] The at least one pressurization unit 302 can be disposed on or
otherwise associated
with (including operatively associatively) a frame 307 or similar support
structure, the
8
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
frame can be a skid, a trailer, or a truck.
[00062] The motor 337 can be or otherwise include a combustion (e.g., internal
combustion)
engine. The motor can burn fuel to produce a mechanical motion, such as
rotation. In
this manner, the motor can be coupled (such as mechanically) to the pump 338
in
such a way as to transmit mechanical rotation and drive the pump 338. Although
the
at least one pressurization unit 302 is discussed herein with reference to a
motor, one
of skill in the art would appreciate that there can be other devices suitable
to provide
energy in a manner that drives the pump 338.
[00063] A supply coupling device 314 can be connected to the filter 332 and to
the main fuel
source 320.
[00064] In embodiments, the supply coupling device 314 can be connected by way
of
threaded connection to the filter 332 or filtration system. The supply
coupling device
314 can be connected to other components between the main fuel source 320 and
the
motor 337.
[00065] The supply coupling device 314 can be configured for manual control,
automatic
control, or combinations thereof. In this respect, the supply coupling device
314 can
be configured with various flowthrough positions, such as an open position, a
closed
position, or a controlled position somewhere in between the open position and
the
closed position. In the digital control sense, this supply coupling device,
can be a
valve, and can have an "on" or an "off' position.
[00066] The main fuel source 320 can be configured in a manner so that fuel
can be provided
to the motor 337, such a through flow channel, piping, or similar tubing.
[00067] Another supply fuel line 308b is shown and can flow from the main fuel
source 320
to provide fuel transport from the main fuel source 320 to at least one piece
of
fracturing equipment.
[00068] A return fuel line 322a can be configured to provide fuel transport
from the at least
one pressurization unit 302 to the main fuel source 320 via a return inlet
334.
9
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
[00069] A manifold 324 can be connected to the main fuel source to split and
divide the fuel
into one or more supply fuel lines 308a and 308b. In embodiments, there can be
a
manifold for the return fuel lines 322a and 322b.
[00070] A pressurization unit fuel inlet 330 is also depicted for flowing fuel
from the supply
coupling device 314 to the filter 332.
[00071] Figure 2B shows a component connection view of a refueling system 301
having an
optional fuel tank 328 with fuel 326 connected to at least one pressurization
unit 302
according to one or more embodiments. The fuel tank 328 can have a quick
disconnect fitting allowing for easy connection if used. Alternatively, the
fuel tank
328 can be completely bypassed as shown in Figure 2A.
[00072] The refueling system 301 can be constructed of a number of
interconnected and/or
interoperable components, subcomponents, and so forth. The refueling system
301
can include similar components and materials of construction as described for
other
embodiments herein, such that there can be similarity or exactness between
them,
however, the systems need not be identical.
[00073] The at least one pressurization unit 302 can include other components,
that receive
fuel, such as a pump 338, a motor (motor-generator) or prime mover 337 fluidly
connected to the pump, a fuel level sensor (not shown), and a filter 332 or
filtration
system.
[00074] The at least one pressurization unit 302 can be disposed on or
otherwise associated
with (including operatively associatively) a frame 307 or similar support
structure, the
frame can be a skid, a trailer, or a truck.
[00075] The motor 337 can be or otherwise include a combustion (e.g., internal
combustion)
engine. The motor can burn fuel 326 to produce a mechanical motion, such as
rotation. In this manner, the motor can be coupled (such as mechanically) to
the pump
338 in such a way as to transmit mechanical rotation and drive the pump 338.
Although the at least one pressurization unit 302 is discussed herein with
reference to
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
a motor, one of skill in the art would appreciate that there can be other
devices
suitable to provide energy in a manner that drives the pump 338.
[00076] A supply coupling device 314 can be connected to the filter 332 and to
the fuel tank
328.
[00077] In embodiments, the supply coupling device 314 can be connected by way
of
threaded connection to the filter 332 or filtration system. The supply
coupling device
314 can be connected to other components between the fuel tank 328 and the
motor
337.
[00078] The supply coupling device 314 can be configured for manual control,
automatic
control, or combinations thereof. In this respect, the supply coupling device
314 can
be configured with various flowthrough positions, such as an open position, a
closed
position, or a controlled position somewhere in between the open position and
the
closed position. In the digital control sense, this supply coupling device,
can be a
valve, and can have an "on" or an "off' position.
