US20140102696A1

US20140102696A1 - Supported Connection Assembly

Info

Publication number: US20140102696A1
Application number: US13/653,158
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin W. HALLIBURTON
Original assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Current assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Priority date: 2012-10-16
Filing date: 2012-10-16
Publication date: 2014-04-17

Abstract

A wellbore servicing operation connection system comprising a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, wherein each of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit is fluidicly connected to a wellbore servicing equipment component, a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Hydrocarbon-producing wells are often stimulated, for example, by hydraulic fracturing operations, wherein a fracturing fluid may be introduced into a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore at a hydraulic pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein. A subterranean formation may act as a source and/or storage location for natural resources such as hydrocarbons. Stimulating or treating the wellbore in such ways may increase hydrocarbon production from the well. Suitable fluid supplies are sometimes required to prepare wellbore servicing fluids employed in the performance of various wellbore servicing operations.
The transport of hydrocarbons, water, lubricants, wellbore servicing fluids, and/or the like, for example, oil and gas from a subterranean formation, may require a plurality of fluid conduits (e.g., tubular members) and the use of various connections, of various types and/or configurations, between such fluid conduits, both above and below the earth's surface. For example, it may be necessary to connect various tubular members, such as pipeline members or riser members, transfer conduits, joints, or the like, to each other, to a platform, to other hydrocarbon production equipment, to storage units, to totes, and/or combinations thereof.
In some instances the integrity of some of these conduits and/or connections may become compromised, for example, as a result of fluid seals deterioration, failure of mechanical components of such connections, operator error, over-pressuring situations, and/or combinations thereof. As a result of such compromised connections, a fluid such as hydrocarbons, water, lubricants, wellbore servicing fluids (e.g., fracturing fluids), wellbore servicing fluid components, and/or the like may be discharged from the fluid conduits and into the surrounding environment. Additionally or alternatively, fluid conduit connections made within a workspace may be susceptible to accidental disconnections, for example, as a result of an operator accidentally releasing a latching mechanism between a pair of fluid conduits or failing to properly secure a connection, thereby causing fluid to be discharged into the surrounding environment. In some instances, for example, the fluid may be pressurized within the fluid conduit and may be hazardously discharged (e.g., sprayed or spewed) at a high velocity. Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, for example, the fluid may comprise hazardous materials and, when discharged, may contaminate the surrounding area or present a hazard to personnel. As such, there is a need to prevent fluid leaks and/or to control fluids that may leak or otherwise escape from such conduit connections.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing operation connection system comprising a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, wherein each of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit is fluidicly connected to a wellbore servicing equipment component, a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.
Also disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing method comprising providing a first wellbore servicing equipment component, the first wellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit, providing a second wellbore servicing equipment component, the second wellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid communication with a second fluid conduit, establishing a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and providing a housing generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.
Further disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing method comprising providing a primary connection which provides a route of fluid communication between a first wellbore servicing equipment component and a second fluid conduit, identifying a fluid leak from the primary connection, and providing a housing generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection to contain the fluid leak.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description:

FIG. 1 is a partial view of an operating environment of a supported connection assembly;

FIG. 2 is an oblique projection view of an embodiment of a supported connection assembly housing;

FIG. 3 is an oblique projection view of an embodiment of a axially joinable supported connection assembly housing;

FIG. 4 is an oblique projection view of an embodiment of a longitudinally joinable supported connection assembly housing;

FIG. 5 is a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of a primary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connection;

FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of a primary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connection comprising a first seal;

FIG. 7 is a partial cut-away view of an embodiment of a primary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connection comprising a first seal and a second seal;

FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of a primary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connection;

FIG. 9 is of a partial cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of a primary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connection comprising a first seal; and

