Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLUID CONDUIT CONNECTOR SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
Field
[pool] Embodiments described herein generally relate to a system for
connecting
fluid conduits, valves, and the like.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] The connecting of fluid conduits may be achieved by engaging threads of
one
conduit with corresponding complementary threads of another conduit.
An
alternative to a threaded connection is a bolted flanged connection. Some
fluid
conduit systems, such as those used for well treatments in the oil and gas
industry,
are used temporarily in a series of different locations. These fluid conduit
systems
are successively assembled at a work site, used to convey fluids,
disassembled,
transported to another site, reassembled, and so on.
It is desirable for the
connections of such systems to be robust and reliable, yet facilitate rapid
assembly
and disassembly,
SUMMARY
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a fluid conduit connection
system,
and to fluid conduit systems that include connectors of the fluid conduit
connector
system.
[0004] In one embodiment, a fluid conduit system includes a trunk line and a
manifold
header coupled to the trunk line. The manifold header has a first bore in
fluid
communication with the trunk line and a second bore intersecting the first
bore. A
first manifold valve is coupled to the manifold header. A second manifold
valve is
coupled to the first manifold valve. A fracture header is coupled to the
second
manifold valve. A plurality of connection rods is coupled to the manifold
header and
to the fracture header. Each connection rod extends through a corresponding
hole in
the first manifold valve and a corresponding hole in the second manifold
valve.
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[00os] In one embodiment, a fluid conduit system includes a trunk line having
a trunk
line throughbore. A manifold header is coupled to the trunk line. The manifold
header has a first bore in fluid communication with the trunk line throughbore
and a
second bore intersecting the first bore. A first manifold valve is coupled to
the
manifold header. The first manifold valve has a first manifold valve
throughbore and
an array of holes positioned about the first manifold valve throughbore. A
second
manifold valve is coupled to the first manifold valve. The second manifold
valve has
a second manifold valve throughbore and an array of holes positioned about the
second manifold valve throughbore. A fracture header is coupled to the second
manifold valve. The fracture header has a first array of fracture header
holes. A
plurality of connection rods is coupled to the manifold header and to the
fracture
header. Each connection rod extends through a corresponding hole of the array
of
holes in the first manifold valve and a corresponding hole of the array of
holes in the
second manifold valve.
[0006] In one embodiment, a method of performing a well treatment operation,
includes flowing a treatment fluid through a first fracture valve, a second
fracture
valve, a flow spool, and a third fracture valve into a well. A plurality of
connection
rods extends through the first fracture valve, the second fracture valve, and
the flow
spool into the third fracture valve. The third fracture valve is coupled to a
fracture
header by a flange. The method further includes ceasing the flowing of the
treatment
fluid, closing the third fracture valve, flowing fluid out of the well through
the first
fracture valve, the second fracture valve, and the flow spool, and removing
the
fracture header from the third fracture valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present
disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the
disclosure,
briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of
which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the
appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and
are
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therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may
admit to
other equally effective embodiments.
[0008] Figures IA and I B show an embodiment of a fluid conduit connector of a
fluid
conduit connector system,
[0009] Figure 2A shows an external view of two fluid conduit connectors of the
embodiment of Figures 1A and I B coupled together.
[0010] Figures 2B and 20 show cross sectional views of the embodiment depicted
in
Figure 2A.
[owl] Figure 3A shows a connection stud for a flange.
[0012] Figure 3B shows a connection rod.
[0013] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a fluid conduit connector.
[0014] Figure 5A shows an external view of another embodiment of a fluid
conduit
connector and a fluid conduit connector system.
[0015] Figure 5B shows a cross sectional view of the embodiment depicted in
Figure
5A.
[0016] Figures 5C and 5D show external views of components of the embodiment
of
Figures 5A and 5B.
[0017] Figure 5E shows a cross sectional view of the component depicted in
Figure
5D.
[0018] Figure 6A shows an externai view of another embodiment of a fluid
conduit
connector and a fluid conduit connector system.
[0019] Figures 6B and 60 show cross sectional views of the embodiment depicted
in
Figure GA.
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[0020] Figure 7A shows an external view of an embodiment of a valve assembly.
[0021] Figure 7B shows a cross sectional view of the embodiment depicted in
Figure
7A,
[0022] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of a valve assembly.
[0023] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a valve assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure concern connections for fluid
conduits,
and are particularly suited for use with fluid conduits that, in use, are
subject to
repeated assembly and disassembly. Examples include conduits that are used in
oil
and gas applications, such as when pumping treatment fluids, such as acids and
fracturing fluids, into wells.
[0025] Figures 1A-B show an embodiment of a fluid conduit connector 2 of a
fluid
conduit connector system (46, Figures 2A-C). The fluid conduit connector 2 has
a
body 4. Although the body 4 may include a plurality of components, in some
embodiments the body 4 may be monolithic. The body 4 may be cast as a single
block. The body 4 may be machined out of a single block. In some embodiments,
the body 4 may form at least part of a valve body. In such embodiments, the
valve
body may contain one or more valve components. The body 4 may have a first
side
6 and a second side 8. The second side 8 may be opposite to the first side 6.
The
first side 6 may have a first opening 10, and the second side 8 may have a
second
opening 12. A throughbore 14 may extend from the first opening 10 to the
second
opening 12. The throughbore 14 may be configured to convey a fluid between the
first side 6 and the second side 8.
[0026] The first side 6 may have a first sealing surface 16. The first sealing
surface
16 may surround the first opening 10. The first sealing surface 16 may be
recessed
into the first side 6. The first sealing surface 16 may be recessed into a
raised face
18 surrounding the first opening 10. The raised face 18 may be sized in
accordance
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with a raised face of a standard ring type joint flange. The second side 8 may
have a
second sealing surface 20. The second sealing surface 20 may surround the
second
opening 12. The second sealing surface 20 may be recessed into the second side
8.
The second sealing surface 20 may be recessed into a raised face 22
surrounding
the second opening 12. The raised face 22 may be sized in accordance with a
raised face of a standard ring type joint flange.
(0027] The first side 6 may have a first array 24 of holes 26. The first array
24 of
holes 26 may be positioned around the first opening 10. As shown, the first
array 24
has eight holes symmetrically positioned around the first opening 10, however,
the
holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may number, be sized, and be
arranged in a
pattern that substantially matches a number, size, and pattern of holes on a
flange.
For example, the number, size and pattern of holes 26 of the first array 24 of
holes 26
may be arranged to substantially match the hole number, size and pattern of
holes of
a flange that meets one or more specifications of one or more of the American
Petroleum Institute (API), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),
or the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
(0028] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
terminate within the body 4. In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first
array 24
of holes 26 may not terminate within the body 4. In some embodiments, selected
holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may terminate within the body 4,
and other
holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may extend through the body 4. In
some
embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 that extend
through the
body 4 may extend through the body 4 to the second side 8 of the body 4.
[0029] in some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
be
threaded. In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
may
not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array 24
of
holes 26 may be threaded, and other holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
may
not be threaded. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24 of
holes
26 that are threaded may be threaded along a portion of a length of each hole
26.
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[0030] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
be
configured to receive a corresponding connection stud 92 (Figure 3A), In some
embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may be configured
to
receive a corresponding connection stud 92 whereby the corresponding
connection
stud 92 may be threaded into the respective hole 26 of the first array 24 of
holes 26
to form a threaded connection. The threaded connection may be tightened in
order
to secure a component, such as a flange, to the body 4.
[0031] The first side 6 may have a second array 28 of holes 30. As shown, the
second array 28 has four holes although any number of holes 30 may be used.
The
second array 28 of holes 30 may be positioned around the first array 24 of
holes 26.
For example, the second array 28 of holes 30 may include first 32 and second
34
groups of holes 30, and the first array 24 of holes 26 may be positioned
between the
first 32 and second 34 groups of holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30.
[0032] in some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30
may
terminate within the body 4. In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second
array
28 of holes 30 may not terminate within the body 4. In some embodiments,
selected
holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 may terminate within the body 4,
and
other holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 may extend through the body
4. In
some embodiments, those holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 that
extend
through the body 4 may extend through the body 4 to the second side 8 of the
body
4.
[0033] In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30
may
be threaded. In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes
30
may not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 30 of the second
array
28 of holes 30 may be threaded, and other holes 30 of the second array 28 of
holes
30 may not be threaded, In some embodiments, those holes 30 of the second
array
28 of holes 30 that are threaded may be threaded along a portion of a length
of each
hole 30.
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[0034] The second side 8 may have a third array 36 of holes 38. In some
embodiments, the third array 36 of holes 38 may be omitted. If present, the
third
array 36 of holes 38 may be positioned around the second opening 12. As shown,
the third array 36 has eight holes symmetrically positioned around the second
opening 12, however, the holes 38 of the third array 36 of holes 38 may
number, be
sized, and arranged in a pattern that substantially matches a number, size,
and
pattern of holes on a flange. For example, the number, size, and pattern of
holes 38
of the third array 36 of holes 38 may be arranged to substantially match the
number,
size, and pattern of holes of a flange that meets one or more specifications
of one or
more of the American Petroleum institute (API), the American National
Standards
Institute (ANSI), or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
[0035] In some embodiments, each hole 38 of the third array 36 of holes 38 may
terminate within the body 4. In some embodiments, each hole 38 of the third
array
36 of holes 38 may be threaded. In some embodiments, each hole 38 of the third
array 36 of holes 38 may not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes
38
of the third array 36 of holes 38 may be threaded, and other holes 38 of the
third
array 36 of holes 38 may not be threaded. in some embodiments, those holes 38
of
the third array 36 of holes 38 that are threaded may be threaded along a
portion of a
length of each hole 38.
[0036] In some embodiments, each hole 38 of the third array 36 of holes 38 may
be
configured to receive a corresponding connection stud 92. in some embodiments,
each hole 38 of the third array 36 of holes 38 may be configured to receive a
corresponding connection stud 92 whereby the corresponding connection stud 92
may be threaded into the respective hole 38 of the third array 36 of holes 38
to form
a threaded connection. The threaded connection may be tightened in order to
secure a component, such as a flange, to the body 4,
[0037] In embodiments in which each hole 30, or a selected number of holes 30,
of
the second array 28 of holes 30 extend to the second side 8 of the body 4, the
second array 28 of holes 30 may be positioned around the third array 36 of
holes 38
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(if present), For example; the second array 28 of holes 30 may include third
40 and
fourth 42 groups of holes 30 as seen on the second side 8, and the first array
24 of
holes 26 may be positioned between the third 40 and fourth 42 groups of holes
30 of
the second array 28 of holes 30. In some embodiments, the third 40 and fourth
42
groups of holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 as seen on the second
side 8
may correspond, respectively, with the first 32 and second 34 groups of holes
30 of
the second array 28 of holes 30 on the first side 6 of the body 4.
