Systems and methods for exchanging fracturing components of a hydraulic fracturing unit

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for exchanging fracturing components of a hydraulic fracturing unit and, more particularly, to systems and methods for exchanging fracturing component sections including fracturing components of a hydraulic fracturing unit.

BACKGROUND

Fracturing is an oilfield operation that stimulates production of hydrocarbons, such that the hydrocarbons may more easily or readily flow from a subsurface formation to a well. For example, a fracturing system may be configured to fracture a formation by pumping a fracturing fluid into a well at high pressure and high flow rates. Some fracturing fluids may take the form of a slurry including water, proppants, and/or other additives, such as thickening agents and/or gels. The slurry may be forced via one or more pumps into the formation at rates faster than can be accepted by the existing pores, fractures, faults, or other spaces within the formation. As a result, pressure builds rapidly to the point where the formation may fail and may begin to fracture. By continuing to pump the fracturing fluid into the formation, existing fractures in the formation are caused to expand and extend in directions farther away from a well bore, thereby creating flow paths to the well bore. The proppants may serve to prevent the expanded fractures from closing when pumping of the fracturing fluid is ceased or may reduce the extent to which the expanded fractures contract when pumping of the fracturing fluid is ceased. Once the formation is fractured, large quantities of the injected fracturing fluid are allowed to flow out of the well, and the production stream of hydrocarbons may be obtained from the formation.

Prime movers may be used to supply power to hydraulic fracturing pumps for pumping the fracturing fluid into the formation. For example, a plurality of internal combustion engines may each be mechanically connected to a corresponding hydraulic fracturing pump via a transmission and operated to drive the hydraulic fracturing pump. The internal combustion engine, hydraulic fracturing pump, transmission, and auxiliary components associated with the internal combustion engine, hydraulic fracturing pump, and transmission may be connected to a common platform or trailer for transportation and set-up as a hydraulic fracturing unit at the site of a fracturing operation, which may include up to a dozen or more of such hydraulic fracturing units operating together to perform the fracturing operation.

A hydraulic fracturing operation is demanding on equipment, which often results in components of the hydraulic fracturing operation becoming worn, broken, or in need of maintenance, service, or, in some instances, replacement. Some maintenance issues are relatively minor and can be quickly remedied on-site. However, other maintenance issues may require separation of the affected component from the hydraulic fracturing unit and transport to an off-site location for service. In some instances, an affected component may require replacement. Many hydraulic fracturing unit components are large, heavy, and cumbersome to separate from the hydraulic fracturing unit. In addition, many of the hydraulic fracturing unit components operate with the assistance of numerous auxiliary components that may often include complex electrical and fluid systems, such as electrical components, wiring harnesses, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, lubrication lines, and cooling lines. Thus, if a hydraulic fracturing unit component requires separation from the hydraulic fracturing unit, it is often a difficult and complex process to separate the affected component from the remainder of the hydraulic fracturing unit, requiring the disconnection of numerous electrical and fluid components and lines. As a result, it may be required to interrupt a fracturing operation for a lengthy period of time in order to separate a fracturing component from its corresponding hydraulic fracturing unit and install a replacement component, increasing down-time and reducing the efficiency and profitability of the fracturing operation.

Accordingly, Applicant has recognized a need for systems and methods that provide greater efficiency and/or reduced down-time when performing a fracturing operation. The present disclosure may address one or more of the above-referenced drawbacks, as well as other possible drawbacks.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally is directed to systems and methods for exchanging fracturing components of a hydraulic fracturing unit. For example, in some embodiments, an exchangeable fracturing component section to facilitate quickly exchanging a fracturing component of a hydraulic fracturing unit. The hydraulic fracturing unit may include a gas turbine engine, a driveshaft to connect to a hydraulic fracturing pump, a transmission connected to the gas turbine engine for driving the driveshaft and thereby the hydraulic fracturing pump. The fracturing component section may include a section frame including a base and one or more frame members connected to and extending from the base. The fracturing component section further may include a fracturing component connected to and being supported by the base. The fracturing component section also may include a component electrical assembly connected to the section frame and positioned to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the fracturing component. The fracturing component section still further may include a component fluid assembly connected to the section frame and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel to operate the fracturing component. The fracturing component section may still further include a coupling plate connected to the section frame. The fracturing component section also may include a plurality of quick-connect electrical couplers connected to the coupling plate and/or a plurality of quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the coupling plate. The quick-connect electrical couplers may be positioned to receive respective electrical connections of the component electrical assembly and electrically connect to other portions of the hydraulic fracturing unit. The quick-connect fluid couplers may be positioned to receive respective fluid connections of the component fluid assembly and to provide fluid flow to other portions of the hydraulic fracturing unit.

According some embodiments, a hydraulic fracturing unit may include a first fracturing component section including a first section frame including a first base and a first fracturing component connected to the first base. The first fracturing component may include a transmission to connect an output of an internal combustion engine to a hydraulic fracturing pump. The hydraulic fracturing unit also may include a second fracturing component section. The second fracturing component section may include a second section frame including a second base for supporting a second fracturing component. The second fracturing component section also may include a second fracturing component connected to the second base. The second fracturing component may include one or more of a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid or an internal combustion engine to supply power to a hydraulic fracturing pump. The first fracturing component section and/or the second fracturing component section may be positioned, such that the first fracturing component and the second fracturing component are substantially aligned for connection to one another when the first fracturing component section and the second fracturing component section are positioned adjacent one another.

According to some embodiments, a method to exchange a first fracturing component of a hydraulic fracturing unit for a second fracturing component in a hydraulic fracturing unit. The hydraulic fracturing unit may include a gas turbine engine, a driveshaft to connect to a hydraulic fracturing pump, a transmission connected to the gas turbine engine for driving the driveshaft and thereby the hydraulic fracturing pump. The method may include disconnecting the first fracturing component from another fracturing component of the hydraulic fracturing unit. The first fracturing component may be connected to a first section frame including a first base for supporting the first fracturing component. The first fracturing component and the first section frame may comprise a first fracturing component section. The method also may include disconnecting a first component electrical assembly from electrical cables of the hydraulic fracturing unit. The first component electrical assembly may be connected to the first section frame and positioned to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the first fracturing component. The method further may include disconnecting a first component fluid assembly from fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit. The first component fluid assembly may be connected to the first section frame and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel to operate the first fracturing component. The method further may include disconnecting the first section frame from a platform supporting a plurality of fracturing components of the hydraulic fracturing unit, and separating the first fracturing component section from the platform. The method still further may include positioning a second fracturing component section at a position of the platform previously occupied by the first fracturing component section. The second fracturing component section may include a second section frame and the second fracturing component connected to and supported by the second section frame. The method also may include securing the second fracturing component section to the platform, and connecting a second component electrical assembly to the electrical cables of the hydraulic fracturing unit. The second component electrical assembly may be connected to the second section frame and positioned to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the second fracturing component. The method additionally may include connecting a second component fluid assembly to the fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit. The second component fluid assembly may be connected to the second section frame and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel to operate the second fracturing component. The method further may include connecting the second fracturing component to the other fracturing component of the hydraulic fracturing unit.

Still other aspects and advantages of these exemplary embodiments and other embodiments, are discussed in detail herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing information and the following detailed description provide merely illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. Accordingly, these and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent through reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain principles of the embodiments discussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of this disclosure in more detail than can be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in which they can be practiced. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings can be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example hydraulic fracturing system including a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units, including a detailed schematic view of example hydraulic fracturing component sections according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example fracturing component section according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B is perspective view of the example fracturing component section shown in FIG. 2A shown from a different side according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2C is perspective view of the example fracturing component section shown in FIG. 2A shown from a different side according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a side section view of an example shock mount for mounting a fracturing component to a section frame of a fracturing component section according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the example shock mount shown in FIG. 3A according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example coupling plate including a plurality of quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the coupling plate according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a side section view of an example receptacle of a quick-connect fluid coupler for connecting to a coupling plate according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5B is a side section view of an example plug for connection to the quick-connect fluid coupler receptacle shown in FIG. 5B according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example electrical control system for a plurality of example fracturing component sections, including an example supervisory control system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a male and female pair of an example quick-connect electrical coupler according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a male and female pair of another example quick-connect electrical coupler according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of a male and female pair of another example quick-connect electrical coupler according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example component condition monitoring system for a fracturing component section according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example method for exchanging a first fracturing component of a fracturing system for a second fracturing component according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example method for monitoring a condition of a fracturing component section according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The drawings like numerals to indicate like parts throughout the several views, the following description is provided as an enabling teaching of exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes may be made to the embodiments described. It also will be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the embodiments described can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the embodiments without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the embodiments described are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the embodiments and not in limitation thereof.

The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term “plurality” refers to two or more items or components. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” and “involving,” whether in the written description or the claims and the like, are open-ended terms, i.e., to mean “including but not limited to,” unless otherwise stated. Thus, the use of such terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. The transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to any claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish claim elements.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a hydraulic fracturing system 10 including a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units 12, and includes a detailed schematic view of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing component sections 14 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The example hydraulic fracturing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality (or fleet) of hydraulic fracturing units 12 configured to pump a fracturing fluid into a well at high pressure and high flow rates, so that a subterranean formation may fail and begin to fracture in order to promote hydrocarbon production from the well.

In some embodiments, one or more of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 may include a fracturing pump 16 driven by an internal combustion engine 18 (e.g., a gas turbine engine (GTE) and/or diesel engine). In some embodiments, each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 include directly driven turbine (DDT) hydraulic fracturing pumps 16, in which the hydraulic fracturing pumps 16 are connected to one or more GTEs that supply power to the respective hydraulic fracturing pump 16 for supplying fracturing fluid at high pressure and high flow rates to a formation. For example, a GTE may be connected to a respective hydraulic fracturing pump 16 via a transmission 20 (e.g., a reduction transmission) connected to a drive shaft, which, in turn, is connected to a driveshaft or input flange of a respective hydraulic fracturing pump 16 (e.g., a reciprocating hydraulic fracturing pump). Other types of engine-to-pump arrangements are contemplated.

