US20190323337A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20190323337A1
Application number: US15/960,516
Authority: US
Inventors: Cory Glass; Toby King
Original assignee: Lime Instruments LLC
Current assignee: Lime Instruments LLC
Priority date: 2018-04-23
Filing date: 2018-04-23
Publication date: 2019-10-24

Abstract

Fluid delivery systems and related methods and computer program products for facilitating the timely identification and resolution of one or more problems or issues associated with one or more aspects of such fluid delivery systems are disclosed. In an aspect, the fluid delivery systems and related methods and computer program products of the present disclosure may include one or more sensing devices that may be configured to detect, measure, or sense one or more aspects of a given fluid delivery system in order to identify one or more problems or issues therewith. A user and/or computing device may then make one or more adjustments to the operation or functionality of a given fluid delivery system to help the fluid delivery system operate more efficiently and/or effectively, avoid or minimize fluid delivery system downtime, and/or avoid or minimize damage to one or more components of the fluid delivery system.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to fluid delivery systems and related methods and computer program products and more particularly to fluid delivery systems and related methods and computer program products that comprise at least one sensing device configured to detect at least one aspect of such fluid delivery systems.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Fluids are used in a variety of applications for various purposes, including engine or system cooling, lubrication, as well as various oilfield operations. In order to be utilized in such various applications, fluid delivery systems are needed to deliver the fluid(s) to appropriate locations at appropriate times and in appropriate configurations (e.g., appropriate flow rates, densities, compositions, volumes, pressures, temperatures, viscosities, etc.). For example, fluid delivery systems are used in many types of oilfield operations that facilitate the extraction of hydrocarbons and natural gas from underground formations. One such oilfield operation is known as hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing typically involves pumping fluid(s) down a wellbore at pressures and/or flow rates that are capable of fracturing subterranean formations, thereby inducing the flow of hydrocarbons from those formations.

Generally, hydraulic fracturing is used for unconventional subterranean formations, where the significantly low permeability of the formations causes hydrocarbons to become “trapped” in the rocks, thereby preventing them from flowing freely into a wellbore. Common hydraulic fracturing techniques involve utilizing at least one fluid delivery system to pump one or more fluids down a wellbore at a pressure and/or flow rate that is greater than the fracture gradient of the particular formation that contains the wellbore. Such fluid(s) may comprise one or more additives referred to as “proppant.” Proppant often comprises a sand-like texture due to its particulate properties. The pumping process creates fractures in the rocks of the formation that may be filled by the proppant so that the fractures are not immediately closed again due to the immense subterranean geological pressures they experience. The proppant also provides a highly permeable conduit within the fractures that allows the newly released hydrocarbons to easily flow to the wellbore where they can be recovered.

The process of hydraulic fracturing typically requires at least one fluid delivery system that includes a variety of different components. For example, several trucks and/or trailers are needed to carry fresh water, one or more chemicals or other fluids, proppant or other additives, at least one manifold (also known as a “missile”), and at least one pumping mechanism. The water is mixed with the chemical(s), fluid(s), proppant, and/or other additives by a device known as a blender, thereby forming a mixture typically referred to as “slurry.” This slurry then gets pumped to the manifold, which typically comprises a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side. Slurry is received by the manifold at one or more inlets on the low-pressure side. The slurry is then redirected by the manifold to a pressurizing pumping mechanism, or “frac pump,” configured on a separate truck/trailer adjacent to the manifold. The frac pump significantly increases the pressure of the slurry and then directs it to the high-pressure side of the manifold. The manifold may then distribute the high-pressure slurry to the opening of a wellbore so that it may be used to propagate one or more fractures downhole.

During a hydraulic fracturing process (or any similar fluid delivery process), it is not uncommon for one or more fluid delivery system components to experience one or more problems or issues or to fail entirely. For example, the frac pump(s) generally experience a significant amount of stress and wear that may cause them to breakdown or stop functioning completely. When equipment failure does occur, the entire fracturing process and, if relevant, drilling process must be suspended in order to manually inspect and/or test the manifold, each frac pump, as well as any other relevant fluid delivery system component(s), including any tubes, pipes, hoses, or lines that interconnect the different components of the system, in order to identify the problem and determine a remedy. Depending on how long the inspection and/or testing process takes, a considerable amount of money may be lost due to the suspension of the oilfield operations at the wellbore.

A variety of events may initiate the failure of the various component(s) involved with any fluid delivery system, including those utilized with hydraulic fracturing. For example, head loss, or pressure loss, may occur within one or more sections of tubing or piping due to wear and tear caused by friction; cavitation may occur within one or more system components; flow rates may reach undesirable levels; one or more leaks may develop that may need to be compensated for; and/or the volume of proppant, chemicals, and/or other additives being mixed with water may need to be adjusted. If these events are not identified and addressed in a timely manner, they may cause damage to the affected system component(s) and require them to be repaired and/or replaced, thereby increasing unwanted costs resulting from oilfield operation suspension.

Given the foregoing, fluid delivery systems, methods, and computer program products are needed that allow one or more problems or issues within one or more fluid delivery system components to be identified in a timely manner. Additionally, fluid delivery systems, methods, and computer program products are needed that allow a user to address and/or resolve one or more problems or issues within one or more fluid delivery system components in a timely manner are needed. Fluid delivery systems, methods, and computer program products that facilitate the mitigation and/or prevention of damage to one or more fluid delivery system components are also desired.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts. These concepts are further described below in the Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure's subject matter, nor is this Summary intended as an aid in determining the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Aspects of the present disclosure meet the above-identified needs by providing fluid delivery systems, methods, and computer program products that facilitate the identification of and, if necessary, resolution of one or more problems or issues within one or more fluid delivery system components in a timely manner. Specifically, in an aspect, fluid delivery systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that may comprise at least one sensing device that may be configured to detect at least one aspect of a given fluid delivery system, including, for example, at least one flow rate, at least one pressure measurement, at least one density measurement, at least one velocity measurement, at least one temperature measurement, at least one viscosity measurement, at least one composition assessment, and/or at least one volume measurement for at least one fluid passing through at least one portion of at least one component of the system. The sensing device(s) may be configured at any appropriate location(s) within and/or upon one or more portions of one or more components of a particular fluid delivery system where they may be able to make adequate detections and/or measurements, including within and/or upon one or more sections of piping and/or tubing (including high and/or low-pressure piping and/or tubing), within and/or upon one or more pumping mechanisms, within and/or upon one or more portions of at least one manifold apparatus, and/or within and/or upon one or more portions of at least one blending apparatus.

In some aspects, the sensing device(s) used with the fluid delivery systems, methods, and computer program products of the present disclosure may be communicatively coupled to one or more computing devices. Such computing devices may be configured with various computational instructions, or code, in the form of software or one or more software applications that, when executed on at least one computer processor, causes the at least one computer processor to perform certain steps or processes, including interpreting and/or analyzing detected, measured, or sensed data received from one or more sensing devices associated with a given fluid delivery system and/or presenting the detected/measured/sensed data and/or analysis results to at least one user. In some additional aspects, the software or software applications may facilitate the ability of one or more users to instruct the computing device(s), via one or more input devices, to make one or more adjustments to one or more aspects of the fluid delivery systems of the present disclosure, including adjusting one or more flow rates, adjusting at least one internal pressure, adjusting at least one density, adjusting at least one velocity, adjusting at least one temperature, adjusting at least one viscosity, adjusting at least one composition, and adjusting at least one internal volume of one or more fluids passing through at least one portion of at least one component of a given fluid delivery system. In still some additional aspects, the software and/or software applications may cause the computer processor(s) associated with the one or more computing devices to initiate or make any necessary or desired adjustments to at least one fluid delivery process associated with at least one fluid delivery system in an at least semi-autonomous fashion, with only partial or no user input. In such aspects, the software and/or software applications may be programmed to maintain various aspects of the fluid delivery system at certain predetermined levels (e.g., maintain certain flow rates, maintain certain pressures, maintain certain densities, maintain certain velocities, maintain certain temperatures, maintain certain viscosities, maintain certain compositions, and/or maintain certain volumes of one or more fluids passing through at least one portion of at least one component of a given fluid delivery system) by, for example, comparing detected aspects of the fluid delivery system with one or more predetermined standards or values and determining whether the detected aspects are within a tolerable deviation of the predetermined standard(s) or value(s).

