Overpressure Protection Apparatus
AssigneeNational Oilwell Varco, L.P.
InventorsJeremy L. Ogg, Andrew Kadavy
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An overpressure control apparatus is used to control jets of high-pressure fracking fluid or other stimulation fluid released from a treatment flowline in cases of overpressure. The apparatus includes a collection tank and one or more valves, which can all be mounted on or integrated to a skid. The sizes and weights of the collection tank and the skid may help to keep the apparatus on the ground during an overpressure event. The apparatus can be provided with an offline testing system that allows an operator to close off the communication between the apparatus and the treatment flowline, and instead, pump a clean fluid such as water at high-pressure to test the proper functioning of the valve.
Claims21
An overpressure protection apparatus, comprising:
- a skid;
- a valve mounted on the skid;
- an actuator, wherein the actuator is linked to the valve;
- a pressure sensor;
- a controller coupled to the pressure sensor and to the actuator, wherein the controller is programmed to energize the actuator in response to pressure measurements by the pressure sensor;
- a collection tank mounted on the skid;
- a first flowline coupled to the valve and to the collection tank;
- and
- a junction coupled to the valve, wherein the junction is adapted for being further coupled to at least one second flowline.
(canceled)
A method of using an overpressure protection apparatus, the overpressure protection apparatus including a valve linked to an actuator, a pressure sensor, a controller coupled to the pressure sensor and to the actuator, wherein the controller is programmed to energize the actuator in response to pressure measurements performed by the pressure sensor, the method comprising:
- opening a communication between the valve, the pressure sensor, and a treatment flowline containing an abrasive or acid fluid;
- causing the actuator to shift and the valve to open in response to the controller detecting a pressure measurement higher than a first predetermined threshold;
- venting a pressure of the abrasive or acid fluid through the valve;
- containing a jet of the abrasive or acid fluid flowing through the valve into a collection tank coupled to the valve;
- and
- causing the actuator to shift back and the valve to close in response to the controller detecting a pressure measurement lower than a second predetermined threshold.
A method of using an overpressure protection apparatus, the overpressure protection apparatus including a valve linked to an actuator, a pressure sensor, a controller coupled to the pressure sensor and to the actuator, wherein the controller is programmed to energize the actuator in response to pressure measurements performed by the pressure sensor, the method comprising:
- isolating the valve and the pressure sensor from a treatment flowline containing an abrasive or acid fluid;
- flowing a clean fluid from a source through the valve and past the pressure sensor while the valve and the pressure sensor are isolated from the treatment flowline, wherein the clean fluid is non-acidic and essentially free of proppant;
- increasing a pressure of the clean fluid while the valve and the pressure sensor are isolated from the treatment flowline and until the controller causes the actuator to shift and the valve to open;
- venting the pressure of the clean fluid while the valve and the pressure sensor are isolated from the treatment flowline and until the controller causes the actuator to shift back and the valve to close;
- isolating the valve and the pressure sensor from the source of clean fluid;
- and
- opening a communication between the valve, the pressure sensor, and the treatment flowline while the valve and the pressure sensor are isolated from the source of clean fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.