Nue] As illustrated in Figures 1A-B, the fluid conduit connector 2 may be
configured
as a valve. One or more components 44 of the valve may be connected to the
body
4.
[0039] Figures 2A-C show a fluid conduit connector system 46 in which two
fluid
conduit connectors of the embodiment of Figures IA-B are coupled together as
an
assembly. Figure 2A is an external view of the assembly, Figure 2B is a
longitudinal
cross section along line 2B-28, and Figure 2C is a longitudinal cross section
through
the assembly along line 20-2C. For clarity, the valve components 44 depicted
in
Figures IA-B have been omitted.
(0040] As illustrated, a first fluid conduit connector 48 has a first body 50
that may
also function as a valve body, and a second fluid conduit connector 52 has a
second
body 54 that may also function as a valve body. The first body 50 and second
body
54 each have first sides 56, 60 and second sides 58, 62. Each first side 56,
60 has a
first opening 64, 68, and each second side 58, 62 has a second opening 66, 70.
Each of the first body 50 and second body 54 has a throughbore 72, 74 that
extends
between the respective first openings 64, 68 and second openings 66, 70.
Figure 2B
shows the first side 60 of the second body 54 positioned adjacent to and
facing the
second side 58 of the first body 50. The first opening 68 of the second body
54 is
aligned with the second opening 66 of the first body 50. A raised face 76 on
the first
side 60 of the second body 54 is positioned adjacent to a raised face 78 on
the
second side 58 of the first body 50. As shown, the raised face 76 on the first
side 60
of the second body 54 may contact the raised face 73 on the second side 58 of
the
a
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first body 50. In some embodiments, the raised face 76 on the first side 60 of
the
second body 54 may not contact the raised face 78 on the second side 58 of the
first
body 50. A seal 80 is shown disposed in a recess 79 in the first side 60 of
the
second body 54 and in a recess 81 in the second side 58 of the first body 50.
[0041] Figures 2A-C snow the first 48 and second 52 fluid conduit connectors
joined
together by connection rods 82. Each connection rod 82 extends through a
corresponding hole 84 in the first body 50 and through a corresponding hole 86
in the
second body 54. In some embodiments, each connection rod 82 may be threaded at
one end. In some embodiments, each connection rod 82 may be threaded at both
ends. In some embodiments, each connection rod 82 may be threaded along a
portion of its length. In some embodiments, each connection rod 82 may be
threaded along substantially the entire length. As illustrated, each
connection rod 32
is secured in place by fasteners 88, such as nuts, at each end.
In some
embodiments, one end of at least one connection rod 82 may include a bolt
head,
thereby obviating the need for a separate fastener 88 at that end.
[0042] in some embodiments, the sizing and number of connection rods 82
provide
for the connection between the first 48 and second 52 fluid conduit connectors
to
have a mechanical characteristic that meets or exceeds a standard for an
equivalent
flanged connection. For example, Figure 2A shows the first side 56 of the
first body
50 of the first fluid conduit connector 48 having a first array 24 of holes 26
positioned
around the first opening 64. The holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
may
number, be sized, and be arranged in a pattern that substantially matches a
number,
size, and pattern of holes on a standard flange. The number, size, and pattern
of
holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may comply with specifications of
one or
more of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American National
Standards
Institute (ANSI), or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME),
[0043] Each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may be configured to
receive a
corresponding connection stud, such as the connection stud 92 depicted in
Figure
3A. Each connection stud 92 has a longitudinal axis 94 and a nominal cross
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sectional area 96 measured transverse to the longitudinal axis 94. In Figures
2A-C,
the connection between the first fluid conduit connector 48 and the second
fluid
conduit connector 52 is effected by the connection rods 82, such as the
connection
rod 82 depicted in Figure 3B. Each connection rod 82 has a longitudinal axis
98 and
a nominal cross sectional area 100 measured transverse to the longitudinal
axis. In
some embodiments, the connection rod 82 nominal cross sectional area 100
multiplied by the total number of connection rods 82 used to connect two fluid
conduit
connectors together may be greater than, or equal to, the connection stud 92
nominal
cross sectional area 96 multiplied by the total number of connection studs 92
that
would be used in the first array 24 of holes 26 to secure a flange to the
first conduit
connector 48.
[0044] Figure 4 is an end view of one embodiment of a fluid conduit connector,
snowing a side of the fluid conduit connector. The fluid conduit connector 102
has a
body 104. Although the body 104 may include a plurality of components, in some
embodiments the body 104 may be monolithic. The body 104 may be cast as a
single block. The body 104 may be machined out of a single block. In some
embodiments, the body 104 may form at least part of a valve body. In such
embodiments, the valve body may contain one or more valve components. As
shown in Figure 4, the body 104 has a side 106 with an opening 108. A
throughbore
may extend from the opening 108 to an opposite side of the body 104. The
throughbore may be configured to convey a fluid.
[0045] The side 106 may have a sealing surface 110. The sealing surface 110
may
surround the opening 108. The sealing surface 110 may be recessed into the
side
104. The sealing surface 110 may be recessed into a raised face 111
surrounding
the opening 108. The raised face 111 may be sized in accordance with a raised
face
of a standard ring type joint flange.
[0046] The side may have a first array 24 of holes 26. The first array 24 of
holes 26
may be positioned around the opening 108. As shown, the first array 24 has
sixteen
holes symmetrically positioned around the opening 108, however, the holes 26
of the
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first array 24 of holes 26 may number, be sized, and be arranged in a pattern
that
substantially matches a number, size, and pattern of holes on a flange. For
example,
the number, size and pattern of holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
be
arranged to substantially match the hole number, size and pattern of holes of
a
flange that meets one or more specifications of one or more of the American
Petroleum Institute (API), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),
or the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
[0047] in some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
terminate within the body 104. in some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first
array
24 of holes 26 may not terminate within the body 104. in some embodiments,
selected holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may terminate within the
body 104,
and other holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may extend through the
body 104.
In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 that
extend
through the body 104 may extend through the body 104 to the opposite side of
the
body 104.
[0048] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
be
threaded. In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
may
not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array 24
of
holes 26 may be threaded, and other holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
may
not be threaded. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24 of
holes
26 that are threaded may be threaded along a portion of a length of each hole
26.
[0049] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
be
configured to receive a corresponding connection stud 92 (Figure 3A) In some
embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may be configured
to
receive a corresponding connection stud 92 whereby the corresponding
connection
stud 92 may be threaded into the respective hole 26 of the first array 24 of
holes 26
to form a threaded connection. The threaded connection may be tightened in
order
to secure a component, such as a flange, to the body 104.
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[0050] The side 106 may have a second array 28 of holes 30. As shown, the
second
array 28 has eight holes although any number of holes 30 may be used. The
second
array 28 of holes 30 may be positioned around the first array 24 of holes 26.
For
example, the second array 28 of holes 30 may include first 32 and second 34
groups
of holes 30, and the first array 24 of holes 26 may be positioned between the
first and
second groups 32, 34 of holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30. As shown
in
Figure 4, the holes 30 of the first group 32 of holes 30 may be aligned such
that the
holes 30 describe a first curve 112. The first curve 112 may have a radius R1
measured from a center 114 of the body 104. As shown in Figure 4, the holes 30
of
the second group 34 of holes 30 may be aligned such that the holes 30 describe
a
second curve 116. The second curve 116 may have a radius R2 measured from the
center 114 of the body 104. In some embodiments, radius R1 is substantially
equal
to radius R2, such that radius R1 and radius R2 may be considered to be equal
within the bounds of standard manufacturing tolerances. In some embodiments,
radius R1 is not substantially equal to radius R2 such that radius R1 and
radius R2
may be considered not to be equal within the bounds of standard manufacturing
tolerances.
[0051] In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30
may
terminate within the body 104. In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second
array 28 of holes 30 may not terminate within the body 104. In some
embodiments,
selected holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 may terminate within the
body
104, and other holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 may extend through
the
body 104. In some embodiments, those holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes
30
that extend through the body 104 may extend through the body 104 to the
opposite
side of the body 104.
[0052] In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30
may
be threaded. In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes
30
may not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 30 of the second
array
28 of holes 30 may be threaded, and other holes 30 of the second array 28 of
holes
30 may not be threaded. In some embodiments, those holes 30 of the second
array
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28 of holes 30 that are threaded may be threaded along a portion of a length
of each
hole 30,
[0063] Figures 5A-E illustrate another embodiment of a fluid conduit connector
system. Figure 5A provides an external view of two fluid conduit connectors
coupled
together as an assembly, and Figure 5B is a cross section view of selected
parts of
the assembly. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a first fluid conduit connector
118 has
a first body 120. Although the first body 120 may include a plurality of
components,
in some embodiments the first body 120 may be monolithic. The first body 120
may
be cast as a single block. The first body 120 may be machined out of a single
block.
In some embodiments, the first body 120 may form at least part of a valve
body. In
such embodiments, the valve body may contain one or more valve components. As
shown in Figure 5B, the first body 120 has an opening 122 in one side, and a
throughbore 124 may extend from the opening 122 to an opposite side of the
first
body 120. The throughbore 124 may be configured to convey a fluid.
[0054] A second fluid conduit connector 126 has a second body 128. Although
the
second body 128 may include a plurality of components, in some embodiments the
second body 128 may be monolithic. The second body 128 may be cast as a single
block. The second body 128 may be machined out of a single block. In some
embodiments, the second body 128 may form at least part of a valve body. in
such
embodiments, the valve body may contain one or more valve components. As
shown in Figure 5B, the second body 128 has an opening 130 in one side, and a
throughbore 132 may extend from the opening to an opposite side of the second
body 128. The throughbore 132 may be configured to convey a fluid.