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the Detailed Description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for facilitating the identification of and, if necessary, resolution of one or more problems or issues associated with at least one fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2B are block diagrams depicting two possible configurations of a first exemplary fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an image depicting a second exemplary fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary manifold apparatus for use with a fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary manifold apparatus for use with a fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for facilitating the ability of at least one user to manually receive at least one detection of and make at least one adjustment to at least one aspect of a fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for facilitating the ability of at least one user to use at least one computing device to make at least one detection of and make at least one adjustment to at least one aspect of a fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for facilitating the ability of at least one user to detect and make at least one adjustment to at least one aspect of a fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for facilitating the ability of at least one computing device to detect and make at least one adjustment to at least one aspect of a fluid delivery system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system useful for implementing one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to fluid delivery systems and related methods and computer program products for facilitating the efficient detection of and, if necessary, resolution of one or more problems or issues that may arise during operation of such fluid delivery systems and/or one or more components thereof. Specifically, in an aspect, fluid delivery systems and related methods and computer program products are disclosed that may comprise one or more sensing devices, each of which may be configured to detect at least one aspect of a particular fluid delivery system. The sensing device(s) may be further configured to present detected data and/or other information to one or more users in order to enable the user(s) to determine whether any adjustments need to be made to the operation, functionality, and/or configuration of a particular fluid delivery system. In some aspects, a user may utilize one or more computing devices to view and/or make changes to one or more aspects of a particular fluid delivery system. In some additional aspects, one or more computing devices may be configured to detect one or more aspects of a particular fluid delivery system, determine whether any changes need to be made thereto, and initiate such changes in an at least semi-autonomous manner.

The term “fluid delivery system” and/or the plural form of this term are used throughout herein to refer to any system, machine, apparatus, mechanism, or device that may function, at least partially, either by itself or in conjunction with one or more additional systems or components, to transfer an amount of at least one fluid from at least one fluid source to at least one fluid destination, such as manifolds, pressure pumps, transfer pumps, other pumping mechanisms, gravity fed distribution lines, tanks, vessels, blenders, other blending apparatuses, suction valves, distribution valves, wells, irrigation systems, pipes, tubes, hoses, and the like.

The term “additive” and/or the plural form of this term are used throughout herein to refer to any substance, particle, or element that may be added to one or more fluids to be used during the functioning or operation of at least one fluid delivery system, such as proppant, chemicals, acids, sodium chloride, polyacrylamide, ethylene glycol, borate salts, sodium carbonates, potassium carbonates, glutaraldehyde, guar gum, citric acid, isopropanol, friction reducers, disinfectants, gelling agents, breakers, emulsifiers, stabilizers, surfactants, potassium chloride (KCl), iron control chemicals, oxygen scavengers, scale inhibitors, pH adjusting agents, carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar (CMHPG) gels, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and the like.

The term “fluid” and/or the plural form of this term are used throughout herein to refer to any liquid and/or gaseous substance(s) that may pass through at least one portion of at least one fluid delivery system as defined above, including one or more portions of one or more components thereof, such as water, oil, methanol, slickwater, gasoline, one or more petroleum products, one or more chemicals, one or more gels, one or more crosslinkers, saltwater, brine, one or more acids, produced water, dirty water, liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuel (or one or more products thereof), pipeline quality natural gas (or any quality natural gas), propane, diesel fuel, fuel oil, and the like.

The term “manifold” and/or the plural form of this term are used throughout herein to refer to any device, mechanism, apparatus, or structure comprised of one or more pipe, tube, and/or hose fittings and having one or more lateral outlets for connecting at least one pipe, tube, and/or hose with one or more additional pipes, tubes, and/or hoses, such as fracturing (or “frac”) manifolds, missiles, missile trailers, exhaust manifolds, zipper manifolds, blender manifolds, transfer pumps, hydration manifolds, water vessel manifolds, and the like.

The term “sensing device” and/or the plural form of this term are used throughout herein to refer to any device, apparatus, element, mechanism, or component that may be capable of sensing and/or detecting at least one physical property, such as flow measuring devices (including flow meters, magnetic flow meters, electromagnetic flow meters, turbine style flow meters, and mass flow (i.e., Coriolis) flow meters); density measuring devices (including densimeters); temperature measuring devices (including thermometers and temperature meters); viscosity measuring devices (including viscometers and rheometers); pressure measuring devices (including pressure transducers and pressure meters); velocity sensing devices (including flow velocity measuring devices and anemometers); volume measuring devices (including volume sensors); hydrometers; composition analyzing devices; and the like.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a block diagram of anexemplary system100 for facilitating the identification of and, if necessary, resolution of one or more problems or issues associated with at least onefluid delivery system106, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

Cloud-based, Internet-enableddevice communication system100 may include a plurality of users102 (shown as users102a-ginFIG. 1) accessing, via a computing device104 (shown as respective computing devices104a-ginFIG. 1) and anetwork132, such as the global, public Internet—an application service provider's cloud-based, Internet-enabledinfrastructure101. In some aspects, a user application may be downloaded onto computing device104 from anapplication download server136.Application download server136 may be a public application store service or a private download service or link. Computing device104 may accessapplication download server136 vianetwork132. In another nonlimiting embodiment,infrastructure101 may be accessed via a website or web application. Multiple users102 may, simultaneously or at different times, access (via, for example, a user application)infrastructure101 in order to engage in communication with other users102,fluid delivery system106, and/or at least onecontrol station108 or to accessuser database126, fluiddelivery system database128, and/orcontrol station database130.

In some embodiments, a user102 may communicate with afluid delivery system106 via computing device104 in order to detect, view, identify, determine, and/or initiate the resolution of one or more problems or issues associated with one or more aspects of and/or with the operation, functionality, and/or configuration offluid delivery system106. In some additional aspects, auser102hmay communicate directly withfluid delivery system106 using at least onecontrol station108 and/or one or more input devices that may be associated therewith (such as, for example and not limitation, a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, joystick, microphone, camera, scanner, chip reader, card reader, magnetic stripe reader, near field communication technology, and the like). By way of example and not limitation,control station108 may comprise a computer kiosk communicatively coupled (either via wireless media (such as, for example and not limitation, to enable usage from one or more remote locations) or via wired connectivity) tofluid delivery system106, or any similar computational and/or electronic device(s) as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, as well as any combination thereof. In still some additional aspects,control station108 may be used to perform any of the tasks that may be performed by/using computing device104.

In various aspects, computing device104 may be configured as: adesktop computer104a, alaptop computer104b, a tablet ormobile computer104c, a smartphone (alternatively referred to as a mobile device)104d, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)104e, amobile phone104f, ahandheld scanner104g, any commercially-available intelligent communications device, or the like.

As shown inFIG. 1, in an aspect of the present disclosure, an application service provider's cloud-based,communications infrastructure101 may include anemail gateway110, an SMS (Short Message Service)gateway112, an MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)gateway114, an Instant Message (IM)gateway116, apaging gateway118, avoice gateway120, one ormore web servers122, one ormore application servers124, auser database126, a fluiddelivery system database128, and acontrol station database130. Application server(s)124 may contain computational instructions, or code, that enables the functionality ofsystem100.User database126, fluiddelivery system database128, and/orcontrol station database130 may not necessarily be contained withininfrastructure101, such as, but not limited to,user database126, fluiddelivery system database128, and/orcontrol station database130 may be supplied by a third party. As will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein,communications infrastructure101 may include one or more additional storage, communications, and/or processing components to facilitate communication withinsystem100, process data, store content, and the like.

