Fluid Distribution System for a Wellsite

Abstract

A fluid distribution system for a wellsite. The fluid distribution system may include a remote controller, a remote pump fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment, and a remote fluid tank fluidly coupled to the remote pump. The first piece of wellsite equipment may include a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor, a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank, and a local controller configured to actuate the fill valve in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank and to transmit at least one of a fill valve position or the fluid level of the local fluid tank to the remote controller. The remote controller may be configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to the transmissions from the local controllers.

Description

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to provide relevant background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the described embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light and not as admissions of prior art.

The production of hydrocarbons may include stimulation of a subterranean formation by injecting fluids at a high pressure through a wellbore. The injected fluids may create or expand fractures in the subterranean formation, allowing for increased production of hydrocarbons. Such stimulation typically involves the use of high pressure pumps at the wellsite to generate the high-pressure fluid. The wellsite may also include additional high-pressure equipment or rotating equipment, such as blenders, generators, and proppant control systems.

The location of the high-pressure equipment and rotating equipment may be in an area referred to as the “Red Zone.” The Red Zone typically contains equipment, such as pump trucks, blenders, proppant control systems, and generators, which may be hazardous to personnel. Access to the Red Zone may be restricted to prevent personnel from inadvertently entering the Red Zone as a safety precaution. However, fluids from outside the Red Zone must still be distributed to the equipment in the Red Zone while the equipment is in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the fluid distribution system are described with reference to the following figures. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. The features depicted in the figures are not necessarily shown to scale. Certain features of the embodiments may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wellsite, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fluid distribution system, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the fluid distribution system of FIG. 2 including additional pieces of wellsite equipment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fluid distribution system, according to one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the fluid distribution system of FIG. 4 including additional pieces of wellsite equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a fluid distribution system for a wellsite. The fluid distribution system allows fluid to be supplied to equipment in the Red Zone without the need for personnel to enter the Red Zone.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wellsite 100, according to one or more embodiments. The wellsite 100 includes a wellhead 102 positioned over a wellbore (not shown) that extends into a subterranean oil and gas formation (not shown). The wellhead 102 is connected to one or more pieces of wellsite equipment, such as pump trucks (five shown, 104). The pump trucks 104 are connected to a manifold 106 and piping 108 that includes equipment, such as valves 110, for monitoring and/or controlling the flow of fluid into the wellbore through the wellhead 102. The wellsite also includes pieces of equipment such a generator 112, a blender 114, storage tanks (three shown, 116), a fluid distribution system 118, and a monitoring and control unit 120. The storage tanks 116 may contain fuel, wellbore fluids, proppants, diesel exhaust fluid, and other materials.

The fluid distribution system 118 is fluidly coupled to one or more pieces of wellsite equipment, such as the pump trucks 104, the generator 112, the blender 114, or the monitoring and control unit 120. The fluid distribution system 118 supplies fluids, such as fuel, diesel exhaust fluid, fracturing fluid, or other chemicals, to the pieces of wellsite equipment 104, 112 located in the Red Zone 122. The fluid distribution system may also supply fluid to pieces of wellsite equipment 114 that are located outside of the Red Zone 122. The fluid distribution system 118 may be fluidly coupled to and draw fluid from one or more of the storage tanks 116. In other embodiments, the fluid distribution system 118 includes a fluid storage tank.

As shown in FIG. 1, much of the wellsite equipment is mounted on trucks. However, the wellsite equipment may also be free standing, mounted on a skid, or mounted on a trailer. Additionally, wellsite equipment that is shown as free standing may be mounted on a truck, a skid, or a trailer.

As used herein, the term “remote” refers to an area of the wellsite 100 that is outside of the Red Zone 122. Further, the term “local” refers to an area that is on or near a piece of wellsite equipment 104, 112, 114 being supplied with fluid from the fluid distribution system 118. As previously discussed the piece of wellsite equipment 104, 112, 114 being supplied with fluid may be located inside the Red Zone 122 or located outside of the Red Zone 122.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fluid distribution system 200, according to one or more embodiments. The fluid distribution system 200 may be used in place of the fluid distribution system 118 shown in FIG. 1. The fluid distribution system 200 includes a remote fluid tank 202, a remote pump 204, a remote controller 206, and a piece of wellsite equipment 208. The piece of wellsite equipment 208 may be a pump, generator, blender, or similar equipment that is located in the Red Zone and requires a fluid. The piece of wellsite equipment 208 may also be located outside of the Red Zone. The piece of wellsite equipment 208 includes a fill valve 210, a local fluid tank 212, and a local controller 214.