FIG. 10 is of a partial cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of a primary connection between a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit at least partially encapsulated by a secondary connection comprising a first seal and a second seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. In addition, similar reference numerals may refer to similar components in different embodiments disclosed herein. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the present disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed herein may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.
Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “connect,” “engage,” “couple,” “attach,” or any other like term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to a direct interaction between those elements and may also include an indirect interaction between the elements described.
Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “up,” “upper,” “upward,” “up-hole,” “upstream,” or other like terms shall be construed as generally from the formation toward the surface or toward the surface of a body of water; likewise, use of “down,” “lower,” “downward,” “down-hole,” “downstream,” or other like terms shall be construed as generally into the formation away from the surface or away from the surface of a body of water, regardless of the wellbore orientation. Use of any one or more of the foregoing terms shall not be construed as denoting positions along a perfectly vertical axis.
Unless otherwise specified, use of the term “subterranean formation” shall be construed as encompassing both areas below exposed earth and areas below earth covered by water such as ocean or fresh water.
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a supported connection assembly (SCA) and methods of using the same. Particularly, disclosed herein are one or more embodiments of a SCA incorporated along two or more fluid conduits, for example, at a connection between two or more conduits. In an embodiment, a SCA may provide additional structural support to a primary connection, for example, between a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. In such an embodiment, the SCA may be effective to contain any fluid leaks from a primary connection (e.g., to reduce environmental contamination, fluid losses, and/or hazardous conditions, as may be due to a leak from the primary connection). Additionally or alternatively, in one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, a SCA may be effective to shield the primary connection (e.g., to reduce the potential that a primary connection will be unintentionally discounted).
Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, an embodiment of an operating environment in which such a SCA may be employed is illustrated. It is noted that although some of the figures may exemplify horizontal or vertical-oriented fluid conduits, the principles of the methods, apparatuses, and systems disclosed herein may be similarly applicable to fluid conduits having various configurations, orientations, placements, locales, and combinations thereof. Therefore, the orientation, locale, or other nature of any figure is not to be construed as limiting the usage or implementation of an SCA to any particular configuration.
In an embodiment, the operating environment may comprise a well site comprising a drilling or servicing rig 102 and may generally comprise a derrick with a rig floor through which a tubular string 104 (e.g., a drill string; a work string such as a segmented tubing string, a coiled tubing string, jointed pipe string, or the like; a casing string; or combinations thereof) may be lowered into the wellbore. In such an embodiment, the tubular string 104 may comprise a wellbore servicing apparatus configured for one or more wellbore servicing operations (e.g., a cementing or completion operation, a clean-out operation, a perforating operation, a fracturing operation, production of hydrocarbons, etc.) which may be integrated within the tubular string for the purpose of performing one or more wellbore servicing operations. The drilling or servicing rig 102 may be conventional and may comprise a motor driven winch and other associated equipment for lowering the tubular string and/or wellbore servicing apparatus into the wellbore. Alternatively, a mobile workover rig, a wellbore servicing unit (e.g., coiled tubing units), or the like may be present at the well site and may be used to lower the tubular string and/or wellbore servicing apparatus into the wellbore for the purpose of performing a wellbore servicing operation. In an alternative embodiment, the operating environment may comprise well site comprising a drilling, servicing, and/or production rig which may be located on a platform (e.g., a drilling, servicing, and/or production platform) at the surface of a body of water and may be employed to drill and/or service a wellbore and/or to produce hydrocarbons therefrom. In an embodiment, the operational environment may further comprise one or more wellbore servicing equipment components generally positioned at the well site, for example, a wellbore servicing manifold trailer, a blender, a boost pump, a high-pressure pump, a treatment system, a water tank, an additive tank, a mixer, and/or any other suitable wellbore servicing equipment components. Additionally or alternatively, such wellbore servicing fluid components may comprise one or more valves, for example, an input and/or discharge valve, such as may be configured to control fluid communication to/from a treatment tank. In such an embodiment, the treatment tank may comprise a tote, an open top tank, an open air tank, an enclosed tank, a tanker trailer, a tanker truck, a trailer mounted water tank, an over-road tanker truck, a suction tank, a feed tank, or any other suitable tank, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this application. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the valve may comprise a valve stem handle, for example, for the purpose of allowing or disallowing fluid communication there-through. Additionally, the operational environment may further comprise a wellhead (e.g., via a “Christmas tree”).
In such an embodiment, two or more of such wellbore servicing equipment components may be fluidicly connected (e.g., in fluid communication with one another via one or more fluid conduits, tubulars, valves, etc.), for example, for performing a drilling wellbore drilling operation, a wellbore servicing operation, a hydrocarbon production operation, or combination thereof. For example, in an embodiment two or more of such wellbore servicing components may be directly, fluidicly connected (e.g., a valve, directly connected to a tank). Alternatively, in an embodiment two or more wellbore servicing components may be indirectly, fluidicly connected, for example, via one or more fluid conduits. Non-limiting examples of such fluid conduits may include a hose, a manifold, a pipe, a tubular, a valve, and/or any other suitable structures as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure. Further, one or more of such wellbore servicing equipment components may be fluidicly connected to the wellbore via the wellhead, for example, via a fluid conduit. Therefore, in such embodiments, a number and variety of fluid connections (e.g., between two or more wellbore servicing equipment components, between a component and a fluid conduit, and/or between two or more fluid conduits) may be present at the well site.
The SCA 300, as will be disclosed herein, may be disclosed with reference to a connection between two fluid conduits (e.g., a first conduit 110 a, a second fluid conduit 110 b). In such an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b may communicate a fluid for a wellbore servicing operation or component thereof, communicate a produced fluid, communicate a fluid for disposal, or communicate a fluid for any other suitable purpose. As used herein, the term “fluid conduit” may generally refer to a flow pathway and associated physical structure via which a fluid may be conveyed. Unless otherwise noted, the term “fluid conduit” may include any suitable configuration of wellbore servicing equipment components, tubulars, or the like, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure. As such, a SCA 300 may be employed at a fluid connection between two or more wellbore servicing equipment components, at a fluid connection between a component and a fluid conduit, at a fluid connection between two or more fluid conduits, or at some combination of these. Therefore, while one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may reference a particular type and/or configuration of fluid connection, the SCA should not be construed as limited to use with any particular type or configuration of fluid connection.
As will be disclosed with reference to FIGS. 5 through 10, in an embodiment, a SCA 300 may generally comprise a housing 200 and a fluid conduit (e.g., the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b). Particularly, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may be positioned around or about the fluid conduit, for example, around or about a primary connection 100 between two or more fluid conduits. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise a secondary connection 150, for example, between two or more components of the housing 200. Additionally, in an embodiment the SCA 300 may further comprise one or more seals 210, for example, disposed proximate to the primary connection and at least partially or substantially covered by the housing 200, for example, at an interface between the housing 200 and at least one fluid conduit, as will be disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the SCA 300 may be configured to shield and/or contain a fluid leak. Additionally or alternatively, the SCA 300 may be configured to shield, protect, and/or contain the primary connection 100.
In an embodiment, one or more connections may be used to join two or more fluid conduits, for example, conduits connecting wellbore servicing components for the purpose of communicating and/or transporting a fluid therethrough (e.g., hydrocarbons, water, lubricants, fracturing fluids, wellbore servicing fluids, wellbore servicing fluid components, produced fluids, fluids to be disposed of, the like, or combinations thereof). In an embodiment, a primary connection 100 may form a fluid-tight and/or substantially fluid-tight seal and may join the two or more fluid conduits, as will be disclosed herein. Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment the primary connection 100 may be used to fluidicly join the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b.
