Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
87832771
HORIZONTAL FRACTURING TREE
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of Canadian Patent Application No.
2,850,071 and claims priority from therein.
BACKGROUND
[0001a] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of
art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are
described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in
providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better
understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it
should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and
not
as admissions of prior art.
[0002] Hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as fracing, is a
technique
used to enhance and increase recovery of oil and natural gas from subterranean
natural reservoirs. More specifically, fracing involves injecting a fracing
fluid, e.g.,
a mixture of mostly water and sand, into an oil or gas well at high pressures.
The
fracing fluid is injected to increase the downhole pressure of the well to a
level
above the fracture gradient of the subterranean rock formation in which the
well
is drilled. The high pressure fracing fluid injection causes the subterranean
rock
formation to crack. Thereafter, the fracing fluid enters the cracks formed in
the
rock and causes the cracks to propagate and extend further into the rock
formation. In this manner, the porosity and permeability of the subterranean
rock
formation is increased, thereby allowing oil and natural gas to flow more
freely to
the well.
[0003] A variety of equipment is used in the fracing process. For example,
fracing fluid blenders, fracing units having high volume and high pressure
pumps,
fracing tanks, and so forth may be used in a fracing operation. Additionally,
a
fracing tree is generally coupled between the wellhead of a well and the
fracing
unit. The fracing tree has a variety of valves to control the flow of fracing
fluid
and production fluid through the fracing tree.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Various
features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will
become better understood when the following detailed description is read with
reference to the accompanying figures in which like characters represent like
parts throughout the figures, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is
a schematic of a horizontal frac tree system coupled to a well
head assembly in a surface application;
[0006] FIG. 2 is
an embodiment of a horizontal frac tree system having a
single horizontal branch;
[0007] FIG. 3 is
an embodiment of a horizontal frac tree system having a
unified block configuration and two horizontal branches;
[0008] FIG. 4 is
an embodiment of a horizontal frac tree system mounted to a
skid;
[0009] FIG. 5 is
an embodiment of a horizontal frac tree system having two
horizontal goathead connections; and
[0010] FIG. 6 is
an embodiment of a horizontal frac tree system having a
casing hangar with an access port for a horizontal bore.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0011] One or
more specific embodiments of the present invention will be
described below. These described embodiments are only exemplary of the
present invention. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description
of
these exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not
be described in the specification. It should
be appreciated that in the
development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design
project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve
the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and
business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to
another.
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Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be
complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of
design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the
benefit
of this disclosure.
[0012] When
introducing elements of various embodiments of the present
invention, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that
there
are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and
"having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements. Moreover, the use of "top," "bottom,"
"above," "below," and variations of these terms is made for convenience, but
does not require any particular orientation of the components.
[0013]
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a frac tree having a
horizontal configuration (e.g., a horizontal frac tree), which is configured
to
reduce the bending moments caused by vibrations, external loads (e.g.,
connected piping), and so forth. In
particular, the horizontal frac tree is
specifically designed for a surface application, e.g., land-based in an air
environment. Accordingly, the horizontal frac tree may have a variety of
mounts,
supports, connectors, and other features designed for the surface application.
The concepts described herein are not limited to frac trees. In fact, these
concepts are also applicable to other flow control devices, such as production
trees, workover trees, to name a few.
[0014] Hydraulic
fracturing, or fracing, involves injecting a fracing fluid into a
wellbore to create and propagate cracks in the subterranean rock formation
beneath the wellhead. In this manner, the porosity and permeability of the
rock
formation is increased, leading to enhanced recovery of natural gas and oil
from
natural reservoirs beneath the earth's surface. The fracing fluid is
introduced to
the well through a frac tree connected to the wellhead.
[0015] As
discussed in detail below, the disclosed embodiments provide a
frac tree with a horizontal configuration. Specifically, the frac tree may
have one
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or more arms or branches extending horizontally from a master valve of the
frac tree.
The branches of the frac tree include one or more piping connections (e.g.,
goathead
connections) to enable connection with a fracing system. The horizontal
configuration
of the frac tree places the frac connections closer to ground level than frac
trees with
a vertical configuration. As a result, the frac tree may experience reduced
external
bending moments caused by excessive vibration and other loads experienced
during
the fracing process.