In some embodiments, one or more of the internal combustion engines 18 may be a dual-fuel or bi-fuel GTE, for example, capable of being operated using of two or more different types of fuel, such as natural gas and diesel fuel, although other types of fuel are contemplated. For example, a dual-fuel or bi-fuel GTE may be capable of being operated using a first type of fuel, a second type of fuel, and/or a combination of the first type of fuel and the second type of fuel. For example, the fuel may include compressed natural gas (CNG), natural gas, field gas, pipeline gas, methane, propane, butane, and/or liquid fuels, such as, for example, diesel fuel (e.g., #2 Diesel), bio-diesel fuel, bio-fuel, alcohol, gasoline, gasohol, aviation fuel, and other fuels as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Gaseous fuels may be supplied by CNG bulk vessels, a gas compressor, a liquid natural gas vaporizer, line gas, and/or well-gas produced natural gas. Other types and sources of fuel and associated fuel supply sources are contemplated. The one or more internal combustion engines 18 may be operated to provide horsepower to drive via a transmission connected to one or more of the hydraulic fracturing pumps 16 to safely and successfully fracture a formation during a well stimulation project or fracturing operation.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the hydraulic fracturing system 10 may include a plurality of water tanks for supplying water for a fracturing fluid, one or more chemical tanks for supplying gels or agents for adding to the fracturing fluid, and a plurality of proppant tanks (e.g., sand tanks) for supplying proppants for the fracturing fluid. The hydraulic fracturing system 10 may also include a hydration unit for mixing water from the water tanks and gels and/or agents from the chemical tank to form a mixture, for example, gelled water. The hydraulic fracturing system 10 may also include a blender, which receives the mixture from the hydration unit and proppants via conveyers from the proppant tanks. The blender may mix the mixture and the proppants into a slurry to serve as fracturing fluid for the hydraulic fracturing system 10. Once combined, the slurry may be discharged through low-pressure hoses, which convey the slurry into two or more low-pressure lines in a frac manifold 22, as shown in FIG. 1. Low-pressure lines in the frac manifold 22 feed the slurry to the plurality of hydraulic fracturing pumps 16 shown in FIG. 1 through low-pressure suction hoses.

In the example embodiment shown, each of the plurality hydraulic fracturing units 12 includes an internal combustion engine 18. Each of the internal combustion engines 18 supplies power via a transmission 20 for each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 to operate a hydraulic fracturing pump 16. The hydraulic fracturing pumps 16 are driven by the internal combustion engines 18 of the respective hydraulic fracturing units 12 and discharge the slurry (e.g., the fracturing fluid including the water, agents, gels, and/or proppants) at high pressure and/or a high flow rates through individual high-pressure discharge lines 24 into two or more high-pressure flow lines 26, sometimes referred to as “missiles,” on the frac manifold 22. The flow from the flow lines 26 is combined at the frac manifold 22, and one or more of the flow lines 26 provide flow communication with a manifold assembly, sometimes referred to as a “goat head.” The manifold assembly delivers the slurry into a wellhead manifold, sometimes referred to as a “zipper manifold” or a “frac manifold.” The wellhead manifold may be configured to selectively divert the slurry to, for example, one or more well heads via operation of one or more valves. Once the fracturing process is ceased or completed, flow returning from the fractured formation discharges into a flowback manifold, and the returned flow may be collected in one or more flowback tanks.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one or more of the components of the hydraulic fracturing system 10 may be configured to be portable, so that the hydraulic fracturing system 10 may be transported to a well site, assembled, operated for a relatively short period of time, at least partially disassembled, and transported to another location of another well site for use. In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the hydraulic fracturing pumps 16 and internal combustion engines 18 of a respective hydraulic fracturing unit 12 may be connected to (e.g., mounted on) a platform 28. In some embodiments, the platform 28 may be, or include, a trailer (e.g., a flat-bed trailer) and/or a truck body to which the components of a respective hydraulic fracturing unit 12 may be connected. For example, the components may be carried by trailers and/or incorporated into trucks, so that they may be more easily transported between well sites.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hydraulic fracturing system 10 includes an example system for supplying fuel 30, an example system for enabling communications 32, and an example system for conveying electric power 34 associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The example systems 30, 32, and/or 34 shown in FIG. 1 may sometimes be referred to as a “daisy-chain” arrangement. Other arrangements are contemplated, such as “hub-and-spoke,” combination “daisy-chain” and “hub-and-spoke,” and modifications thereof.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the system for supplying fuel 30 includes a main fuel line 36 configured to supply fuel from a fuel source 38 to the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units 12. The hydraulic fracturing units 12 are arranged into a first bank 40 of hydraulic fracturing units 12 and a second bank 42 of hydraulic fracturing units 12, and the main fuel line 36 includes a first main fuel line 36a configured to supply fuel to the first bank 40 of hydraulic fracturing units 12 and a second main fuel line 36b configured to supply fuel to the second bank 42 of the hydraulic fracturing units 12.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a manifold line 44 defines a flow path for supplying fuel to each of the internal combustion engines 18 of a respective hydraulic fracturing unit 12. In the example arrangement shown, a first one of the manifold lines 44 may be positioned to provide fluid flow between the main fuel line 36 and a first one of the internal combustion engines 18 in each of the first and second banks 40 and 42 of the hydraulic fracturing units 12, while the manifold lines 44 between the remaining hydraulic fracturing units 12 of each of the first and second banks 40 and 42 provides fluid flow between an upstream hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and a downstream hydraulic fracturing unit 12. The manifold lines 44 may each provide fluid flow to a respective internal combustion engine 18 of each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12, for example, via a fuel line providing fluid flow from each of the manifold lines 44. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, fuel that reaches the end of the first bank 40 of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 remote from the fuel source 38 and/or fuel that reaches the end of the second bank 42 of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 remote from the fuel source 38 may be combined and/or transferred between the first bank 40 and the second bank 42, for example, via a transfer line 46 configured to provide fluid flow between the first bank 40 and the second bank 42. For example, unused fuel supplied to either of the first bank 40 or the second bank 42 of hydraulic fracturing units 12 may be passed to the other bank of the two banks via the transfer line 46, thereby sharing fuel between the first and second banks 40 and 42.

As shown in FIG. 1, a communications cable assembly 48 including a length of communications cable 50 may be connected to each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 and configured to enable data communications between the respective hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and a data center 52 located at a position remote from the hydraulic fracturing units 12 or one or more additional hydraulic fracturing units 12. For example, as shown FIG. 1, a data center communications cable 54 may provide a communications link between the data center 52 and a first one of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 of each of the first and second banks 40 and 42. The hydraulic fracturing unit 12 may include a length of communications cable 50 that extends to a next one of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 in each of the first and second banks 40 and 42, and that hydraulic fracturing unit 12 may include a length of communications cable 50 that extends to a next one of the hydraulic fracturing units 12. In some embodiments, each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 may include a length of communications cable 50 for extending to a next one of the hydraulic fracturing units 12. In this example fashion, each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 may be linked to one another and to the data center 52. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a last-in-line hydraulic fracturing unit 12 of each of the first and second banks 40 and 42 may include a length of communications cable 50 that runs to the data center 52, thus resulting in a continuous communications link, by which one or more of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 may be in communication with the data center 52. In some embodiments, the data center 52 may be configured to transmit communications signals and/or receive communications signals, and the communications signals may include data indicative of operation of one or more of the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units 12, including, for example, parameters associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pumps 16 and/or the internal combustion engines 18, as well as additional data related to other parameters associated with operation and/or testing of one or more of the hydraulic fracturing units 12.

In some embodiments, the communications cable 50 may include a first end configured to be connected to a first unit interface connected to a respective hydraulic fracturing unit 12. The length of communications cable 50 may also include a second end configured to be connected to a data center interface of the data center 52 or a second unit interface connected to another one of the hydraulic fracturing units 12. One or more of the first end or the second end of the length of communications cable 50 may include or be provided with a quick-connect electrical coupler configured to be connected to one or more of the first unit interface or the data center interface, for example, as discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 7A-7C.

As shown in FIG. 1, a power cable assembly 56 including a length of power cable 58 may be connected to one or more (e.g., each) of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 and configured to convey electric power between the hydraulic fracturing units 12 and a remote electrical power source 60 or one or more additional hydraulic fracturing units 12 of the hydraulic fracturing system 10. The electrical power source 60 may be located remotely, such that the electrical power source 60 is not mechanically connected directly to the platform 28 of one or more of the hydraulic fracturing units 12. In some embodiments, the electrical power source 60 may include one or more of one or more power generation devices and/or one or more batteries. For example, the electrical power source 60 may include one or more gensets (e.g., including an internal combustion engine-driven electrical generator) and/or one or more electric power storage devices, such as, for example, one or more batteries.

