Apparatus and methods for interlocking hydraulic fracturing equipment

Abstract

A method for interconnecting components of a hydraulic fracturing system using flexible hose or pipe. The flexible hose or pipe can form a singular flow line which interconnects, for example, a pump and a manifold of the hydraulic fracturing system. Each end of the flexible hose or pipe can be tethered (using a safety restraint) to another component of the hydraulic fracturing system. In the event of a rupture or other failure, the safety restraint retains the tethered flexible pipes or hoses in a fixed position to prevent injury to personnel or damage to surrounding equipment.

1 . A method for interconnecting components of a hydraulic fracturing system, the method comprising:
 positioning a plurality of pumps adjacent to a manifold, the pumps and the manifold being configured to operate within the hydraulic fracturing system, each of the plurality of pumps having a pump connection, the manifold having a plurality of manifold connections;   coupling a first end of a first flexible hose to a first pump connection;   coupling a second end of the first flexible hose to a first of the plurality of manifold connections;   coupling a first end of a second flexible hose to a second pump connection; and   coupling a second end of the second flexible hose to a second of the plurality of manifold connections.   
     
     
         2 .- 18 . (canceled)