[0015a] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided
a
system, comprising: a land-based horizontal fracturing tree, comprising: a
first
hydraulic fracturing bore configured to flow a first fluid, wherein the first
hydraulic
fracturing bore comprises: a horizontal flow path extending along a first
horizontal axis;
and a vertical flow path extending along a vertical axis of a wellhead,
wherein a
horizontal flow path length of the horizontal flow path is greater than a
vertical flow path
length of the vertical flow path, and the first horizontal axis is generally
perpendicular
to the vertical axis of the wellhead.
[0015b] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided
a
system, comprising: a land-based horizontal fracturing tree, comprising: a
first
hydraulic fracturing bore configured to flow a first fluid, wherein the first
hydraulic
fracturing bore extends along a first horizontal axis, the first horizontal
axis is generally
perpendicular to a vertical axis of a wellhead, and a length of the first
hydraulic
fracturing bore is greater than a height of the land-based horizontal
fracturing tree; a
first valve disposed along the first hydraulic fracturing bore; and a second
valve
disposed along the first hydraulic fracturing bore.
[0015c] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided
a
system, comprising: a land-based horizontal fracturing tree, comprising: a
first
horizontal fracturing tree branch, wherein the first horizontal fracturing
tree branch
comprises a first hydraulic fracturing bore configured to flow a first
hydraulic fracture
fluid; and a first support configured to support the first horizontal
fracturing tree
branch in a first horizontal orientation, wherein a length of the first
horizontal
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fracturing tree branch is greater than a height of the land-based horizontal
fracturing
tree.
[0015d] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided
a
tree assembly for controlling fluid for a wellbore, the tree assembly
comprising: a
connection portion configured to couple the tree to a wellhead assembly of the
wellbore; a first bore coaxial with the wellbore; a second bore substantially
perpendicular to the first bore; and a frac fluid receiving portion coupled to
the second
bore such that inserted frac fluid is received by the second bore before the
first bore,
wherein a length of the second bore is greater than a length of the first
bore.
[0015e] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided
a
system, comprising: a fracturing tree, comprising: a lateral branch configured
to couple
to a wellhead, wherein the lateral branch comprises a first lateral flow path,
wherein
the first lateral flow path extends along a first axis, and the first axis is
substantially
perpendicular to a central axis of the wellhead; and a first connection
operatively
connected to the first lateral flow path, wherein the first connection
comprises a first
upward flow path that extends in an upward direction toward the first lateral
flow path,
wherein the first upward flow path extends a first length that is greater than
half of a
height from a ground level portion of the fracturing tree to the first axis of
the first lateral
flow path, wherein a first hydraulic fracturing flow path is configured to
flow a hydraulic
fracturing fluid in a flow direction through the first upward flow path, the
first lateral flow
path, and a downward flow path into the wellhead, wherein the lateral branch
and the
first connection are configured to reduce bending moments at least partially
caused by
connected piping.
[0015f] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided
a
system, comprising: a fracturing tree, comprising: a wellhead having a main
bore
extending along a central axis; a first lateral tree branch coupled to the
wellhead,
wherein the first lateral tree branch comprises a first lateral flow path, and
the first
lateral flow path extends along a first axis crosswise to the central axis; a
first valve
disposed along the first lateral flow path; and a first connection operatively
connected
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to the first lateral flow path, wherein the first connection comprises a first
upward flow
path that extends in an upward direction toward the first lateral flow path,
wherein a
first hydraulic fracturing flow path is configured to flow a hydraulic
fracturing fluid in a
flow direction through the first upward flow path, the first lateral flow
path, and a
downward flow path into the wellhead, wherein the fracturing tree comprises at
least
one of: the first upward flow path extends a first length that is greater than
half of a
height from a ground level portion of the fracturing tree to the first axis of
the first lateral
flow path; or a first lateral length of the first lateral flow path is greater
than half of the
height.
[0015g] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided
a
system, comprising: a fracturing tree, comprising: a lateral branch configured
to extend
laterally away from a wellhead, wherein the lateral branch comprises a first
lateral flow
path, wherein the first lateral flow path extends along a first axis crosswise
to a central
axis of the wellhead; and a first connection operatively connected to the
first lateral flow
path, wherein the first connection comprises a first upward flow path that
extends in an
upward direction toward the first lateral flow path, wherein a first lateral
length of the
first lateral flow path is greater than half of a height from a ground level
portion of the
fracturing tree to the first axis of the first lateral flow path, wherein a
first hydraulic
fracturing flow path is configured to flow a hydraulic fracturing fluid in a
flow direction
through the first upward flow path, the first lateral flow path, and a
downward flow path
into the wellhead.