[00079] The fuel tank 328 can be configured in a manner so that the fuel 326
can be provided
to the motor 337, such a through flow channel, piping, or similar tubing.
[00080] A main fuel source 320 can be configured in a manner so that the fuel
326 can be
provided to the fuel tank 328, such as through one or more supply fuel lines
308a.
[00081] Another supply fuel line 308b is shown and can flow from the main fuel
source 320
to provide fuel transport from the main fuel source 320 to at least one piece
of
fracturing equipment.
[00082] A return fuel line 322a can be configured to provide fuel transport
from the at least
one pressurization unit 302 to the main fuel source 320 via a return inlet
334.
[00083] A manifold 324 can be connected to the main fuel source to split and
divide the fuel
into one or more supply fuel lines 308a and 308b. In embodiments, there can be
a
manifold for the return fuel lines 322a and 322b.
11
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
, .
[00084] A pressurization unit fuel inlet 330 is also depicted for flowing fuel
from the supply
coupling device 314 to the filter 332.
[00085] Figure 2C is a side perspective view of at least one pressurization
unit with a
controller according to one or more embodiments.
[00086] The at least one pressurization unit 302 is shown with a controller
579.
[00087] The controller 579 can include at least one processor connected to
sensors in at least
one supply fuel line, in at least one return fuel line, or both. The sensors
can detect
flow rate information and pressures information and transmit the information
to the
processor.
[00088] The processor can compare the flow rate information and the pressure
information to
preset limits, and transmit a message when the flow rate information and the
pressure
information falls below or exceeds the preset limits to adjust rates of
operation.
[00089] In embodiments, the message can be sent to a client device via a
network to enable a
user to adjust rates of operation.
[00090] In embodiments, the controller, the client device, or both the
controller and the client
device can be used to automatically actuate the valve element (if used) to
change the
flow of fuel from returning to the main fuel source.
[00091] Figures 3A is a cross sectional view of a supply coupling device 314
according to one
or more embodiments. Figure 3B is a perspective side view of a return coupling
device 315 according to one or more embodiments.
[00092] The supply coupling device 314 can include a valve element 342 that
can connect to
the one or more supply fuel lines 308. In embodiments, the valve element 342
can be
a valve with a spherical disc, a ball valve, a check valve, or another
configuration or
element suitable to control flow therethrough. The valve element 342 can have
a hole,
opening or port, through the middle so that when the valve element is
"inline", flow
will occur in the manner desired.
12
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
[00093] The supply coupling device 314 can be in fluid communication with the
valve
element 342, the supply coupling device receiving the fuel from one or more
supply
fuel lines in fluid communication with the main fuel source and providing the
fuel to
an onboard motor.
[00094] When the valve element 342 is in the closed position, the hole can be
positioned in a
manner (e.g., perpendicular) so that flow can be blocked.
[00095] A handle 317 or lever can also be in coordinated or corresponding
position with the
valve element, thus providing an indication of the position of the valve
element.
[00096] The supply coupling device 314 can be made of, or include components
made of
materials indicated herein, including metal, such as steel and stainless
steel, plastic,
ceramic, and so forth.
[00097] In an embodiment, the valve element 342 can be a three-way ball valve
that can
include "L" or "T"-shaped hole therethrough, as would be apparent to one of
skill in
the art. The shape of the valve element can dictate the direction of flow
depending on
the position of the valve element.
[00098] Each coupling device, the supply coupling device 314 or the return
coupling device
315 can include connection points 344a and 344b and a housing or body 346,
along
with the handle 317 and the valve element 342.
[00099] The connection points 344a and 344b can include threaded, tolerance
fit, or other
suitable features for connecting to hoses and other fittings.
[000100] A first quick-disconnect fitting 352 is also shown and described in
greater detail in
Figure 5.
[000101] Figure 4 is a diagram of a refueling system with at least one piece
of fracturing
equipment pumping fluids down a well connected to the refueling system
according
to one or more embodiments.
[000102] A well 216 is shown into which multiple pieces of fracturing
equipment, shown here
13
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
= .
as frac trailers 335a, 335b, and 335c are pumping fractionation fluid 339a,
339b, and
339c.