[0055] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the first body 120 is positioned
adjacent to
the second body 128 such that the throughbore 124 of the first body 120 is
aligned
with the throughbore 132 of the second body 128. The first body 120 may have
one
or more recess 134 configured to accept a seal unit 136, The second body 128
may
have one or more recess 138 to accept a seal unit 136. As shown in Figure 5B,
the
first and second bodies 120, 128 are positioned between first and second
flange
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plates 140, 142. One or more seal unit 136 may be positioned between the first
flange plate 140 and the first body 120, between the first body 120 and the
second
body 128, and between the second body 128 and the second flange plate 142.
Each
seal unit 136 may be disposed at least partially in a recess 134 of the first
body 120
and/or a recess 138 of the second body 128. Thus, fluid leakage at interfaces
between the first flange plate 140 and the first body 120, between the first
body 120
and the second body 128, and between the second body 128 and the second flange
plate 142 may be inhibited.
10056] As shown in Figure 5A, the first and second flange plates 140, 142 are
coupled together by connection rods 82. The connection rods 82 are positioned
through holes 30 in each of the first and second flange plates 140, 142, and
secured
by fasteners 88, such as nuts. As shown in Figure 5A, the connection rods 82
do not
extend through the first body 120 of the first fluid conduit connector 118. As
shown in
Figure 5A, the connection rods 82 do not extend through the second body 128 of
the
second fluid conduit connector 126. In some embodiments, at least one
connection
rod 82 may extend through the first body 120 of the first fluid conduit
connector 118.
In some embodiments, at least one connection rod 82 may extend through the
second body 128 of the second fluid conduit connector 126. In some
embodiments,
at least one connection rod 82 may extend through the first body 120 of the
first fluid
conduit connector 118 and the second body 128 of the second fluid conduit
connector 126.
[0067] Figure 50 shows an outer facing side of a flange plate 146, which may
represent either OF both of the first flange plate 140 and the second flange
plate 142.
An outer face 147 of the flange plate 146 may have an opening 148, and a
throughbore 150 may extend from the opening 148 to an opposite, inner face of
the
flange plate 146. The throughbore 150 may be configured to convey a fluid,
[0058] The outer face 147 may have a sealing surface 152. The sealing surface
152
may surround the opening 148. The sealing surface 152 may be recessed into the
outer face 147. The sealing surface 152 may be recessed into a raised face
(not
14
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shown) surrounding the opening 148. The raised face may be sized in accordance
with a raised face of a standard ring type joint flange. As shown in Figure
5B, the
inner face 153 of the flange plate 146 (140, 142) may have a sealing surface
152.
[0059] Returning to Figure 50, the outer face 147 may have a first array 24 of
holes
26. The first array 24 of holes 26 may be positioned around the opening 148.
As
shown, the first array 24 has sixteen holes symmetrically positioned around
the
opening 148, however, the holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
number, be
sized, and be arranged in a pattern that substantially matches a number, size,
and
pattern of holes on a flange. For example, the number, size and pattern of
holes 26
of the first array 24 of holes 26 may be arranged to substantially match the
hole
number, size and pattern of holes of a flange that meets one or more
specifications of
one or more of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME).
(0060] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
terminate within the flange plate 146. In some embodiments, each hole 26 of
the first
array 24 of holes 26 may not terminate within the flange plate 146. In some
embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may terminate
within
the flange plate 146, and other holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
extend
through the flange plate 146. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first
array
24 of holes 26 that extend through the flange plate 146 may extend through to
the
inner face 153 of the flange plate 146.
(0061] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
be
threaded. In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
may
not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array 24
of
holes 26 may be threaded, and other holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
may
not be threaded. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24 of
holes
26 that are threaded may be threaded along a portion of a length of each hole
26.
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[0062] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may
be
configured to receive a corresponding connection stud 92. In some embodiments,
each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 may be configured to receive a
corresponding connection stud 92 whereby the corresponding connection stud 92
may be threaded into the respective hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
to form a
threaded connection. The threaded connection may be tightened in order to
secure
a component, such as a flange, to the flange plate 146,
[0063] The outer face 147 may have a second array 28 of holes 30. As shown,
the
second array 28 has eight holes although any number of holes 30 may be used.
The
second array 28 of holes 30 may be positioned around the first array 24 of
holes 26.
For example, the second array 28 of holes 30 may include first and second
groups
32, 34 of holes, and the first array 24 of holes 26 may be positioned between
the first
and second groups 32, 34 of holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30. In
some
embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 may terminate
within
the flange plate 146. In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28
of
holes 30 may not terminate within the flange plate 146. In some embodiments,
selected holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 may terminate within the
flange
plate 146, and other holes 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30 may extend
through
the flange plate 146. In some embodiments, those holes 30 of the second array
28
of holes 30 that extend through the flange plate 146 may extend through the
body to
the inner face 147 of the flange plate '146.
[0064] In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes 30
may
be threaded. In some embodiments, each hole 30 of the second array 28 of holes
30
may not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 30 of the second
array
28 of holes 30 may be threaded, and other holes 30 of the second array 28 of
holes
30 may not be threaded, In some embodiments, those holes 30 of the second
array
28 of holes 30 that are threaded may be threaded along a portion of a length
of each
hole 30.
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[0065] Figures 5D and 5E illustrate a seal unit 136 in perspective and cross
sectional
views, respectively. The seal unit 136 may be formed as an annular element
including a first face 154 having a first opening 156, an opposite second face
158
having a second opening 160, and a throughbore 161 extending between the first
and second openings 156, 160, A first sealing surface 162 may surround the
first
opening 156. The first sealing surface 162 may be recessed into the first face
154.
A second sealing surface 164 may surround the second opening 160. The second
sealing surface 164 may be recessed into the second face 158. As shown in
Figure
58, one or more seal 80 may be disposed against the first sealing surface 162,
and
one or more seal 80 may be disposed against the second sealing surface 164.
The
one or more seal 80 may be configured to be in sealing contact with a
complementary sealing surface, such as the sealing surface 152 of the inner
face
153 of a flange plate 140, 142, 146 or a sealing surface of the first body 120
or
second body 123.
[0066] Figures 6A-C illustrate another embodiment of a fluid conduit connector
system. Figure 6A is a side view of an assembled exemplary fluid conduit
connector
system 166, and Figures 6B and 6C are longitudinal cross sections taken across
lines 6B-6B and 60-6C, respectively. As further described below, the fluid
conduit
connector system 166 provides a versatile arrangement to quickly connect and
disconnect different fluid conduits and/or valve assemblies, such as two
different
fracture trees, that may be located at different horizontal and/or vertical
positions
relative to each other. One or more fluid conduit connection systems 166 may
be
connected together via one or more fluid conduits to form the fluid conduit
connector
system,
[0067] A first fluid conduit connector 168 may include a first body 170 having
a first
side 172. A neck 174 may extend from the first side 172. The neck 174 may have
a
first opening 176, and a first bore 178 may extend from the first opening 176
into the
first body 170. The neck 174 may have a first sealing surface 180. The first
sealing
surface 180 may surround the first opening 176. The first sealing surface 180
may
be recessed into the neck 174. The first sealing surface 180 may be recessed
into a
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raised face surrounding the first opening 176. The raised face may be sized in
accordance with a raised face of a standard ring type joint flange.
[0068] The first body 170 may have second and third sides 182, 184. The second
and third sides 182, 184 may be substantiay perpendicular to the first side
172. In
some embodiments, at least one of the second and third sides 182, 184 may not
be
substantially perpendicular to the first side 172. In some embodiments, the
second
side 182 may have a neck similar to the neck 174 of the first side 172. In
some
embodiments, the third side 184 may have a neck similar to the neck 174 of the
first
side 172. The second side 182 may have a second opening 186. The third side
184
may have a third opening 188. A second bore 190 may extend from the second
opening 186 into the first body 170. The second bore 190 may intersect with
the first
bore 178. A third bore 192 may extend from the third opening 188 into the
first body
170. The third bore 192 may intersect with the first bore 178. The second bore
190
may intersect with the third bore 192.
[0069] The second side 182 of the first body 170 may have a second sealing
surface
194. The second sealing surface 194 may surround the second opening 186. The
second sealing surface 194 may be recessed into the second side 182_ The
second
sealing surface 194 may be recessed into a raised face surrounding the second
opening 186. The raised face may be sized in accordance with a raised face of
a
standard ring type joint flange.
[0070] As shown in Figure SA, the second side 182 of the first body 170 may
have a
first array 24 of holes 26. The first array 24 of holes 26 of the second side
182 of the
first body 170 may be positioned around the second opening 186. As shown, the
first
array 24 has sixteen holes symmetrically positioned around the opening 186,
however, the holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the second side 182
of the
first body 170 may number, be sized, and be arranged in a pattern that
substantially
matches a number, size, and pattern of holes on a flange. For example, the
number,
size and pattern of holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the second
side 182 of
the first body 170 may be arranged to substantially match the hole number,
size and
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pattern of holes of a flange that meets one or more specifications of one or
more of
the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American National Standards
Institute
(ANSI), or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
[0071] in some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the
second side 182 of the first body 170 may terminate within the first body 170.
In
some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the second
side
182 of the first body 170 may not terminate within the first body 170. In some
embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the second
side
182 of the first body 170 may terminate within the first body 170, and other
holes 26
of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the second side 182 of the first body 170
may
extend through the first body 170. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the
first
array 24 of holes 26 of the second side 182 of the first body 170 that extend
through
the first body 170 may extend through the first body 170 to the third side 184
of the
first body 170.
[0072] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the
second side 182 of the first body 170 may be threaded. In some embodiments,
each
hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the second side 182 of the first
body 170
may not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array
24
of holes 26 of the second side 182 of the first body 170 may be threaded, and
other
holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the second side 182 of the first
body 170
may not be threaded. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24
of
holes 26 of the second side 182 of the first body 170 that are threaded may be
threaded along a portion of a length of each hole,
[0073] in some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the
second side 182 of the first body 170 may be configured to receive a
corresponding
connection stud 92. In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of
holes
26 of the second side 182 of the first body 170 may be configured to receive a
corresponding connection stud 92 whereby the corresponding connection stud 92
may be threaded into the respective hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
of the
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second side 182 of the first body 170 to form a threaded connection. The
threaded
connection may be tightened in order to secure a component, such as a flange,
to
the first body 170.
N074] Additionally, or alternatively, the second side 182 of the first body
170 may
have a second array of holes, such as the second array 28 of holes 30 of
Figures 1A
B, or the second array 28 of holes 30 of Figure 4. In some embodiments, the
second
array of holes may extend through the first body 170 to the third side 184.