As shown in FIG. 1, a length of power cable 58 may be connected to each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12, and each of the lengths of power cable 58 may be configured to be connected to a next-in-line hydraulic fracturing unit 12 of each of the first and second banks 40 and 42 of the hydraulic fracturing units 12. In some embodiments, the length of power cable 58 may extend from one hydraulic fracturing unit 12 to another hydraulic fracturing unit 12 other than a next-in-line hydraulic fracturing unit 12. One or more of the lengths of power cable 58 may include a first end including a quick-connect electrical coupler, such as a power plug configured to be received in a power receptacle, for example, as discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 7A-7C.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 in the embodiment shown includes a length of power cable 58. In some such examples, each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 may supply and/or generate its own electric power, for example, by operation of a generator connected to the internal combustion engine 18 and/or to another source of mechanical power, such as another gas turbine engine or reciprocating-piston engine (e.g., a diesel engine). In the example configuration shown in FIG. 1, the lengths of power cable 58 run between each of the hydraulic fracturing units 12, thus connecting all the hydraulic fracturing units 12 to one another, such that power may be shared among at least some or all of the hydraulic fracturing units 12. Thus, if one or more of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 is unable to generate its own electric power or is unable to generate a sufficient amount of electric power to meet its operation requirements, electric power from one or more of the remaining hydraulic fracturing units 12 may be used to mitigate or overcome the electric power deficit. As shown, additional lengths of power cable 58 may be included in the system for conveying electric power 34 to supply electric power between the first and second two banks 40 and 42 of the hydraulic fracturing units 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical power source 60 may be electrically coupled to one or more of the first bank 40 or the second bank 42 of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 via an additional length of power cable 62, and in some embodiments, the first bank 40 and the second bank 42 of hydraulic fracturing units 12 may be electrically coupled to one another via additional lengths of power cable 62. In at least some such examples, even if one or more of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 lacks electric power, electric power may be supplied to that particular hydraulic fracturing unit 12 via power cables 58 and/or 62, thereby providing an ability to continue operations of the hydraulic fracturing units 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the example hydraulic fracturing system 10 includes hydraulic fracturing units 12 including example fracturing component sections 14 according to embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the fracturing component sections 14 may facilitate quickly exchanging a first fracturing component of a hydraulic fracturing unit 12 for another fracturing component of the same or similar type as the as the first fracturing component. For example, this may facilitate quickly exchanging a fracturing component in need of repair or replacement for another fracturing component of the same or similar type, for example, for exchanging a hydraulic fracturing pump 16, an internal combustion engine 18, and/or a transmission 20, for another respective replacement hydraulic fracturing pump, internal combustion engine, and/or transmission. Other component types are contemplated. In some embodiments, the fracturing component section 14 may include auxiliary systems used to operate the fracturing component of the respective fracturing component section 14, such as, electrical systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or fluid systems, such as lubrication systems, cooling systems, and/or fuel system components. For example, for a fracturing component section 14 including a hydraulic fracturing pump 16, at least a portion of the electrical systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or fluid systems, such as lubrication systems, and/or cooling systems necessary to control and/or monitor operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16 may be included as part of the corresponding fracturing component section 14. This may render it more efficient and/or reduce the time required for removing the affected fracturing component if it becomes necessary, for example, to service or replace the fracturing component.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, one or more of the hydraulic fracturing units 12 may include one or more fracturing component sections 14, including a first fracturing component section 14a including a hydraulic fracturing pump 16, a second fracturing component section 14b including an internal combustion engine 18, and a third fracturing component section 14c including a transmission 20. Fracturing component sections 14 including other fracturing unit components are contemplated.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1, the first, second, and third fracturing component sections 14a, 14b, and 14c, each include a section frame 64 including a base 66 for supporting the corresponding fracturing component (e.g., the hydraulic fracturing pump 16, the internal combustion engine 18, or the transmission 20) and one or more frame members 68 connected to and extending from the base 66 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C). The one or more fracturing components associated with the fracturing component section 14 may be connected to the base 66. As mentioned above, one or more of the fracturing component sections 14 may include a component electrical assembly connected to the section frame 64 and positioned to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the fracturing component included on the fracturing component section 14, depending on, for example, the type of fracturing component included the fracturing component section. In some embodiments, the fracturing component sections 14 may also include a component fluid assembly connected to the section frame 64 and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel to operate the included fracturing component, depending on, for example, the type of fracturing component included the fracturing component section 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, one or more of the fracturing component sections 14a, 14b, or 14c may include a plurality of quick-connect electrical couplers 70, individually identified in FIG. 1 as 70a, 70b, and 70c, and/or a plurality of quick-connect fluid couplers 72, individually identified in FIG. 1 as 72a, 72b, and 72c. As explained in more detail herein with respect to FIG. 4, the quick-connect electrical couplers 70 and/or the quick-connect fluid couplers 72 may be connected to one or more coupling plates 74 (FIG. 4) to provide a convenient location on the respective fracturing component section 14 for connecting and disconnecting electrical cables and/or fluid lines of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 or hydraulic fracturing system 10. For example, the quick-connect electrical couplers 70 and/or a coupling plate 74 to which the quick-connect electrical couplers 70 are connected may be positioned to receive respective electrical connections of the component electrical assembly and electrically connect to other portions of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and/or other parts of the hydraulic fracturing system 10. In some embodiments, the quick-connect fluid couplers 72 and/or a coupling plate 74 to which the quick-connect fluid couplers 72 are connected may be positioned to receive respective fluid connections of the component fluid assembly and to provide fluid flow to other portions of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and/or other parts of the hydraulic fracturing system 10.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are perspective views of an example fracturing component section 14 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In the example shown, the fracturing component section 14 includes an example hydraulic fracturing pump 16. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the fracturing component section 14 may include a section frame 64 including a base 66 for supporting the hydraulic fracturing pump 16 and one or more frame members 68 (e.g., uprights) connected to and extending from the base 66. For example, as shown, the base 66 includes two pairs of opposing guide rails 76 forming a rectangular support for supporting the hydraulic fracturing pump 16. In some embodiments, the base 66 may include one or more transverse members 78 extending between at least one pair of the opposing guide rails 76. One or more of the opposing guide rails 76 may be sized and/or configured to assist with alignment of the section frame 64 (i.e., the fracturing component section 14) with respect to the platform 28 supporting the fracturing component section 14 and/or with alignment of the section frame 64 relative to one or more adjacent fracturing component sections 14. Some embodiments of the opposing guide rails 76 may be formed from I-beams and/or C-channels. As shown, some of the guide rails 76 may include one or more recesses 80 (e.g., apertures) configured to receive a fork of a fork truck to facilitate separating the fracturing component section 14 from the platform 28 and/or the remainder of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. In some embodiments, the recesses 80 may be located in guide rails 76 accessible from the side of the platform 28. In some embodiments, the recesses 80 may be on all opposing guide rails 76.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, some embodiments of the section frame 64 may include opposing pairs of cross-members 82 extending between distal ends of the frame members 68, for example, such that the section frame 64 generally forms a cubic frame or rectangular prism frame. In some embodiments, at one or more (e.g., each) of the corners formed by the frame members 68 and the cross-members 82, the section frame 64 may include a lifting eye 84 to facilitate separating the fracturing component section 14 from the platform 28 and/or the remainder of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. In some embodiments of the section frame 64, reinforcement elements, such as gussets, to stiffen the section frame 64 may be provided at one or more of the corners formed by intersections of the base 66, the frame members 68, the transverse members 78, and/or the cross-members 82.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the example fracturing component section 14 includes an example hydraulic fracturing pump 16. The hydraulic fracturing pump 16 shown includes a power end 86, a fluid end 88, and a driveshaft 90 for connecting to an output of a transmission 20 or an output of an internal combustion engine 18, which may be the output of a reduction transmission connected to the output shaft the internal combustion engine 18. The transmission 20 and/or the internal combustion engine 18 may be mounted on a section frame 64 and be part of an adjacent fracturing component section 14 with respect to the fracturing component section 14 including a hydraulic fracturing pump 16.

The embodiment of fracturing component section 14 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C includes auxiliary components for facilitating operation, control, and/or monitoring of the operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16. Auxiliary components may include lubrication pumps, lubrication filters, a plunger packing greasing system, lubrication coolers, pulsation dampers, suction components, high-pressure discharge components, and instrumentation related to operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16. For example, the fracturing component section 14 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C includes lubrication coolers 92, a packing greater 94, lubrication pumps 96, a suction manifold for drawing-in fracturing fluid 98, and a discharge manifold 100 for discharging fracturing fluid at high pressure and high flow rates.

In some embodiments, the fracturing component section 14 may also include a component condition monitoring system 102 for monitoring parameters related to operation of the fracturing component section 14, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. As explained in more detail herein with respect to FIG. 8, the component condition monitoring system 102 may be configured to receive one or more signals from a plurality of sensors and/or a plurality of electrical instruments connected to the fracturing component section 14 and generate one or more condition signals indicative of operating parameters associated with operation of the fracturing component included in the fracturing component section 14 (e.g., a hydraulic fracturing pump 16, an internal combustion engine 18, and/or a transmission 20).

In some embodiments, the fracturing component section 14 may be connected to the platform 28 of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 via fasteners and/or locks. For example, the section frame 64 (e.g., the base 66) may include a plurality of holes for receiving fasteners to secure the section frame 64 to the platform 28 to secure the fracturing component section 14 to the platform 28 and/or to at least partially support the fracturing component section 14. In some embodiments, the fracturing component section 14 may also, or alternatively, include a plurality of clamp locks positioned to secure the section frame 64 to the platform 28 to secure the fracturing component section 14 to the platform 28 to at least partially support the fracturing component section 14.

Although the example fracturing component section 14 shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C includes a hydraulic fracturing pump 16 and related auxiliary components, fracturing component sections 14 including other types of fracturing components and their related auxiliary components are contemplated, such as prime movers for driving hydraulic fracturing pumps or electrical generators supplying electrical power to electric motors for driving featuring pumps (e.g., diesel engines and/or GTEs), and transmissions 20 and related auxiliary components. For example, a fracturing component section 14 may include a prime mover, such as a GTE, which may be a dual-fuel and/or dual-shaft GTE cantilever-mounted to a reduction gearbox, lubrication pumps, heat exchangers to cool lubrication, a prime mover communication module, and/or circuit sensors and instrumentation associated with the prime mover. In another example, a fracturing component section 14 may include a transmission including a multi-gear transmission, lubrication pumps, heat exchangers to cool lubrication, a transmission communication module, and/or circuit sensors and instrumentation associated with the transmission. Other types of the fracturing components for fracturing component sections are contemplated.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side section view and a top view of an example shock mount 104 for mounting a fracturing component to a section frame 64 of a fracturing component section 14 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The shock mount 104 may be configured to secure the fracturing component to the base 66 of the section frame 64 and absorb vibrations and shock generated during transportation and operation of the fracturing component.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the shock mount may include a base plate 106 configured to be connected to an upper surface of the base 66 of the section frame 64, an upper plate 108 configured to be connected to the fracturing component, and an absorbing portion 110 between the base plate 106 and the upper plate 108 and configured to absorb shock and vibration. The base plate 106 may include one or more securement flanges 112, each including one or more holes 114 through which bolts may be received to secure the shock mount 104 to the base 66 of the section frame 64. The base plate 106 may also include a circular embossment 116 including a fastener hole 118 configured to receive therein a fastener (e.g., a bolt) for securing the fracturing component to the shock mount 104. The upper plate 108 also includes a sleeve hole 120 in which a sleeve 122 is received and connected. The sleeve 122 extends from the sleeve hole 120 through the fastener hole 118 of the embossment 116 of the base plate 106. A circular flange 124 prevents the sleeve 122 from pulling out of the fastener hole 118, but permits the sleeve 122 to reciprocate within the fastener hole 118 as the absorbing portion 110 compresses and expands as load changes on the shock mount 104, thereby absorbing shock and vibration transmitted between the base 66 of the section frame 64 and the fracturing component mounted to the section frame 64.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a coupling plate 74 including a plurality of quick-connect fluid couplers 72 connected to the coupling plate 74 according to embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the coupling plate 72 may be connected to the section frame 64 at a location easily accessible to facilitate access to quick-connect electrical couplers 70 and/or quick-connect fluid couplers 72 connected to the coupling plate 74. For example, the coupling plate 74 may be mounted to the base 66, the frame members 68, and the cross-members 82 with the quick-connect electrical and/or fluid couplers 70 or 72 facing outward away from the fracturing component mounted to the base 66. In some embodiments, the fracturing component section 14 may include more than one coupling plate 74, such as one or more coupling plates 74 for quick-connect electrical couplers 70 and one or more coupling plates 74 for quick-connect fluid couplers 72. The one or more coupling plates 74 may facilitate ease of connecting and disconnecting electrical lines and/or fluid lines from other portions of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and/or other portions of the hydraulic fracturing system 10 with electrical lines and/or fluid lines of the fracturing component section 14.