As disclosed above, in an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b may comprise any suitable type of fluid conduit, for example, non-limiting examples of the suitable types of fluid conduits include a tubular (such as a pipe, a tubular, a hose, a valve, a and/or manifold), a wellbore servicing equipment component (e.g., as disclosed herein and/or as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art), a container (such as a reservoir, tank, or the like), or combinations thereof. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or various portions thereof may be formed of one or more suitable materials such as, but not limited to, iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, non-metallic material, brass, aluminum, plastic, elastomers, composites, and/or any other suitable material as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure.
In an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 a comprises and terminates with a first connecting interface 100 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b comprises and terminates with a second connecting interface 100 b. The first connecting interface may be complementary to the second connecting interface. In such an embodiment, the first connecting interface 100 a and/or the second connecting interface 100 b may be formed of one or more suitable materials such as, but not limited to, iron, steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, composites, and/or any other suitable materials as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure. In such an embodiment, the primary connection 100 may be formed by joining the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b. In an embodiment, the primary connection may comprise any suitable type and/or configuration of connection. Examples of suitable types and/or configurations of such connections include, but are not limited to, an air king coupling, a cam and groove coupling, a ground joint coupling, a hoselink coupling, a hozelock coupling, a storz coupling, a Guillemin symmetrical clutch coupling, a Barcelona coupling, a Nakajima coupling, a gost coupling, a machine coupling, a threaded coupling (e.g., national standard thread coupling), an expansion ring coupling, a holedall coupling, a mulconroy coupling, a bolted flange coupling, and/or any other suitable type of coupling as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure. In an such embodiment, the first connecting interface 100 a and/or the second connecting interface 100 b may comprise any suitable make-up for use in making the primary connection, for example, an internally and/or externally threaded coupling, a box pin coupling, a tensioning coupling, a latching coupling, a compression coupling, a mechanical bolt type coupling, an adapter coupling, a sleeve coupling, a restraint harness coupling, a quick connect coupling, a hose clamp, a male coupling, a female coupling, a sexless coupling, a quarter turn coupling, a flanged lip, a collar, and/or any other suitable devices, or combinations thereof, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure.
In an embodiment, the housing 200 may be generally configured to substantially enclose (e.g., to be positioned about or around) at least a portion of the fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primary connection 100. In an embodiment, the housing 200 generally comprises a cylindrical or tubular-like structure. In an embodiment, the housing 200 may be constructed, for example, of a rigid and/or substantially rigid material (e.g., plastic tubing, iron, steel tubing, brass tubing, copper tubing, polyvinylchloride), a flexible and/or substantially flexible material (e.g., elastomeric compound, rubber hose, vinyl tubing, reinforced vinyl tubing, latex hose, heat shrinkable tubing, nylon tubing, polyolefin tubing), and/or some combination thereof.
Referring to FIGS. 2-4, various embodiments of a housing 200 as may be employed in a SCA 300 are illustrated. In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4, the housing 200 generally defines an axial bore 124. In an embodiment, the diameter of the axial bore 124 is generally greater than the outer diameter of the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primary connection 100. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the axial bore 124 may be sized such that the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primary connection 100 fit within the axial bore 124 of the housing 200. In an embodiment, the diameter of the axial bore 124 may be substantially uniform, for example, substantially unchanged over the length of the housing 200. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the diameter of the axial bore 124 may vary depending upon the location along a longitudinal axis 400. For example, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise a relatively reduced axial bore 124 proximate to its outer edges along the longitudinal axis 400, for example, for the purpose of restricting and/or preventing movement of the housing 200 relative to the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primary connection 100. Additionally or alternatively, the diameter of the axial bore 124 may be adjustable and/or variable, for example, the housing 200 may comprise a polyolefin tubing and may be heat shrinkable so as to reduce the diameter of the axial bore 124 to about the size of the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primary connection 100.
In an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise a viewing window. In such an embodiment, the viewing window may be at least partially or substantially transparent and may allow for an interior portion of the housing 200 to be viewed from a location exterior to the housing. In an embodiment, the viewing window may comprise a plastic, glass, laminate, or any other suitable material, or combinations thereof, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.
Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise one or more recesses, grooves, slots, or the like (for example, a circumferential groove) circumscribed into or onto the inner diameter of the housing 200. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more grooves may be sized to retain one or more seals, as will be disclosed herein.
Additionally, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise a drain port (e.g., an orifice with a drain plug, valve, spigot, or the like), for example, on a lower end, portion, or side thereof as oriented relative to the primary connection 100. In such an embodiment, the drain plug may be configured to selectively provide a route of fluid communication out of the axial bore 124 to the exterior of the housing 200. In an embodiment, the drain port may comprise a threaded bore within the structure of the housing 200 and a threaded drain plug. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the drain port may comprise valve such as stopcock or an adjustable bleeder valve.
Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise a unitary structure, for example, the housing 200 may comprise a segment of tubing. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the housing 200 comprises a substantially rigid unitary structure, such as a segment of PVC tubing. In an alternative embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise a flexible unitary structure, for example, the housing 200 may comprise a segment of nylon tubing.
In an alternative embodiment, the housing 200 may be made up of two or more operably connected portions (e.g., a first portion and a second portion). In such an embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the two or more components of the housing 200 may be axially joinable (e.g., joinable in an axial direction via a joint or union extending radially around the longitude of the housing 200), thereby dividing the housing 200 into segments with respect to a longitudinal axis 400, for example, into a plurality of co-axial cylindrical segments (e.g., a first portion 200 a and a second portion 200 b) coupled and/or contact via a first circumferential edge 201 a and a second circumferential edge 201 b, respectively.
Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the housing 200 may be radially joinable (e.g., joinable in a radial direction via a joint or union extending the length of the housing 200) with respect to a longitudinal axis 400. For example, in such an embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise radial portions (e.g., a first portion 200 a and a second portion 200 b each comprising about one half of a cylinder) and further coupled and/or in contact via longitudinal edges (e.g., a first longitudinal edge 202 a, a second longitudinal edge 202 b). In such an embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the housing 200 may be in the form of a “clamshell” and further comprise a hinge joining the first portion 200 a (e.g., along the second longitudinal edge 202 b thereof) and the second portion 200 b (e.g., along the first longitudinal edge 202 a thereof). In an alternative embodiment, such a hinge may be absent and the two or more portions of the housing 200 may be joined (e.g., held together) as will be disclosed herein. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise three or more radial portions, for example, a first portion hinged on both sides to a single side of each of a second portion and a third portion. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the housing 200 of the SCA 300 may comprise any suitable structure; such suitable structures will be appreciated by those of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure.
Additionally, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise one or more alignment pins and holes, grooves and slots, and/or the like along one or more of the circumferential edges 201 a and 201 b or along one or more of the longitudinal edges 202 a and 202 b. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more alignment pins and hole (or other suitable, complementary structures) may be employed to align the respective edges and/or faces of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200, for example, prior to or during the steps of joining the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b, as will be disclosed herein.