[00751 The third side 184 of the first body 170 may have a third sealing
surface 196.
The third sealing surface 196 may surround the third opening 188. The third
sealing
surface 196 may be recessed into the third side 184 of the first body 170. The
third
sealing surface 196 may be recessed into a raised face surrounding the third
opening
188. The raised face may be sized in accordance with a raised face of a
standard
ring type joint flange.
Non] The third side 184 of the first body 170 may have a first array 24 of
holes 26.
The first array 24 of holes 26 of the third side 184 of the first body 170 may
be
positioned around the third opening 188. As shown, the first array 24 has
sixteen
holes symmetrically positioned around the third opening 188, however, the
holes 26
of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the third side 184 of the first body 170
may number,
be sized, and be arranged in a pattern that substantially matches a number,
size, and
pattern of holes on a flange. For example, the number, size and pattern of
holes 26
of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the third side 184 of the first body 170
may be
arranged to substantially match the hole number, size and pattern of holes of
a
flange that meets one or more specifications of one or more of the American
Petroleum Institute (API), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),
or the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
[0077] in some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the
third side 184 of the first body 170 may terminate within the first body 170.
In some
embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the third side
184 of
the first body 170 may not terminate within the first body 170. In some
embodiments,
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selected holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the third side 184 of
the first body
170 may terminate within the first body 170, and other holes 26 of the first
array 24 of
holes 26 of the third side 184 of the first body 170 may extend through the
first body
170. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the
third side 184 of the first body 170 that extend through the first body 170
may extend
through the first body 170 to the second side 182 of the first body 170,
(0078] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the
third side 184 of the first body 170 may be threaded. In some embodiments,
each
hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the third side 184 of the first
body 170 may
not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array 24
of
holes 26 of the third side 184 of the first body 170 may be threaded, and
other holes
26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the third side 184 of the first body
170 may not
be threaded. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24 of
holes 26
of the third side 184 of the first body 170 that are threaded may be threaded
along a
portion of a length of each hole 26.
[00791 In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the
third side 184 of the first body 170 may be configured to receive a
corresponding
connection stud 92. In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of
holes
26 of the third side 184 of the first body 170 may be configured to receive a
corresponding connection stud 92 whereby the corresponding connection stud 92
may be threaded into the respective hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
of the
third side 184 of the first body 170 to form a threaded connection. The
threaded
connection may be tightened in order to secure a component, such as a flange,
to
the first body 170.
(00801 Additionally, or alternatively, the third side 184 of the first body
170 may have
a second array of holes, such as the second array 28 of holes 30 of Figures 1A-
B, or
the second array 28 of holes 30 of Figure 4. In some embodiments, the second
array
of holes may extend through the first body 170 to the second side 182 of the
first
body 170.
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[0081] As shown in Figures 6A-C, the fluid conduit connector system 166 may
have a
second fluid conduit connector 198. The second fluid conduit connector 198 may
have a second body 200. The second body 200 may be configured similarly to the
first body 170 of the first fluid conduit connector 168. Thus, the second body
200
may have a first side 202 with a first opening 204, a first sealing surface
208
surrounding the first opening 204, and a first bore 206. In some embodiments,
a
neck may extend from the first side 202, and the neck may have the first
opening 204
and the first sealing surface 208. In embodiments in which the first side 202
of the
second body 200 has a neck, the first sealing surface 208 may be recessed into
the
neck. In embodiments in which the first side 202 of the second body 200 does
not
have a neck, the first sealing surface 208 may be recessed into the first side
202 of
the second body 200, In some embodiments, the first sealing surface 208 may be
recessed into a raised face surrounding the first opening 204. The raised face
may
be sized in accordance with a raised face of a standard ring type joint
flange.
[0082] In embodiments in which the first side 202 of the second body 200 does
not
have a neck, the first side 202 of the second body 200 may have a first array
24 of
holes 26. The first array 24 of holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second
body 200
may be positioned around the first opening 204. The holes 26 of the first
array 24 of
holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second body 200 may number, be sized,
and be
arranged in a pattern that substantially matches a number, size, and pattern
of holes
on a flange. For example, the number, size and pattern of holes 26 of the
first array
24 of holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second body 200 may be arranged to
substantially match the hole number, size and pattern of holes of a flange
that meets
one or more specifications of one or more of the American Petroleum Institute
(API),
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
[0083] In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the first
side 202 of the second body 200 may terminate within the second body 200. In
some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the first
side 202
of the second body 200 may not terminate within the second body 200. In some
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embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the first
side 202
of the second body 200 may terminate within the second body 200, and other
holes
26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second body
200 may
extend through the second body 200, In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the
first array 24 of holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second body 200 that
extend
through the second body 200 may extend through the second body 200 to an
opposite side of the second body 200.
[0084] in some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the first
side 202 of the second body 200 may be threaded. In some embodiments, each
hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second
body 200
may not be threaded. In some embodiments, selected holes 26 of the first array
24
of holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second body 200 may be threaded, and
other
holes 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second
body 200
may not be threaded. In some embodiments, those holes 26 of the first array 24
of
holes 26 of the first side 202 of the second body 200 that are threaded may be
threaded along a portion of a length of each hole 26.
[00851 In some embodiments; each hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26 of
the first
side 202 of the second body 200 may be configured to receive a corresponding
connection stud 92. In some embodiments, each hole 26 of the first array 24 of
holes
26 of the first side 202 of the second body 200 may be configured to receive a
corresponding connection stud 92 whereby the corresponding connection stud 92
may be threaded into the respective hole 26 of the first array 24 of holes 26
of the
first side 202 of the second body 200 to form a threaded connection. The
threaded
connection may be tightened in order to secure a component, such as a flange,
to
the second body 200.
[0086] Additionally, or alternatively, the first side 202 of the second body
200 may
have a second array of holes, such as the second array 28 of holes 30 of
Figures 1A
B, or the second array 28 of holes 30 of Figure 4. In some embodiments, the
second
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array of holes may extend through the second body 200 to an opposite side of
the
second body 200.
[0087] The second body 200 may have a second side 210 with a second opening
212, a second sealing surface 214 surrounding the second opening 212, and a
second bore 216. In some embodiments, a neck may extend from the second side
210, and the neck may have the second opening 212 and the second sealing
surface
214. In embodiments in which the second side 210 of the second body 200 has a
neck, the second sealing surface 214 may be recessed into the neck.
In
embodiments in which the second side 210 of the second body 200 does not have
a
neck, the second sealing surface 214 may be recessed into the second side 210
of
the second body 200. In some embodiments, the second sealing surface 214 may
be recessed into a raised face surrounding the second opening 212. The raised
face
may be sized in accordance with a raised face of a standard ring type joint
flange.
[0088] The second body 200 may have a third side 218 with a third opening 220,
a
third sealing surface 222 surrounding the third opening 220, and a third bore
224. In
some embodiments, a neck may extend from the third side 218, and the neck may
have the third opening 220 and the third sealing surface 222. In embodiments
in
which the third side 218 of the second body 200 has a neck, the third sealing
surface
222 may be recessed into the neck. In embodiments in which the third side 218
of
the second body 200 does not have a neck, the third sealing surface 222 may be
recessed into the third side 218 of the second body 200. In some embodiments,
the
third sealing surface 222 may be recessed into a raised face surrounding the
third
opening 220. The raised face may be sized in accordance with a raised face of
a
standard ring type joint flange.
[0089] In some embodiments, the second body 200 may have a third side 218 that
omits the third opening 220. In some embodiments, the second body 200 may omit
the third bore 224.
[0090] The second bore 216 of the second body 200 may intersect with the first
bore
206 of the second body 200. If present, the third bore 224 of the second body
200
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may intersect with the second bore 216 of the second body 200. If present, the
third
bore 224 of the second body 200 may intersect with the first bore 206 of the
second
body 200. As shown in Figure 6B, the second bore 216 of the second body 200
may
be aligned with and intersect the third bore 224 of the second body 200 such
that
there exists a throughbore from the second opening 212 to the third opening
220. As
shown in Figure 6B, the first bore 206 of the second body 200 may intersect
with the
throughbore.
[0091] As shown in Figures 6A-C, The first body 170 of the first fluid conduit
connector 168 may be coupled to the second body 200 of the second fluid
conduit
connector such that the neck 174 of the first side 172 of the first body 170
may be
disposed adjacent to the second side 210 of the second body 200. The first
bore 178
of the first body 170 may be aligned with the second bore 216 of the second
body
200. A seal 80 may be disposed against the first sealing surface 208 of the
first side
172 of the first body 170 and against the second sealing surface 214 of the
second
side 210 of the second body 200.
E00921 A tension flange 226 may be disposed around the neck 174 of the first
side
172 of the first body 170. The tension flange 226 may be threadedly coupled to
the
neck 174. Additionally, or alternatively, the tension flange 226 may be
coupled to the
neck 174 by one or more fastenings, such as screws, latches, clasps, and the
like. In
some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6B, the tension flange 226 may be coupled
to the neck 174 such that an end of the neck 174 protrudes through the tension
flange 226.
[0093] A connection flange 228 may be disposed on the third side 218 of the
second
body 200. The connection flange 228 may be a blind flange. A seal 80 may be
disposed against the third sealing surface 222 of the third side 218 of the
second
body 200 and against a sealing surface 230 of the connection flange 228. A
piston
flange 232 may be disposed on the connection flange 228. The piston flange 232
may include a recess 234. The connection flange 228 may have a piston head 236
disposed in the recess 234. A chamber 238 may be defined at least in part by
the
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connection flange 228 and the piston flange 232. The chamber 238 may be
defined
at least in part by the recess 234 and the piston head 236. A seal 240 may
inhibit
passage of fluid between the chamber 238 and an exterior of the piston flange
232.
The piston flange 232 may have a port 242 that fluidicaliy couples the chamber
238
with an exterior of the piston flange 232. The port 242 may include a pressure
fitting
to enable a source of hydraulic pressure to be coupled to the port 242.
(0094] In some embodiments, the third side 218 of the second body 200 may have
the piston head 236. Thus, in some embodiments, the connection flange 228 may
be
omitted, and the chamber 238 may be defined as least in part by the third side
218 of
the second body 200 and the piston flange 232.