FIG. 5A is a side section view of an example receptacle 126 of a quick-connect fluid coupler 72 for connecting to a coupling plate 74 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 5B is a side section view of an example plug 128 for connection to the quick-connect fluid coupler receptacle 126 shown in FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The receptacle 126 may be connected to the coupler plate 74 and configured to receive and retain in a fluid-tight manner a fluid line from the fracturing component section 14 to which the coupling plate 74 is connected. The plug 128 may be configured to receive a fluid line from the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 to which the fracturing component section 14 is connected or a fluid line from the hydraulic fracturing system 10. The receptacle 126 and the plug 128 may be configured such that the plug 128 is easily inserted into, and easily separated from, the receptacle 126 for connecting a fluid line from the fracturing component section 14 to a fluid line of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 or the hydraulic fracturing system 10. In some embodiments, the receptacle 126 and/or the plug 128 are configured, such that when a plug 128 received in the receptacle 126 is removed to disconnect the fluid lines, fluid does not leak from the receptacle 126 and/or the plug 128.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the receptacle 126 includes a hollow cylindrical socket body 130 receiving therein a valve guide 132 and a valve 134. The valve 134 includes an O-ring 136 for sealing the valve 134 against a conical interior surface of the socket body 130. The socket body 130 also includes a cylindrical interior surface 138 including an annular recess receiving an O-ring 140. The receptacle 126 includes a fluid line connection end 142 having interior threads for connecting to a fluid line of the fracturing component section 14. On an exterior surface of the socket body 130, a spring-loaded sleeve 144 including a spring 146 is provided. The plug 128 includes a plug body 148 defining a cylindrical interior surface 150 receiving therein a valve guide 152, a valve 154, and a spring 156 between the valve guide 152 and the valve 154. The plug body 148 includes a fluid line connection end 158 having interior threads for connecting to a fluid line of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 or the hydraulic fracturing system 10. The plug body 148 has an exterior surface 160 including an annular recess 162. When connecting a fluid line from the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 or the hydraulic fracturing system 10, the sleeve 144 of the receptacle 126 is pushed back toward the fluid line connection end 142 exposing locking balls 164, and the plug 128 is inserted into the receptacle 126, such that the annular recess 162 of the plug 128 is captured by the locking balls 164 of the receptacle 126. The sleeve 144 is moved back into position away from the fluid line connection end 142 (e.g., via the spring 146) holding the locking balls 164 in the annular recess 162 of the plug 128, thereby holding the receptacle 126 and the plug 128 together. In this condition, the valve 134 of the plug 126 and the valve 154 unseat to thereby allow fluid to flow between the plug 128 and the receptacle 126. When the plug 128 is disconnected from the receptacle 126, the sleeve 144 is pushed back to allow the locking balls 164 to release the annular recess 162 of the plug 128 to be separated from the locking balls 164. In this condition, the valves 134 and 154 return to their respective seats, acting as check valves such that fluid in the fluid line of the fracturing component section 14 connected to the receptacle 126 is not leaked from the receptacle 126, and such that fluid from the fluid line connected to the plug 128 is not leaked from the plug 128. Other types and configurations of quick-connect fluid couplers 72 are contemplated.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electrical control system 166 for a plurality of example fracturing component sections 14, including an example supervisory control system 168 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 includes a fracturing component section 14a for a hydraulic fracturing pump 16, a fracturing component section 14b for an internal combustion engine 18, such as a diesel engine or a GTE, a fracturing component section 14c for a transmission 20, and an auxiliary system 170 for suppling electrical power and hydraulic power and/or operations for the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. In some embodiments, for example as shown, for each of the fracturing component section 14a, the fracturing component section 14b, the fracturing component section 14c, and the auxiliary system 170 of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12, all of the electrical instrumentation and electrical control may be connected and in communication with the supervisory control system 168 via a respective single sub-system communications cable 172, identified respectively as 172a, 172b, 172c, and 172d. Thus, when separating one or more of the fracturing component sections 14a, 14b, and/or 14c from the hydraulic fracturing unit 12, only a single sub-system communications cable 172 may be disconnected from the fracturing component section 14 being separated, as explained in more detail herein.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fracturing component section 14a including the hydraulic fracturing pump 16 includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of parameters associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16. For example, the sensors may include a suction pressure sensor 174 configured to generate signals indicative of the pressure associated with the hydraulic fracturing pump 16 drawing fracturing fluid into the hydraulic fracturing pump 16, a discharge pressure sensor 176 configure to generate one or more signals indicative of the pressure at which fracturing fluid is being discharged from the hydraulic fracturing pump 16, a lubrication pressure sensor 178 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the pressure of lubricant in a lubrication system associated with the hydraulic fracturing pump 16, a lubrication temperature sensor 180 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of the lubricant, a vibration sensor 181 configured to generate signals indicative of a frequency and/or magnitude of vibration associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16, a grease pump sensor 182 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of operation of a grease pump configured to supply lubricant to the hydraulic fracturing pump 16, a cooler temperature sensor 184 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of coolant of a coolant system associated with the hydraulic fracturing pump 16, and/or a grease pressure sensor 186 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the pressure of grease pumped by the grease pump. Other sensor types are contemplated.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, each of the sensors may be in communication with a fracturing pump terminal unit 188 via a single sensor communications cable 190, which, in turn, may be in communication with the supervisory control system 168 via a single sub-systems communication cable 172a. The supervisory control system 168, in some embodiments, may be in communication with the data center 52 via the communications cable 50 and/or the data center communications cable 54 (see FIG. 1). For example, each of the sensors may be connected to respective terminations in the fracturing pump terminal unit 188, which is connected to the fracturing component section 14a of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16 (e.g., to the section frame 64, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C). For example, each of the single sensor communications cables 190 may pass through a respective punch-out of the fracturing pump terminal unit 188 and be connected to terminations in the enclosed interior of the fracturing pump terminal unit 188, for example, via individual pin connectors (e.g., quarter-turn pin connectors). Those connections may be connected to a terminal rail inside the enclosed interior, and each of the connections to the terminal rail may be connected to a single quick connect electrical coupler 70, such as a female multi-pin plug (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C). The single female multi-pin plug may be coupled to the supervisory control system 166 of the fracturing component section 14a via the single sub-system communications cable 172a.

Thus, in some embodiments, when the fracturing component section 14a of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16 is separated from the hydraulic fracturing unit 12, only a single sub-system communications cable 172a may be disconnected from the fracturing pump terminal unit 188 to disconnect the electrical components of the fracturing component section 14a from the supervisory control system 168 of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. This may result in reducing the time and complexity associated with separating the fracturing component section 14a from the remainder of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the fracturing component section 14c including the transmission 20 includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of parameters associated with operation of the transmission 18. For example, the sensors may include a lubrication pressure sensor 192 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the pressure of a lubricant in a lubrication system associated with the transmission 20, a lubrication temperature sensor 194 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of the lubricant associated with the transmission 20, a vibration sensor 196 configured to generate signals indicative of a frequency and/or magnitude of vibration associated with operation of the transmission 20, a cooler temperature sensor 198 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of a coolant of a coolant system associated with the transmission 20, and/or a grease pump sensor 200 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of operation of a grease pump configured to supply lubricant to the transmission 20. Other sensor types are contemplated. In addition, the fracturing component section 14c associated with the transmission 20 may also include a transmission control module 202 configured to control operation of the transmission 20 and generate one or more signals indicative of operation of the transmission 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, each of the sensors may be in communication with a transmission terminal unit 204 via a single transmission communications cable 206, which, in turn, may be in communication with the supervisory control system 168 via a single sub-systems communication cable 172b. For example, each of the sensors associated with the transmission 192 through 200 and the transmission control module 202 may be connected to respective terminations in the transmission terminal unit 204, which is connected to the fracturing component section 14c of the transmission 20 (e.g., to the section frame 64 in a manner similar to the manner shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C). For example, each of the single sensor communications cables 206 may pass through a respective punch-out of the transmission terminal unit 204 and be connected to terminations in the enclosed interior of the transmission terminal unit 204, for example, via individual pin connectors (e.g., quarter-turn pin connectors). Those connections may be connected to a terminal rail inside the enclosed interior, and each of the connections to the terminal rail may be connected to a single quick connect electrical coupler 70, such as a female multi-pin plug (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C). The single female multi-pin plug may be coupled to the supervisory control system 166 of the fracturing component section 14b via the single sub-system communications cable 172c.

Thus, in some embodiments, when the fracturing component section 14b of the transmission 20 is separated from the hydraulic fracturing unit 12, only a single sub-system communications cable 172c may be disconnected from the transmission terminal unit 204 to disconnect the electrical components of the fracturing component section 14c from the supervisory control system 168 of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. This may result in reducing the time and complexity associated with separating the fracturing component section 14c from the remainder of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the fracturing component section 14b including the internal combustion engine 18 includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of parameters associated with operation of the internal combustion engine 18. In some embodiments, the sensors may be incorporated into an engine control module 207. For example, the sensors may include a lubrication pressure sensor configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the pressure of a lubricant in a lubrication system associated with the internal engine 18, a lubrication temperature sensor configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of the lubricant associated with the internal combustion engine 18, a vibration sensor configured to generate signals indicative of a frequency and/or magnitude of vibration associated with operation of the internal combustion engine 18, and/or a cooler temperature sensor configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of a coolant of a coolant system associated with the internal combustion engine 18. Other sensor types are contemplated.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the engine control module 207 may be in communication with an engine terminal unit 208 via a single communications cable 210, which, in turn, may be in communication with the supervisory control system 168 via a single sub-systems communication cable 172b. For example, the engine control module 207 may be connected to a terminal in the engine terminal unit 208, which is connected to the fracturing component section 14b of the internal combustion engine 18 (e.g., to the section frame 64 in a manner similar to the manner shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C). For example, communications cable 210 may pass through a punch-out of the engine terminal unit 208 and be connected to a terminal in the enclosed interior of the engine terminal unit 208, for example, via a pin connector (e.g., quarter-turn pin connector). That connection may be connected to a terminal rail inside the enclosed interior, and the connection to the terminal rail may be connected to a single quick connect electrical coupler 70, such as a female multi-pin plug (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C). The single female multi-pin plug may be coupled to the supervisory control system 166 of the fracturing component section 14b via the single sub-system communications cable 172b.