[0015h] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided
a
method, comprising: routing a hydraulic fracturing fluid through a first
lateral tree
branch portion of a fracturing tree along a first hydraulic fracturing flow
path between a
main bore of a wellhead and a first connection, wherein the first connection
is
operatively connected to a first lateral flow path through the fracturing
tree, wherein the
first connection comprises a first upward flow path that extends in an upward
direction
toward the first lateral flow path, wherein the first upward flow path extends
a first length
that is greater than half of a height from a ground level portion of the
fracturing tree to
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a first axis of the first lateral flow path, wherein the first hydraulic
fracturing flow path
flows the hydraulic fracturing fluid in a flow direction through the first
upward flow path,
the first lateral flow path, and a downward flow path into the wellhead.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a fracing system 10 having a horizontal
frac tree
12 (e.g., a surface frac tree). As mentioned above, the fracing system 10 is
used to
pump a high pressure fracing fluid into a well 14 formed in a subterranean
rock
formation 16. As will be appreciated, the well 14 may be a natural gas and/or
oil well.
The horizontal frac tree 12 is coupled to a wellhead 18 of the well 14. As
discussed
above, a frac system 20 introduces a high pressure fracing fluid into the well
14 through
the horizontal frac tree 12 coupled to the well head 18. The frac system 20
may include
a variety of high volume and high pressure pumps and monitoring units
configured to
supply the fracing fluid to the horizontal frac tree 12. In certain
embodiments, the
fracing fluid may include water. In other embodiments, the fracing fluid may
include
other components such as chemical gels or foams, as well as gases such as air,
nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. As will be appreciated, the particular contents
of the
fracing fluid may depend on different factors such as the type of rock
formation 16, the
desired pressure of the fracing fluid, and so forth.
[0017] The fracing fluid passes through the horizontal frac tree 12 and
the well
head 18 into a well bore 22. From the well bore 22, the fracing fluid enters
the well 14,
and the high pressure of the fracing fluid causes the subterranean rock
formation 16 to
crack and propagate. As cracks are formed and propagated in the rock formation
16,
additional natural gas and/or oil from the rock formation 16 is released and
may flow
into the well 14 to be recovered.
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[0018] As shown, the horizontal frac tree 12 has a horizontal branch 24
that
extends along a horizontal axis 26 from the well head 18. The horizontal
branch
24 includes at least one piping connection (e.g., goathead connection 28,
which
may itself comprise multiple connections) to couple with the frac system 20.
As
discussed in detail below, the horizontal branch 24 may include multiple
goathead connections 28 in a variety of orientations. Moreover, the goathead
connections 28 may include WECO union connectors, compression fit
connectors, or other types of pipe connectors for coupling to the frac system
20.
In certain embodiments, the goathead connections 28 may have threaded or butt
welded ends and may be configured to withstand pressures up to 5,000 psi,
10,000 psi, 15,000 psi, 20,000 psi, 25,000 psi, or more. Furthermore, as
discussed below, the horizontal frac tree 12 includes a variety of valves to
regulate the flow of the fracing fluid through the horizontal frac tree 12.
[0019] As will be appreciated, the horizontal orientation of the horizontal
frac
tree 12 positions the goathead connections 28 closer to ground level. For
example, the disclosed horizontal fracing system 10 has a vertical dimension
or
height 11 that is substantially less than that of a vertical fracing system,
and a
horizontal dimension or width 13 that is substantially greater than that of a
vertical fracing system. In certain embodiments, the height 11 may be less
than
approximately 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, or 48 inches. For example, the height 11
may be approximately 12 to 60, 18 to 48, or 24 to 36 inches. Furthermore, the
width 13 may be approximately 1 to 20, 2 to 15, or 3 to 10 feet. In certain
embodiments, a width/height ratio of the width 13 to the height 11 may be
approximately 2:1 to 20:1, 3:1 to 15:1, or 4:1 to 10:1. By further example,
the
horizontal frac tree 12 (i.e., above the wellhead 18) may have a vertical
dimension or height 15 that is substantially less than a vertical frac tree,
and the
horizontal dimension or width 13 that is substantially greater than a vertical
frac
tree. In certain embodiments, the height 15 may be less than approximately 12,
18, 24, 30, 36, 42, or 48 inches. For example, the height 15 may be
approximately 12 to 48, 18 to 42, or 24 to 36 inches. Furthermore, the width
13
may be approximately 1 to 20, 2 to 15, or 3 to 10 feet. In certain
embodiments, a
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width/height ratio of the width 13 to the height 15 may be approximately 2:1
to
20:1, 3:1 to 15:1, 0r4:1 to 10:1.
