Improve valve maintenance safety and efficiency during zipper frac operations
Valves on the frac tree and manifold require regular maintenance (grease injection) during hydraulic fracturing operations. The conventional manual technique—which is often on the critical path—and the absence of a data-driven approach to defining maintenance schedules waste time and resources, increase risk, and frequently lead to NPT because of improper valve maintenance. Personnel have to enter the red zone, more crew members are required, and estimating the optimal amount of grease depends on individual skill.
An operator with projects in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale tried to address the safety issues by keeping the grease injection equipment outside the hazardous area and using longer hoses. However, the grease had to travel farther, which increased the job duration. A more efficient solution was required.
