System for multi-well frac using mono-bore flex pipe

Abstract

A system for fracturing an underground formation includes a flexible pipe receiving a high pressure slurry from a missile outlet, the flexible pipe including one or more sections arranged in series. The system also includes a connector secured to an end of the flexible pipe, the connector adapted to fluidly couple the flexible pipe to one or more fracturing trees of a plurality of fracturing trees associated with a wellbore, wherein the flexible pipe directs the high pressure slurry into the wellbore, via the one or more fracturing trees, the flexible pipe being movable between respective fracturing tree inlets of the plurality of fracturing trees.

1 . A system for fracturing an underground formation, comprising:
 a flexible pipe receiving a high pressure slurry from a missile outlet, the flexible pipe including one or more sections arranged in series; and   a connector secured to an end of the flexible pipe, the connector adapted to fluidly couple the flexible pipe to one or more fracturing trees of a plurality of fracturing trees associated with a wellbore, wherein the flexible pipe directs the high pressure slurry into the wellbore, via the one or more fracturing trees, the flexible pipe being movable between respective fracturing tree inlets of the plurality of fracturing trees.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of pumps, each outlet of each pump of the plurality of pumps coupled to a missile, wherein the flexible pipe is used to direct the high pressure slurry to each fracturing tree of the plurality of fracturing trees.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a cradle arranged proximate an inlet of the fracturing tree, the cradle receiving and supporting the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the cradle further comprises:
 an inner surface shaped to conform to an outer surface of the flexible pipe; and   adjustable legs for changing a height of the inner surface relative to a ground plane.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is at least one of flange ends, clamps, an automated connector, a remoted connector, or a hydraulic connector. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a lifting mechanism configured to move the flexible pipe between a first location and a second location.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is a hydraulic connector, further comprising:
 a hydraulic connection system coupled to an inlet of the frac tree, the hydraulic connection system having an opening fluidly coupled to a bore extending through the frac tree; and   a mating stump coupled to the flexible pipe, the mating stump adapted to enter the opening.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible pipe includes a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers including at least one metallic layer and at least one thermoplastic layer. 
     
     
         9 . A method for fracturing an underground formation, comprising:
 coupling a first end of a first flexible pipe segment to an outlet of a high pressure fluid collection system, the high pressure fluid collection system receiving the high pressure fluid from one or more pump outlets;   coupling a second end of a second flexible pipe segment to a first inlet of a first fracturing tree;   disconnecting the second end of the second flexible pipe segment from the first inlet of the first fracturing tree, after a fracturing operation is performed via the first fracturing tree;   moving the second end of the second flexible pipe segment to a second inlet of a second fracturing tree; and   coupling the second end of the second flexible pipe segment to the second inlet of the second fracturing tree.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 positioning at least a portion of the second flexible pipe segment within a cradle.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein moving the second end of the second flexible pipe segment further comprises:
 engaging at least a portion of at least one of the first or second flexible pipe segments via a lifting mechanism.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the lifting mechanism is a crane positioned outside a pressure zone of at least one of the first fracturing tree or the second fracturing tree. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein coupling the second end of the second flexible pipe segment to the first inlet of the first fracturing tree further comprises:
 aligning a connector of the second flexible pipe segment with the first inlet; and   securing the second flexible pipe segment to the first inlet via the connector.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 adjusting a working length of at least one of the first or second flexible pipe segments between the first fracturing tree and the second fracturing tree.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first fracturing tree or the second fracturing tree comprises a hydraulic connector, further comprising:
 aligning the second end of the second flexible pipe segment with an opening in the connector;   positioning at least a portion of the second end of the second flexible pipe segment within the opening; and   engaging one or more hydraulic features of the hydraulic connector to secure the second end of the second flexible pipe segment within the opening.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 connecting a plurality of high pressure fluid collection systems to the first end of the first flexible pipe segment.   
     
     
         17 . A system for hydraulic fracturing operations, comprising:
 a plurality of high pressure fracturing pumps positioned at a well site, each pump of the plurality of high pressure fracturing pumps receiving a fluid from a supply source;   a missile receiving high pressure fluid from each pump of the plurality of high pressure fracturing pumps;   a plurality of fracturing trees; and   one or more flexible pipe segments forming a flow path between the missile and at least one fracturing tree of the plurality of fracturing trees, wherein coupling end of the one or more flexible pipe segments is configurable to be moved to adjust the flow path between each fracturing tree of the plurality of fracturing trees.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a cradle arranged proximate an inlet of at least one fracturing tree of the plurality of fracturing trees, the cradle receiving and supporting the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a lifting mechanism, positioned at the well site, configured to engage and move at least a portion of the flexible pipe.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the flexible pipe is supported by a spool.