[0095] Connection rods 82 may be disposed through corresponding holes 30 in
the
piston flange 232, through corresponding holes 30 in the connection flange 228
Of
present), and through corresponding holes 30 in the second body 200. The
connection rods 82 may be coupled to the tension flange 226. The connection
rods
82 may be threadedly coupled to the tension flange 226. In some embodiments,
the
connection rods 82 may be coupled to the tension flange 226 by corresponding
fasteners, such as nuts. In some embodiments, the tension flange 226,
connection
flange 228, and piston flange 232 may be sized such that the connection rods
82 are
not disposed in corresponding holes 30 in the second body 200.
[0096] Each connection rod 82 may be coupled to the second body 200 via the
connection flange 228 by a corresponding first fastener 244, such as a nut
having
threads that cooperate with corresponding threads on a corresponding
connection
rod 82. In embodiments in which the connection flange 238 is omitted, each
connection rod may be coupled directly to the second body 200 by the
corresponding
first fastener 244. Each connection rod 82 may be coupled to the piston flange
232
by a corresponding second fastener 246, such as a nut having threads that
cooperate with corresponding threads on a corresponding connection rod 82.
(00971 The fluid conduit connector system 166 provides a versatile connector
arrangement in that the first opening 204 of the first side 202 of the second
body 200
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may be positioned at any one of a variety of rotational orientations with
respect to the
second opening 186 of the first body 170. In some embodiments, the rotational
position of the first opening 204 of the first side 202 of the second body 200
with
respect to the second opening 186 of the first body 170 may be achieved at any
orientation,
[0095] in use, the above-mentioned components may be coupled together as
described. The connection rods 82 may be secured to the tension flange 226.
The
connection rods 82 may be secured to the second body 200 by the first
fasteners
244. In embodiments in which the connection flange 228 is omitted, the
connection
rods 82 may be secured to the second body 200 directly by the first fasteners
244. In
embodiments in which the connection flange 228 is present, the connection rods
82
may be secured to the second body 200 via the connection flange 228 by the
first
fasteners 244 bearing against the connection flange 228. The connection rods
82
may be secured to the piston flange 232 by the second fasteners 246.
[0099] A source of hydraulic pressure may be coupled to the port 242 in the
piston
flange 232, such as via a pressure fitting. The source of hydraulic pressure
may
apply a pressure through the port 242 and into the chamber 238. In embodiments
in
which the connection flange 228 is present, the chamber 238 may be defined by
the
piston flange 232 and the connection flange 228, and pressure within the
chamber
238 may urge the piston flange 232 and the connection flange 228 to separate,
thereby enlarging the chamber 238. In embodiments in which the connection
flange
228 is absent, the chamber 238 may be defined by the piston flange 232 and the
third side 218 of the second body 200, and pressure within the chamber 238 may
urge the piston flange 232 and the second body 200 to separate, thereby
enlarging
the chamber 238.
(00100] In embodiments in which the connection flange 228 is present, the
piston
flange 232 and the connection flange 228 may not separate entirely. Such
separation may place the connection flange 228 and the second body 200 under a
compressive load. The piston flange 232 may act on the second fasteners 246,
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thereby placing the connection rods 82 under a tensile load. The tensile load
in the
connection rods 82 may be transferred to the neck 174 extending from the first
side
172 of the first body 170 via the tension flange 226.
poioli in embodiments in which the connection flange 228 is absent, the piston
flange 232 and the second body 200 may not separate entirely. Such separation
may place the second body 200 under a compressive load. The piston flange 232
may act on the second fasteners 246, thereby placing the connection rods 82
under
a tensile load. The tensile load in the connection rods 82 may be transferred
to the
neck 174 extending from the first side 172 of the first body 170 via the
tension flange
226.
[00102] In embodiments in which the connection flange 228 is present, as a
result of
the tensile load in the connection rods 82 and the compressive load in the
connection
flange 228 and in the second body 200, the first fasteners 244 may become
loosened
from securement to the connection flange 228. Hence, the first fasteners 244
may be
secured to the connection flange 228 by (for example) tightening the first
fasteners
244, such as by via a threaded cooperation between each connection rod 82 and
a
corresponding first fastener 244. Thereafter, the pressure within the chamber
may
be relieved, and the source of hydraulic pressure may be disconnected from the
port
242. Disassembly of the fluid conduit connector system 166 may be achieved by
reversing the steps that are executed during assembly.
[00103] In embodiments in which the connection flange 228 is absent, as a
result of
the tensile load in the connection rods 82 and the compressive load in the
second
body 200, the first fasteners 244 may become loosened from securement to the
second body 200. Hence, the first fasteners 244 may be secured to the second
body
200 by (for example) tightening the first fasteners 244, such as by via a
threaded
cooperation between each connection rod 82 and a corresponding first fastener
244.
Thereafter, the pressure within the chamber may be relieved, and the source of
hydraulic pressure may be disconnected from the port 242. Disassembly of the
fluid
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conduit connector system 166 may be achieved by reversing the steps that are
executed during assembly.
[00104] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a fluid conduit system that may
incorporate one or
more aspects of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7A
is a
side view of a valve assembly 248. The valve assembly 248 may be used during
well
servicing operations for routing fluids into and out of a welibore. For
example, the
valve assembly 248 may be used for directing treatment fluids into a welibore,
and
then routing the production of fluids out of the wellbore afterwards. Figure
7B is a
cross section view of the valve assembly 248 of Figure 7A.
[00105] With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, the valve assembly 248 may have a
manifold header 250. The manifold header 250 may include features configured
to
facilitate sealing with, and connection to, other components, such as the
features
shown and described for any body of a fluid conduit connector of the present
disclosure. The manifold header 250 may have a main bore 252. The main bore
252
may extend through the manifold header 250. The manifold header 250 may have a
branch bore 254 that intersects the main bore 252.
[0106] The manifold header 250 may be coupled to a first manifold valve 256.
The
first manifold valve 256 may include a body 258, such as a body of a fluid
conduit
connector of the present disclosure. The body 258 may have a throughbore 260
that
is fluidically coupled to the branch bore 254 of the manifold header 250. The
throughbore 260 may be substantially aligned with the branch bore 254 of the
manifold header 250. In some embodiments, the first manifold valve 256 may be
coupled to a second manifold valve 262. The second manifold valve 262 may
include a body 264, such as a body of a fluid conduit connector of the present
disclosure. The body 264 may have a throughbore 266 that is fiuidically
coupled to
the throughbore 260 of the first manifold valve body 258. The throughbore 266
of the
second manifold valve body 264 may be substantially aligned with the
throughbore
260 of the first manifold valve body 258.
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[0107] The second manifold valve 262 may be coupled to a fracture header 268.
The
fracture header 268 may have a first body 270, such as a body of a fluid
conduit
connector of the present disclosure. The first body 270 may have a lateral
bore 272
that is fluidically coupled to the throughbore 266 of the second manifold
valve body
264. The lateral bore 272 may be substantially aligned with the throughbore
266 of
the second manifold valve body 264. In some embodiments, the lateral bore 272
may extend completely through the first body 270 of the fracture header 268.
The
first body 270 of the fracture header 268 may have a longitudinal bore 274
that
intersects the lateral bore 272. In some embodiments, the longitudinal bore
274 may
extend completely through the first body 270 of the fracture header 268.
[0108] The manifold header 250, first manifold valve 256, second manifold
valve 262
(if present), and the fracture header 268 may be coupled together with a
plurality of
connection rods 82. In some embodiments, the connection rods 82 may extend
through the manifold header 250, through the first manifold valve body 258,
through
the second manifold valve body 264 (if present), and into the fracture header
268.
The connection rods 82 may be threadedly connected to the first body 270 of
the
fracture header 268. Each connection rod 82 may have a corresponding fastener
88,
such as a nut, securing each connection rod 82 to the manifold header 250.
(01091 In embodiments in which the lateral bore 272 of the first body 270 of
the
fracture header 268 extends through the first body 270, a blind flange 276 may
be
attached to the first body 270 on a side opposite to the side against which
the second
manifold valve 262 (if present), or the first manifold valve 256 (if the
second manifold
valve 262 is not present) is coupled to the first body 270. The blind flange
276 may
sealingly obscure the lateral bore 272 of the first body 270 of the fracture
header 268.
(01101 The fracture header 268 may have a second body 278, such as a body of a
fluid conduit connector of the present disclosure. The second body 278 may
have a
longitudinal bore 282 that is fluidically coupled to the longitudinal bore 274
of the first
body 270 of the fracture header 268. The longitudinal bore 282 of the second
body
278 of the fracture header 268 may be substantially aligned with the
longitudinal bore
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274 of the first body 270 of the fracture header 268. In some embodiments, the
longitudinal bore 282 may extend through the second body 278. The second body
278 may have a lateral bore 280 that intersects with the longitudinal bore
282. In
some embodiments, the lateral bore 280 may extend through the second body 278.
The first body 270 of the fracture header 268 and the second body 278 of the
fracture
header 268 may be coupled together with a plurality of connection rods 82. In
some
embodiments, the connection rods 82 may extend through the first body 270 of
the
fracture header 268 and through the second body 278 of the fracture header
268.
Each connection rod 82 may have a corresponding fastener 88, such as a nut,
securing each connection rod 82 to the first body 270 of the fracture header
268.
Each connection rod 82 may have a corresponding fastener 88, such as a nut,
securing each connection rod 82 to the second body 278 of the fracture header
268,
[0111] In some embodiments, instead of having the first body 270 and the
second
body 278, the fracture header 268 may have a unitary body that includes the
lateral
and longitudinal bores 272, 274 of the first body 270 and the lateral and
longitudinal
bores 280, 282 of the second body 278. In such embodiments, the plurality of
connection rods 82 that connect the first body 270 to the second body 278 of
the
fracture header 268 may be omitted.
(01121 In embodiments in which the longitudinal bore 274 of the first body 270
of the
fracture header 268 extends through the first body 270, a blind flange 276 may
be
attached to the first body 270 of the fracture header 268 on a side opposite
to the
side against which the second body 278 of the fracture header 268 is coupled
to the
first body 270 of the fracture header 268. The blind flange may sealingly
obscure the
longitudinal bore 274 of the first body 270 of the fracture header 268.
In
embodiments in which the longitudinal bore 282 of the second body 278 of the
fracture header 268 extends through the second body 278, a blind flange 276
may be
attached to the second body 278 of the fracture header 268 on a side opposite
to the
side against which the first body 270 of the fracture header 268 is coupled to
the
second body 278 of the fracture header 268. The blind flange 276 may sealingly
obscure the longitudinal bore 282 of the second body 278 of the fracture
header 268.