The remote pump 204 is fluidly coupled to the remote fluid tank 202 via piping, flexible hoses, or similar means. The remote fluid tank 202, the remote pump 204, and the remote controller 206 may all be located on a single skid or trailer (not shown). In other embodiments, the remote fluid tank 202 may be separate from a skid or trailer that includes the remote pump 204 and the remote controller 206, or the remote fluid tank 202, the remote pump 204, and the remote controller 206 may be separate from each other. When running, the remote pump 204 draws fluid from the remote fluid tank 202 and supplies the fluid to the local fluid tank 212 through a manifold 216. The manifold 216 may include, piping, flexible hosing, mechanical junctions, and similar equipment to fluidly connect the remote pump 204 with the piece of wellsite equipment 208. The fluid from the remote fluid tank 202 passes through the fill valve 210 and into the local fluid tank 212.

The local fluid tank 212 includes at least one fluid level sensor 218 to monitor the fluid level in the local fluid tank 212, as shown in FIG. 2. The fluid level sensor 218 may be a level transducer or similar sensor that measures the real-time fluid level of the local fluid tank 212. The fluid level sensor 218 transmits the fluid level to the local controller 214 via a wired or wireless connection to determine if the fluid level in the local fluid tank 212 has dropped below a first predetermined level or risen above a second predetermined level. In another embodiment, the local fluid tank 212 may include a low fluid level sensor (not shown) and a high fluid level sensor (not shown) in place of the single fluid level sensor 214. The low fluid level sensor and the high fluid level sensor may be floats, level switches, or similar sensors. The low fluid level sensor may send a signal to the local controller 214 when the fluid level in the local fluid tank 212 drops below the predetermined level. Similarly, the high fluid level sensor may send a signal to the local controller 214 when the fluid level in the local fluid tank 212 rises above the second predetermined level.

The local controller 214 also actuates the fill valve 210 based on the fluid level in the local fluid tank 212. The local controller 214 may actuate the fill valve via a solenoid, a hydraulic control system, a pneumatic control system, or through any other means known to those skilled in the art. When the fluid level in the local fluid tank 212 drops below the first predetermined level, the local controller 214 actuates the fill valve 210 open. When the fluid level in the local fluid tank 212 rises above the second predetermined level, the local controller 214 actuates the fill valve 210 closed.

The local controller 214 also communicates the position of the fill valve 210 to the remote controller 206. The communication between the local controller 214 and the remote controller 206 may be done wirelessly. In another embodiment, there may be a wired connection between the local controller 214 and the remote controller 206.

When local controller 214 indicates that the fill valve 210 is in the open position, the remote controller 206 starts the remote pump 204 to supply fluid to the local fluid tank 212. The remote controller 206 stops the remote pump 204 once the local controller 214 indicates that the fill valve 210 is in the closed position. Starting the remote pump 204 after the fill valve 210 is opened and stopping the remote pump 204 once the fill valve 210 is closed prevents a build-up of pressure within the manifold 216 between the remote pump 204 and the piece of wellsite equipment 208. Accordingly, it is not necessary to have a return connection from the piece of wellsite equipment 208 to the remote fluid tank 202 to bleed off the build-up of pressure that would occur if the remote pump 204 continued to run after the fill valve 210 closed.

In another embodiment, the local controller 214 may transmit the fluid level of the local tank 212 to the remote controller 206. The remote controller 206 starts the remote pump 204 when the local controller 214 indicates that the fluid level of the local fluid tank 212 has dropped below the first predetermined level. Once the local controller 214 indicates that the fluid level of the local fluid tank 212 has risen above the second predetermined level, the remote controller 206 stops the remote pump 204. Since the start and stop commands occur at the same time as the previously described opening and closing of the fill valve 210, pressure does not build up within the manifold 216.