User database

126 may be configured to store information pertaining to one or more users102. In an aspect, a user102 may comprise any individual or entity that may be responsible for and/or otherwise concerned with the functionality, operation, and/or configuration of a givenfluid delivery system106. User102 information that may be stored withinuser database126 may include, by way of example and not limitation, a given user's102 name, type (e.g., whether user102 is an individual, entity, nonprofit organization, etc.), account or profile information (e.g., account settings, account usage history, background information regarding user102, etc.), location,infrastructure101 usage history, login credentials (including, but not limited to, passwords, usernames, passcodes, pin numbers, fingerprint scan data, retinal scan data, voice authentication data, facial recognition information, and the like), and the like.

Control station database

130 may be configured to store information pertaining to at least onecontrol station108. In some aspects, by way of example and not limitation,control station108 may comprise a computer kiosk communicatively coupled (either via wireless media (such as, for example and not limitation, to enable usage from one or more remote locations) or via wired connectivity) tofluid delivery system106 and configured to identify, detect, present, interpret, compare, determine, and/or analyze one or more aspects offluid delivery system106; or,control station108 may comprise any similar computational or electronic device that may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein.Control station108 information that may be stored withincontrol station database130 may include, by way of example and not limitation,control station108 usage history (e.g., which user(s)102 have usedcontrol station108, how long various user(s)102 have usedcontrol station108, and the like),control station108 manufacturer information,control station108 specifications and/or capabilities, list of problems or issues previously identified usingcontrol station108, list of problems or issues previously resolved usingcontrol station108, list of problems or issues pending undercontrol station108,control station108

infrastructure

101 usage history, login credentials required to access and/or utilize fluid control station108 (including passwords, usernames, passcodes, pin numbers, fingerprint scan data, retinal scan data, voice authentication data, facial recognition information, and the like), and the like.

User database

126, fluiddelivery system database128, andcontrol station database130 may each be physically separate from one another, logically separate, or physically or logically indistinguishable from some or all other databases.

Asystem administrator134 may accessinfrastructure101 via theInternet132 in order to oversee and manageinfrastructure101.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, an application service provider—an individual person, business, or other entity—may allow access, on a free registration, paid subscriber, and/or pay-per-use basis, toinfrastructure101 via one or more World-Wide Web (WWW) sites on theInternet132. Thus,system100 is scalable.

As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s), in an aspect, various screens may be generated byserver122 in response to input from user(s)102 overInternet132. As a nonlimiting example,server122 may comprise a typical web server running a server application at a website which sends out webpages in response to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secured (HTTPS) requests from remote browsers on various computing devices104 orcontrol stations108 being used by various users102. Thus,server122 is able to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to users102 that utilizesystem100 in the form of webpages. These webpages are sent to the user's102 PC, laptop, mobile device, PDA, or like device104 orcontrol station108, and would result in the GUI being displayed.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, alternate aspects of the present disclosure may include providing a tool for facilitating the detection of, identification of, and/or resolution of one or more problems or issues associated with one or more aspects of and/or with the operation of, functionality of, and/or configuration of fluid delivery system(s)106 to user(s)102 via computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108 as a stand-alone system (e.g., installed on one server PC) or as an enterprise system wherein all the components ofsystem100 are connected and communicate via an inter-corporate Wide Area Network (WAN) or Local Area Network (LAN). For example, in an aspect where users102 are all personnel/employees of the same company or are all members of the same group, the present disclosure may be implemented as a stand-alone system, rather than as a web service (i.e., Application Service Provider (ASP) model utilized by various unassociated/unaffiliated users) as shown inFIG. 1.

As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, alternate aspects of the present disclosure may include providing the tools for facilitating the detection of, identification of, and/or resolution of one or more problems or issues associated with one or more aspects of and/or with the operation of, functionality of, and/or configuration of fluid delivery system(s)106 to user(s)102 viainfrastructure101, computing device(s)104, and/or control station(s)108 via a browser or operating system pre-installed with an application or a browser or operating system with a separately downloaded application on such computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108. That is, as will also be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, the application that facilitates the detection of, identification of, and/or resolution of one or more problems or issues associated with one or more aspects of and/or with the operation of, functionality of, and/or configuration of fluid delivery system(s)106 for user(s)102 may be part of the “standard” browser or operating system that ships with computing device104 orcontrol station108 or may be later added to an existing browser or operating system as part of an “add-on,” “plug-in,” or “app store download.”

Infrastructure

101 may be encrypted to provide for secure communications. A security layer may be included that is configurable using a non-hard-cooled technique selectable by user102 which may be based on at least one of: user102, country encryption standards, etc. A type of encryption may include, but is not limited to, protection at least at one communication protocol layer such as the physical hardware layer, communication layer (e.g., radio), data layer, software layer, etc. Encryption may include human interaction and confirmation with built-in and selectable security options, such as, but not limited to, encoding, encrypting, hashing, layering, obscuring, password protecting, obfuscation of data transmission, frequency hopping, and various combinations thereof. As a nonlimiting example, the prevention of spoofing and/or eavesdropping may be accomplished by adding two-prong security communication and confirmation using two or more data communication methods (e.g., light and radio) and protocols (e.g., pattern and freq. hopping). Thus, at least one area of security, as provided above, may be applied to at least provide for communication being encrypted while in the cloud; communication with user102, communication withfluid delivery system106, and/or communication withcontrol station108 that may occur via theInternet132, a Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth (a wireless technology standard standardized as IEEE 802.15.1), satellite, or another communication link; communications between computing device(s)104 andfluid delivery system106; communications between control station(s)108 andfluid delivery system106; communications between computing device(s)104 and control station(s)108; communications between Internet of Things devices andfluid delivery system106 and/or control station(s)108; and the like.

The Internet of Things, also known as IoT, is a network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity to enable objects to exchange data with the manufacturer, operator, and/or other connected devices based on the infrastructure of International Telecommunication Union's Global Standards Initiative. The Internet of Things allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration between the physical world and computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy, and economic benefit. Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to interoperate within the existing Internet infrastructure. Communications may comprise use of transport layer security (“TLS”), fast simplex link (“FSL”), data distribution service (“DDS”), hardware boot security, device firewall, application security to harden from malicious attacks, self-healing/patching/firmware upgradability, and the like. Security may be further included by use of at least one of: obfuscation of data transmission, hashing, cryptography, public key infrastructure (PKI), secured boot access, and the like.

Referring now toFIGS. 2A-2B, block diagrams depicting two possible configurations of a first exemplaryfluid delivery system200, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, are shown.

In some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments,fluid delivery system106 may comprise a configuration substantially similar to exemplaryfluid delivery system200 depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B. By way of example and not limitation,fluid delivery system200 may comprise at least onefluid source202, at least one section of piping204 (shown as pipingsections204a-binFIG. 2B), and at least onefluid destination208. In some additional aspects,fluid delivery system200 may also comprise at least onepumping mechanism206.

Fluid delivery system

200 may be configured to transfer an amount of at least one fluid from fluid source(s)202 to fluid destination(s)208 via piping section(s)204. Piping section(s)204 may be configured to at least partially contain the amount of fluid(s) to be transferred viafluid delivery system200. By way of example and not limitation, piping section(s)204 may comprise high-pressure piping, low-pressure piping, stainless steel piping, carbon steel piping, tubing, hosing, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) piping, any type of fluid line, as well as any similar materials and/or configurations as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, including any combination thereof. The movement that enables the transferring of the at least one fluid may be at least partially facilitated by gravitational forces. In aspects wherein at least onepumping mechanism206 may be included withfluid delivery system200, the movement of the at least one fluid withinfluid delivery system200 may be at least partially facilitated by the functioning of such pumping mechanism(s)206.

By way of example and not limitation, fluid source(s)202 may comprise any appropriate location, container, or configuration that is capable of holding an amount of at least one fluid, either manmade or naturally occurring, such as one or more tanks, vessels, reservoirs, trucks, trailers, wells, ponds, rivers, lakes, oceans, and the like. Additionally, by way of further example and not limitation, fluid destination(s)208 may comprise any location, container, or configuration where an amount of one or more fluids is required or desired to be, including one or more wellbores; one or more machines, pieces of equipment, apparatuses, devices, and/or system components; one or more tanks; one or more vessels; one or more reservoirs; one or more trucks; one or more trailers, one or more ponds; one or more rivers; one or more lakes; one or more oceans; and the like.