[0020] As
mentioned above, a frac tree may be subjected to vibrations and
other forces that create a bending moment in the frac tree 12. The horizontal
frac tree 12 reduces the possibility of bending moments exceeding specified
parameters at a connection 17 (e.g., a flanged connection) between the well
head 18 and the horizontal frac tree 12 by positioning external loads (e.g.,
piping,
valves, and other components) closer to the ground level. In other words, the
external loads are vertically closer to the connection 17, thereby
substantially
reducing any bending moment relative to the connection 17. Specifically, the
bending moment about a vertical axis 30 of the well 14 may be reduced with the
illustrated horizontal frac tree 12. Furthermore, the horizontal frac tree 12
may
have a variety of mounts, connections, and supports to help retain the
horizontal
branch 24 in the horizontal orientation without subjecting the connection 17
to
bending. The horizontal frac tree 12 also improves serviceability, because a
technician can more easily inspect and repair the tree 12 at the ground level.
As
a result, operators of the fracing system 10 may not need an external lifting
or
raising apparatus (e.g., a ladder, hydraulic lift, or scaffolding) to reach
the
goathead connections 28. Indeed, all components and connections of the
horizontal frac tree 12 may be accessed from the ground level.
[0021] In
addition to the goathead connections 28 that may be used for the
fracing process, the horizontal frac tree 12 also includes a vertical access
connection 32. Consequently, a well operator may have separate access to the
well 14, while the frac system 20 is coupled to the horizontal frac tree 12.
As
shown, the vertical access connection 32 is generally in line with the
vertical axis
30 of the well 14. The vertical access connection 32 may be used to access the
well 14 in a variety of circumstances. For
example, the vertical access
connection 32 may be used for natural gas and/or oil recovery, fracing fluid
recovery, insertion of a frac mandrel, and so forth. During the fracing
process,
the vertical access connection 32 may not be in use. In such circumstances,
the
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vertical access connection 32 may be plugged or sealed in order to maintain a
high pressure in the well 14. More specifically, the vertical access
connection 32
may be plugged with one or more of a variety of plugs 34, such as metal or
elastomer seals. For example, a one-way back pressure valve (BPV) plug 36 or
a wireline set plug 38 may be used to plug the vertical access connection 32.
In
certain embodiments, a lubricator 40 may be used to seal the vertical access
connection 32. As will be appreciated, one or more plugs 34 may be used in the
vertical access connection 32 to isolate the well 14 and the wellbore 22.
Additionally, as discussed below, one or more plugs 34 may be used below a
horizontal bore (72; see FIG. 2) in the horizontal frac tree 12 to isolate any
equipment coupled the vertical access connection 32 above the horizontal frac
tree 12. The vertical access connection 32 also may be used to insert a
variety
of tools and other equipment into the wellbore 22.
[0022] FIG. 2 is
a schematic of an embodiment of the fracing system 10,
illustrating the horizontal frac tree 12 having one branch 24 with three
goathead
connections 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal frac tree 12 is
coupled to a master valve block 60 having a master valve 62. More
specifically,
in this embodiment, the horizontal frac tree 12 is coupled to the master valve
block 60 by a flange 64. In other embodiments, as discussed below, the master
valve block 60 and the horizontal frac tree 12 may be part of a single unified
block or may be coupled through a union nut assembly that draws the two
components together. As will be appreciated, the master valve 62 regulates the
flow through a main bore 66 coupled to the wellbore 22. The flow through the
main bore 66 may be a production fluid such as natural gas and/or oil or a
fracing
fluid supplied by the frac system 20. The main bore 66 and a vertical bore 67
of
the tree 12 may be sized to provide "full bore access", such that tools may be
inserted through the main and vertical bores 66 and 67 into the wellbore 22,
without restrictions from the main and vertical bores 66 and 67. This can be
accomplished by, for example, ensuring the main and vertical bores 66 and 67
have an internal diameter that is equal to or greater than the internal
diameter of
a production casing 69 within the wellbore 22. In certain embodiments, the
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master valve 62 may be manually operated. In other embodiments, the master
valve 62 may be hydraulically operated. Additionally, plugs 34 may be disposed
in the main bore 66 to isolate a desired portion of the bore 66. For example,
a
plug 68 may be disposed in the main bore 66 to isolate a flow of fracing fluid
to
the well bore 22. Similarly, a plug 70 may be disposed in the main bore 66 to
isolate equipment coupled to the vertical access connection 32. Moreover,
because the illustrated embodiment includes only one master valve 62, a well
operator may access the well bore 22 through the vertical access connection 32
without needing to go through multiple valves.