Thus, in some embodiments, when the fracturing component section 14b of the internal combustion engine 18 is separated from the hydraulic fracturing unit 12, only a single sub-system communications cable 172b may be disconnected from the engine terminal unit 208 to disconnect the electrical components of the fracturing component section 14b from the supervisory control system 168 of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. This may result in reducing the time and complexity associated with separating the fracturing component section 14b from the remainder of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the auxiliary system 170 of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 may include a hydraulic system including one or more hydraulic pumps 212 connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and associated hydraulic circuit components for operation of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. In some embodiments, the auxiliary system 170 may also include an auxiliary engine 214 connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and configured to supply power for operation of the hydraulic system and/or operation of an electrical system of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. For example, the auxiliary engine 214 may drive the one or more hydraulic pumps 212 and/or an electrical power generation device.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary system 170 may include a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of parameters associated with operation of the auxiliary system 170. For example, the sensors may include a hydraulic system pressure sensor 216 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the pressure of hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system, a hydraulic system temperature sensor 218 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of the hydraulic fluid, a lubrication level sensor 220 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of a lubrication level of a lubrication system associated with the auxiliary system 170, and a lubrication reservoir temperature sensor 221 configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of lubricant in the lubricant reservoir. Other sensor types are contemplated.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary system 170 may also include a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of parameters associated with operation of the auxiliary engine 214. In some embodiments, the sensors may be incorporated into an auxiliary engine control module 222. For example, the sensors may include one or more of a lubrication pressure sensor configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the pressure of a lubricant in a lubrication system associated with the auxiliary engine 214, a lubrication temperature sensor configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of the lubricant associated with the auxiliary engine 214, a vibration sensor configured to generate signals indicative of a frequency and/or magnitude of vibration associated with operation of the auxiliary engine 214, and a cooler temperature sensor configured to generate one or more signals indicative of the temperature of a coolant of a coolant system associated with the auxiliary engine 214. Other sensor types associated with the auxiliary engine 214 are contemplated. In some embodiments, the auxiliary system 170 may also include one or more hydraulic pump sensors configured to generate one or more signals indicative of operation of the one or more hydraulic pumps 212.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, each of the sensors associated with the auxiliary system 170 may be in communication with an auxiliary terminal unit 224 via a single auxiliary communications cable 226, which, in turn, may be in communication with the supervisory control system 168 via a single sub-systems communication cable 172d. The auxiliary engine control module 222 and the hydraulic pump(s) 212 may be connected to the supervisory control system 168 via sub-systems communications cables 226. For example, each of the sensors associated with the auxiliary system 170, the auxiliary engine control module 222, and the hydraulic pump(s) 212 may be connected to respective terminations in the auxiliary terminal unit 224, which is connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 (e.g., to the platform 28). For example, each of the sensor communications cables 226 may pass through a respective punch-out of the auxiliary terminal unit 224 and be connected to terminations in the enclosed interior of the auxiliary terminal unit 224, for example, via individual pin connectors (e.g., quarter-turn pin connectors). Those connections may be connected to a terminal rail inside the enclosed interior, and each of the connections to the terminal rail may be connected to a single quick connect electrical coupler 70, such as a female multi-pin plug (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C). The single female multi-pin plug may be coupled to the supervisory control system 168 of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 via the single sub-system communications cable 172d.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are schematic diagrams of male and female pairs of an example quick-connect electrical couplers 70 according to embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7A, the quick-connect electrical couplers 70 may include a female plug 228 and a cooperating male plug 230 configured to engage the female plug 228 to electrically connect an electrical cable connected to the female plug 228 with an electrical cable connected to the male plug 230, for example, one or more of the electrical cables from the sensors and/or components of the electrical system 166 to a terminal unit of a corresponding fracturing component section 14 and/or the auxiliary system 170 (e.g., the terminal units 188, 204, 208, and/or 224 shown in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the female plug 228 may be electrically connected to a cable connecting the female plug 228 to the terminal rail in the interior of an associated terminal unit, and the male plug 230 may be connected to one of the sub-system communications cables 172 between the terminal unit and the supervisory control system 168. In some examples, the male plug 230 may be engaged with the female plug 228 to electrically connect the associated terminal unit to the supervisory control system 168.

In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the female plug 228 of the example quick-connect electrical coupler 70 may include seven pins 232, identified as 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d, 232e, 232f, and 232g, and the male plug 230 may include seven pins 234, identified as 234a, 234b, 234c, 234d, 234e, 234f, and 234g configured to be electrically coupled to the seven pins 232 of the female plug 228. The embodiment shown also includes an alignment portion 236 in the male plug 230 and an alignment portion 238 in the female plug 228 configured to ensure that the male plug 230 and the female plug 228 are engaged with the pins 232 and 234 correctly connected, for example, so that pin 232a and pin 234a engage one another, pin 232b and pin 234b engage one another, pin 232c and pin 234c engage one another, pin 232d and pin 234d engage one another, pin 232e and pin 234e engage one another, pin 232f and pin 234f engage one another, and pin 232g and pin 234g engage one another. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the alignment portions 236 and 238 are recesses having a semi-circular cross-section. Other configurations and/or cross-sections are contemplated, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the example quick-connect electrical couplers 70 may include a female plug 240 and a cooperating male plug 242 configured to engage the female plug 240 to electrically connect an electrical cable connected to the female plug 240 with an electrical cable connected to the male plug 242, such as one or more of the electrical cables from the sensors and/or components of the electrical system 166 (FIG. 6) to a terminal unit of a corresponding fracturing component section 14 and/or the auxiliary system 170 (e.g., the terminal units 188, 204, 208, and/or 224 shown in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the female plug 240 may be electrically connected to a cable connecting the female plug 240 to the terminal rail in the interior of an associated terminal unit, and the male plug 242 may be connected to one of the sub-system communications cables 172 between the terminal unit and the supervisory control system 168. The male plug 242 may be engaged with the female plug 240 to electrically connect the associated terminal unit to the supervisory control system 168.

In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the female plug 240 of the example quick-connect electrical coupler 70 may include seven pins 244, identified as 244a, 244b, 244c, 244d, 244e, 244f, and 244g, and the male plug 242 may include seven pins 246, identified as 246a, 246b, 246c, 246d, 246e, 246f, and 246g configured to be electrically coupled to the seven pins 244 of the female plug 240. The example shown also includes an alignment portion 248 and an alignment portion 250 configured to ensure the male plug 242 and the female plug 240 are engaged with the pins 244 and 246 correctly connected, for example, so that pin 244a and pin 246a engage one another, pin 244b and pin 246b engage one another, pin 244c and pin 246c engage one another, pin 244d and pin 246d engage one another, pin 244e and pin 246e engage one another, pin 244f and pin 246f engage one another, and pin 244g and pin 246g engage one another. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the alignment portions 248 and 250 have a substantially square-shaped cross-section. Other configurations and/or cross-sections are contemplated, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the quick-connect electrical couplers 70 may include a female plug 252 and a cooperating male plug 254 configured to engage the female plug 252 to electrically connect an electrical cable connected to the female plug 252 with an electrical cable connected to the male pug 254, for example, one or more of the electrical cables from the sensors and/or components of the electrical system 166 (FIG. 6) to a terminal unit of a corresponding fracturing component section 14 and/or the auxiliary system 170 (e.g., the terminal units 188, 204, 208, and/or 224 shown in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the female plug 252 may be electrically connected to a cable connecting the female plug 252 to the terminal rail in the interior of an associated terminal unit, and the male plug 254 may be connected to one of the sub-system communications cables 172 between the terminal unit and the supervisory control system 168. The male plug 254 may be engaged with the female plug 252 to electrically connect the associated terminal unit to the supervisory control system 168.

In the example shown in FIG. 7C, the female plug 252 of the example quick-connect electrical coupler 70 may include three pins 256, identified as 256a, 256b, and 256c, and the male plug 254 may include three pins 258, identified as 258a, 258b, and 258c configured to be electrically coupled to the three pins 256 of the female plug 252. The example shown also includes an alignment portion 260 and an alignment portion 262 configured to ensure that the male plug 254 and the female plug 252 are correctly connected, for example, so that pin 256a and pin 258a engage one another, pin 256b and pin 258b engage one another, and pin 256c and pin 258c engage one another. In the example shown in FIG. 7C, the alignment portions 260 and 262 have a substantially square-shaped cross-section. Other configurations and/or cross-sections are contemplated, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a component condition monitoring system 102 for a fracturing component section 14 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As noted with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the component condition monitoring system 102 may in some embodiments be connected one or more of the fracturing component sections 14 and/or the hydraulic fracturing unit 12, depending on, for example, the portion of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 monitored by the component condition monitoring system 102. For example, a component condition monitoring system 102 may be connected the to the fracturing component section 14a of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16, the fracturing component section 14b of the internal combustion engine 18, the fracturing component section 14c of the transmission 20, and/or the auxiliary system 170. In some embodiments, the component condition monitoring system 102 may be configured to monitor and/or store information relating to the status one or more of the components and/or systems of a hydraulic fracturing unit 12 or, more specifically, one of the fracturing component sections 14 and/or the auxiliary system 170. Examples of conditions related to the fracturing components and/or auxiliary system 170 may include high continuous vibration, fluid contamination, overheating of lubrication systems and/or cooling systems, lack of grease packing pressure and packing failures, as well as iron failures and consumable failures associated with the fluid end 88 of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C), such as valve failures and valve seat failures. The component condition monitoring system 102, in some embodiments, may monitor the fracturing component section 14 and/or auxiliary systems 170, factoring irregularities within sets of parameters that could be an indication of a failure, imminent failure, and/or condition indicating maintenance, repair, and/or replacement should be performed. In some instances, an operator of the hydraulic fracturing system 12 may be notified via an output device, such as a display including a graphical user interface. In some embodiments, the component condition monitoring system 102 may include a transmitter and/or receiver (e.g., a transceiver) configured to communicate an operational status to a location remote from the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and/or remote from the hydraulic fracturing system 10, such as an off-site fracturing operation management facility and/or a service center.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the component condition monitoring system 102 may include a plurality of sensors 264, such as pressure sensor(s) 266, vibration sensor(s) 268, temperature sensor(s) 270, and/or fluid condition sensor(s) 272, and/or electrical instruments 274 associated with the fracturing component module 14 (and/or the auxiliary system 170) and configured to generate signals indicative of parameters 268 associated with operation of components associated with the fracturing component section 14, for example, as described with respect to FIG. 6. For example, with respect to operation of a hydraulic fracturing pump, such parameters 276 may include hydraulic fracturing pump suction pressure, hydraulic fracturing pump discharge pressure, lubricant pressure, lubricant temperature, vibration associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump, grease pump operation, grease pressure, and/or hydraulic fracturing pump cooler temperature. With respect to operation of a transmission, the parameters 276 may include lubricant pressure, lubricant temperature, vibration associated with operation of the transmission 20, transmission cooler temperature, parameters related to information generated by the transmission control module 202, and/or operation of the grease pump 200. With respect to operation of the internal combustion engine 18, the parameters 276 may include parameters related to information generated by the engine control module 206, as well as other engine-related parameters. With respect to operation of the auxiliary system 170, the parameters 266 may include pressure of the hydraulic system, temperature of the hydraulic system fluid, lubricant level, lubricant reservoir temperature, parameters related to operation of the hydraulic pump(s) 212, and/or parameters related to information generated by the auxiliary engine control module 222.