In an embodiment where the housing 200 comprises two or more portions (e.g., as disclosed with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4), the SCA 300 may further comprise a secondary connection, that is, a connection joining the two or more portions of the housing 200. For example, referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axially joinable, as previously disclosed with respect to FIG. 3, the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b may be recombined and/or fastened along the one or more circumferential edges (e.g., the first circumferential edge 201 a and the second circumferential edge 201 b) of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b via the secondary connection 150. In such an embodiment, the secondary connection may comprise a threaded connection (e.g., having internally and/or externally threaded surfaces), a box pin coupling, a tensioning coupling, a latching coupling, one or more welded bonds, a compression coupling, a mechanical bolt type coupling, an adapter coupling, a sleeve coupling, a restraint harness coupling, a quick-connect coupling, hose clamps, a male coupling, a female coupling, a sexless coupling, a quarter turn coupling, a flanged lip, a collar, an air king coupling, a cam and groove coupling, a ground joint coupling, a hoselink coupling, a hozelock coupling, a storz coupling, a Guillemin symmetrical clutch coupling, a Barcelona coupling, a Nakajima coupling, a gost coupling, a machine coupling, a national standard thread coupling, an expansion ring coupling, a holedall coupling, a mulconroy coupling, a lock ring with mating profiles, and/or any other suitable devices as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure, or combinations thereof.
Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is radially joinable, as previously disclosed with respect to FIG. 4, the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b may be recombined and/or fastened to form the secondary connection 150 along one or more longitudinal edges of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b via the secondary connection 150. For example, in an embodiment, the secondary connection may comprise a latching mechanism, one or more bolts penetrating one or more threaded bore hole in the housing 200, a tensioning coupler, a latching coupler, one or more welded bonds, a compression coupler, a mechanical bolt type coupling, an adapter, a sleeve coupler, a restraint harness, a quick connect system, hose clamps, and/or any other suitable devices, or combinations thereof, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.
Additionally, in an embodiment secondary connection 150 may be configured so as to be substantially fluid-tight. For example, in an embodiment, the housing 200 may comprise one or more seals, gaskets, a sealing adhesive, or the like at the interface between the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, a seal or gasket may be present at a joint or union between the first circumferential edge 201 a and the second circumferential edge 20 lb or, alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, at a joint or union between the first longitudinal edge 202 a and the second longitudinal edge 202 b (e.g., of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b). In such embodiments, such a seal, gasket, or the like may provide a substantially fluid tight joint or union between the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b, for example, such that a fluid which leaks from the primary connection 100 may be retained within the housing 200 (e.g., within a confined space formed with the flowbore 124 of the housing 200) as will be disclosed herein.
In various embodiments, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and FIGS. 9-10, the SCA 300 may comprise one or more seals 210 (e.g., O-rings or the like) disposed between the housing 200 and the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b. The one or more seals 210 may be constructed of, for example, a rigid or substantially rigid material (e.g., plastic, nylon, brass), a flexible or substantially flexible material (e.g., rubber, elastomeric material), a swellable material (e.g., expanding elastomeric materials), and/or some combination thereof. Suitable seals and/or configurations of include but are not limited to a T-seal, an O-ring, a gasket, a nylon ring, metallic ring, and any combinations thereof. For example, in an embodiment, a rigid or substantially rigid seal (e.g., a nylon ring) may be used in conjunction with a flexible housing structure (e.g., a hose). In an alternative embodiment, a flexible or substantially flexible seal (e.g., a rubber seal) may be used in conjunction with a rigid housing structure (e.g., steel tubing). In an alternative embodiment, a swellable seal (e.g., an expanding elastomeric seal) may be used in conjunction with a rigid housing structure (e.g., steel tubing). In an alternative embodiment, any suitable combination of seals or housing structures may be used as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure.
In an embodiment, the one or more seals 210 may be displaced within one or more recesses, grooves, slots or the like within the housing 200. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the one or more seals may be disposed onto the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second conduit 110 b and may be positioned to be at least partially covered by the housing 200. Upon establishing the secondary connection 150, in an embodiment, the one or more seals 210 may form a substantially fluid-tight interface (and define an inner sealed volume of the housing 200) between the inner surface of the housing 200 and the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or between the inner diameter surface of the housing 200 and the second fluid conduit 110 b. In an embodiment, the one or more seals 210 may be used to resist, impede, or prohibit movement of the housing 200 relative to the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the one or more seals 210 may provide a fluid-tight and/or substantially fluid-tight seal preventing a route of fluid communication out of the axial bore 124 of the housing 200.
For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the SCA 300 may comprise a first seal 210 a disposed between the housing 200 and the first fluid conduit 110 a and, in the event of a fluid leak from the primary connection 100, the first seal 210 a may prevent the fluid leak from exiting the housing 200 in the direction of the first seal 210 a. Additionally, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, the SCA 300 may comprise a first seal 210 a disposed between the first conduit 110 a and the housing 200 and a second seal 210 b disposed between the second conduit 110 b and the housing 200. In an embodiment, in the event of a fluid leak from the primary connection 100 the first seal 210 a and the second seal 210 b may contain the fluid leak within a sealed interior volume of the housing 200 of the SCA 300. In such embodiments, the first seal 210 a and/or the second seal 210 b may be incorporated within the housing 200 of the SCA 300 (e.g., within a groove). In an alternative embodiment, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the SCA 300 may comprise no seals and may reinforce the primary connection 100 and in the event of a fluid leak from the primary connection 100, may shield any discharge (e.g., spray) from the primary connection 100. In such an embodiment, the fluid leak may be allowed to exit via the axial bore 124 of the housing 200 of the SCA 300, but may do so without spraying or jetting. Additionally, in such an embodiment the SCA 300 may further protect the primary connection 100 and/or shield the primary connection 100 from an unintended or accidental disconnection.
Also disclosed herein are one or more embodiments of a wellbore servicing method utilizing the SCA 300, for example, as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, such a wellbore servicing method may generally comprise the steps of providing and/or assembling a SCA 300 and communicating a fluid via the SCA 300. In an additional embodiment, the wellbore servicing method may further comprise monitoring the SCA 300 for fluid leaks, draining the SCA 300, and disassembling the SCA 300.
In an embodiment, the step of providing and/or assembling a SCA 300 may further comprise the sub-steps of providing one or more fluid conduits 110, establishing a primary connection 100, and providing a housing 200 disposed around the primary connection, as will be disclosed herein.
As noted above, a plurality of fluid conduits and various connections between such conduits may be found at a wellsite. For example, in such an embodiment, various wellbore servicing equipment components may be generally positioned at a well site and may be attached to a wellhead of a wellbore, for example, for the purpose of performing one or more wellbore servicing operations. In such an embodiment, a plurality of fluid conduits (e.g., hoses, steel tubing) may be employed for transporting fluids (e.g., water, hydrocarbons, wellbore servicing fluids) throughout the well site (e.g., between various wellbore servicing equipment components). For example, in an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 a may comprise of a hose and the second fluid conduit 110 b may comprise an input and/or output valve of a tank. Alternatively, in an embodiment, a connection may be made between any wellbore servicing components, tubulars, and/or various other fluid conduits as disclosed herein and as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this application.
As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, such fluid conduits, for example, various wellbore servicing equipment components, tubulars, or the like, may be transported to the wellsite and there assembled (e.g., fluidicly connected), for example, to yield a desired configuration (e.g., a “fracturing spread”).
In an embodiment, where the housing 200 comprises a unitary structure, as previously disclosed with reference to FIG. 2, prior to establishing the primary connection, the housing 200 may be disposed onto, over, and/or about the first fluid conduit 110 a or the second fluid conduit 100 b. In an embodiment, where the housing 200 is axially joinable and comprises the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b, as previously disclosed with reference to FIG. 3, prior to establishing the primary connection, as will be disclosed herein, the first portion 200 a of the housing 200 may be disposed onto, over, and/or about the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second portion 200 b may be disposed onto, over, and/or about the second fluid conduit 110 b, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is radially joinable and comprises a first portion 200 a and a second portion 200 b, as previously described with reference to FIG. 4, it may be unnecessary to dispose any portion of the housing 200 about or around any portion of the first fluid conduit 100 a, the second fluid conduit 100 b, or combinations thereof prior to connecting the fluid conduits to form a primary connection.
