Abstract: Methods and systems for supply of fuel for a turbine-driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing may be configured to identify when the supply pressure of primary fuel to a plurality of gas turbine engines of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units falls below a set point, identify a gas turbine engine of the fleet of hydraulic fracturing units operating on primary fuel with highest amount of secondary fuel available, and to selectively transfer the gas turbine engine operating on primary fuel with the highest amount of secondary fuel from primary fuel operation to secondary fuel operation. Some methods and systems may be configured to transfer all gas turbine engines to secondary fuel operation and individually and/or sequentially restore operation to primary fuel operation and/or to manage primary fuel operation and/or secondary fuel operation for portions of the plurality of gas turbine engines.

Abstract: Systems and methods to enhance the flow of fracturing fluid into a wellhead during a high-pressure fracturing operation may include providing a pump frame and a crankshaft. A plurality of first plungers may be connected to the crankshaft and may reciprocate in a first plane. The hydraulic fracturing pump also may include a plurality of second plungers connected to the crankshaft and positioned to reciprocate in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane may define a non-zero offset angle between the first plane and the second plane. The crankshaft may include a plurality of crankpins, and each of the crankpins may be connected to one of the first plungers and one of the second plungers. The first plungers may pump a first fracturing fluid and the second plungers may pump a second fracturing fluid different from the first fracturing fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed provide a hydraulic fracturing unit that includes a reciprocating plunger pump configured to pump a fracturing fluid and a powertrain configured to power the reciprocating plunger pump. The powertrain includes a prime mover and a drivetrain, the prime mover including a gas turbine engine. The hydraulic fracturing unit also includes auxiliary equipment configured to support operation of the hydraulic fracturing unit including the reciprocating plunger pump and the powertrain. A power system is configured to power the auxiliary equipment. The power system includes a power source and a power network. The power source is configured to generate power for the auxiliary equipment. The power network is coupled to the power source and the auxiliary equipment, and configured to deliver the power generated by the power source to the auxiliary equipment. Associated systems including a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, controller, and method for operating a plurality of pumps for a turbine driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of operating a plurality of pumps associated with a hydraulic fracturing system includes receiving a demand Hydraulic Horse Power (HHP) signal. The demand HHP signal may include the Horse Power (HP) required for the hydraulic fracturing system to operate and may include consideration for frictional and other losses. The method further includes operating available pump units at a percentage of rating below Maximum Continuous Power (MCP) level, based at least in part on the demand HHP signal. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a signal for loss of power from one or more pump units. The method further includes operating one or more units at MCP level and operating one or more pump units at Maximum Intermittent Power (MIP) level to meet the demand HHP signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods to enhance the flow of fracturing fluid into a wellhead during a high and the second plungers may pump a second fracturing fluid different from the first fracturing fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supplying primary fuel and secondary fuel to an internal combustion engine may include supplying a first amount of the primary fuel and a second amount of the secondary fuel to the internal combustion engine. The system may include a first manifold to provide primary fuel to the internal combustion engine, and a primary valve associated with the first manifold to provide fluid flow between a primary fuel source and the internal combustion engine. A second manifold may provide secondary fuel to the internal combustion engine, and a fuel pump and/or a secondary valve may provide fluid flow between a secondary fuel source and the internal combustion engine. A controller may determine a total power load, the first amount of primary fuel, and the second amount of secondary fuel to supply to the internal combustion engine to meet the total power load.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for supplying fuel, enabling communications, and conveying electric power associated with operation of a hydraulic fracturing unit of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are disclosed and may include a fuel line connection assembly configured to be connected to the first hydraulic fracturing unit and to supply fuel from a fuel source to a gas turbine engine connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. A system also may include a communications cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to enable data communications between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a data center or another hydraulic fracturing unit. A system further may include a power cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to convey electric power between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a remote electrical power source or the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units.

Abstract: A system, as well as associated methods, for increasing the efficiency of a gas turbine including an inlet assembly and a compressor may include a housing configured to channel airstream towards the inlet assembly, an air treatment module positioned at a proximal end the housing, and at least one air conditioning module mounted downstream of the air treatment module for adjusting the temperature of the airstream entering the compressor. The air treatment module may include a plurality of inlet air filters and at least one blower configured to pressurize the air entering the air treatment module.

Abstract: Embodiments of an enclosure assembly to enhance cooling of a hydraulic fracturing direct drive unit (DDU) during operation are included. The enclosure assembly may include an enclosure body extending at least partially around an enclosure space to house the DDU for driving a fluid pump. The enclosure assembly may include one or more heat exchanger assemblies connected to the enclosure body for cooling a process fluid associated with one or more of the DDU and the fluid pump, and which may be configured to draw air into the enclosure space from and external environment, toward one or more radiator assemblies to cool the process fluid, and along an airflow path through the enclosure space. One or more outlet fan assemblies may be operative to discharge air from the enclosure space to the external environment to maintain a desired temperature of the enclosure space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a status of components of hydraulic fracturing units including a prime mover and a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead via a manifold may include a diagnostic control assembly. The diagnostic control assembly may include sensors associated with the hydraulic fracturing units or the manifold, and a supervisory control unit to determine whether the sensors are generating signals outside a calibration range, determine whether a fluid parameter associated with an auxiliary system of the hydraulic fracturing units is indicative of a fluid-related problem, determine whether lubrication associated with the prime mover, the hydraulic fracturing pump, or a transmission of the hydraulic fracturing units has a lubrication fluid temperature greater than a maximum lubrication temperature, or determine an extent to which a heat exchanger assembly associated with the hydraulic fracturing units is cooling fluid passing through the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating hydraulic fracturing units, each including a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead and an internal combustion engine to drive the hydraulic fracturing pump, may include receiving signals indicative of operational parameters. The systems and methods also may include determining an amount of required fracturing power sufficient to perform the hydraulic fracturing operation, determining an available power to perform the hydraulic fracturing operation and a difference between the available power and the required power, and controlling operation of the hydraulic fracturing units based at least in part on the power difference. When the power difference is indicative of excess power available, the system and methods may include causing at least one of the hydraulic fracturing units to idle, and when the power difference is indicative of a power deficit, increasing a power output of at least one of the hydraulic fracturing units.