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[0113] As illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, a flow spool 284 may be coupled to
the
fracture header 268. The flow spool 284 may include a flow spool body 286,
such as
a body of a fluid conduit connector of the present disclosure. The flow spool
body
286 may have a throughbore 288 that is fluidically coupled to the lateral bore
280 of
the second body 278 of the fracture header 268. The throughbore 288 of the
flow
spool body 286 may be substantially aligned with the lateral bore 280 of the
second
body 278 of the fracture header 268. The flow spool body 286 may have a
lateral
bore 290 that intersects with the throughbore 288. One or more flow control
valves
292 may be coupled to the flow spool body 286 in order to control fluid flow
through,
and/or fluid pressure within, the lateral bore 290 of the flow spool 284. In
some
embodiments, the one or more flow control valves 292 may operate as shut-off
valves. Each flow control valve 292 may include a flow control valve body 294,
such
as a body of a fluid conduit connector of the present disclosure. Each flow
control
valve body 294 may be coupled to the flow spool body 286 using one or more
connection components of a fluid connector system of the present disclosure.
Each
flow control valve body 294 may include a flow bore 296 that is fluidically
coupled to
the lateral bore 290 of the flow spool body 286. The flow bore 296 of each
flow
control valve body 294 may be substantially aligned with the lateral bore 290
of the
flow spool body 286.
[0114] Each flow control valve body 294 may have an array 298 of holes 300 on
a
first side 301. The array 298 of holes 300 may surround an opening 297 to the
flow
bore 296, and each hole 300 may be configured to accept a connection stud 92.
Each flow control valve body 294 may have a sealing surface 302 surrounding
the
opening 297. Each sealing surface 297 may be recessed into a raised face on
the
first side 301. Each sealing surface 297, raised face, and array 298 of holes
300 may
be sized and configured to match a flange that meets one or more
specifications of
one or more of the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME). A fluid flow conduit may have a flange configured to mate with the
sealing
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surface 297, raised face, and array 298 of holes 300 on the first side 301 of
each flow
control valve body 294,
[0115] As illustrated in Figure 7A, each flow control valve body 294 may be
secured
to the flow spool body 286 by connection rods 82 that may be threaded into the
flow
spool body 286 and secured by suitable fasteners 88, such as nuts.
[CMG] A first fracture valve 304 may be coupled to the flow spool 284. The
first
fracture valve 304 may include a body 306, such as a body of a fluid conduit
connector of the present disclosure. The body 306 may have a throughbore 308
that
is fluidically coupled to the throughbore 288 of the flow spool body 286. The
throughbore 308 of the first fracture valve body may be substantially aligned
with the
throughbore 288 of the flow spool body 286. In some embodiments, the first
fracture
valve 304 may be coupled to a second fracture valve 310. The second fracture
valve
310 may include a body 312, such as a body of a fluid conduit connector of the
present disclosure. The body 312 may have a throughbore 314 that is
fluidically
coupled to the throughbore 308 of the first fracture valve body 306. The
throughbore
314 of the second fracture valve body 312 may be substantially aligned with
the
throughbore 308 of the first fracture valve body 306
[0117] The fracture header 268, flow spool 284, first fracture valve 304, and
second
fracture valve 310 (if present) may be coupled together with a plurality of
connection
rods 82. In some embodiments, the connection rods 82 may extend through the
second fracture valve body 312 (if present), through the first fracture valve
body 306,
through the flow spool body 286, and into the fracture header 268. The
connection
rods 82 may be threadedly connected to the second body 273 of the fracture
header
268. Each connection rod 82 may have a corresponding fastener 88, such as a
nut,
securing each connection rod 82 to the second facture valve body 312 (if
present), or
to the first facture valve body 306 if the second fracture valve 310 is
omitted.
(0118] As shown in Figures 7A and 73, the lowermost valve of the first
fracture valve
304 and the second fracture valve 310 may be connected to an adaptor flange
316.
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The adaptor flange 316 may facilitate connection to a Christmas tree of a
well, to a
blowout preventer, or to a component of a wellhead.
[0119] In some embodiments, a swab valve 318 may be coupled to the fracture
header 268. The swab valve 318 may include a body 320, such as a body of a
fluid
conduit connector of the present disclosure. The body 320 may have a
throughbore
322 that is fluidically coupled to the lateral bore 280 of the second body 278
of the
fracture header 268. The throughbore 322 of the swab valve body may be
substantially aligned with the lateral bore 280 of the second body 278 of the
fracture
header 268. The swab valve 318 may be coupled to the fracture header 268 with
a
plurality of connection rods 82. In some embodiments, the connection rods 82
may
extend through the swab valve body 320 and into the fracture header 268. The
connection rods 82 may be threadedly connected to the second body 278 of the
fracture header 268. Each connection rod 82 may have a corresponding fastener
88,
such as a nut, securing each connection rod 82 to the swab valve body 322.
[0120] In some embodiments, additional conduits and/or connectors may be
coupled
to the swab valve 318. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, a blind flange 276 may
be
coupled to the swab valve 318. The blind flange 276 may sealingly obscure the
throughbore 322 of the swab valve body 320.
[0121] A wellbore treatment operation may be conducted using the valve
assembly
248 of Figures 7A and 78. The wellbore treatment operation may involve pumping
a
treatment fluid into a well to which the valve assembly 248 of Figures 7A and
78 is
coupled. The treatment fluid may include an acid. The treatment fluid may
include a
fracturing fluid. The treatment fluid may include an acid fracturing fluid.
[0122] The wellbore treatment operation may include coupling the valve
assembly
248 of Figures 7A and 78 to a well, a source of treatment fluid, and one or
more fluid
flow conduit. The coupling to the well may be via the adaptor flange 316. The
coupling to the source of treatment fluid may be via a trunk line connected to
the
manifold header 250. The coupling to the one or more fluid flow conduit may be
via
the one or more flow control valves 292. The wellbore treatment operation may
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include closing the swab valve 318, and closing the one or more flow control
valves
292. The wellbore treatment operation may further include opening the first
and
second manifold valves 256, 262, and opening the first and second fracture
valves
304, 310. Treatment fluid may than be pumped through the manifold header 250,
through the first and second manifold valves 256, 262, through the fracture
header
268, through the flow spool 284 (but not through the flow control valves 292),
through
the first and second fracture valves 304, 310, through the adaptor flange 316,
and
into the well.
[0123] The wellbore treatment operation may further include ceasing the
pumping of
the treatment fluid, and closing the first and second manifold valves 256,
262. In
some embodiments, the wellbore treatment operation may further include closing
a
valve of a Christmas tree of the well and/or closing the first and second
fracture
valves 304, 310. In some embodiments, the closing of the valve of the
Christmas
tree of the well and/or closing the first and second fracture valves 304, 310
may be
omitted. The wellbore treatment operation may further include opening the flow
control valves 292. In embodiments in which the valve of the Christmas tree of
the
well and/or the first and second fracture valves 304, 310 had been closed, the
wellbore treatment operation may include opening the valve of the Christmas
tree of
the well and/or the first and second fracture valves 304, 310. The wellbore
treatment
operation may further include flowing fluids out of the well, through the
first and
second fracture valves 304, 310, into the flow spool 284, and out of the flow
spool
284 through the flow control valves 292.
[0124] Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment to the valve assembly of
Figures
7A and 7B, The valve assembly 248 may include a third fracture valve 324
located
between the fracture header 268 and the flow spool 284. The third fracture
valve 324
may include a body 326, such as a body of a fluid conduit connector of the
present
disclosure. The body 326 may have a throughbore (not shown) that is
fluidically
coupled to the throughbore 288 of the flow spool 284 and the lateral bore 280
of the
second body 278 of the fracture header 268. The throughbore of the third
fracture
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valve 324 may be substantially aligned with the throughbore 288 of the flow
spool
284 and the lateral bore 280 of the second body 278 of the fracture header
268.
[0125] The third fracture valve 324 may be coupled to the fracture header 268
via a
flange 330. The third fracture valve 324, flow spool 284, first fracture valve
304, and
second fracture valve 310 (if present) may be coupled together with a
plurality of
connection rods 82. In some embodiments, the connection rods 82 may extend
through the second fracture valve body 312 (if present), through the first
fracture
valve body 306, through the flow spool body 286, and into the third fracture
valve
body 326. The connection rods 82 may be threadedly connected to the third
fracture
valve body 326. Each connection rod 82 may have a corresponding fastener 88,
such as a nut, securing each connection rod 82 to the second facture valve
body 312
(if present), or to the first facture valve body 306 if the second fracture
valve 310 is
omitted.
[0126] A wellbore treatment operation may be conducted using the valve
assembly
248 of Figure 8. The wellbore treatment operation may involve pumping a
treatment
fluid into a well to which the valve assembly 248 of Figure 8 is coupled. The
treatment fluid may include an acid. The treatment fluid may include a
fracturing
fluid. The treatment fluid may include an acid fracturing fluid.
[0127] A wellbore treatment operation using the valve assembly 248 of Figure 8
may
proceed with operations that are substantially the same as the N,veilbore
treatment
operation described above with respect to Figures 7A-B. The wellbore treatment
operation may further include opening the third fracture valve 324 prior to
pumping
the treatment fluid into the well. The welibore treatment operation may
further
include closing the third fracture valve 324 after ceasing the pumping of
treatment
fluid, and before flowing fluids out of the well. The wellbore treatment
operation may
further include maintaining the third fracture valve 324 in a closed position
while
flowing fluids out of the well and through the flow control valves 292. The
wellbore
treatment operation may further include disconnecting the fracture header 268
from
the third fracture valve 324 before and/or during the flowing of fluids out of
the well.
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Thus, the fracture header 268, first and second manifold valves 256, 262, and
manifold header 250 may be at least partially disassernbled before and/or
during the
flowing of fluids out of the well.
[0128] Figure 9 shows an arrangement of multiple valve assemblies. Each valve
assembly 248 may be coupled to a respective well. Although illustrated for
coupling
to two wells, the arrangement of multiple valve assemblies may be configured
with
additional valve assemblies 248, such that each additional vale assembly 248
may
be coupled to a respective additional well. As shown in Figure 9, each valve
assembly 248 omits the flow spool 284 and omits the third fracture valve 324.