[0023] As shown,
a horizontal bore 72 extends through the horizontal frac tree
12 along the horizontal axis 26 of the frac tree 12 (e.g., along horizontal
branch
24), and is operatively connected to the main bore 66. The horizontal frac
tree
12 also includes valves 74 disposed along the horizontal bore 72. The valves
74
are configured to control and regulate the flow of fracing fluid from the
fracing
system to the main bore 66 and the well bore 22. As with the master valve 62,
the valves 74 of the horizontal frac tree 12 may be manually or hydraulically
operated. The horizontal frac tree 12 also includes three goathead connections
28 at an end 76 of the branch 24 opposite the main bore 66. More specifically,
the frac tree 12 includes a horizontal goathead connection 78, a top vertical
goathead connection 80, and a bottom vertical goathead connection 82. While
the illustrated embodiment includes three goathead connections 38, other
embodiments may include 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or more goathead connections 28 or
other types of piping connections. Each goathead connection 28 is operatively
connected to the horizontal bore 72. As will be appreciated, each of the three
goathead connections 28 may be connected to the frac system 20 by a pipe or
other conduit configured to flow a fracing fluid. Furthermore, in the
illustrated
embodiment, the horizontal frac tree 12 is supported by a brace 84 extending
from the frac tree 12 to the master valve block 60. For example, the brace 84
may be mechanically coupled (e.g., bolted) or welded between the frac tree 12
and the block 60. In other embodiments, as discussed below, the horizontal
frac
tree 12 may be supported by a post or brace mounted to a skid. The brace 84
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helps to retain the horizontal branch 24 in the horizontal orientation,
thereby
reducing the possibility of any bending or pivoting of the horizontal branch
24
relative to the block 60, well head 18, or various connections (e.g., flange
64).
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic of an embodiment of the fracing system 10,
illustrating the horizontal frac tree 12 having two horizontal branches 24.
The
illustrated embodiment includes similar elements and element numbers as the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Both horizontal branches 24 extend from the main
bore 66 along the horizontal axis 26. Additionally, the horizontal branches 24
of
the frac tree 12 extend in opposite horizontal directions. In other words, a
first
branch 100 extends in a first direction 102 horizontally away from the well
head
18, a second branch 104 extends in a second direction 106 horizontally away
from the well head 18, and the first and second directions 102 and 106 are
approximately 180 degrees apart. In other embodiments, the first and second
directions 102 and 106 may be 1 to 179, 2 to 150, 3 to 100, 4 to 50, or 5 to
25
degrees apart. Similarly, other embodiments of the horizontal frac tree 12 may
include three or more horizontal branches 24. For example, the branches 24 of
the horizontal frac tree 12 may be configured in a symmetrical arrangement
(e.g.,
two branches 24 at 180 degrees apart, three branches 24 at 120 degrees apart,
four branches at 90 degrees apart, five branches 24 at 72 degrees apart, or
six
branches 24 at 60 degrees apart) about the well head 18, thereby reducing the
possibility of any bending or pivoting relative to the well head 18, block 60,
and
associated connections (e.g., flange 64). The symmetrical arrangement of
branches 24 may include substantially equal lengths, diameters, and/or weights
to help distribute the loads symmetrically about the well head 18. In other
embodiments, the branches 24 may not be in a symmetrical arrangement about
the well head 18.
[0025] As shown, the horizontal bore 72 of each of the first and second
branches 100 and 104 of the horizontal frac tree 12 is operatively connected
to
the main bore 66. As a result, two flows of fracing fluid may enter the main
bore
66 during a fracing operation, as indicated by arrows 103. Additionally, both
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horizontal branches 100 and 104 have three goathead connections 28, wherein
each goathead connection 28 is operatively connected to the respective
horizontal bore 72 of the first and second branches 100 and 104. As discussed
above, the horizontal branches 24 may have other numbers of goathead
connections 28, such as 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or more goathead connections 28.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second horizontal
branches
100 and 104 and the master valve block 60 form a single, continuous block 108.