In aspects whereinfluid delivery system200 may comprise one ormore pumping mechanisms206,such pumping mechanisms206 may comprise any appropriate form as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, such as pressure pumps (including frac pumps), transfer pumps, and the like.Fluid delivery system200 may also comprise one or more suction valves, distribution valves, inlet valves, outlet valves, and/or similar fluid flow control mechanisms or structures as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein as needed.

Fluid delivery system

200 may further comprise at least one sensing device210 (shown as sensing devices210a-cinFIGS. 2A-2B) configured to measure, sense, and/or detect at least one aspect offluid delivery system200. By way of example and not limitation, sensing device(s)210 may comprise one or more flow measuring devices (e.g., various flow meter(s)502 (not shown inFIGS. 2A-2B), etc.), one or more density measuring devices (e.g., densimeter(s), etc.), one or more temperature measuring devices (e.g., thermometer(s), temperature meter(s), etc.), one or more viscosity measuring devices (e.g., viscometers, rheometers, etc.), one or more pressure measuring devices (e.g., pressure transducer(s)504 (not shown inFIGS. 2A-2B), pressure meter(s), etc.), one or more velocity sensing devices (e.g., flow velocity measuring devices, anemometers, etc.), one or more composition analyzing devices, one or more volume measuring devices (e.g., volume sensor(s), etc.), and/or any similar device(s), mechanism(s), apparatus(es), or component(s) as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, including any combination thereof. By way of further example and not limitation, the measurement and/or detection of the at least one aspect offluid delivery system200 may comprise measuring and/or detecting a density, a flow rate, a pressure, a velocity, a temperature, a viscosity, a composition, and/or a volume of at least one fluid passing through at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system200; measuring and/or detecting at least one operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system200 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar aspect(s) offluid delivery system200 as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. In some aspects, sensing device(s)210 may be communicatively coupled to computing device(s)104 (not shown inFIGS. 2A-2B) and/or control station108 (not shown inFIGS. 2A-2B), either via wireless media (such as, for example and not limitation, via Bluetooth (a wireless technology standard standardized as IEEE 802.15.1)) or via wired connectivity in order to perform one or more calculations on detected/measured/sensed data from sensing device(s)210 and convert the data into a form more usable by user(s)102 (not shown inFIGS. 2A-2B) (e.g., density data may be used to calculate a pressure of fluid(s) within one or more components offluid delivery system200, fluid flow data may be used to calculate an operating efficiency for one ormore pumping mechanisms206, etc.). In some aspects, one or more of sensing devices210 may be configured with Internet of Things capabilities.

Sensing device(s)210 used within and/or upon various portions or components offluid delivery system106 may be affixed using any appropriate means, mechanisms, or devices as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, including via welding, via adhesion, and via various fastening elements such as nails, nuts, bolts, screws, washers, clips, clamps, clasps, hooks, pins, brackets, and the like, as well as any combination thereof, By way of example and not limitation, sensing device(s)210 associated withfluid delivery system106 may be configured inline of piping204 within the flow of the fluid(s) that may pass therethrough. This may be particularly true in aspects wherein sensing device(s)210 may comprise one or more flow meters502 configured to measure the linear, nonlinear, mass, volumetric, or similar flow rate of one or more fluids flowing through one or more portions and/or components offluid delivery system106. In such aspects, flow meter(s)502 may be affixed within one or more sections of piping204 via one or more flange adapters (such as those available from Victaulie of Easton, Pa.), one or more hammer unions, various clamping or coupling mechanisms, as well as any similar connective, fastening, and/or clamping mechanisms or devices as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, as well as any combination thereof. In aspects wherein sensing device(s)210 may comprise one ormore pressure transducers504, such pressure transducer(s)504 may be affixed upon and/or within one or more portions or components offluid delivery system106 via one or more 0.2500 inch National Pipe Thread (NPT) fittings, one or more high-pressure Weco® unions (such as those available from TechnipFMC plc of London, United Kingdom), as well as any similar connective, fastening, and/or clamping mechanisms or devices as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, as well as any combination thereof.

In some aspects, it may be important to optimize the performance of eachpumping mechanism206 that may be utilized with a givenfluid delivery system106. Therefore, in some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, it may be beneficial forfluid delivery system106 to include at least one sensing device210 in the form of an inline densimeter in at least one portion of the tubing and/or piping204 leading to eachpumping mechanism206 in order to, for example and not limitation, detect problems or issues, such as head loss, that may be developing near the entrance to pumping mechanism(s)206 and/or occurring therein. Additionally, sensing device(s)210 in the form of one or more flow meters502 may be positioned within at least one portion of tubing and/or piping204 coming into and/or going out of eachpumping mechanism206 associated withfluid delivery system106 and/or within eachpumping mechanism206, in order to detect, identify, prevent, and/or quickly resolve problems or issues that may be occurring therewith and/or therein, such as, by way of example and not limitation, cavitation. These configurations of sensing device(s)210, along with others, may help increase the efficiency of eachpumping mechanism206 as well as increase the efficiency and/or effectiveness offluid delivery system106 as a whole and/or reduce, prevent, or minimize the undesired suspension of the operation offluid delivery system106, thereby saving time and money.

Referring now toFIG. 3, an image depicting a second exemplaryfluid delivery system300, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

In some aspects, by way of example and not limitation,fluid delivery system106 may take the form of exemplaryfluid delivery system300.Fluid delivery system300 may comprise at least onefluid source202 and/or additive source in the form of at least oneblending apparatus304, at least one pumping mechanism206 (labeled only aspumping mechanism206ainFIG. 3, for clarity), at least one section of tubing and/or piping204 (labeled only aspiping section204ainFIG. 3, for clarity), at least one data cable310 (labeled only as data cables310a-binFIG. 3, for clarity), and at least onefluid destination208 in the form of at least onewellhead314. In some additional aspects,fluid delivery system300 may further comprise at least one manifold apparatus302 (such as a frac manifold or missile, either in/upon a trailer or in another configuration), and at least one data center312 (which may include one or more computing devices104 (not shown inFIG. 3) and/or control stations108 (not shown inFIG. 3). In still some additional aspects,fluid delivery system300 may comprise one or more fracturing tanks, one or more units for storing and/or handling proppant (including one or more components of blendingapparatus304, such as, by way of example and not limitation, blendingtub306 and/or hopper308), one or more high-pressure treating irons, one or more chemical additive units (used to monitor the addition of one or more additives to one or more fluids), one or more low-pressure flexible hoses, and/or one or more gauges and/or meters for displaying various types of information regarding one or more aspects offluid delivery system300. Although blendingapparatus304 is depicted in a trailer mounted form inFIG. 3, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, blendingapparatus304 may comprise other various forms that are not trailer mounted.