Abstract: A pump system may include a pump, a driveshaft, driving equipment, and a vibration dampening assembly configured to reduce pump-imposed high frequency/low amplitude and low frequency/high amplitude torsional vibrations. The pump may have an input shaft connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may include an output shaft having an output flange connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may be configured to rotate the driveshaft to rotate the input shaft of the pump therewith. The vibration dampening assembly may include one or more flywheels operably connected to the input shaft and configured to rotate therewith.

Abstract: A system, as well as associated methods, for increasing the efficiency of a gas turbine including an inlet assembly and a compressor may include a housing configured to channel airstream towards the inlet assembly, an air treatment module positioned at a proximal end the housing, and at least one air conditioning module mounted downstream of the air treatment module for adjusting the temperature of the airstream entering the compressor. The air treatment module may include a plurality of inlet air filters and at least one blower configured to pressurize the air entering the air treatment module.

Abstract: An embodiment of a pumping unit includes a gas turbine engine, an enclosure housing the engine, an exhaust assembly connected to the engine, an air intake duct connected to the engine, and an air treatment system connected to the air intake duct. The air treatment system including one or more inlet pre-cleaners configured to eject debris. Each of the inlet pre-cleaners having a cylindrical tubular portion configured to channel air toward the air intake duct. In addition, the pumping unit includes a gearbox operatively coupled to the engine and a drive shaft having a first end operatively coupled to the gearbox. Further, the pumping unit includes a pump comprising an input shaft operatively coupled to a second end of the drive shaft, wherein the engine, the gearbox, the drive shaft, and the pump are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the pumping unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for supplying fuel, enabling communications, and conveying electric power associated with operation of a hydraulic fracturing unit of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are disclosed and may include a fuel line connection assembly configured to be connected to the first hydraulic fracturing unit and to supply fuel from a fuel source to a gas turbine engine connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. A system also may include a communications cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to enable data communications between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a data center or another hydraulic fracturing unit. A system further may include a power cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to convey electric power between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a remote electrical power source or the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units.

Abstract: Systems and methods to increase intake air flow to a gas turbine engine of a hydraulic fracturing unit when positioned in an enclosure may include providing an intake expansion assembly to enhance intake air flow to the gas turbine engine. The intake expansion assembly may include an intake expansion wall defining a plurality of intake ports positioned to supply intake air to the gas turbine engine. The intake expansion assembly also may include one or more actuators connected to a main housing of the enclosure and the intake expansion assembly. The one or more actuators may be positioned to cause the intake expansion wall to move relative to the main housing between a first position preventing air flow through the plurality of intake ports and a second position providing air flow through the plurality of intake ports to an interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, detecting, and/or intervening with respect to cavitation and pulsation events during hydraulic fracturing operations may include a supervisory controller. The supervisory controller may be configured to receive pump signals indicative of one or more of pump discharge pressure, pump suction pressure, pump speed, or pump vibration associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump. The supervisory controller also may be configured to receive blender signals indicative of one or more of blender flow rate or blender discharge pressure. Based on one or more of these signals, the supervisory controller may be configured to detect a cavitation event and/or a pulsation event.

Abstract: Systems and methods to increase intake air flow to a gas turbine engine of a hydraulic fracturing unit when positioned in an enclosure may include providing an intake expansion assembly to enhance intake air flow to the gas turbine engine. The intake expansion assembly may include an intake expansion wall defining a plurality of intake ports positioned to supply intake air to the gas turbine engine. The intake expansion assembly also may include one or more actuators connected to a main housing of the enclosure and the intake expansion assembly. The one or more actuators may be positioned to cause the intake expansion wall to move relative to the main housing between a first position preventing air flow through the plurality of intake ports and a second position providing air flow through the plurality of intake ports to an interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a status of components of hydraulic fracturing units including a prime mover and a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead via a manifold may include a diagnostic control assembly. The diagnostic control assembly may include sensors associated with the hydraulic fracturing units or the manifold, and a supervisory control unit to determine whether the sensors are generating signals outside a calibration range, determine whether a fluid parameter associated with an auxiliary system of the hydraulic fracturing units is indicative of a fluid-related problem, determine whether lubrication associated with the prime mover, the hydraulic fracturing pump, or a transmission of the hydraulic fracturing units has a lubrication fluid temperature greater than a maximum lubrication temperature, or determine an extent to which a heat exchanger assembly associated with the hydraulic fracturing units is cooling fluid passing through the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: An exhaust energy recovery system (EERS) and associated methods for an engine are disclosed. An embodiment of an EERS, for example, includes an inlet duct that is configured to divert exhaust gas from an exhaust duct of the engine into the recovery system and an outlet duct configured to return the exhaust gas to the exhaust duct downstream of the inlet duct. The recovery system is configured to heat components or fluids associated with engine to operating temperatures. The recovery system may be part of a mobile power system that is mounted to a single trailer and includes an engine and a power unit such as a high pressure pump or generator mounted to the trailer. Methods of operating and purging recovery systems are also disclosed.