Fracturing system component and assembly, and system and method for fracturing

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for assembling a multi-well fracturing system, and components useful in such a system, and for performing fracturing operations. The multi-well fracturing systems include a movable conduit as a switching member between multiple branches of the fracturing system which extend to different wells within the system. Some such systems may include one or more components placed on adjustable skids to facilitate assembly of the fracturing system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fracturing system having a movable fluid path switching assembly, comprising:
 a connection block coupled to an intake manifold and configured to receive pressurized fracturing fluid from the intake manifold, and further configured to deliver the received pressurized fracturing fluid to a fluid outlet, the connection block comprising a first portion of a first quick disconnect coupling;   a distribution block comprising a first portion of a second quick disconnect coupling forming a fluid inlet, and further comprising a fluid outlet; and   a movable conduit releasably coupled to the connection block through the first quick disconnect coupling, and coupled to the distribution block through the second quick disconnect coupling, the movable conduit comprising,
 at a first end, a second portion of the first quick disconnect coupling configured to establish a fluid coupling with the fluid outlet of the connection block; and 
 at a second end, a second portion of the second quick disconnect coupling is configured to establish a fluid coupling with the fluid inlet of the distribution block. 
   
     
     
         2 . The fracturing system of  claim 1 , wherein the first quick disconnect coupling comprises a male/female connector. 
     
     
         3 . The fracturing system of  claim 2 :
 wherein the first portion of the first quick disconnect coupling is the female portion of the male/female connector and includes a receiving bore;   wherein the second portion of the first quick disconnect coupling comprises a pin connection; and   wherein the pin connection is configured to sealingly engage within the receiving bore.   
     
     
         4 . The fracturing system of  claim 1 :
 wherein the second quick disconnect coupling comprises a flush joint connection assembly;   wherein the first portion of the second quick disconnect coupling of the distribution block comprises a first connector having a first flat engaging surface and wherein a second portion of the second quick disconnect coupling comprises a connector having a second flat engaging surface; and   wherein the first and second flat engaging surfaces each engage opposing surfaces of a seal structure.   
     
     
         5 . The fracturing system of  claim 3 , wherein the second quick disconnect coupling can be released and the first and second portions of the coupling separated from one another while the pin connection of the first quick disconnect coupling remains at least partially within the receiving bore. 
     
     
         6 . The fracturing system of  claim 3 , wherein the receiving bore is in communication with multiple pressure access ports. 
     
     
         7 . The fracturing system of  claim 6 , wherein at least one of the multiple pressure access ports extends to a location between first and second seals on the pin connection, when the first and second portions of the quick disconnect coupling are secured together. 
     
     
         8 . The fracturing system of  claim 6 , wherein a first of the multiple pressure access ports extends to a location on a first side of a sealing structure between the pin connection and the receiving bore. 
     
     
         9 . The fracturing system of  claim 8 , wherein a second of the multiple pressure access ports extends to a location on a second side of the sealing structure between the pin connection and the receiving bore. 
     
     
         10 . The fracturing system of  claim 9 , wherein the sealing structure comprises two seals separated by an intermediate area, and wherein a third of the multiple pressure access ports extends to the intermediate area between the two seals. 
     
     
         11 . A multi-well fracturing system, comprising:
 an intake manifold, including, multiple inlet connections configured for receiving fracturing fluid under pressure and conveying the received fracturing fluid to a fluid outlet during a fracturing operation;   a connection block coupled to received pressurized fracturing fluid from the intake manifold, and   a moveable conduit coupled to an individual fracturing branch of multiple fracturing branches, wherein each fracturing branch extends to a respective wellhead assembly;   wherein each fracturing branch comprises,
 a distribution block having a fluid inlet configured to selectively couple to the movable conduit to receive the pressurized fracturing fluid, and 
 a wellhead connection assembly coupled a respective wellhead assembly, and configured to receive pressurized fracturing fluid from the distribution block and to convey the pressurized fluid to the wellhead assembly; and 
   wherein the respective distribution blocks of the multiple fracturing branches are placed at a common distance from the fluid outlet of the connection block, whereby the moveable conduit can be moved to selectively provide a flow path from the connection block to each of the respective distribution blocks.   
     
     
         12 . The multi-well fracturing system of  claim 11 , wherein the movable conduit is rotatable between a first position establishing communication with a first distribution block of a first fracturing branch, and a second position establishing communication with a second distribution block of a second fracturing branch. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-well fracturing system of  claim 11 , wherein each fracturing branch of the multiple fracturing branches is connected to the intake manifold only when the movable conduit is coupled to the distribution block of the respective fracturing branch. 
     