In other words, the first and second horizontal branches 100 and 104 and the
master valve block 60 may be a single piece, and are not coupled to one
another
by the flange 64. For example, a single block of metal may be used to form the
branches 100 and 104 and the block 60, rather than connecting separate metal
components together. In other embodiments, the first and second horizontal
branches 100 and 104 and the master valve block 60 may be fixedly coupled
together via welded joints or other permanent connections. In this manner, the
number of flanges 64 and other removable connections in the fracing system 10
is reduced, thereby increasing the structural integrity in the fracing system
10 and
reducing the effects of bending moments on the fracing system 10.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic of an embodiment of the fracing system 10,
illustrating the horizontal frac tree 12 mounted to a skid 120. The
illustrated
embodiment includes similar elements and element numbers as the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the skid 120 is disposed about the wellhead 18 and
supports the horizontal frac tree 12. In certain embodiments, the skid 120 may
include a central opening that is completely surrounded by structural elements
(e.g. beams and framework), such that the well head 18 fits in the central
opening and is completely surrounded by the structural elements. Accordingly,
the horizontal frac tree 12 may be installed by moving the the skid 120 to a
position above the well head 18, and then gradually lowering the skid 120
downward such that the well head 18 fits within the central opening. In other
embodiments, the skid 120 may include an opening or slot that extends
horizontally from an edge of the skid 120 to a central portion of the skid
120.
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Accordingly, the horizontal frac tree 12 may be installed by moving the skid
120
horizontally toward the well head 18, such that the well head gradually moves
along the slot until the tree 12 is in the proper position. In either
embodiment,
the skid 120 helps to support, level, and generally align the tree 12 during
and
after the installation of the tree 12. In addition, the horizontal frac tree
12 is
supported by braces 122, which extend between the horizontal frac tree 12 and
the skid 120. In certain embodiments, the braces 122 may be mechanically
secured (e.g., bolted) or welded between the horizontal frac tree 12 and the
skid
120. The skid 120 is secured to the ground by anchored posts 124. For
example, the anchored posts 124 may be secured to the ground by concrete or
other anchoring material.
[0028] Additionally, the skid 120 includes adjustment legs 126. The
adjustment legs 126 enable height adjustability of a height 128 of the skid
120
from the ground. For example, the adjustment legs 126 may be pneumatically-
driven legs, hydraulically-driven legs, motorized legs, threaded legs, or any
combination thereof. Furthermore, the adjustment legs 126 may be manually
adjusted by an operator, or the adjustment legs 126 may be automatically
adjusted by a controller that incorporates sensor feedback, user input, and
various models (e.g., a CAD model of the tree 12, a model of the landscape,
and
so forth.
[0029] As the
height 128 of the skid 120 is adjusted, the height of the
horizontal frac tree 12 is adjusted. The adjustment legs 126 may be used to
provide additional vertical support to hold the horizontal frac tree 12 in
place,
thereby blocking any undesired movement of the tree 12. The adjustment legs
126 also may be used to level the tree 12 relative to the ground and/or align
the
tree 12 relative to the well head 18. For example, the rightward adjustment
leg(s)
126 may be used to raise or lower the right portion of the skid 120, and thus
the
horizontal frac tree 12. Likewise, the leftward adjustment leg(s) 126 may be
used
to raise or lower the left portion of the skid 120, and thus the horizontal
frac tree
12.
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[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an embodiment of the fracing system 10,
illustrating a horizontal frac tree 12 having two horizontal goathead
connections
28. The illustrated embodiment includes similar elements and element numbers
as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the end 76 of the branch 24 of
the frac tree 12 includes two goathead connections 28. More specifically, each
goathead connection 28 extends horizontally from the end 76 of the branch 24.
In other words, each of the goathead connections 28 extends from the end 76
along the horizontal axis 26 of the horizontal frac tree 12. As discussed
above,
each goathead connection 28 is operatively connected to the horizontal bore
72.
[0031] FIG. 6 is an embodiment of the fracing system 10, illustrating the
wellhead 18 having a casing hanger 140 with an access port 142 for the
horizontal bore 72. The illustrated embodiment includes similar elements and
element numbers as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the horizontal
bore 72 extends through the access port 142 of the casing hanger 140 and is
coupled to the main bore 66. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the
master valve 62 is located on the horizontal frac tree 12 and along the
horizontal
bore 72. As will be appreciated, the connection of the horizontal bore 72 to
the
main bore 66 through the access port 142 of the casing hanger 140 enables an
operator to access the casing hanger 140 (e.g., through the vertical access
32)
without needing to move the horizontal frac tree 12. Similarly, an operator
may
access the main bore 66 and the wellbore 22 without removing the horizontal
frac
tree 12 from the wellhead 18.
[0032] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in
the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be
understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular
forms
disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined
by the
following appended claims.
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-01-22