[000103] The at least one piece of fracturing equipment can be connected to at
least one fuel
pressure regulator 555a, 555b, and 555c to receive fuel for refueling the at
least one
piece of fracturing equipment. In embodiments, the refueling of a plurality of
fracturing equipment can be done simultaneously.
[000104] The at least one fuel pressure regulator can communicate between the
one or more
supply fuel lines 308 and the supply coupling device for reducing fuel
pressure
coming from the one or more supply fuel lines 308.
[000105] The at least one fuel pressure regulator can communicate between the
one or more
supply fuel lines 308 and the supply coupling device for reducing fuel
pressure
coming from the one or more supply fuel lines 308.
[000106] The one or more supply fuel lines 308 can flow fuel from the main
fuel source 320 to
the one or more return fuel lines 322.
[000107] Figure 5 is a diagram of a refueling system with components of the
refueling system
connected to an onboard motor and a pump containing the at least one
pressurization
unit further connected to a main fuel source using a supply fuel line for each
piece of
fracturing equipment according to one or more embodiments.
[000108] The refueling system 301 can include the main fuel source 320, which
can be fluidly
connected to at least one piece of fracturing equipment, wherein each piece of
fracturing equipment can provide downhole fluids to a well for fractionation
of the
well via at least one fuel pressure regulators 555a-555c, which can be
connected to
the one or more supply fuel lines 308.
[000109] The at least one pressurization unit 302a can optionally have fuel
tank 328 containing
the fuel 326, an optional valve element 342 connected to the fuel tank 328,
and the
supply coupling device 314 connected to the optional valve element 342.
14
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
[000110] When fuel tank 328 and valve element 342 are not used, the main fuel
source 320 will
serve the functions described for fuel tank 328.
[000111] The supply coupling device 314 can receive the fuel 326 from the fuel
tank 328 and
the fuel 326 from the one or more supply fuel lines 308 connected to the main
fuel
source 320 and the refueling method can provide a switchable fuel supply, with
an
ability to close off fuel from one tank and use fuel from the other tank.
[000112] The at least one pressurization unit 302a can include the pump 338,
which can be
fluidly connected to the supply coupling device 314 for receiving fuel from
the
supply coupling device 314 and for providing fuel 326 on an onboard motor 309.
[000113] The at least one pressurization unit 302a can include the return
coupling device 315
for receiving the fuel from the onboard motor 309 and transferring the fuel
through a
first return fuel line 322a to the main fuel source 320. Excess fuel can
transfer
through a second return fuel line 322b to the fuel tank 328.
[000114] The at least one fuel pressure regulator 555a and 555b can be in
communication
between the one or more supply fuel lines 308 and the supply coupling device
314 for
reducing fuel pressure coming from the one or more supply fuel lines 308. A
third
fuel pressure regulator 555c can communicate with the second fuel pressure
regulator
555b. Each fuel pressure regulator can communicate to a separate
pressurization unit.
[000115] In embodiments, the supply coupling device 314 can have a first quick
disconnect
410 made up of a first quick-disconnect fitting 352 mating to a second quick-
disconnect fitting 354. The first quick disconnect 410 can be for accelerated
set up
and take down of the refueling unit.
[000116] In embodiments, the connection points can include or be fitted with
the first quick-
disconnect fitting 352. The one or more supply fuel lines 308 can include a
feed end
configured with the second quick-disconnect 354 suitable for mating to the
first quick
disconnect fitting 352.
[000117] The fuel 326 can be combustible fuel, such as gasoline, kerosene,
diesel, natural gas,
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
blends, and the like.
[000118] It should be noted that one or more return fuel lines 322a and 322b
can engage the
return coupling device 315 and can enable transfer of the fuel to the fuel
tank 328
when a system failure prevents the main fuel source 320 from supplying fuel to
the
supply coupling device.
[000119] In embodiments, the fuel can be transferred in a first portion and a
second portion,
which can be done simultaneously.
[000120] In embodiments, additional return fuel lines 322c can be used.
[000121] The refueling system can have a second quick disconnect 411 made up
of an initial
quick-disconnect fitting 355 mating to a secondary quick-disconnect fitting
356 for
accelerated set up and take down of the refueling unit.