In
some embodiments, one or more valve assembly 248 may be configured as per the
valve assembly 248 of Figures 7A and 7B. In some embodiments, one or more
valve
assembly 248 may be configured as per the valve assembly 248 of Figure 8.
[0129] Each valve assembly 248 may be coupled to a trunk line 332. The trunk
line
332 may have a trunk line throughbore that is fluidically coupled to the main
bore 252
of the manifold header 250 of each valve assembly 248. The trunk line
throughbore
may be substantially aligned with the main bore 252 of the manifold header 250
of
each valve assembly 248_ The trunk line 332 may be coupled to each manifold
header 250 via a flange 334. The manifold header 250 of each valve assembly
248
may be coupled to, and between, sections of the trunk line 332, such that the
manifold headers 250 are interspersed along the trunk line 332. The trunk line
332
may be coupled to the source of treatment fluid. In some embodiments, one or
more
of the fluid connector systems 166 (as shown in Figures 6A-C) and one or more
trunk
lines 332 may be used to facilitate connection between the manifold header 250
of
each valve assembly 248 when the valve assemblies 248 are horizontally and/or
vertically offset relative to each other and/or relative to other equipment,
such as the
source of treatment fluid,
[0130] A wellbore treatment operation may be conducted using the arrangement
of
multiple valve assemblies of Figure 9. The treatment fluid may include an
acid_ The
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treatment fluid may include a fracturing fluid. The treatment fluid may
include an acid
fracturing fluid.
[0131] A wellbore treatment operation using the arrangement of multiple valve
assemblies of Figure 9 may proceed with operations that are substantially the
same
as the wellbore treatment operations described above with respect to Figures
7A-B
and/or Figure 8. In some embodiments, a wellbore treatment operation using the
arrangement of multiple valve assemblies of Figure 9 may proceed with at least
some
of the steps of the wellbore treatment operations described above with respect
to
Figures 7A-B and/or Figure 8,
[0132] In some embodiments, a wellbore treatment operation using the
arrangement
of multiple valve assemblies 248 of Figure 9 may further include connecting
each
valve assembly 248 to a respective well. The wellbore treatment operation may
further include connecting each manifold header 250 of each valve assembly 248
to
the trunk line 332. The wellbore treatment operation may further include
pumping
treatment fluid through the trunk line 332, sequentially through each valve
assembly
248, and into each well. The wellbore treatment operation may include
sequentially
pumping treatment fluid into each well whereby the treatment fluid is pumped
into
each well in turn, one well at a time. The wellbore treatment operation may
further
include closing the first and second manifold valves 256, 262 of the valve
assemblies
248 associated with wells that are not about to receive the treatment fluid,
and
opening the first and second manifold valves 256, 262 of the valve assembly
248
associated with the well that is about to receive the treatment fluid. The
wellbore
treatment operation may further include closing the first and second manifold
valves
256, 262 of the valve assembly 248 associated with the well that received the
treatment fluid, and opening the first and second manifold valves 256, 262 of
the
valve assembly 248 associated with another well that is about to receive the
treatment fluid. The wellbore treatment operation may thus include using the
sequential closing and opening of first and second manifold valves 256, 262 of
each
valve assembly 248 to direct the treatment fluid into each well sequentially.
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[0133] The fluid conduit connector systems described herein provide several
advantages over conventional systems. Conduits incorporating connector systems
of
the present disclosure may be routed such that changes in conduit orientation
may
be achieved with robust compact connectors. Such compactness provides for
reduced weight, reduced footprint, and reduced height compared to conventional
systems. The fluid conduit connector systems of the present disclosure may be
more
quickly and easily assembled and disassembled than conventional systems by
virtue
of reducing the number of flanged connections and the number of
bolts/fasteners
required for each connection. The fluid conduit connector systems of the
present
disclosure also provide for versatile, modular arrangements of components, as
exemplified by the different configurations illustrated for the valve
assemblies 248 of
Figures 7A-9.
Additional Embodiments
[0134] Embodiment 1: A fluid conduit connector system; comprising: a first
fluid
conduit connector including a first body having a first opening at a first
side, a second
opening at a second side, and a throughbore extending from the first opening
to the
second opening; a second fluid conduit connector including a second body
having a
first opening at a first side, a second opening at a second side, and a
throughbore
extending from the first opening to the second opening; a first flange
including: a first
opening at a first side and a second opening at a second side, a throughbore
extending from the first opening to the second opening, a first array of holes
in the
first side positioned around the first opening, each hole of the first array
of holes
terminating within the first flange, and a second array of holes in the first
side
positioned between the first array of holes and an edge of the first flange; a
second
flange including: a first opening at a first side and a second opening at a
second side,
a throughbore extending from the first opening to the second opening, a first
array of
holes in the first side positioned around the first opening, each hole of the
first array
of holes terminating within the second flange, and a second array of holes in
the first
side positioned between the first array of holes and an edge of the second
flange;
and a plurality of connection rods; wherein upon assembly: the throughbores of
the
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first flange, the second flange, the first body and the second body are
aligned, the
second side of the first flange is adjacent to the first side of the first
body, the second
side of the first body is adjacent to the first side of the second body, the
second side
of the second body is adjacent to the second side of the second flange, and
each
connection rod extends through a corresponding hole of the second array of
holes of
the first flange and through a corresponding hole of the second array of holes
of the
second flange.
[0135] Embodiment 2: The fluid conduit connector system of Embodiment 1,
further
comprising a seal carrier having: a first opening at a first side and a second
opening
at a second side, a throughbore extending from the first opening to the second
opening, a first seal gland in the first side around the first opening, and a
second seal
gland in the second side around the second opening.
[0136] Embodiment 3: The fluid conduit connector system of Embodiment 2,
wherein
upon assembly, the seal carrier is disposed between the first body and the
second
body with the throughbore of the seal carrier aligned with the throughbore of
the first
body.
[0137] Embodiment 4: The fluid conduit connector system of Embodiment 3,
wherein
the second side of the first body includes a recess configured to receive the
seal
carrier.
[0138] Embodiment 5: The fluid conduit connector system of Embodiment 4,
wherein
the first side of the second body includes a recess configured to receive the
seal
carrier, and further wherein upon assembly the seal carrier is disposed in the
recess
in the second side of the first body and in the recess in the first side of
the second
body.
[0139] Embodiment 6: The fluid conduit connector system of Embodiment 2,
wherein
upon assembly the seal carrier is disposed between the first flange and the
first body
with the through bore of the seal carrier aligned with the throughbore of the
first body,
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[0140] Embodiment 7: The fluid conduit connector system of Embodiment 6,
wherein
the first side of the first body includes a recess configured to receive the
seal carrier,
and further wherein upon assembly, the seal carrier is disposed in the recess
in the
first side of the first body,
[0141] In one embodiment, a fluid conduit connector system comprises a first
fluid
conduit connector including: a first body having a first side, a neck
extending from the
first side, a first opening in the neck, and a first bore extending from the
first opening
into the first body; and a second fluid conduit connector including: a second
body
having first, second, and third sides, a first opening in the first side, a
second opening
in the second side, a first bore extending from the first opening into the
second body,
a second bore extending from the second opening and intersecting the first
bore, and
an array of holes extending from the second side to the third side, the array
of holes
positioned around the second bore; wherein upon assembly: the first bore of
the first
body is aligned with the second bore of the second body, the second side of
the
second body is disposed adjacent to the neck, a tension flange is disposed
around
the neck, a plurality of connection rods is coupled to the tension flange,
each
connection rod disposed in a corresponding hole of the array of holes and
extending
out of the third side of the second body.
[0142] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein upon assembly each connection rod is threaded into a
corresponding
hole of the tension flange.
[0143] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein upon assembly each connection rod has a first fastener
configured to
couple each connection rod to the second body.
[0144] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein the third side of the second body includes a piston head.
[0145] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein upon assembly: a piston flange is disposed on the third side
of ihe
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second body; the piston head is disposed in a recess of the piston flange;
each
connection rod extends through the piston flange; and each connection rod has
a
second fastener configured to couple each connection rod to the piston flange.
[0146] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein the piston flange includes a port connecting an exterior of
the piston
flange with the recess.
[0147] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein upon assembly: a connection flange is disposed on the third
side of
the second body; each connection rod extends through a corresponding hole in
the
connection flange; and each first fastener couples each connection rod to the
connection flange.
[0148] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein the connection flange includes a piston head.
[0149] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein upon assembly: a piston flange is disposed on the connection
flange;
the piston head of the connection flange is disposed in a recess of the piston
flange;
each connection rod extends through the piston flange; and each connection rod
has
a second fastener configured to couple each connection rod to the piston
flange.
[0150] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein the piston flange includes a port connecting an exterior of
the piston
flange with the recess.
[0151] In one embodiment, a method of connecting a fluid conduit connector
system
comprises coupling a tension flange around a neck of a first fluid conduit
connector;
positioning a second fluid conduit connector adjacent to the neck; coupling a
plurality
of connection rods to the tension flange, each connection rod disposed through
a
corresponding hole in the second fluid conduit connector; coupling each
connection
rod to the second fluid conduit connector with a corresponding first fastener;
coupling
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a piston flange to the second fluid conduit connector, each connection rod
disposed
through a corresponding hole in the piston flange, and coupled to the piston
flange by
a corresponding second fastener; applying a pressure to a chamber defined by a
recess of the piston flange, thereby applying a tension to the connection
rods;
securing each connection rod to the second fluid conduit connector by
tightening
each first fastener on each connection rod; and relieving the pressure.
(0152] The method of connecting the fluid conduit connector system of any of
the
embodiments described herein, wherein the chamber is further defined by a
piston
head of the second fluid conduit connector.
(0153] The method of connecting the fluid conduit connector system of any of
the
embodiments described herein, wherein coupling each connection rod to the
second
fluid conduit connector comprises: disposing a connection flange on the second
fluid
conduit connector; and coupling each connection rod to the connection flange
with
each corresponding first fastener.
(01541 The method of connecting the fluid conduit connector system of any of
the
embodiments described herein, wherein the chamber is further defined by a
piston
head of the connection flange.
(0155] In one embodiment, a fluid conduit connector system comprises, a first
body
having: a neck extending from a first side, an opening in the neck, and a
first bore
extending from the opening; a second body having: a second side and a third
side, a
second opening in the second side, a second bore extending from the second
opening, and an array of holes positioned around the second bore and extending
from the second side to the third side; wherein upon assembly: the first bore
of the
first body is aligned with the second bore of the second body, the second side
of the
second body is disposed adjacent to the neck, a tension flange is disposed
around
the neck, and a plurality of connection rods is coupled to the tension flange,
each
connection rod disposed in a corresponding hole of the array of holes and
extending
out of the third side of the second body.