In some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments,fluid delivery system300 may be configured for use with one or more wellbores associated with one or more hydraulic fracturing processes. In such (or similar) embodiments, by way of example and not limitation, pumping mechanism(s)206 may comprise one or more frac pumps (such as, for example and not limitation, one or more triplex or quintuplex pumps) or mud pumps configured to increase the pressure of a slurry being transported to the wellbore(s) viafluid delivery system300. Additionally, in such exemplary embodiments, by way of further example and not limitation, blendingapparatus304 may comprise one or more components (such as, by way of example and not limitation, blending tub306) configured to combine at least one portion of the fluid(s) (e.g., water, oil, methanol, slickwater, gasoline, one or more petroleum products, one or more chemicals, one or more gels, one or more crosslinkers, saltwater, brine, one or more acids, produced water, dirty water, LNG, pipeline quality natural gas, other natural gas, propane, biofuel, and/or the like) from fluid source(s)202 with one or more additives (e.g., at least one chemical, compound, fluid, proppant, and/or the like) from at least one additive source such as, by way of example and not limitation,hopper308, in order to form the slurry. Furthermore, in such exemplary embodiments, by way of yet further example and not limitation, fluid destination(s)208 may comprise one ormore wellheads314 configured to receive an amount of pressurized slurry and deliver the slurry to an internal portion of at least one wellbore. Moreover, in such exemplary embodiments, by way of still further example and not limitation, data center(s)312 may take the form of one or more data vans configured to house one or more computing devices104,control stations108, and/or other computational and/or electronic devices configured to provide at least one user102 (not shown inFIG. 3) with information regarding at least one aspect offluid delivery system300 as detected by one or more sensing devices210 (not shown inFIG. 3) and/or to facilitate the ability of user(s)102 to change, adjust, and/or otherwise control one or more aspects offluid delivery system300.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a perspective view of an exemplarymanifold apparatus302 for use withfluid delivery system106, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

In some aspects,manifold apparatus302 used with fluid delivery system106 (such as, for example and not limitation, fluid delivery system300) may comprise one or more sensing devices210 configured to measure, sense, and/or detect one or more aspects of one or more fluids passing throughmanifold apparatus302 and/or configured to measure, sense, and/or detect one or more aspects ofmanifold apparatus302 itself. In some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments,manifold apparatus302 may comprise a frac manifold or missile with a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side. By way of example and not limitation, in aspects whereinfluid delivery system106 may be configured for use with one or more wellbores associated with one or more hydraulic fracturing processes,manifold apparatus302 may comprise one or more sensing devices210 in the form of one or moremagnetic flow meters402 and/or one or more one high-pressure valve indicators408. Additionally,manifold apparatus302 may comprise at least oneair actuator406 for at least one suction valve that may be adjusted manually by user(s)102 (not shown inFIG. 4) and/or adjusted via computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108. In some additional aspects, magnetic flow meter(s)402 may include one or more pressure and/or temperature input capabilities. In still some additional aspects,manifold apparatus302 may be integrated with at least onecontrol system hub404 via which one or more users102 may control the functioning of and/or otherwise interact withmanifold apparatus302 and/or any sensing devices210 associated therewith. In such aspects,control system hub404 may include and/or function similarly to computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a top view of exemplarymanifold apparatus302 for use withfluid delivery system106, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

By way of example and not limitation, in some aspects,manifold apparatus302 may comprise one or more sensing devices210 in the form of at least one flow meter502 (shown as flow meters502a-dinFIG. 5) and at least one pressure transducer504 (shown aspressure transducers504a-dinFIG. 5). By way of further example and not limitation, each flow meter502 may comprise amagnetic flow meter402, an electromagnetic flow meter, a turbine style flow meter, a mass flow (i.e., Coriolis) flow meter, and/or any similar flow measuring device(s) that may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, as well as any combination thereof. In some aspects, each flow meter502 may be accurate to within one percent or less of the actual flow measurement of the fluid(s) passing through one or more portions ofmanifold apparatus302 or any other component(s) of fluid delivery system106 (not shown inFIG. 5).

In some aspects, each flow meter502 may be configured within and/or uponmanifold apparatus302 so that it may be able to measure the linear, nonlinear, mass, or volumetric flow rate of one or more fluids flowing through one or more portions ofmanifold apparatus302, such as, by way of example and not limitation, configured inline of one or more portions ofmanifold apparatus302 within the flow of the fluid(s) that may pass therethrough. By monitoring the flow rate of the fluid(s), user(s)102 (not shown inFIG. 5), computing device(s)104 (not shown inFIG. 5), and/or control station(s)108 (not shown inFIG. 5) (Including control system hub(s)404 (not shown inFIG. 5), when relevant) may have the ability to identify and, if necessary, initiate or perform one or more actions to resolve one or more problems or issues associated with one or more aspects of a givenmanifold apparatus302 and/or an associatedfluid delivery system106 or one or more portions or components thereof. By way of example and not limitation, an unintentional or undesired increase or decrease in the flow rate of fluid(s) passing through one or more portions ofmanifold apparatus302 may indicate one or more problems or issues therein or therewith, such as, by way of example and not limitation, head loss withinmanifold apparatus302, one or more leaks withinmanifold apparatus302, uneven flow throughoutmanifold apparatus302, and/or an additive concentration withinmanifold apparatus302 that is too low or too high. When such problem(s) or issue(s) may be identified, they may be compensated for by adjusting the flow of fluid(s) throughmanifold apparatus302 and/or repairing, replacing, or adjusting the functionality or operation the appropriate/relevant component(s) offluid delivery system106, including any appropriate/relevant component(s) or portion(s) ofmanifold apparatus302. Knowing which portion(s) or component(s) of fluid delivery system106 (including manifold apparatus302) are experiencing problems or issues may allow those problems/issues to be resolved in a timely manner while experiencing minimal downtime forfluid delivery system106, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness offluid delivery system106, saving both time and money. Additionally, by quickly identifying problems/issues using flow meter(s)502 and/or pressure transducer(s)504 associated withmanifold apparatus302, problems/issues such as cavitation may be minimized, prevented, or eliminated and damage tomanifold apparatus302 and/or one or more other components offluid delivery system106 may be minimized or avoided.

In some aspects, eachpressure transducer504 may be configured within and/or uponmanifold apparatus302 in order to detect the pressure of the fluid(s) passing throughmanifold apparatus302 at various locations. Knowing when the pressure of the fluid(s) reaches levels that are too low or too high may allow user(s)102, computing device(s)104, and/or control station(s)108 (including control hub(s)404) to identify problems or issues with one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (such as, by way of example and not limitation, pumping mechanisms206 (not shown inFIG. 5) (e.g., one or more pressure pumps, etc.)) associated withmanifold apparatus302 or one or more other portions or components offluid delivery system106 and make any necessary or desired changes or adjustments thereto without interrupting the general operation offluid delivery system106, thereby increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness offluid delivery system106, minimizing, preventing, or eliminating problems/issues such as cavitation withinfluid delivery system106, and minimizing or avoiding damage to one or more components offluid delivery system106, includingmanifold apparatus302 and/or pumping mechanism(s)206.

In some aspects, flow meter(s)502 may be configured along an outer perimeter ofmanifold apparatus302 while pressure transducer(s)504 may be configured at opposing distal ends ofmanifold apparatus302. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, many different locations may be suitable for flow meter(s)502 and/or pressure transducer(s)504.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a flowchart illustrating anexemplary process600 for facilitating the ability of at least one user102 to manually receive at least one detection of and make at least one adjustment to at least one aspect offluid delivery system106, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

Process

600, which may at least partially execute within system100 (not shown inFIG. 6), begins atstep602 with control passing immediately to step604.

Atstep604, at least one sensing device210 (not shown inFIG. 6) associated with fluid delivery system106 (not shown inFIG. 6) measures, senses, and/or detects at least one aspect of a particularfluid delivery system106. By way of example and not limitation, sensing device(s)210 may comprise one or more flow meters502, densimeters, thermometers,pressure transducers504, velocity sensors, and/or volume sensors. By way of further example and not limitation, the measurement and/or detection of the at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 may comprise measuring and/or detecting a density, a flow rate, a pressure, a velocity, a temperature, a viscosity, a composition, and/or a volume of at least one fluid passing through at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system106; measuring and/or detecting at least one operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar measurements and/or detections as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein.

Atstep606, at least one user102 views sensing device(s)210 in order to obtain information about one or more aspects offluid delivery system106, including but not limited to a flow rate, density, composition, temperature, viscosity, pressure, velocity, and/or volume of the fluid(s) passing through one or more portions of one or more components offluid delivery system106; at least one operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar data or information as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. By way of example and not limitation, such data or information may be presented upon one or more gauges, meters, display screens, monitors, or similar mechanisms or devices associated with sensing device(s)210 (either directly or indirectly) as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein.