     
         14 . The multi-well fracturing system of  claim 11 , wherein the connection block comprises a first portion of a first quick disconnect coupling at the fluid outlet. 
     
     
         15 . The multi-well fracturing system of  claim 14 , wherein the distribution block comprises a first portion of a second quick disconnect coupling at the fluid inlet. 
     
     
         16 . The multi-well fracturing system of  claim 11 , wherein the movable conduit comprises:
 at a first end, a second portion of the first quick disconnect coupling configured to establish a fluid coupling with the fluid outlet of the connection block; and   at a second end, a second portion of the second quick disconnect coupling configured to establish a fluid coupling with the inlet of the distribution block.   
     
     
         17 . A telescoping pin and box pressure connection, comprising:
 a box connection member defining a receiving bore; and   a pin connection configured to sealingly engage the receiving bore through a seal structure supported on the pin connection;   wherein the receiving bore is in communication with multiple pressure access ports,
 wherein a first of the multiple pressure access ports extends to a location on a first side of the sealing structure when the pin connection is fully engaged within the receiving bore, and 
 wherein a second of the multiple pressure access ports extends to a location on a second side of the sealing structure when the pin connection is fully engaged within the receiving bore. 
   
     
     
         18 . The telescoping pin and box pressure connection of  claim 17 , wherein the sealing structure comprises first and second seals in spaced relation to one another and separated by an intermediate area, and wherein a third of the multiple pressure access ports extends to a location adjacent the intermediate area between the first and second seals, when the pin connection is fully engaged within the receiving bore. 
     
     
         19 . A method of performing a multi-well fracturing operation, comprising:
 assembling a fracturing system, comprising,
 placing an intake manifold at a selected location relative to multiple wells, the intake manifold including multiple inlet connections configured for receiving fracturing fluid under pressure to fluid outlet during a fracturing operation, 
 placing a connection block in fluid connection with the intake manifold to receive pressurized fracturing fluid from the intake manifold, and further configured to deliver the received pressurized fracturing fluid through a fluid outlet through a moveable conduit to an individual fracturing branch of multiple fracturing branches, or in the fluid outlet comprises a first portion of a first quick release connection, 
 assembling multiple fracturing branches, each fracturing branch extending to a respective wellhead assembly at a respective well of the multiple wells; wherein each fracturing branch comprises,
 a distribution block comprising a fluid outlet, and a fluid inlet including first portion of a second quick release connection; and 
 a wellhead connection assembly coupled a respective wellhead assembly and configured to receive pressurized fracturing fluid from the distribution block fluid outlet and to convey the pressurized fluid to the wellhead assembly; 
 wherein the fluid inlet of each distribution block of the multiple fracturing branches is placed at a common distance from the fluid outlet of the connection block; 
 
   placing a movable conduit having a first end including a second portion of the first quick release connection and a second end including a second portion of the second quick release connection in engagement with a first selected distribution block of a selected fracturing branch to establish a flow path between the inlet manifold and a first wellhead assembly of a first well;   performing a fracturing operation on the first well; and   after completing the fracturing operation on the first well, disengaging the movable conduit from the first selected distribution block, and moving the movable conduit into engagement with a second selected distribution block of a second selected fracturing branch to establish a flow path between the inlet manifold and a second wellhead assembly of a second well.   
     
     
         20 . A fracturing skid configured to support one or more fracturing components, comprising:
 a skid frame; and   an adjustable assembly mounted on the skid frame, the adjustable assembly comprising,
 a first structure secured in movable relation to the skid frame, the first structure movable along a first axis, and 
 a second structure secured in movable relation to the skid frame, the second structure movable along a second axis extending generally perpendicular to the first axis. 
   
     
     
         21 . The fracturing skid of  claim 20 , further comprising at least one first prime mover configured to move the first structure relative to the first axis. 
     
     
         22 . The fracturing skid of  claim 21 , further comprising at least one second prime mover configured to move the second structure relative to the second axis. 
     
     
         23 . The fracturing skid of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one first prime mover comprises two movers in opposing relation to one another, each mover configured to move the first structure in a respective direction relative to the first axis. 
     
     
         24 . The fracturing skid of  claim 22 , wherein the at least one second prime mover comprises two movers in opposing relation to one another, each mover configured to move the second structure in a respective direction relative to the second axis. 
     
     
         25 . The fracturing skid of  claim 22 , wherein the second structure is supported by the first structure; and wherein the at least one second prime mover is supported by the first structure.