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[0156] In one embodiment, a fluid conduit connector comprises a monolithic
body
having a first opening at a first side and a second opening at a second side;
a
throughbore extending from the first opening to the second opening; a first
array of
holes in the first side positioned around the first opening, each hole of the
first array
of holes terminating within the body; and a second array of holes in the first
side
positioned around the first array of holes, each hole of the second array of
holes
extending through the body to the second side.
[0157] The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein each hole of the second array of holes is not threaded.
[0158] The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein each hole of the first array of holes is threaded.
[0159] The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described herein,
further comprising a third array of holes in the second side positioned around
the
second opening, each hole of the third array of holes terminating within the
body.
[0160] The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein the third array of holes is positioned between the second opening and
the
second array of holes.
[0161] The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein each hole of the first array of holes is configured to receive a
corresponding
connection stud, the connection stud having a longitudinal axis and a first
nominal
cross sectional area measured transverse to the longitudinal axis.
[0162] The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described herein,
further comprising a plurality of connection rods, each connection rod
configured to
be disposed in a corresponding hole of the second array of holes, and
extending out
of the first side and out of the second side.
[01163] The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described
herein,
wherein each connection rod is threaded at a first end and at a second end.
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[01641 The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein: each connection rod has a longitudinal axis and a second nominal
cross
sectional area measured transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a total count
of
every hole of the first array of holes multiplied by the first nominal cross
sectional
area is no greater than a total count of every hole of the second array of
holes
multiplied by the second nominal cross sectional area,
[0165] The fluid conduit connector of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein the fluid connector forms at least part of a valve body.
[0166] In one embodiment, a fluid conduit connector system comprises a first
fluid
conduit connector including: a first body having a first opening at a first
side and a
second opening at a second side, a throughbore extending from the first
opening to
the second opening, a first array of holes in the first side positioned around
the first
opening, each hole of the first array of holes terminating within the first
body, and a
second array of holes in the first side positioned around the first array of
holes, each
hole of the second array of holes extending through the first body to the
second side;
a second fluid conduit connector including: a second body having a first
opening at a
first side and a second opening at a second side, a throughbore extending from
the
first opening to the second opening, a first array of holes in the second side
positioned around the second opening, each hole of the first array of holes
terminating within the second body, and a second array of holes in the first
side
positioned around the first opening; and a plurality of connection rods;
wherein upon
assembly: the first side of the second body is positioned adjacent to and
facing the
second side of the first body, the first opening of the second body is aligned
with the
second opening of the first body, and each connection rod extends through a
corresponding hole of the second array of holes in the first body from the
first side of
the first body, out of the second side of the first body, and into a
corresponding hole
of the second array of holes in the second body.
[0167] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein the first fluid connector forms at least part of a valve body.
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[0168] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein each hole of the second array of holes of the second fluid
conduit
connector extends through the second body to the second side, and further
wherein
upon assembly, each connection rod extends out of the second side of the
second
body.
[0169] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein upon assembly, a seal is disposed around the second opening of
the
first body and between the second side of the first body and the first side of
the
second body.
[0170] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein each hole of the second array of holes in the second body is
threaded, and further wherein upon assembly, each connection rod is coupled to
a
corresponding hole of the second array of holes in the second body.
[0171] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein upon assembly, each connection rod has a corresponding
fastener
securing each connection rod to the first body.
[0172] The fluid conduit connector system of any of the embodiments described
herein, wherein each hole of the second array of holes in the second body
extends
through the second body to the second side, and further wherein upon assembly,
each connection rod has a corresponding first fastener securing each
connection rod
to the first body and a corresponding second fastener securing each connection
rod
to the second body.
[0173] In one embodiment, a fluid conduit system comprises a trunk line; a
manifold
header coupled to the trunk line; a first manifold valve coupled to the
manifold
header; a second manifold valve coupled to the first manifold valve; a
fracture header
coupled to the second manifold valve; and a plurality of first connection rods
coupled
to the manifold header and to the fracture header, each first connection rod
extending through the first manifold valve and ihe second manifold valve,
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[0174] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein
each first connection rod of the plurality of first connection rods is coupled
to the
fracture header by a threaded connection.
[0175] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein
the fracture header further comprises: a first fluid conduit connector; a
second fluid
conduit connector; and a plurality of second connection rods extending through
the
first fluid conduit connector and the second fluid conduit connector.
[01176] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a swab valve coupled to the fracture header; and a plurality of
third
connection rods coupled to the swab valve and the fracture header, each third
connection rod extending through the swab valve and into the fracture header.
[0177] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a first fracture valve; a second fracture valve; and a plurality
of fourth
connection rods extending through the first fracture valve and the second
fracture
valve, and into the fracture header.
min] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a flow spool disposed between the fracture header and the first
fracture
valve; wherein the plurality of fourth connection rods extend through the flow
spool.
[0179] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a first fracture valve; a second fracture valve; a flow spool; a
third
fracture valve, the third fracture valve coupled to the fracture header by a
flange; and
a plurality of fourth connection rods extending through the first fracture
valve, the
second fracture valve, the flow spool, and into the third fracture valve.
(0180] In one embodiment, a fluid conduit system comprises a trunk line having
a
trunk line throughbore; a manifold header coupled to the trunk line, the
manifold
header having a first bore in fluid communication with the trunk line
throughbore and
a second bore intersecting the first bore; a first manifold valve coupled to
the
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manifold header, the first manifold valve having a first manifold valve
throughbore
and an array of holes positioned about the first manifold valve throughbore; a
second
manifold valve coupled to the first manifold valve, the second manifold valve
having a
second manifold valve throughbore and an array of holes positioned about the
second manifold valve throughbore; a fracture header coupled to the second
manifold valve, the fracture header having a first array of fracture header
holes; and a
plurality of first connection rods coupled to the manifold header and to the
fracture
header, each first connection rod extending through a corresponding hole of
the
array of holes in the first manifold valve and a corresponding hole of the
array of
holes in the second manifold valve.
[0181] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein
each first connection rod extends into a corresponding hole of the first array
of
fracture header holes.
[0182] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein
the second bore of the manifold header is substantially aligned with the first
manifold
valve throughbore and with the second manifold valve throughbore.
[0183] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a first fracture valve coupled to the fracture header, the first
fracture
valve having a first fracture valve throughbore and an array of holes
positioned about
the first fracture valve throughbore; a second fracture valve coupled to the
first
fracture valve, the second fracture valve having a second fracture valve
throughbore
and an array of holes positioned about the second fracture valve throughbore;
and a
plurality of second connection rods coupled to the second fracture valve and
to the
fracture header, each second connection rod extending through a corresponding
hole
of the array of holes in the second fracture valve, a corresponding hole of
the array of
holes in the first fracture valve, and into a corresponding hole of a second
array of
fracture header holes in the fracture header.
[0184] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a swab valve coupled to the fracture header, the swab valve having
a
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swab valve throughbore and an array of holes positioned about the swab valve
throughbore; and a plurality of third connection rods coupled to the swab
valve and
the fracture header, each third connection rod extending through a
corresponding
hole of the array of holes in the swab valve.
[0185] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a flow spool coupled between the fracture header and the first
fracture
valve, the flow spool having a flow spool throughbore and a side outlet.
[0186] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein
the flow spool throughbore is substantially aligned with the first fracture
valve
throughbore and the second fracture valve throughbore.
[0187] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a first fracture valve having a first fracture valve throughbore
and an
array of holes positioned about the first fracture valve throughbore; a second
fracture
valve coupled to the first fracture valve, the second fracture valve having a
second
fracture valve throughbore and an array of holes positioned about the second
fracture valve throughbore; a flow spool coupled to the first fracture valve,
the flow
spool having a flow spool throughbore, a side outlet, and an array of holes
positioned
about the flow spool throughbore; a third fracture valve coupled between the
flow
spool and the fracture header, the third fracture valve having a third
fracture valve
throughbore and an array of holes positioned about the third fracture valve
throughbore; and a plurality of second connection rods coupled to the second
fracture valve and to the third fracture valve, each second connection rod
extending
through a corresponding hole of the array of holes in the second fracture
valve, a
corresponding hole of the array of holes in the first fracture valve, a
corresponding
hole of the array of holes in the flow spool, and into a corresponding hole of
the array
of holes in the third fracture valve.
[0188] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
further
comprising: a swab valve coupled to the fracture header, the swab valve having
a
swab valve throughbore and an array of holes positioned about the swab valve
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throughbore; and a plurality of third connection rods coupled to the swab
valve and
the fracture header, each third connection rod extending through a
corresponding
hole of the array of holes in the swab valve.
[0189] The fluid conduit system of any of the embodiments described herein,
wherein
the third fracture valve is coupled to the fracture header by a flange.
(0190] In one embodiment, a method of performing a well treatment operation
comprises flowing a treatment fluid through a first fracture valve, a second
fracture
valve, a flow spool, and a third fracture valve into a well, wherein: a
plurality of
connection rods extends through the first fracture valve, the second fracture
valve,
and the flow spool into the third fracture valve, and the third fracture valve
is coupled
to a fracture header by a flange; ceasing the flowing of the treatment fluid;
closing the
third fracture valve; flowing fluid out of the well through the first fracture
valve, the
second fracture valve, and the flow spool; and removing the fracture header
from the
third fracture valve.
(01911 The method of performing the well treatment operation of any of the
embodiments described herein, wherein removing the fracture header from the
third
fracture valve is performed while flowing fluid out of the well.
(0192] The method of performing the well treatment operation of any of the
embodiments described herein, wherein removing the fracture header from the
third
fracture valve is performed before flowing fluid out of the well.
(0193] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preceding
embodiments are exemplary and not limiting. IL is intended that all
modifications,
permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto that are
apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a
study of
the drawings are included within the scope of the disclosure. It is therefore
intended
that the following appended claims may include all such modifications,
permutations,
enhancements, equivalents, and improvements. The present disclosure also
contemplates that one or more aspects of the embodiments described herein may
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substituted in for one or more of the other aspects described. The scope of
the
disclosure is determined by the claims that follow.
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