Methods and systems for maintaining and swapping equipment

Abstract

Systems and methods of operating a fracturing operation include a platform having an upper surface and a channel, wherein the platform is configured to receive a carrier mounted with a pumping unit; and a conduit configured to transfer fluid to or from a manifold system, the conduit having a first end configured to be connected to the pumping unit. The channel may be configured to receive the conduit when the carrier is at least partially received on the platform. A guide member may be configured to guide the conduit into the channel and include a rounded portion and an abutment surface, wherein the conduit is configured to extend at last partially around the rounded portion, and the carrier is configured to engage the abutment surface. The systems and methods may also include a controller configured to control a braking system of the carrier when the pumping unit is actuated.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a platform having a channel, wherein the platform is configured to receive a carrier mounted with a pumping unit; and   a conduit configured to transfer fluid to or from a manifold system, the conduit having a first end configured to be connected to the pumping unit,   wherein the channel is configured to receive the conduit when the carrier is at least partially received on the platform.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the platform has a frame defining the channel. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is underneath an upper surface of the platform, wherein the upper surface is configured to support the carrier. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a pivoting member underneath an upper surface of the platform and connected to a second end of the conduit; and   a second conduit having a first end connected to the pivoting member and a second end connected to a valve assembly.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a guide member configured to guide the conduit into the channel. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the guide member is configured to travel relative to the platform. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the guide member includes a rounded portion and an abutment surface, wherein the conduit is configured to extend at last partially around the rounded portion, and the carrier is configured to engage the abutment surface. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the guide member is flexible and configured to support the conduit. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the guide member includes a plurality of articulating segments configured to deflect relative to each other to allow the guide member to bend or curl. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a valve assembly configured to isolate the pumping unit from the manifold system. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the valve assembly includes a pressure intensifier configured to control pressure in the system. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the pressure intensifier is configured to perform a pressure test of the system. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising an intensifier valve configured to isolate the pressure intensifier. 
     
     
         14 . A system comprising:
 a conduit configured to transfer fluid to a manifold system, the conduit having a first end configured to be connected to a pumping unit on a carrier; and   a reel configured to rotate in a first direction to wind the conduit around an axis to store the first conduit when the pumping unit travels toward a manifold system and to rotate in a second direction to unwind the first conduit as the carrier travels away from the manifold system.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising a valve assembly configured to isolate the pumping unit from the manifold system. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the valve assembly includes a pressure intensifier configured to control pressure in the system. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the pressure intensifier is configured to perform a pressure test of the system. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising an intensifier valve configured to isolate the pressure intensifier. 
     
     
         19 . A system comprising:
 a valve assembly comprising one or more valves configured to fluidly connect a pumping unit to a manifold system;   a braking assembly configured to be connected to a carrier that transports the pumping unit, wherein the braking assembly includes a valve actuator configured to control a valve between a brake and a source of pressurized fluid; and   a controller configured to control the valve actuator to engage the brake and prevent movement of the carrier when the pumping unit is actuated.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the controller prevents manual release of the brake by an operator when the brake are engaged by the controller. 
     
     
         21 . A method comprising:
 engaging, with a controller, a brake of a carrier of a pumping unit based on the pumping unit being actuated;   operating, with the controller, the pumping unit to perform a fracing operation by actuating one or more valves of a valve assembly;   isolating, with the controller, the pumping unit from the manifold system by actuating the one or more valves of the valve assembly; and   releasing, with the controller, the brake of the carrier based on the valve assembly isolating the pumping unit from the manifold system.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the releasing the brake is by controlling a valve between the brake and a source of pressurized fluid. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising preventing, with the controller, manual release of the brake by an operator when the brake are engaged by the controller. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising priming, with the controller, the pumping unit based on the brake being engaged. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising pressure testing, with the controller, the pumping unit based on the brake being engaged. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the pressuring testing is by actuating a pressure intensifier in the valve assembly. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising moving the carrier out of the area with respect to the manifold system after the releasing the brake.