Atstep608, the at least one user102 determines whether any adjustments need to be made tofluid delivery system106, including any components thereof. By way of example and not limitation, the determination may be made at least partially based on whether the at least one user102 thinks thatfluid delivery system106 is operating less efficiently and/or effectively than it could be and/or whether the at least one user102 thinks that continuing the operation offluid delivery system106 may cause damage to one or more components thereof. If the determination is in the affirmative,process600 proceeds to step610; if the determination is negative,process600 proceeds to step612.

Atstep610, the at least one user102 makes at least one adjustment to at least one aspect offluid delivery system106. By way of example and not limitation, the adjustment(s) may be made by user102 manually adjusting one or more mechanisms or devices associated withfluid delivery system106, including but not limited to one or more air actuators406 (not shown inFIG. 6), discharge valves, suction valves, inlet valves, outlet valves, high-pressure valves, and other valves, as well as any similar appropriate fluid flow control mechanisms or devices as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. By adjusting such mechanisms or devices, user102 may be able adjust the flow rate, density, composition, pressure, temperature, viscosity, velocity, and/or volume of the fluid(s) within at least one portion of at least one componentfluid delivery system106, thereby facilitating the resolution of any problem(s)/issue(s) being experienced byfluid delivery system106 or one or more components thereof and/or minimizing or avoiding damage thereto. Other types of adjustments may be made to other aspects offluid delivery system106 as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, including adjusting one or more operating parameters of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a speed of operation, a mode of function, etc.).

Atstep612

process

600 is terminated andprocess600 ends.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a flowchart illustrating anexemplary process700 for facilitating the ability of at least one user102 to use at least one computing device104 to make at least one detection of and make at least one adjustment to at least one aspect offluid delivery system106, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

Process

700, which may at least partially execute within system100 (not shown inFIG. 7), begins atstep702 with control passing immediately to step704.

Atstep704, a user102 (not shown inFIG. 7) logs in tosystem100 via a computing device104 (not shown inFIG. 7) or control station108 (not shown inFIG. 7). In some aspects, user102, computing device104, orcontrol station108 may provide login credentials, thereby allowing access to an account or profile associated with user102. By way of example and not limitation, the login credentials may take place via a software application, a website, a web application, or the like accessed by computing device104 orcontrol station108. By way of further example and not limitation, login credentials may comprise a username, password, passcode, key code, pin number, visual identification, fingerprint scan, retinal scan, voice authentication, facial recognition, and/or any similar identifying and/or security elements as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein as being able to securely determine the identity of user102. In some aspects, user102 may login using a login service such as a social media login service, an identity/credential provider service, a single sign on service, and the like. In various aspects, users102 may create user102 accounts/profiles via such login services. Any user102 accounts/profiles may, in some aspects, be stored within and retrieved from, by way of example and not limitation, user database126 (not shown inFIG. 7). Once user102 has successfully logged in tosystem100,process700 proceeds to step706.

Atstep706, at least one sensing device210 (not shown inFIG. 7) associated withfluid delivery system106 measures, senses, and/or detects at least one aspect offluid delivery system106. By way of example and not limitation, sensing device(s)210 may comprise one or more flow meters502 (not shown inFIG. 7), densimeters, thermometers, pressure transducers504 (not shown inFIG. 7), velocity sensors, and/or volume sensors. By way of further example and not limitation, the measurement and/or detection of the at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 may comprise measuring and/or detecting a density, a flow rate, a pressure, a velocity, a temperature, a viscosity, a composition, and/or a volume of at least one fluid passing through at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system106; measuring and/or detecting at least one operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar measurements and/or detections as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. In some aspects, sensing device(s)210 may be communicatively coupled to computing device(s)104 and/orcontrol station108, either via wireless media (such as, for example and not limitation, to enable user102 interaction with sensing device(s)210 from one or more remote locations) or via wired connectivity.

Atstep708, computing device(s)104 and/orcontrol station108 convert or interpret measured, sensed, and/or detected data from sensing device(s)210 into information in a form that may be useful to user102 by performing one or more calculations. By way of example and not limitation, sensing device(s)210 in the form of one or more densimeters may provide measured/sensed/detected density information to determine a pressure for the fluid(s) within at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system106, while sensing device(s)210 in the form of one or more flow meters502 may provide measured/sensed/detected fluid flow data that may be used with component data to determine an operating efficiency for one or more components offluid delivery system106 such as, by way of example and not limitation, pumping mechanism(s)206 (not shown inFIG. 7) (e.g., by using measured/sensed/detected fluid flow data with data regarding the size and operating rate of pumping mechanism(s)206) (or, in some aspects, to determine an operating efficiency forfluid delivery system106 as a whole). Other similar conversions and/or calculations may be performed to obtain other useful data as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. In some aspects, the data obtained from sensing device(s)210 may be useful to user102 without any conversion or interpretation. In such aspects step708 may be skipped.

Atstep710, at least one user102 is presented with information regarding at least one aspect offluid delivery system106. By way of example and not limitation, such information may be displayed via at least one graphical user interface associated with computing device(s)104 and/orcontrol station108 communicatively coupled to sensing device(s)210, or upon a screen or monitor associated with a given sensing device210 (either directly or indirectly). Additionally or alternatively, the information may be presented upon one or more gauges, meters, display screens, monitors, or similar mechanisms or devices associated with sensing device(s)210 (either directly or indirectly) as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. The displayed information may comprise, by way of example and not limitation, a flow rate, density, composition, temperature, viscosity, pressure, velocity, and/or volume of the fluid(s) passing through one or more portions of one or more components offluid delivery system106; an operating efficiency of one or more components offluid delivery system106; an operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar data or information as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. By way of further example and not limitation, the data or information presented to user(s)102 may also comprise location and/or component information. For instance, in some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, the presented information may indicate to user(s)102 where within fluid delivery system106 a given flow rate measurement was taken or which component(s) offluid delivery system106 are experiencing a particular pressure level.

Atstep712, the at least one user102 determines whether any adjustments need to be made tofluid delivery system106, including any components thereof. By way of example and not limitation, the determination may be made at least partially based on whether the at least one user102 thinks thatfluid delivery system106 is operating less efficiently and/or effectively than it could be and/or whether the at least one user102 thinks that continuing the operation offluid delivery system106 may cause damage to one or more components thereof. In some aspects, this determination may be at least partially made with the assistance of mathematical and/or computational analysis performed by one or more computing devices104 and/or one ormore control stations108 and/or by one or more computing devices104 and/or one ormore control stations108 comparing the detected/measured aspect(s) offluid delivery system106 to one or more predetermined standards or values (e.g., as a nonlimiting example, that may be stored in and retrieved from fluid delivery system database128) (or a range or predetermined standards or values) and determining whether the detected/measured aspect(s) are outside of a tolerable deviation of the one or more predetermined standards or values (or a range thereof). If the determination is in the affirmative,process700 proceeds to step714; if the determination is negative,process700 proceeds to step718.

Atstep714, user102 initiates at least one adjustment to at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 via at least one input device (such as, for example and not limitation, a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, joystick, microphone, camera, scanner, chip reader, card reader, magnetic stripe reader, near field communication technology, and the like) associated with computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108 and uses the input device(s) to identify the desired adjustment(s) via at least one graphical user interface presented via a monitor or display screen associated (either directly or indirectly) with computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108. By way of example and not limitation, the at least one adjustment to the at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 may comprise an adjustment to the flow rate, density, composition, pressure, temperature, viscosity, velocity, and/or volume of the fluid(s) within at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system106, thereby facilitating the resolution of one or more problems or issues being experienced byfluid delivery system106 or any component(s) thereof and/or minimizing or avoiding damage thereto. Other types of adjustments may be made to other aspects offluid delivery system106 as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, including adjusting one or more operating parameters of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a speed of operation, a mode of function, etc.). In order to instigate any adjustment(s) to the aspect(s) offluid delivery system106 requested by user102, computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108 may control the manipulation of one or more mechanisms or devices associated withfluid delivery system106, including but not limited to one or more air actuators406 (not shown inFIG. 7), discharge valves, suction valves, inlet valves, outlet valves, high-pressure valves, and other valves, as well as any similar appropriate fluid flow control mechanisms or devices as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein.