[000122] The refueling system can have a manifold 324 connected between the
one or more
supply fuel lines 308 and the main fuel source 320 for enabling additional
supply
lines to connect, which can provide multiple supply fuel lines simultaneously
enabling a plurality of fractionation trucks, such as eight, per supply fuel
line to be
refueled simultaneously per fuel supply line.
[000123] The refueling system can have a main fuel source pump 321 connected
to the main
fuel source 320 for pumping the fuel 326 from the main fuel source through the
filter
332 to the manifold 324.
[000124] A heat exchanger 575 can be mounted to the main fuel source 320 for
receiving fuel
from the main fuel source and continuously regulating the temperature of the
fuel to
an optimal operating temperature for the onboard motor 309.
[000125] It should be noted that the valve element 342 can stop fuel flow from
the fuel tank
328 when the main fuel source supplies fuel to the supply coupling device and
can
automatically start flow of fuel from the fuel tank 328 to the pump 338 when a
system
failure prevents the main fuel source 320 from suppyling fuel to the supply
coupling
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device 314.
[000126] In embodiments, the valve element 342 can be a check valve, a spring-
loaded check
valve, a ball valve, a two-way valve, a shuttle valve, a butterfly valve, a
gate valve, a
three-way valve, or any suitable valve known in the industry.
[000127] In embodiments, additional pressurization units 302b, 302c and 302d
can be used. In
embodiments the additional pressurization units can be a plurality of
pressurization
units.
[000128] In embodiments, the fuel tank 328 can be fixedly connected or
otherwise coupled to
the at least one pressurization unit 302a. In embodiments, the at least one
pressurization unit 302a can include a plurality of fuel tanks, such as for
redundancy
and backup purposes.
[000129] The fuel tank 328 can be configured to supply fuel to the motor and
selectively
receive or supply fuel to a second fuel tank on a second unit, such as through
a fuel
pump.
[000130] In embodiments, the at least one pressurization unit 302a can include
switches,
buttons, keyboards, interactive displays, levers, dials, remote control
devices, voice
activated controls, electronic controls, displays, operator input devices,
processors,
memory, and/or electronic, electrical communicative and/or digital input and
output
ports into one device or any other input device that a person skilled in the
art would
understand would be functional in the disclosed embodiments in the furtherance
of
the operation of the at least one pressurization unit 302a.
[000131] In embodiments, the filter can be configured to remove particulates
in the fuel lines,
water, and water based contaminants in the fuel. In embodiments the removal of
particulates can include particulates that have diameters from 3 microns to 30
microns
and can remove at least 80 percent water and water based contaminants in the
fuel.
[000132] Figure 6 is a diagram of a controller for a refueling system having a
processor
connected to sensors and to data storage according to one or more embodiments.
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[000133] The controller 579 can include one or more supply sensors 485 and one
or more
return sensors 487
[000134] The one or more supply sensors can be in the one or more supply fuel
lines and the
one or more return sensors can be in the one or more return fuel lines.
[000135] A processor 580, such as a computer, can communicate with the sensors
and can
receive data from the sensors.
[000136] The processor 580 can be in communication with a data storage 581,
wherein the data
storage can contain various computer instructions. Computer instructions in
the data
storage can instruct the processor to perform and complete various tasks.
[000137] The term "data storage" refers to a non-transitory computer readable
medium, such as
a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash drive, tape drive, and the like.
The term
"non-transitory computer readable medium" excludes any transitory signals but
includes any non-transitory data storage circuitry, e.g., buffers, cache, and
queues,
within transceivers of transitory signals.
[000138] The data storage 581 can contain computer instructions 582, which can
instruct the
processor to receive flow rate information and pressure information from each
of the
supply sensors and return sensors.
[000139] The data storage 581 can contain preset pressure and temperature
limits 583. In
embodiments, the preset pressure and temperature limits can be for the fuel.
[000140] The data storage 581 can contain computer instructions 584, which can
instruct the
processor to compare the flow rate information and pressure information from
the
supply sensors and return sensors to preset pressure and temperature limits.
[000141] The data storage 581 can contain computer instructions 586, which can
instruct the
processor to transmit a message when the flow rate information and pressure
information falls below or exceeds preset pressure and temperature limits in
the data
storage enabling an operator to adjust rates of operation of one or more
pressurization
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units.