The component condition monitoring system 102 may include a condition monitoring controller 278 configured to receive the parameters 276 from the sensors 264 and/or the electrical instruments 274. In some embodiments, one or more the sensors 264 and/or electrical instruments 274 may not be part of the component condition monitoring system 102, but may instead merely communicate with the condition monitoring controller 278, for example, via communications lines and/or wirelessly according to communication protocols. Based at least in part on the parameters 276, the condition monitoring controller 278 may be configured to generate condition signals indicative of one or more of, for example, approaching maintenance due to be performed, predicted component damage, predicted component failure, existing component damage, existing component failure, irregularities of component operation, and/or operation exceeding rated operation. In some embodiments, the condition monitoring controller 278 may be configured to identify one or more of excessive pressure, excessive vibration, excessive temperature, fluid contamination, or fluid degradation associated with the fracturing component section 14 and/or the auxiliary system 170.

The condition monitoring controller 278 may be configured to communicate, via an output device 280 in communication with the condition monitoring controller 278, with an on-site operator of the fracturing component section 14 and/or auxiliary system 170, one or more of approaching maintenance due to be performed, predicted component damage, predicted component failure, existing component damage, existing component failure, irregularities of component operation, or operation exceeding rated operation. In some embodiments, the condition monitoring controller 278 may be configured to communicate, via the output device 280, with an on-site operator of the fracturing component section 14 and/or auxiliary system 170, excessive pressure, excessive vibration, excessive temperature, fluid contamination, and/or fluid degradation associated with the fracturing component section 14 and/or the auxiliary system 170. The output device 280 may include a display device including a graphical user interface, and/or an audible and/or visual alarm system configured to notify an operator of the information from the component condition monitoring system. In some embodiments, the component condition monitoring system 102 may include a transmitter 282 configured communicate condition signals to a location 284 remote from the fracturing component section 14 and/or the auxiliary system 170 indicative of the one or more of approaching maintenance due to be performed, component damage, predicted component failure, existing component damage, existing component failure, irregularities of component operation, and/or operation exceeding rated operation.

Some embodiments of the component condition monitoring system 102 and/or the condition monitoring controller 278 may be supplied with electrical power for operation via electrical power generated by the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 and/or the auxiliary system 170. As shown in FIG. 8, the component condition monitoring system 102 and/or the condition monitoring controller 278 may be supplied with electrical power for operation via an electrical power source 286, which may include, for example, one or more of batteries 288 (e.g., rechargeable batteries), an alternator 290, for example driven by the auxiliary engine 214 (see FIG. 6), an electrical power generation device 292 (e.g., a generator) driven by the auxiliary engine 214, and/or one or more solar panels 294. Other sources of electrical power are contemplated.

In some embodiments, the component condition monitoring system 102 may be incorporated into the supervisory control system 168. In some embodiments, the component condition monitoring system 102 may be independent from the supervisory control system 168. Some embodiments of the component condition monitoring system 102 may facilitate determining or estimating the operational condition of a fracturing component section 14, the auxiliary system 170, and/or the hydraulic fracturing unit 12, which may be displayed via the output device 280. For example, a newly-assembled and/or tested fracturing component section 14 including new and/or refurbished components may provide a baseline for the operational condition of the fracturing component section 14, the auxiliary system 170, and/or the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. Relative to the baseline operational condition, when abnormal operational parameters are detected, for example, by the condition monitoring controller 278, the condition monitoring controller 278 may indicate such abnormalities. For example, elevated vibrations associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump 16 could be an indication of potential damage in the power end 86 (see FIG. 2A) due to wear and/or abrupt pumping conditions, a failure in the fluid end 88 related to consumables such as valves and/or valve seats. Elevated pressure in a lubrication system may be indicative of flow restrictions, for example, from collapsed fluid lines, clogged filters, and/or clogged spray nozzles. Reduced pressure in in the grease system may be indicative of a packing failure. Reduced cooling temperatures leaving lubrication radiators may be indicative of a reduced ability to cool fluid from clogged radiators (e.g., coolers). In some embodiments, the condition monitoring controller 278 may be configured to record time of operation and notify an operator that the fracturing component section 14, the auxiliary system 170, and/or the hydraulic fracturing unit 12 is approaching a service interval and/or a planned overhaul. In some embodiments, at least a portion of this data may be collected and/or stored in a total pump profile for association with an identifier (e.g., a number or code) unique to the fracturing component section 14, the auxiliary system 170, and/or the hydraulic fracturing unit 12. In some such examples, when a fracturing component section 14 (e.g., including a hydraulic fracturing pump 16) is replaced or exchanged, variables associated with the replaced or exchanged fracturing component may be incorporated into an overall score associated with an operational condition of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12, for example, with higher scores indicative of a relatively higher operational condition of the hydraulic fracturing unit 12.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example method 900 for exchanging a first fracturing component of a hydraulic fracturing unit for a second fracturing component according to an embodiment of the disclosure, illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow graph, which represent a sequence of operations. For example, if a hydraulic fracturing pump, engine, or transmission of a hydraulic fracturing unit is no longer operating properly, requires maintenance or service, or is imminently due for scheduled maintenance that requires removal of the fracturing component from the hydraulic fracturing unit, it may be exchanged for another fracturing component of the same type (i.e., a hydraulic fracturing pump, engine, or transmission). As noted previously herein, such an exchange is often complex and time consuming, resulting in significant down-time and inefficiencies of the affected fracturing operation.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 900 for exchanging a first fracturing component of a hydraulic fracturing unit for a second fracturing component, for example, associated with a hydraulic fracturing system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The example method 900, at 902, may include disconnecting the first fracturing component from another fracturing component of the hydraulic fracturing unit. In some embodiments, the first fracturing component may be connected to a first section frame including a first base for supporting the first fracturing component, and the first fracturing component and the first section frame may at least partially form a first fracturing component section. For example, the first fracturing component may include an internal combustion engine to supply power to a hydraulic fracturing pump, and disconnecting the internal combustion engine from a transmission connecting the internal combustion engine to a hydraulic fracturing pump may include disconnecting an output shaft of the internal combustion engine from a driveshaft of a transmission. In some embodiments, the first fracturing component may include a transmission to connect an output of an internal combustion engine to a driveshaft of a hydraulic fracturing pump, and disconnecting the transmission from the hydraulic fracturing pump may include (1) disconnecting a driveshaft of the transmission from an output shaft of an internal combustion engine, and (2) disconnecting an output shaft of the transmission from a driveshaft of the hydraulic fracturing pump. In some embodiments, the first fracturing component may include a hydraulic fracturing pump, and disconnecting the hydraulic fracturing pump from the transmission may include disconnecting a driveshaft shaft of the hydraulic fracturing pump from an output shaft of the transmission.

At 904, the example method 900 further may include disconnecting a first component electrical assembly from electrical cables of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or a fracturing system including a plurality of fracturing units. For example, the first component electrical assembly may be connected to the first section frame and positioned to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the first fracturing component. For example, the first fracturing component section may include a first coupling plate connected to the first section frame, and a plurality of first quick-connect electrical couplers may be connected to the first coupling plate. The plurality of first quick-connect electrical couplers may be electrically connected to respective electrical connections of the first component electrical assembly. Disconnecting the first component electrical assembly from the electrical cables of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system may include, for example, disconnecting the electrical cables of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system from the plurality of first quick-connect electrical couplers connected to the first coupling plate.

At 906, the example method 900 also may include disconnecting a first component fluid assembly from fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system. The first component fluid assembly may be connected to the first section frame and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel to operate the first fracturing component. For example, the first fracturing component section may include a first coupling plate connected to the first section frame and a plurality of first quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the first coupling plate. The first quick-connect fluid couplers may be connected to respective fluid conduits of the first component fluid assembly. In some such examples, disconnecting the first component fluid assembly from the fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system may include disconnecting the fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system from the plurality of first quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the first coupling plate.

The example method 900, at 908, further may include disconnecting the first section frame of the first fracturing component section from a platform supporting a plurality of fracturing components of the hydraulic fracturing unit. In some embodiments, this may include removing a plurality of fasteners securing the first section frame to the platform and/or unlocking a plurality of clamp locks securing the first section frame to the platform.

The example method 900, at 910, also may include separating the first fracturing component section from the platform. In some embodiments, this may include engaging lifting eyes connected to the first section frame, for example, with a crane and lifting the first fracturing component section from the platform, and/or passing forks of a fork truck through one or more recesses in the first section frame and separating the first fracturing component section from the platform.

At 912, the example method 900 also may include positioning a second fracturing component section at a position of the platform previously occupied by the first fracturing component section. The second fracturing component section may include a second section frame and the second fracturing component connected to and supported by the second section frame. In some embodiments, positioning a second fracturing component section may include engaging lifting eyes connected to the second section frame of the second component fracturing section with a crane and lifting the second fracturing component section into position on the platform, and/or passing forks of a fork truck through one or more recesses in the second section frame and moving the second fracturing component section into position on the platform.

At 914, the example method 900 may further include securing the second fracturing component section to the platform. For example, this may include aligning the second section frame with a section frame of one or more adjacent section frames of adjacent fracturing component sections, for example, using guide rails of the second section frame to align the second section frame with a section frame of the one or more adjacent section frames. This may also include using a plurality of fasteners to secure the second section frame to the platform and/or locking a plurality of clamp locks to secure the second section frame to the platform.