Atstep716, user102 terminates the open session withinsystem100. All communication between computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108 andsystem100 may be closed. In some aspects, user102 may log out ofsystem100, though this may not be necessary.

In various aspects,

steps

704 and716 ofprocess700 may be omitted, as user102 may not be required to log in or log out ofsystem100.

Atstep718

process

700 is terminated andprocess700 ends.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a flowchart illustrating anexemplary process800 for facilitating the ability of at least one user102 to detect and make at least one adjustment to at least one aspect offluid delivery system106, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

Process

800, which may at least partially execute within system100 (not shown inFIG. 8), begins atstep802 with control passing immediately to step804.

Atstep804,system100 detects at least one aspect of fluid delivery system106 (not shown ifFIG. 8). By way of example and not limitation, the detection may be made by one or more sensing devices210 (not show inFIG. 8) (e.g., one or more flow meters502 (not shown inFIG. 8), densimeters, thermometers, pressure transducers504 (not shown inFIG. 8), velocity sensors, volume sensors, and/or the like) that may be associated withfluid delivery system106. By way of further example and not limitation, the at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 may comprise a density, a flow rate, a pressure, a velocity, a temperature, a viscosity, a composition, and/or a volume of at least one fluid passing through at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system106; at least one operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar aspects offluid delivery system106 as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein.

Atstep806, computing device(s)104 (not shown inFIG. 8) and/or control station108 (not shown inFIG. 8) convert or interpret measured, sensed, and/or detected data from sensing device(s)210 into information in a form that may be useful to user102 by performing one or more calculations. By way of example and not limitation, sensing device(s)210 in the form of one or more densimeters may provide detected/measured/sensed density information to determine a pressure for the fluid(s) within at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system106, while sensing device(s)210 in the form of one or more flow meters502 may provide detected/measured/sensed fluid flow data to determine an operating efficiency for one or more components offluid delivery system106 such as, by way of example and not limitation, pumping mechanism(s)206 (not shown inFIG. 8) (e.g., by using measured/sensed/detected fluid flow data with data regarding the size and operating rate of pumping mechanism(s)206) (or, in some aspects, to determine an operating efficiency forfluid delivery system106 as a whole). Other similar conversions and/or calculations may be performed to obtain other useful data as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. In some aspects, the data obtained from sensing device(s)210 may be useful to user102 without any conversion or interpretation. In such aspects step806 may be skipped

Atstep808,system100 presents information regarding at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 to at least one user102 (not shown inFIG. 8). By way of example and not limitation, such information may be displayed via at least one graphical user interface upon one or more display screens or monitors associated (either directly or indirectly) with computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108 that may be communicatively coupled (either via wireless media (such as, for example and not limitation, to enable user102 interaction with sensing device(s)210 from one or more remote locations) or via wired connectivity) to one or more sensing devices210, or via one or more display screens, monitors, gauges, meters, and/or similar devices or mechanisms as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein that may be associated (either directly or indirectly) with a given sensing device210. The displayed information may comprise, by way of example and not limitation, a flow rate, density, composition, temperature, viscosity, pressure, velocity, and/or volume of the fluid(s) passing through one or more portions of one or more components offluid delivery system106; an operating efficiency of one or more components offluid delivery system106; an operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar data or information as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. By way of further example and not limitation, the data or information presented to user(s)102 may also comprise location and/or component information. For instance, in some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, the presented information may indicate to user(s)102 where within fluid delivery system106 a given flow rate measurement was taken or which component(s) offluid delivery system106 are experiencing a particular pressure level.

Atstep812

process

800 is terminated andprocess800 ends.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a flowchart illustrating anexemplary process900 for facilitating the ability of at least one computing device104 to detect and make at least one adjustment to at least one aspect offluid delivery system106, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

Process

900, which may at least partially execute within system100 (not shown inFIG. 9), begins atstep902 with control passing immediately to step904.

Atstep904,system100 detects at least one aspect of fluid delivery system106 (not shown inFIG. 9). By way of example and not limitation, the detection may be made by one or more sensing devices210 (not shown inFIG. 9) (e.g., one or more flow meters502 (not shown inFIG. 9), densimeters, thermometers, pressure transducers504 (not shown inFIG. 9), velocity sensors, volume sensors, and/or the like) that may be associated withfluid delivery system106. By way of further example and not limitation, the at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 may comprise a density, a flow rate, a pressure, a velocity, a temperature, a viscosity, a composition, and/or a volume of at least one fluid passing through at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system106; at least one operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar aspects offluid delivery system106 as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein.

Atstep906, computing device(s)104 (not shown inFIG. 9) and/or control station108 (not shown inFIG. 9) convert or interpret measured, sensed, and/or detected data from sensing device(s)210 into information in a form that may be useful to user102 by performing one or more calculations. By way of example and not limitation, sensing device(s)210 in the form of one or more densimeters may provide detected/measured/sensed density information to determine a pressure for the fluid(s) within at least one portion of at least one component offluid delivery system106, while sensing device(s)210 in the form of one or more flow meters502 may provide detected/measured/sensed fluid flow data to determine an operating efficiency for one or more components offluid delivery system106 such as, by way of example and not limitation, pumping mechanism(s)206 (not shown inFIG. 9) (e.g., by using measured/sensed/detected fluid flow data with data regarding the size and operating rate of pumping mechanism(s)206) (or, in some aspects, to determine an operating efficiency forfluid delivery system106 as a whole). Other similar conversions and/or calculations may be performed to obtain other useful data as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. In some aspects, the data obtained from sensing device(s)210 may be useful to user102 without any conversion or interpretation. In such aspects step906 may be skipped

Atstep908,system100 presents information regarding at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 to at least one user102 (not shown inFIG. 9). By way of example and not limitation, such information may be displayed via at least one graphical user interface upon one or more display screens or monitors associated (either directly or indirectly) with computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108 communicatively coupled (either via wireless media (such as, for example and not limitation, to enable user102 interaction with sensing device(s)210 from one or more remote locations) or via wired connectivity) to one or more sensing devices210, or via one or more display screens, monitors, gauges, meters, and/or similar devices or mechanisms as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein that may be associated (either directly or indirectly) with a given sensing device210. The displayed information may comprise, by way of example and not limitation, a flow rate, density, composition, temperature, viscosity, pressure, velocity, and/or volume of the fluid(s) passing through one or more portions of one or more components offluid delivery system106; an operating efficiency of one or more components offluid delivery system106; an operating condition of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 (e.g., a pressure, temperature, function speed, etc. being experienced by the component(s)); and/or any similar data or information as may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. By way of further example and not limitation, the data or information presented to user(s)102 may also comprise location and/or component information. For instance, in some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, the presented information may indicate to user(s)102 where within fluid delivery system106 a given flow rate measurement was taken or which component(s) offluid delivery system106 are experiencing a particular pressure level.

In some aspects,step908 may be skipped.

Atstep910,system100 compares at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 to at least one predetermined standard or value via computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108. In some nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, the at least one predetermined standard or value may be stored in and retrieved from, by way of example and not limitation, fluiddelivery system database128. By way of example and not limitation, the at least one predetermined standard or value may comprise a preferred and/or optimal density, composition, temperature, viscosity, flow rate, pressure, velocity, and/or volume of at least one fluid passing through at least one portion of at least one component of fluid delivery system106 and/or a preferred and/or optimal operating efficiency and/or operating condition(s) of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 as determined by user(s)102, computing device(s)104, control station(s)108, and/or a manufacturer of fluid delivery system106 or one or more components thereof; or the at least one predetermined standard or value may comprise a range of preferred and/or optimal densities, compositions, temperatures, viscosities, flow rates, pressures, velocities, and/or volumes of at least one fluid passing through at least one portion of at least one component of fluid delivery system106 and/or a range of preferred and/or optimal operating efficiencies and/or operating conditions of one or more components of fluid delivery system106 as determined by user(s)102, computing device(s)104, control station(s)108, and/or a manufacturer of fluid delivery system106 or one or more components thereof.