[000142] In embodiments, the pressurization unit on fracturing equipment or
fractionation
trailers can each include a controller, thus providing structures or other
subcomponents suitable for mounting electronic controls for controlling the
pressurization unit. Thus, all components and parts of the pressurization unit
can be
mounted with sensors and other controller circuitry, which can be operably
connected
with the controller. The controller can include a cover and such accessories
as
mounting hardware, brackets, locks, and conduit fittings. The controller can
be
mounted on the pressurization unit.
[000143] The pressurization unit can include other attachments than shown and
described that
can also be fixedly attached to the frame, such as a fan (not shown), a heat
exchange,
and/or batteries (not shown).
[000144] The controller can include a processor and a memory component. The
processor can
be a microprocessor or other processors as known in the art. In some
embodiments
the processor can be made up of multiple processors. The processor can execute
instructions for generating a fuel transfer signal and controlling fuel
transfer between
the fuel tanks. Such instructions can be read into or incorporated into a
computer
readable medium, such as the memory component or provided external to
processor.
In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry can be used in place of or in
combination with software instructions to implement a fuel transfer method.
Thus,
embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry
and
software.
[000145] Figure 7 is a diagram of a method for supplying fuel to fracturing
equipment
according to one or more embodiments.
[000146] The method can include installing a main fuel source, containing
fuel, at a
fractionation operation, illustrative in box 500.
[000147] The main fuel source can contain any fuel known in the art and usable
with the
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invention, such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, natural gas, blends, and the
like.
[000148] The method can include fluidly connecting the main fuel source to at
least one piece
of fracturing equipment, wherein the fracturing equipment can provide downhole
fluids to a well, illustrative in box 502.
[000149] The method can include fluidly connecting at least one pressurization
unit to the main
fuel source, illustrative in box 504.
[000150] The method can include using the valve element to stop the fuel flow
from the fuel
tank when the main fuel source supplies the fuel to the supply coupling device
and
allows the fuel flow from the fuel tank to the pump when a system failure
prevents
the main fuel source from supplying the fuel to the supply coupling device,
illustrative in box 506.
[000151] The method can include using the return fuel line with the return
coupling device for
the transfer of the fuel to the fuel tank when a system failure prevents the
main fuel
source supplying the fuel to the supply coupling device, illustrative in box
508.
[000152] In an alternative method, the refueling method for supplying fuel to
at least one piece
of fracturing equipment can include installing a main fuel source at a
fractionation
operation, wherein the main fuel source contains the fuel, fluidly connecting
the main
fuel source to the at least one piece of fracturing equipment, wherein the at
least one
piece of fracturing equipment provides downhole fluids to a well, and fluidly
connecting at least one pressurization unit to the main fuel source. The at
least one
pressurization unit can include a supply coupling device connected to an
onboard
motor, the supply coupling device for receiving the fuel from the main fuel
source
through one or more supply fuel lines from the main fuel source and a return
coupling
device for receiving the fuel from the onboard motor and transferring the fuel
through
one or more return fuel lines to the main fuel source. The refueling method
can
include using gravity to feed the fuel from the supply coupling device to the
onboard
motor, and using the one or more return fuel lines with the return coupling
device for
the transfer of the fuel to the main fuel source.
CA 3028456 2018-12-21
=
[000153] While embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described,
modifications
thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and
teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary
only,
and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications to the
disclosure presented herein are possible and are within the scope of the
disclosure.
Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express
ranges or
limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of
like
magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations. The use
of the
term "optionally" with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean
that the
subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both
alternatives are
intended to be with the scope of any claim. Use of broader terms such as
comprises,
includes, having, should be understood to provide support for narrower terms
such as
consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprises substantially of, and the
like.
[000154] Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the
description set out above
but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all
equivalents of
the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into
the
specification as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the claims are
a
further description and are an addition the preferred embodiments of the
disclosure.
The inclusion or discussion of a reference is not an admission that it is
prior art to the
present disclosure, especially any reference that may have a publication date
after the
priority date of this application. The disclosures of all patents, patent
applications,
and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the
extent they
provide background knowledge; or exemplary, procedural or other details
supplementary to those set forth herein.
[000155] Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as
limiting, but merely as a basis of the claims and as a representative basis
for teaching
persons having ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present
invention.
[000156] While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the
embodiments, it
should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
embodiments
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might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
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