The example method 900, at 916 still further may include connecting a second component electrical assembly to the electrical cables of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or the fracturing system. For example, the second component electrical assembly may be connected to the second section frame and positioned to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the second fracturing component. In some embodiments, the second fracturing component section may include a second coupling plate connected to the second section frame and a plurality of second quick-connect electrical couplers connected to the second coupling plate. The plurality of second quick-connect electrical couplers may be electrically connected to respective electrical connections of the second component electrical assembly. In some embodiments, connecting the second component electrical assembly to the electrical cables of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system may include connecting the electrical cables of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system to the plurality of second quick-connect electrical couplers connected to the second coupling plate.

At 918, the example method 900 also may include connecting a second component fluid assembly to the fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or the fracturing system. Some embodiments of the second component fluid assembly may be connected to the second section frame and positioned to provide lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, and/or fuel to operate the second fracturing component. In some embodiments, the second fracturing component section may also include a second coupling plate connected to the second section frame and a plurality of second quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the second coupling plate. The second quick-connect fluid couplers may be connected to respective fluid conduits of the second component fluid assembly. In some such examples, connecting the second component fluid assembly to the fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system may include connecting the fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or fracturing system to the plurality of second quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the second coupling plate.

The example method 900, at 920, further may include connecting the second fracturing component to the other fracturing component of the hydraulic fracturing unit. In some embodiments, this may depend on the type of fracturing components being connected to one another. For example, the first fracturing component may include an internal combustion engine to supply power to a hydraulic fracturing pump, and connecting the internal combustion engine and the other fracturing component may include connecting a transmission connecting the internal combustion engine to a hydraulic fracturing pump. Connecting the internal combustion engine to the transmission may include connecting the output shaft of the internal combustion engine to a driveshaft of a transmission. In some embodiments, the first fracturing component may include a transmission to connect an output of an internal combustion engine to a hydraulic fracturing pump, and connecting the transmission to the hydraulic fracturing pump may include (1) connecting a driveshaft of the transmission to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine, and (2) connecting the output shaft of the transmission to the driveshaft of the hydraulic fracturing pump. In some embodiments, the first fracturing component may include a hydraulic fracturing pump, and connecting the hydraulic fracturing pump to the transmission may include connecting the driveshaft of the hydraulic fracturing pump to the output shaft of the transmission.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method 1000 for monitoring a condition of a fracturing component section including a section frame and a fracturing component connected to the section frame, and as illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow graph, which represent a sequence of operations that may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the blocks represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the methods.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method 1000 to monitoring a condition of a fracturing component section including a section frame and a fracturing component connected to the section frame, for example, as described herein. For example, the fracturing component section may include a plurality of sensors and/or a plurality of electrical instruments configured to generate one or more signals indicative of operation of the fracturing component and/or auxiliary components connected to the fracturing component section for facilitating operation of the fracturing component. In some embodiments, the method 1000 may be performed semi- or fully-autonomously, for example, via a condition monitoring controller and/or a supervisory control system. The method 1000 may be utilized in association with various systems, such as, for example, the example hydraulic fracturing system 10 shown in FIG. 1.

The example method 1000, at 1002, may include receiving, via a condition monitoring controller, one or more signals from one or more of the plurality of sensors or the plurality of electrical instruments. In some embodiments, the one or more of a plurality of sensors or a plurality of electrical instruments may be configured to connect to the fracturing component section and generate one or more signals indicative of operating parameters associated with operation of the fracturing component and/or auxiliary components associated with the fracturing component, for example, as described herein with respect to FIG. 6.

At 1004, the example method 1000 further may include determining, for example, via the condition monitoring controller, whether the one or more signals indicate the fracturing component of the fracturing component section has reached a threshold time of operation. For example, the threshold time of operation may be a predetermined and/or calculated time period of operation of the fracturing component at the end of which maintenance and/or service may be performed. For example, for a hydraulic fracturing pump, scheduled maintenance or service may be performed that replaces the valves and/or valve seats of the fluid end of a reciprocating hydraulic fracturing pump. In some embodiments, the time of operation may be predetermined, for example, based at least in part on the size and/or type of hydraulic fracturing pump, the power output of the internal combustion engine connected to the hydraulic fracturing pump, the content of the fracturing fluid pumped by the hydraulic fracturing pump, and/or relevant historical data. In some embodiments, the time of operation may be calculated during operation of the fracturing component based at least in part on correlation tables, correlation graphs, and/or empirically- and/or theoretically-derived formulas, for example, relating to operational parameters, such as the power output and/or work performed by the internal combustion engine during operation, the average and/or maximum engine speed, the amount of fuel used by the internal combustion engine, the volume and/or flow rate (the average and/or maximum flow rates) of fracturing fluid pumped, the type and/or content of the fracturing fluid, the average and/or maximum coolant temperature, the average and/or maximum lubricant temperature and/or pressure, the condition of the lubricant, and/or the type(s) of fuel(s) used to operate the internal combustion engine, etc.

If, at 1004, it has been determined that the fracturing component has reached the threshold of time of operation, at 1006, the example method 1000 may include generating, for example, via the condition monitoring controller, one or more signals (e.g., condition signals) indicative of approaching maintenance due to be performed, for example, on the fracturing component of the fracturing component section.

If, at 1004, it has been determined that the fracturing component has not reached the threshold time of operation, the example method 1000 may include skipping to 1010.

At 1008, the example method 1000 also may include causing, for example, via the condition monitoring controller, an output device and/or a transmitter in communication with a remote facility to provide an indication of maintenance (or service) due to be performed on the fracturing component. For example, the method may include causing a display device at the hydraulic fracturing component and/or on-site at the hydraulic fracturing operation to display the indication of maintenance or service due to be performed. This may include displaying the indication on a computer screen, a laptop screen, a smart phone, a computer tablet, and/or a purpose-built hand-held computing/receiving device and/or a screen connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. In some embodiments, the indication may be transmitted to a remote facility, such as a management facility and/or service facility. In some embodiments, the condition monitoring controller may include, and/or be in communication with, a transmitter (or transceiver) configured to communicate via a communications link (hard-wired and/or wireless) to a remotely located fracturing operation management facility or service or maintenance facility, which may be monitoring and/or controlling operation of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or the fracturing component section, for example, as described herein with respect to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the indication may include an audible alarm and/or a visual alarm, such as the sounding of a horn and/or the illumination of a light to draw attention to the indication.

If, at 1004, it has been determined that the fracturing component has not reached the threshold time of operation, or following 1008, at 1010, the example method 1000 may include determining, for example, via the condition monitoring controller, whether the one or more signals indicate a problem with operation of the fracturing component and/or auxiliary components of the fracturing component section. For example, the one or more signals may include signals indicative of excessive pressure, excessive vibration, excessive temperature, fluid contamination, and/or fluid degradation associated with operation of the fracturing component and/or auxiliary components of the fracturing component section, for example, as described herein with respect to FIG. 8.

If, at 1010, it has been determined that the one or more signals indicate a problem with operation of the fracturing component and/or auxiliary components of the fracturing component section, at 1012, the example method 1000 further may include generating, for example, via the condition monitoring controller, one or more signals indicative of the problem. For example, the one or more signals may include signals (e.g., condition signals) indicative of predicted component damage, predicted component failure, existing component damage, existing component failure, irregularities of component operation, and/or operation exceeding rated operation. For example, the condition monitoring controller may be configured to generate the one or more condition signals, as described herein with respect to FIG. 8.

If, at 1010, it has been determined that the fracturing component and auxiliary components of the fracturing component section are not experiencing a problem, the example method 1000 may return to 1002 to re-start the method 1000.

At 1014, the example method 1000 also may include causing, for example, via the condition monitoring controller, an output device and/or a transmitter in communication with a remote facility to provide an indication of maintenance (or service) due to be performed on the fracturing component. For example, the method may include causing a display device at the hydraulic fracturing component and/or on-site at the hydraulic fracturing operation to display the indication of maintenance or service due to be performed, which may include repair or replacement of the fracturing component and/or the one or more auxiliary components indicated as exhibiting a problem. This may include displaying the indication on a computer screen, a laptop screen, a smart phone, a computer tablet, and/or a purpose-built hand-held computing/receiving device and/or a screen connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. In some embodiments, the indication may be transmitted to a remote facility, such as a fracturing operation management facility or service or maintenance facility, which may be monitoring and/or controlling operation of the hydraulic fracturing unit and/or the fracturing component section, for example, as described herein with respect to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the indication may include an audible alarm and/or a visual alarm, such as the sounding of a horn and/or the illumination of a light to draw attention to the indication.

In some embodiments, following 1014, the fracturing component section may be exchanged for another fracturing component section including the same, or similar, type of fracturing component (e.g., the same or similar type of hydraulic fracturing pump, transmission, or internal combustion engine), for example, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-8. This may reduce the complexity and/or down-time associated with replacing the affected fracturing component (or auxiliary components) or removing the affected fracturing component from the hydraulic fracturing unit, transporting the affected fracturing component to an off-site maintenance or service facility (e.g., a repair facility), repairing or replacing the affected fracturing component, transporting it back to the site of the fracturing operation, and re-installing the fracturing component on the hydraulic fracturing unit. Rather, in some embodiments, a second fracturing component section including a replacement fracturing component for the affected fracturing component may be exchanged for the fracturing component section including the affected fracturing component (or auxiliary component), which may involve reduced complexity and time relative to the previously described repair/replacement procedure.

If, at 1010, it has been determined that the fracturing component and auxiliary components of the fracturing component section are not experiencing a problem, or following 1014, the example method 1000, at 1016 and 1018, may include returning to 1002 to re-start the method 1000. In this example manner, the component condition monitoring controller may monitor the operational condition of the components of a fracturing component section, including the fracturing component and the auxiliary components, identify any scheduled maintenance requirements, identify any problems with operation and/or the condition of the fracturing component and/or auxiliary components, and/or provide an indication of such maintenance and/or problems, on-site and/or to an off-site facility.

It should be appreciated that subject matter presented herein may be implemented as a computer process, a computer-controlled apparatus, a computing system, or an article of manufacture, such as a computer-readable storage medium. While the subject matter described herein is presented in the general context of program modules that execute on one or more computing devices, those skilled in the art will recognize that other implementations may be performed in combination with other types of program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that aspects of the subject matter described herein may be practiced on or in conjunction with other computer system configurations beyond those described herein, including multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, handheld computers, mobile telephone devices, tablet computing devices, special-purposed hardware devices, network appliances, and the like.