In some aspects, the at least one predetermined standard or value may comprise aspect(s) offluid delivery system106 that must correspond to other aspect(s) thereof. By way of example and not limitation, in order for a givenpumping mechanism206 to function appropriately, it may require a fluid suction flow rate within a certain range of the discharge rate of fluid(s) from thatpumping mechanism206. If these rates are found to be outside of a predetermined acceptable range, then user102, computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108 may alter and/or request one or more changes to the flow of fluid(s) from fluid source(s)202.

Atstep912,system100 determines whether any changes or adjustments need to be made to any aspect(s) offluid delivery system106, including any component(s) thereof via, for example and not limitation, computing device(s)104 and/or control station(s)108. By way of example and not limitation, the determination may be made at least partially based on whethersystem100 determines, via mathematical and/or computational analysis, thatfluid delivery system106 and/or one or more components thereof is operating less efficiently and/or effectively than it could be and/or that continuing the operation offluid delivery system106 may cause damage to one or more components thereof. Additionally, the determination may be at least partially based upon whether at least one aspect offluid delivery system106 is not within a tolerable deviation of the at least one predetermined standard or value referenced during the comparison performed atstep910 and therefore requires at least one change or adjustment. If the determination is in the affirmative,process900 proceeds to step914; if the determination is negative,process900 proceeds to step916.

Atstep916

process

900 is terminated andprocess900 ends.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a block diagram of anexemplary computing system1000 useful for implementing one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

FIG. 10 sets forthillustrative computing functionality1000 that may be used to implement web server(s)122, application server(s)124, one or more gateways110-120,user database126, fluiddelivery system database128,control station database130, computing devices104 utilized by user(s)102 to accessInternet132,control station108 to facilitate interaction between a givenfluid delivery system106 and user(s)102, or any other component ofsystem100. In all cases,computing functionality1000 represents one or more physical and tangible processing mechanisms.

Computing functionality

1000 may comprise volatile and non-volatile memory, such asRAM1002 andROM1004, as well as one or more processing devices1006 (e.g., one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphical processing units (GPUs), and the like).Computing functionality1000 also optionally comprisesvarious media devices1008, such as a hard disk module, an optical disk module, and so forth.Computing functionality1000 may perform various operations identified when the processing device(s)1006 execute(s) instructions that are maintained by memory (e.g.,RAM1002,ROM1004, and the like).

More generally, instructions and other information may be stored on any computer readable medium1010, including, but not limited to, static memory storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices. The term “computer readable medium” also encompasses plural storage devices. In all cases, computer readable medium1010 represents some form of physical and tangible entity. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable medium1010 may comprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.”

“Computer storage media” comprises volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media may be, for example, and not limitation,RAM1002,ROM1004, EEPROM, Flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer.

“Communication media” typically comprise computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communication media may also comprise any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media comprises wired media such as wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable medium.

Computing functionality

1000 may also comprise an input/output module1012 for receiving various inputs (via input modules1014), and for providing various outputs (via one or more output modules). One particular output module mechanism may be apresentation module1016 and an associatedGUI1018.Computing functionality1000 may also include one ormore network interfaces1020 for exchanging data with other devices via one ormore communication conduits1022. In some aspects, one ormore communication buses1024 communicatively couple the above-described components together.

Communication conduit(s)1022 may be implemented in any manner (e.g., by a local area network, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), and the like, or any combination thereof). Communication conduit(s)1022 may include any combination of hardwired links, wireless links, routers, gateway functionality, name servers, and the like, governed by any protocol or combination of protocols.

Alternatively, or in addition, any of the functions described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and the like.

The terms “module” and “component” as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. In the case of a software implementation, the module or component represents program code that performs specified tasks when executed on one or more processors. The program code may be stored in one or more computer readable memory devices, as described with reference toFIG. 10. The features of the present disclosure described herein are platform-independent, meaning the techniques can be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms having a variety of processors (e.g., desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, smart telephone, gaming console, and the like).

It is noted that the order of the steps of processes600-900, including the starting points thereof, may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein.

While various aspects of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary aspects, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

In addition, it should be understood that the figures in the attachments, which highlight the structure, methodology, functionality and advantages of the present disclosure, are presented for example purposes only. The present disclosure is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be implemented in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures (e.g., utilization with different fluids; utilization of different system components; implementation within computing devices, environments, and methods other than those mentioned herein). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, certain features from different aspects of the systems, methods, and computer program products of the present disclosure may be combined to form yet new aspects of the present disclosure.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the relevant art(s) who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of this technical disclosure. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid delivery system configured to transfer an amount of at least one fluid to at least one fluid destination, the fluid delivery system comprising:

at least one fluid source;

at least one section of piping configured to at least partially contain the amount of the at least one fluid;

at least one pumping mechanism; and

at least one sensing device configured to detect at least one aspect of the fluid delivery system.

2. The fluid delivery system ofclaim 1, wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises:

at least one manifold apparatus.

3. The fluid delivery system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one fluid comprises at least one of: water, slickwater, produced water, saltwater, brine, at least one petroleum product, at least one chemical, at least one gel, at least one acid, methanol, at least one crosslinker, liquefied natural gas, pipeline quality natural gas, propane, and at least one biofuel.

4. The fluid delivery system ofclaim 1, wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises:

at least one additive source.

5. The fluid delivery system ofclaim 4, wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises at least one blending apparatus configured to combine at least one portion of the amount of the at least one fluid from the at least one fluid source with an amount of at least one additive from the at least one additive source.

6. The fluid delivery system ofclaim 5, wherein the at least one additive comprises at least one of: at least one chemical, at least one proppant, at least one acid, at least one friction reducer, at least one disinfectant, at least one breaker, at least one emulsifier, at least one stabilizer, at least one surfactant, at least one oxygen scavenger, at least one scale inhibitor, at least one pH adjusting agent, at least one corrosion inhibitor, at least one biocide, and at least one gelling agent.

7. The fluid delivery system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one pumping mechanism comprises a pressure pump.

8. The fluid delivery system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one sensing device comprises at least one of: a flow meter, a densimeter, a thermometer, a pressure transducer, a velocity sensor, and a volume sensor.

9. The fluid delivery system ofclaim 1, wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises at least one computing device communicatively coupled to the at least one sensing device.

11. A method for identifying at least one issue associated with a fluid delivery system, wherein the fluid delivery system is configured to transfer an amount of at least one fluid to at least one fluid destination, wherein the fluid delivery system comprises: at least one fluid source, at least one section of piping configured to at least partially contain the amount of the at least one fluid, at least one pumping mechanism, and at least one sensing device configured to detect at least one aspect of the fluid delivery system, the method comprising:

detecting at least one aspect of the fluid delivery system using the at least one sensing device; and

presenting the at least one aspect of the fluid delivery system to at least one user.

12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving at least one input from the at least one user, wherein the at least one input is configured to make at least one adjustment to the at least one aspect of the fluid delivery system.

13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises:

at least one manifold apparatus.

14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises:

at least one additive source.

15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises at least one blending apparatus configured to combine at least one portion of the amount of the at least one fluid from the at least one fluid source with an amount of at least one additive from the at least one additive source.

16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one sensing device comprises at least one of: a flow meter, a densimeter, a thermometer, a pressure transducer, a velocity sensor, and a volume sensor.

18. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises at least one computing device communicatively coupled to the at least one sensing device.

19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the method further comprises:

comparing, via the at least one computing device, the at least one aspect of the fluid delivery system to at least one predetermined standard.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the method further comprises:

determining, via the at least one computing device, whether the at least one aspect of the fluid delivery system is within a tolerable deviation of the at least one predetermined standard; and

initiating, via the at least one computing device, at least one adjustment to the at least one aspect of the fluid delivery system.