Pump Assembly

• US 20090068031A1
• Filed: 09/03/2008
• Published: 03/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Liberty Oilfield Services LLC (Liberty Oilfield Services, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Shampine, Rod, Gambier, Philippe, Pessin, Jean-Louis, Leugemors, Edward, Coquilleau, Laurent
• Granted Patent: US 8,506,267 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/364
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 17/05 driven by internal-combustion engines
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 17/06 Mobile combinations
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 47/02 the driving mechanisms being situated at ground level F04B47/12 takes precedence

Abstract

A technique facilitates the pumping of fluids in a well related application while minimizing the number of system components. The system and methodology comprise a plurality of pumps for use at a well site to deliver a well treatment fluid to a desired location. A single driveline is coupled between the plurality of pumps and a motive unit without incorporating a splitter box. The driveline is driven by the motive unit to rotate the plurality of pumps.

Claims

1. A system for pumping, comprising:

a mobile platform;

a motive unit mounted on the mobile platform;

a plurality of pumps mounted on the mobile platform; and

a drive shaft forming a driveline driven by the motive unit, the drive shaft being coupled with a solid, direct connection to the plurality of pumps without splitting the driveline.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the motive unit comprises one of an internal combustion engine, a gas turbine, an electric motor, and a hydraulic motor.

3. The system as recited in claim 2, further comprising a transmission coupled to the internal combustion engine and to the drive shaft.

4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pumps comprises two pumps.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of pumps comprises more than two pumps.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein each pump of the plurality of pumps comprises a positive displacement pump.

7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the drive shaft extends through a first pump to a second pump.

8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the drive shaft comprises an external drive shaft being directly coupled to each pump of the plurality of pumps by a gear.

9. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a pump release system to enable selective release of an individual pump from a pumping operation.

10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the mobile platform is one of a truck trailer, a skid, and a self-propelled platform.

11. A method of delivering a well treatment fluid, comprising:

providing a plurality of pumps at a well site;

coupling a single driveline directly to the plurality of pumps without a splitter box;

engaging the driveline with the motive unit for rotating the driveline and powering the plurality of pumps; and

delivering a well treatment fluid downhole to perform at least one well treatment operation.

12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein delivering comprises delivering one of a fracturing treatment fluid, a cementing treatment fluid, and a coiled tubing service fluid.

13. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein providing comprises providing a plurality of positive displacement pumps.

14. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein coupling comprises coupling a drive shaft with a solid, direct connection to the plurality of pumps so that the drive shaft extends through at least one pump.

15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein coupling comprises coupling a drive shaft with a solid, direct connection to the plurality of pumps so that the drive shaft is disposed externally of the plurality of pumps.

16. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein engaging comprises connecting the driveline to one of an internal combustion engine, a gas turbine, an electric motor, and a hydraulic motor.

17. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising using a pump release system in cooperation with the plurality of pumps to enable selective release of an individual pump from a pumping operation via a mechanical disconnect of the individual pump.

18. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising using a pump release system in cooperation with the plurality of pumps to enable selective release of an individual pump from a pumping operation via a hydraulic rerouting system.

19. The method as recited in claim 11, further comprising mounting the plurality of pumps and the motive unit on a mobile platform.

20. A system, comprising:

a plurality of pumps mounted at a surface location for use in delivering treatment fluid downhole in a well treatment operation;

a motive unit;

a single shaft coupling the motive unit to the plurality of pumps without splitting the single shaft; and

a pump release system selectively operable to release individual pumps from delivering treatment fluid downhole.

21. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the pump release system comprises a mechanical release system.

22. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the pump release system comprises a hydraulic rerouting system.

23. The system as recited in claim 20, further comprising at least one mobile platform, wherein the plurality of pumps and the motive unit are mounted on the mobile platform.

24. The system as recited in claim 20, further comprising at least two mobile platforms, wherein the plurality of pumps are mounted on a mobile platform and the motive unit is mounted on a separate mobile platform.

25. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the single shaft is coupled to the plurality of pumps via pinion gears.

26. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the single shaft is coupled to the plurality of pumps via a transfer case.

27. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the pump release system comprises a plurality of valves to selectively stop flow of the treatment fluid to or from the pumps.

28. The system as recited in claim 20, wherein the pump release system is connectable such that an angle of rotation between the pumps is selectable.