The condition monitoring controller 278 (see, e.g., FIG. 8) may include one or more industrial control systems (ICS), such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, distributed control systems (DCS), and/or programmable logic controllers (PLCs). For example, the controller 80 may include one or more processors, which may operate to perform a variety of functions, as set forth herein. In some embodiments, the processor(s) may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), both CPU and GPU, or other processing units or components. Additionally, at least some of the processor(s) may possess local memory, which also may store program modules, program data, and/or one or more operating systems. The processor(s) may interact with, or include, computer-readable media, which may include volatile memory (e.g., RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, flash memory, miniature hard drive, memory card, or the like), or some combination thereof. The computer-readable media may be non-transitory computer-readable media. The computer-readable media may be configured to store computer-executable instructions, which when executed by a computer, perform various operations associated with the processor(s) to perform the operations described herein.

Example embodiments of the condition monitoring controller 278 may be provided as a computer program item including a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions (in compressed or uncompressed form) that may be used to program a computer (or other electronic device) to perform processes or methods described herein. The machine-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, hard drives, floppy diskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, solid-state memory devices, or other types of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. Further, example embodiments may also be provided as a computer program item including a transitory machine-readable signal (in compressed or uncompressed form). Examples of machine-readable signals, whether modulated using a carrier or not, include, but are not limited to, signals that a computer system or machine hosting or running a computer program can be configured to access, including signals downloaded through the Internet or other networks.

Having now described some illustrative embodiments of the disclosure, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other embodiments are within the scope of one of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated as falling within the scope of the disclosure. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the parameters and configurations described herein are exemplary and that actual parameters and/or configurations will depend on the specific application in which the systems and techniques of the invention are used. Those skilled in the art should also recognize or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that the embodiments described herein are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of any appended claims and equivalents thereto, the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/717,092, filed Apr. 10, 2022, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXCHANGING FRACTURING COMPONENTS OF A HYDRAULIC FRACTURING UNIT,” which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/576,932, filed Jan. 15, 2022, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXCHANGING FRACTURING COMPONENTS OF A HYDRAULIC FRACTURING UNIT,” now U.S. Pat. No. 11,339,638, issued May 24, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/367,779, filed Jul. 6, 2021, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXCHANGING FRACTURING COMPONENTS OF A HYDRAULIC FRACTURING UNIT,” now U.S. Pat. No. 11,261,717, issued Mar. 1, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/232,793, filed Apr. 16, 2021, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXCHANGING FRACTURING COMPONENTS OF A HYDRAULIC FRACTURING UNIT,” now U.S. Pat. No. 11,085,281, issued Aug. 10, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/172,615, filed Feb. 10, 2021, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXCHANGING FRACTURING COMPONENTS OF A HYDRAULIC FRACTURING UNIT,” now U.S. Pat. No. 11,015,423, issued May 25, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/946,171, filed Jun. 9, 2020, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXCHANGING FRACTURING COMPONENTS OF A HYDRAULIC FRACTURING UNIT,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,954,770, issued Mar. 23, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be construed to cover various modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc., above and to the above-described embodiments, which shall be considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, various features and characteristics as discussed herein may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiment, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions further can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method to exchange a first component of a hydraulic fracturing unit for a second component in the hydraulic fracturing unit, the first component comprises a first transmission to connect an output of a turbine engine to a hydraulic fracturing pump and the second component comprises a second transmission to connect the output of the turbine engine to the hydraulic fracturing pump, the method comprising: disconnecting the first transmission from one or more other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit, the first transmission being connected to a first section frame positioned to support the first transmission, the first transmission and the first section frame at least partially defining a first component section;disconnecting a first component fluid assembly from the hydraulic fracturing unit, the first component fluid assembly being connected to the first section frame and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel associated with operation of the first transmission, the disconnecting of the first component fluid assembly from the hydraulic fracturing unit includes disconnecting the hydraulic fracturing unit from one or more first quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the first section frame, the one or more first quick-connect fluid couplers being connected to the first component fluid assembly;disconnecting the first section frame from a platform supporting one or more components of the hydraulic fracturing unit;separating the first component section from the platform;positioning a second component section at a position of the platform previously occupied by the first component section, the second component section having a second section frame and the second transmission supported by the second section frame;connecting a second component fluid assembly to the hydraulic fracturing unit, the second component fluid assembly being connected to the second section frame and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel associated with operation of the second transmission, the connecting of the second component fluid assembly to fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit includes connecting the hydraulic fracturing unit to one or more second quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the second section frame, the one or more second quick-connect fluid couplers being connected to the second component fluid assembly; andconnecting the second component to the one or more other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein disconnecting the first transmission from the one or more other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit comprises: disconnecting a driveshaft of the first transmission from an output shaft of the turbine engine, anddisconnecting an output shaft of the first transmission from a driveshaft of the hydraulic fracturing pump.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein disconnecting the first section frame from the platform comprises one or more of: removing one or more fasteners positioned to secure the first section frame to the platform, orunlocking one or more clamp locks positioned to secure the first section frame to the platform.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein separating the first component section from the platform comprises one of: (a) engaging lifting eyes connected to the first section frame, and (b) lifting the first component section from the platform, or(c) passing forks of a fork truck through one or more recesses in the first section frame, and (d) separating the first component section from the platform.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: disconnecting a first component electrical assembly from the hydraulic fracturing unit, the first component electrical assembly being connected to the first component section to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the first component; andconnecting a second component electrical assembly to the hydraulic fracturing unit, the second component electrical assembly being connected to the second section frame and positioned to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the second component.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein disconnecting the first component electrical assembly from the hydraulic fracturing unit includes disconnecting the hydraulic fracturing unit from one or more first quick-connect electrical couplers connected to the first component section, and wherein connecting the second component electrical assembly to the hydraulic fracturing unit includes connecting the hydraulic fracturing unit to one or more second quick-connect electrical couplers connected to the second section frame.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more first quick-connect electrical couplers are part of the first component section, and the one or more second quick-connect electrical couplers are part of the second component section.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more first quick-connect electrical couplers are positioned on a first coupling plate that is connected to the first section frame, and the one or more second quick-connect electrical couplers are positioned on a second coupling plate that is connected to the second section frame.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the one or more first quick-connect electrical couplers and each of the one or more second quick-connect electrical couplers includes a plug having a plurality of pins.
10. A method to exchange a first component of a hydraulic fracturing unit for a second component in the hydraulic fracturing unit, the method comprising: disconnecting the first component from one or more other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit, the first component being connected to a first section frame positioned to support the first component, the first component and the first section frame at least partially defining a first component section;disconnecting a first component fluid assembly from the hydraulic fracturing unit, the first component fluid assembly being connected to the first section frame and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel associated with operation of the first component, the disconnecting of the first component fluid assembly from the hydraulic fracturing unit includes disconnecting the hydraulic fracturing unit from one or more first quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the first section frame, the one or more first quick-connect fluid couplers being connected to the first component fluid assembly;disconnecting the first section frame from a platform supporting one or more components of the hydraulic fracturing unit;separating the first component section from the platform;positioning a second component section at a position of the platform previously occupied by the first component section, the second component section having a second section frame and the second component supported by the second section frame;connecting a second component fluid assembly to the hydraulic fracturing unit, the second component fluid assembly being connected to the second section frame and positioned to provide one or more of lubrication, cooling, hydraulic function, or fuel associated with operation of the second component, the connecting of the second component fluid assembly to fluid conduits of the hydraulic fracturing unit includes connecting the hydraulic fracturing unit to one or more second quick-connect fluid couplers connected to the second section frame, the one or more second quick-connect fluid couplers being connected to the second component fluid assembly; andconnecting the second component to the one or more other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first component and the second component each comprises one of a turbine engine to supply power, or a transmission to connect an output of a turbine engine to a hydraulic fracturing pump.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein: the first component comprises a turbine engine, anddisconnecting the first component from the one or more other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit comprises disconnecting the turbine engine from a transmission.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein: the first component comprises a transmission to connect an output of an internal combustion engine to a hydraulic fracturing pump, anddisconnecting the first component from the one or more other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit comprises: disconnecting a driveshaft of the transmission from an output shaft of the internal combustion engine, anddisconnecting an output shaft of the transmission from a driveshaft of the hydraulic fracturing pump.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein: the first component comprises, a hydraulic fracturing pump, anddisconnecting the first component from the one or more other components of the hydraulic fracturing unit comprises disconnecting a driveshaft of the hydraulic fracturing pump from an output shaft of a transmission.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising disconnecting the first section frame from the platform, the disconnecting comprises one or more of: removing one or more fasteners positioned to secure the first section frame to the platform, orunlocking one or more clamp locks positioned to secure the first section frame to the platform.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein separating the first component section from the platform comprises one of: (a) engaging lifting eyes connected to the first section frame, and (b) lifting the first component section from the platform, or(c) passing forks of a fork truck through one or more recesses in the first section frame, and (d) separating the first component section from the platform.
17. The method of claim 10, further comprising: disconnecting a first component electrical assembly from the hydraulic fracturing unit, the first component electrical assembly being connected to the first component section to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the first component; andconnecting a second component electrical assembly to the hydraulic fracturing unit, the second component electrical assembly being connected to the second section frame and positioned to provide one or more of electrical power, electrical controls, or electrical monitoring components associated with operation of the second component.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein disconnecting the first component electrical assembly from the hydraulic fracturing unit includes disconnecting the hydraulic fracturing unit from one or more first quick-connect electrical couplers connected to the first component section, and wherein connecting the second component electrical assembly to the hydraulic fracturing unit includes connecting the hydraulic fracturing unit to one or more second quick-connect electrical couplers connected to the second section frame.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more first quick-connect electrical couplers are part of the first component section, and the one or more second quick-connect electrical couplers are part of the second component section.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more first quick-connect electrical couplers are positioned on a first coupling plate that is connected to the first section frame, and the one or more second quick-connect electrical couplers are positioned on a second coupling plate that is connected to the second section frame.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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Related Publications (1)

	Number	Date	Country
	20230041566 A1	Feb 2023	US

Continuations (6)

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17717092	Apr 2022	US
Child	17970826		US
Parent	17576932	Jan 2022	US
Child	17717092		US
Parent	17367779	Jul 2021	US
Child	17576932		US
Parent	17232793	Apr 2021	US
Child	17367779		US
Parent	17172615	Feb 2021	US
Child	17232793		US
Parent	16946171	Jun 2020	US
Child	17172615		US

Systems and methods for exchanging fracturing components of a hydraulic fracturing unit

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