In an additional embodiment, prior to establishing the primary connection, one or more seals, for example, a first seal 210 a (e.g., an O-ring) may be introduced over and disposed onto the first fluid conduit 110 a. Additionally, in an embodiment, a second seal 210 b (e.g., an O-ring) may be introduced over and disposed onto the second fluid conduit 110 b, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10. In an alternative embodiment, any suitable combination and/or number of seals may be incorporated with the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b. For example, in an embodiment, only one seal may be disposed onto the first fluid conduit 110 a or the second fluid conduit 110 b, as illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9. In an alternative embodiment, no seals may be disposed onto the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8.
In an embodiment, establishing a primary connection 100 may comprise joining the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b. In such an embodiment, the first fluid conduit 110 a may comprise a suitable first connecting interface 100 a (for example, a sexless quarter turn coupling) and the second fluid conduit 110 b may comprise a suitable second connecting interface 100 b (for example, a sexless quarter turn coupling). In such an embodiment, establishing the primary connection 100 may comprise joining the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b.
In an embodiment, the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b may be positioned so as to engage one another and be joined. In such an embodiment, joining the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b may form a fluid-tight or substantially fluid-tight connection, thereby establishing the primary connection 100. Alternatively, the primary connection 100 may be established by any suitable methods, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure, so as to join any of the previously disclosed connection types and/or configurations.
For example, in an embodiment where the first connecting interface 100 a and/or the second connecting interface 100 b comprise a male threaded coupling and a female threaded coupling (or vice versa), forming the primary connection 100 may comprise radially rotating the first connecting interface 100 a with respect to the second connecting interface 100 b about a longitudinal axis 400, such that the male and female threads become engaged. In another embodiment, where the first connecting interface comprises one or more exterior grooves and the second interface 100 b comprises one or more cam arms, forming the primary connection may comprise inserting the male coupling within the female coupling and engaging the one or more cam arms of the female coupling with the one or more grooves of the male coupling, thereby applying a force to the male coupling (e.g., against a gasket within the female coupling) to form the primary connection 100. In another embodiment where the first connecting interface 100 a and/or the second connecting interface 100 b may comprise sexless couplings, forming the primary connection may comprise butting the first and second interfaces, 100 a and 100 b, against one another, thereby forming a common flow path, radially rotating one or both about a common longitudinal axis 400 to form the primary connection 100.
Alternatively, in an embodiment where the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b comprise outwardly flanged lips, forming the primary connection may comprise butting the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b against one another, thereby creating a common flow path, and introducing a collar comprising an internal groove over the flanged lips such that the flanged lips of the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b are retained within the groove of the collar. In an embodiment, the collar may comprise one or more threaded bores and may be fastened via one or more threaded bolts penetrating one or more threaded bores (or non-threaded bores and secured via threaded nuts) in the collar. In an alternative embodiment, the collar may be fastened via a latching mechanism. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the primary connection 100 may be established by introducing a plurality of threaded bolts penetrating a plurality of common threaded bores within the flanged lips of the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b.
Alternatively, in an embodiment where the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b may be butted against one another, thereby creating a common flow path, the primary connection 100 may be established by welding one or more bonds at the interface between the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the primary connection 100 may be established by introducing a restraint harness onto the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b. In such an embodiment, the restraint harness may forcibly pull the first connecting interface 100 a and the second connecting interface 100 b together via one or more threaded bolts penetrating one or more threaded bores (or non-threaded bores and secured via threaded nuts) within the restraint harness. Alternatively, the primary connection 100 may be established by any suitable methods as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon viewing this disclosure.
In an embodiment, providing a housing disposed around the primary connection may generally comprise positioning the housing 200 over, around, and/or substantially covering the primary connection 100 and establishing the secondary connection.
For example, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axially joinable (e.g., as disclosed with reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5-7) and the secondary connection 150 may be established by joining the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200, providing a housing 200 disposed around the primary connection 100 may generally comprise positioning the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b so as to cover at least a portion of the primary connection 100, and joining or securing the first and second portions together. As disclosed herein, in an embodiment where the housing comprises two axially joinable portions, prior to establishing the primary connection 100, the first portion 200 a of the housing 200 may be positioned over/around the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200 may be positioned over/around the second fluid conduit 110 b. In such an embodiment, positioning the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200 about or around the primary connection 100 may comprise bringing the first and second portion, 200 a and 200 b, together axially so as to substantially cover the primary connection 100.
In such an embodiment, with the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b positioned over/around the primary connection 100, the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b may be joined, for example, thereby establishing the secondary connection 150.
For example, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axially joinable and the first portion 200 a and/or the second portion 200 b of the housing 200 may comprise a male threaded coupling and a female threaded coupling, forming the secondary connection 150 may comprise radially rotating the first portion 200 a with respect to the second portion 200 b, such that the male and female threads become engaged. In another embodiment, where the first portion 200 a comprises one or more exterior grooves and the second portion 200 b comprises one or more cam arms, forming the secondary connection 150 may comprise inserting the male coupling within the female coupling and engaging the one or more cam arms of the female coupling with the one or more grooves of the male coupling, thereby applying a force to the male coupling (e.g., against a gasket within the female coupling) to form the secondary connection 150. In another embodiment where the first portion 200 a and/or the second portion 200 b comprises sexless coupling, forming the secondary connection may comprise butting the first and second portions, 200 a and 200 b, against one another, thereby forming a common flow path, radially rotating one or both with respect to about the common longitudinal axis 400 to form the secondary connection 150.
Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axially joinable and the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200 comprise outwardly flanged lips, forming the secondary connection 150 may comprise butting the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b against one another, thereby creating a common flow path, and introducing a collar comprising an internal groove over the flanged lips such that the flanged lips of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b are retained within the groove of the collar. In an embodiment, the collar may comprise one or more threaded bores and may be fastened via one or more threaded bolts penetrating one or more threaded bores (or non-threaded bores and secured via threaded nuts) in the collar. In an alternative embodiment, the collar may be fastened via a latching mechanism. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the secondary connection 150 may be established by introducing a plurality of threaded bolts penetrating a plurality of common threaded bores (or non-threaded bores and secured via threaded nuts) within the flanged lips of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise one or more seals 210 disposed within the union of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b.
Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is axially joinable and the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200 may be butted against one another creating a common flow path, the secondary connection 150 may be established by welding one or more bonds at the interface between the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the secondary connection 150 may be established by introducing a restraint harness onto the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b. In such an embodiment, the restraint harness may forcibly pull the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b together via one or more threaded bolts penetrating one or more threaded bores (or non-threaded bores and secured via threaded nuts)within the restraint harness. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the housing 200 may further comprise one or more seals 210 disposed within the union of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b.
Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 is longitudinally joinable (e.g., as disclosed with reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 8-10) and the secondary connection 150 may be established by joining the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200, providing a housing 200 disposed around the primary connection 100 may similarly comprise positioning the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b so as to cover at least a portion of the primary connection 100, and joining or securing the first and second portions together. For example, in such an embodiment the housing 200 may be positioned so as to enclose at least a portion of the primary connection 100, the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b after the primary connection 100 has been established. In such an embodiment, after the housing 200 has been positioned with respect to the primary connection, the secondary connection 150 may be established by joining and securing the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b, for example, via a latching mechanism, as previously disclosed. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment where two edges of the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b are movably attached (e.g., via a hinge or the like), the remaining edges may be secured. For example, the primary connection 100 may be surrounded by a clamshell housing that is rotated closed about the hinge and latched to yield a secondary connection 150.
Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 200 comprises a unitary structure (e.g., a sleeve as disclosed with reference to FIG. 2) the housing 200 may be positioned so as to cover at least a portion of the primary connection 100, the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110 b. For example, a unitary housing 200 may be placed over an end of the first fluid conduit 110 a or the second fluid conduit 110 b prior to forming the primary connection 100, and subsequently moved or shifted into a location covering the primary connection 100. Additionally, the housing 200 may be secured into position, for example, via one or more hose clamps, ties, straps, or the like. Alternatively, the secondary connection 150 may be established by any of the previously disclosed methods.
Additionally, in an embodiment where the SCA 300 comprises one or more seals 210, the seals may be positioned at and/or within the interface between the housing 200 and the first fluid conduit 110 a and/or the second fluid conduit 110. In an embodiment, the seals 210 may be positioned prior to establishing the secondary connection 150, for example, as disclosed above. Alternatively, the seals 210 may be positioned after the housing 200 has been positioned. For example, a swellable seal, as disclosed herein, may be loosely disposed at the interface and caused to expand, thereby providing a substantially fluid-tight seal, for example, via contact with a suitable fluid (e.g., water and/or a hydrocarbon). Alternatively, seals 210 may be formed, for example, by placing an expanding material (e.g., pressurized foam or expanding sealant) in a gap between the housing 200 or the fluid conduits.
In an embodiment, once the SCA 300 has been provided, a fluid may be communicated via the fluid conduits and the primary connection 100. For example, a servicing fluid (e.g., a stimulation fluid such as a fracturing fluid) may be transported into/from a wellbore via the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the SCA 300. In an alternative embodiment, a produced fluid, for example, hydrocarbons (e.g., oil and/or gas) may be transported from a wellbore via the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the SCA 300. In an alternative embodiment, water may be transported via the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the SCA 300. In an alternative embodiment, any suitable fluid may be transported via the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the SCA 300, as previously disclosed.
In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be monitored for fluid leaks, for example, during the time in which a fluid is communicated therethrough. For example, the SCA 300 may be monitored by monitoring and/or inspecting the primary connection 100 within the axial bore 124 of the housing 200 via a viewing window. In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be examined for fluid leaks and/or monitored for some duration of time, for example, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, annually, or any other suitable duration of time.
In an embodiment, where the SCA 300 is found (e.g., as a result of monitoring the SCA 300) to contain a fluid (e.g., as may result from a fluid leak) the SCA 300 may be drained, for example, following a fluid leak contained within the sealed axial bore 124 of the housing 200. In such an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be drained via a drain port in the housing 200. In an embodiment, an adjustable bleeder valve may be opened to provide a route of fluid communication from of the housing 200 and/or to extract fluid from within the sealed axial bore 124 of the housing 200.
In an embodiment, following a wellbore servicing operation, the SCA 300 may be disassembled, for example, the SCA 300 may be disassembled and/or removed from the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primary connection 100. In such an embodiment, the secondary connection 150 may be broken (e.g., unscrewing mating couplings) and/or the housing 200 may be removed. Additionally, in an embodiment, the primary connection 100 may be broken (e.g., unscrewing mating couplings). Further still, in an embodiment, one or more seals 210 may be removed from the SCA 300.
In an additional or alternative embodiment, a wellbore servicing method comprises a method of repairing a fluid leak utilizing the SAC 300. In an embodiment, such a wellbore servicing method may generally comprise the steps of identifying a leak and providing a housing 200 around the leak. In an additional embodiment, such a repair method may further comprise monitoring the SCA 300, and draining the SCA 300.
In an embodiment, a fluid leak may be identified from one or more fluid conduits and/or at a connection between the one or more fluid conduits, for example, a servicing fluid leak from a connection between a pressure hose and a tank outlet valve. In an additional or alternative embodiment, a leak may be identified from crack or fracture in a fluid conduit and/or at a failed fluid connection, for example, a fracture in a segment of steel tubing.
In an embodiment, a housing 200, for example, a longitudinally joinable housing 200 as disclosed with reference to FIG. 4, may be positioned so as to enclose such a fluid leak, for example, a portion of the one or more fluid conduits and/or a connection between the one or more fluid conduits. In such an embodiment, the first portion 200 a and the second portion 200 b of the housing 200 may be joined together around the fluid leak and secured so as to form a sealed, fluid tight secondary connection 150, for example, as previously disclosed. Alternatively, the secondary connection 150 may be established by any of the suitable, previously disclosed methods.
In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be monitored, for example, by monitoring the fluid leak within the contained , sealed axial bore 124 of the housing 200 via a viewing window. In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be examined and/or monitored for some duration of time, for example, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, annually, or any other suitable duration of time, as previously disclosed.
In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be drained, for example, following a fluid leak within the axial bore 124 of the housing 200. In such an embodiment, the SCA 300 may be drained via a drain port in the housing 200, as previously disclosed. In an embodiment, an adjustable bleeder valve may be opened to provide a route of fluid communication from of the housing 200 and/or to extract fluid from within the sealed axial bore 124 of the housing 200.
In an embodiment, a SCA 300, a system comprising a SCA 300, and/or a connection method employing such a system and/or SCA 300, as disclosed herein or in some portion thereof, may be advantageously employed to prevent, repair, isolate, shield, and/or to monitor fluid leaks from fluid conduit connections. For example, in an embodiment, a SCA like SCA 300 enables a fluid leak from a first fluid conduit 110 a, a second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or a primary connection 100 between the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b to be contained within the sealed axial bore 124 of the housing 200 of the SCA 300. In an embodiment, the SCA 300 may also enable a fluid connection to be monitored for fluid leaks from the first fluid conduit 110 a, the second fluid conduit 110 b, and/or the primary connection 100 between the first fluid conduit 110 a and the second fluid conduit 110 b while decreasing the risk of loss of fluid as a result of such leaks. For example, following the SCA 300 installation, the integrity of the primary connection 100 may be monitored over some duration of time. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the SCA 300 enables the area proximate to the primary connection 100 to be shielded from a high velocity fluid discharge from the primary connection 100 by the SCA 300. Additionally, in an embodiment, the SCA 300 may secure the primary connection 100, for example, from being accidentally disconnected by an operator and/or equipment.
As may be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the SCA 300 can be incorporated onto new or existing connections and/or plurality of fluid conduits. Conventional methods of providing a connection do not provide a way to isolate and/or to contain fluid leaks from a connection. Additionally, conventional methods do not provide a way to shield against high velocity fluid discharges from a connection. Conventional methods also do not provide a way to secure a connection from an accidental disconnection. Therefore, the methods disclosed herein provide a means by which a fluid leak can be prevented, repaired, isolated, contained, and/or monitored.

ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE

The following are non-limiting, specific embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure:
A first embodiment, which is a wellbore servicing operation connection system comprising:

- a first fluid conduit;
- a second fluid conduit, wherein each of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit is fluidicly connected to a wellbore servicing equipment component;
- a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit; and
- a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.

A second embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of the first embodiment, wherein the housing comprises two or more portions, wherein each of the two or more portions comprises an axial portion of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
A third embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of the second embodiment, wherein the two or more portions are interlockable via a secondary connection extending radially around the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.
A fourth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of one of the first through the third embodiments, wherein the housing comprises two or more portions, wherein each of the two or more portions comprises a radial portion of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
A fifth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of the fourth embodiment, wherein the two or more portions are interlockable via a secondary connection extending longitudinally along the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.
A sixth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of the fifth embodiment, wherein the housing further comprises a hinge along a longitudinal edge of a first of the two or more portions and a longitudinal edge of the second of the two or more portions.
A seventh embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of one of the first through the sixth embodiments, wherein the housing comprises a varying axial bore diameter.
An eighth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of one of the first through the seventh embodiments, wherein the housing comprises a variable axial bore diameter.
A ninth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of one of the first through the seventh embodiments, wherein the housing comprises a rigid or substantially rigid structure.
A tenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of one of the first through the eighth embodiments, wherein the housing comprises a flexible structure.
An eleventh embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of one of the first through the tenth embodiments, wherein the housing further comprises a drain plug selectively configurable to allow a route of fluid communication from the axial bore of the housing to the exterior of the housing.
A twelfth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of one or the first through the eleventh embodiments, wherein the housing comprises a viewing window configured to allow visual inspection of an interior of the housing.
A thirteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing operation connection system of on of the first through the twelfth embodiments, further comprising one or more seals, wherein the one or more seals are disposed at an interface between the first fluid conduit and the housing, at an interface between the second fluid conduit and the housing, or combinations thereof.
A fourteenth embodiment, which is a wellbore servicing method comprising:

- providing a first wellbore servicing equipment component, the first wellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit;
- providing a second wellbore servicing equipment component, the second wellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid communication with a second fluid conduit;
- establishing a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit; and
- providing a housing generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.

A fifteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of the fourteenth embodiment, wherein providing the housing comprises:

- positioning a first housing portion and a second housing portion so as to substantially enclose the primary connection; and
- establishing a secondary connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

A sixteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the first housing portion is positioned around the first fluid conduit and the second housing portion is positioned around the second fluid conduit prior to establishing the primary connection.
A seventeenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of the sixteenth embodiment, wherein the secondary connection extends radially around the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.
An eighteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of the fifteenth embodiment, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are positioned around the primary connection after the primary connection has been established.
A nineteenth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the secondary connection extends longitudinally along the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.
A twentieth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of one of the fourteenth through the nineteenth embodiments, further comprising communicating fluid via the first fluid conduit, the second fluid conduit, and the primary connection.
A twenty-first embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of the twentieth embodiment, further comprising monitoring the primary connection during at least a portion of the duration over which a fluid is communicated there through.
A twenty-second embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of the twentieth embodiment, further comprising draining a fluid from the housing via a drain plug.
A twenty-third embodiment, which is a wellbore servicing method comprising:

- providing a primary connection which provides a route of fluid communication between a first wellbore servicing equipment component and a second fluid conduit;
- identifying a fluid leak from the primary connection; and
- providing a housing generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection to contain the fluid leak.

A twenty-fourth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of the twenth-third embodiment, wherein providing the housing comprises:

- positioning a first housing portion and a second housing portion so as to substantially enclose the primary connection, wherein each of the first housing portion and the second housing portion comprises a radial portion of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis; and
- establishing a secondary connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, wherein the secondary connection extends longitudinally along the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

A twenty-fifth embodiment, which is the wellbore servicing method of one of the twenty-third through the twenty-fourth embodiments, further comprising draining a fluid from the housing via a drain plug.
While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, R1, and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=R1+k*(Ru−R1), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised substantially of, etc.
Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the claims are a further description and are an addition to the embodiments of the present invention. The discussion of a reference in the Detailed Description of the Embodiments is not an admission that it is prior art to the present invention, especially any reference that may have a publication date after the priority date of this application. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wellbore servicing operation connection system comprising:

a first fluid conduit;

a second fluid conduit, wherein each of the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit is fluidicly connected to a wellbore servicing equipment component;

a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, and wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit; and

a housing, generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.

2. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises two or more portions, wherein each of the two or more portions comprises an axial portion of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

3. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 2, wherein the two or more portions are interlockable via a secondary connection extending radially around the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

4. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises two or more portions, wherein each of the two or more portions comprises a radial portion of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

5. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 4, wherein the two or more portions are interlockable via a secondary connection extending longitudinally along the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

6. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 5, wherein the housing further comprises a hinge along a longitudinal edge of a first of the two or more portions and a longitudinal edge of the second of the two or more portions.

7. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a varying axial bore diameter.

8. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a variable axial bore diameter.

9. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a rigid or substantially rigid structure.

10. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a flexible structure.

11. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a drain plug selectively configurable to allow a route of fluid communication from the axial bore of the housing to the exterior of the housing.

12. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a viewing window configured to allow visual inspection of an interior of the housing.

13. The wellbore servicing operation connection system of claim 1, further comprising one or more seals, wherein the one or more seals are disposed at an interface between the first fluid conduit and the housing, at an interface between the second fluid conduit and the housing, or combinations thereof.

14. A wellbore servicing method comprising:

providing a first wellbore servicing equipment component, the first wellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit;

providing a second wellbore servicing equipment component, the second wellbore servicing equipment component being in fluid communication with a second fluid conduit;

establishing a primary connection between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit, wherein the primary connection provides a route of fluid communication between the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit; and

providing a housing generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection.

15. The wellbore servicing method of claim 14, wherein providing the housing comprises:

positioning a first housing portion and a second housing portion so as to substantially enclose the primary connection; and

establishing a secondary connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

16. The wellbore servicing method of claim 15, wherein the first housing portion is positioned around the first fluid conduit and the second housing portion is positioned around the second fluid conduit prior to establishing the primary connection.

17. The wellbore servicing method of claim 16, wherein the secondary connection extends radially around the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

18. The wellbore servicing method of claim 15, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are positioned around the primary connection after the primary connection has been established.

19. The wellbore servicing method of claim 18, wherein the secondary connection extends longitudinally along the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

20. The wellbore servicing method of claim 14, further comprising communicating fluid via the first fluid conduit, the second fluid conduit, and the primary connection.

21. The wellbore servicing method of claim 20, further comprising monitoring the primary connection during at least a portion of the duration over which a fluid is communicated there through.

22. The wellbore servicing method of claim 20, further comprising draining a fluid from the housing via a drain plug.

23. A wellbore servicing method comprising:

providing a primary connection which provides a route of fluid communication between a first wellbore servicing equipment component and a second fluid conduit;

identifying a fluid leak from the primary connection; and

providing a housing generally defining an axial bore with respect to a longitudinal axis and substantially enclosing the primary connection to contain the fluid leak.

24. The wellbore servicing method of claim 23, wherein providing the housing comprises:

positioning a first housing portion and a second housing portion so as to substantially enclose the primary connection, wherein each of the first housing portion and the second housing portion comprises a radial portion of the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis; and

establishing a secondary connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, wherein the secondary connection extends longitudinally along the housing with respect to the longitudinal axis.

25. The wellbore servicing method of claim 23, further comprising draining a fluid from the housing via a drain plug.