In a further embodiment, a pressure sensor 220 may be coupled to the manifold 216 downstream of the remote pump 204. The pressure sensor 220 may be in communication with the remote controller 206 wirelessly or through a wired connection and transmit the pressure within the manifold to the remote controller 206. The remote controller 206 may then start the remote pump 204 when the pressure drops below a first predetermined value and stop the remote pump 204 when the pressure rises above a second predetermined value.

The remote fluid tank 202 may also include a second connection port 222. The second connection port 222 may fluidly connect the remote fluid tank 202 to a secondary pumping system 224. In other embodiments, the second connection port 222 may fluidly connect the remote fluid tank 202 with a filter loop (not shown), another fluid distribution system (not shown), or any other piece of wellsite equipment that requires a fluid supply.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the fluid distribution system 200 of FIG. 2 including additional pieces of wellsite equipment 300, 302. Similar to the piece of wellsite equipment 208, the additional pieces of wellsite equipment 300, 302 each include a fill valve 210, a local fluid tank 212 including one or more sensors (one shown, 218), and a local controller 214, which operate as described above. As shown, the additional pieces of wellsite equipment 300, 302 are connected to piece of wellsite equipment 208 in series via piping, flexible hoses, or similar means. Connecting the pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 in series minimizes the amount of piping or hoses that are running across the wellsite, since the remote pump 204 is only connected to the initial piece of wellsite equipment 208.

As previously discussed, the local controllers 214 communicate the position of the fill valves 210, the fluid level in the local fluid tank 212, or both to the remote controller 206. When multiple pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 are connected to the remote pump 204, the remote controller 206 may start the remote pump 204 when any fill valve 210 is opened. The remote controller 206 then stops the remote pump 204 when all fill valves 210 are closed. In another embodiment, the remote controller 206 starts the remote pump 204 when the fluid level of any of the local fluid tanks 212 drops below a first predetermined level and stops the remote pump 204 when the fluid levels of all of the local fluid tanks 212 rise above a second predetermined level.

The local controllers 214 and the remote controller 206 may also establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the supply of fluid to the different pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302. In some embodiments, the hierarchy between the pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 may be designated by a user. In other embodiments, the local controllers 214 and the remote controller 206 may automatically establish a hierarchy based on pre-programed factors, such as criticality of the piece of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302, current operational status of the piece of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302, and size of the local fluid tank 212.

Additional factors in establishing a hierarchy between the pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300 may include engine and/or powertrain parameters of the pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, current and/or anticipated rate of fluid consumption for the pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, remaining fluid in the pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, and the operational plan for the pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300. Establishing the hierarchy between the pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 may prevent a reduction in the supply of fluid to higher priority pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 and allow continuous operation of the higher priority pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302. Fluid may be supplied to lower priority pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 at a reduced rate or may be supplied to lower priority pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 once operation of the higher priority piece of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 is halted.

In operation, an open fill valve 210 of a lower priority piece of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 may be closed or partially closed if a fill valve 210 of a higher priority piece of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 opens or the local fluid tank of the higher priority piece of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 drops below the first predetermined level. Similarly, if the fill valve 210 of a higher priority piece of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 is open, the opening of a fill valve 210 of a lower priority piece of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 may be delayed or the fill valve 210 of the lower priority piece of wellsite equipment may be partially opened. The output rate of the remote pump 204 may also be increased if the fill valves 210 of multiple high priority pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 are open or if the fluid levels of the local fluid tanks 212 of the high priority pieces of wellsite equipment 208, 300, 302 drop below the first predetermined level.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a fluid distribution system 400, according to one or more embodiments. The fluid distribution system 400 includes many elements that are similar to the elements described above in relation to the fluid distribution system 200 shown in FIG. 2. Further, the functions of these elements are similar to those described above in relation to the fluid distribution system 200 shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, similar elements will not be described again in detail, except as where necessary for the understanding of the fluid distribution system 400 shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid distribution system 400 includes a remote fluid tank 202, a remote pump 204, and a piece of wellsite equipment 402 that includes a local fluid tank 212 and a fill valve 210. However, the piece of wellsite equipment 402 does not include a local controller 214. Instead the fluid distribution system 400 includes a controller 404 that is in communication with the remote pump 204, the fill valve 210, and the sensor or sensors (one shown, 218) of the local fluid tank 212. The remote pump 204, the sensor 218 and the fill valve 210 may be in communication with the controller 404 wirelessly or through a wired connection, as shown. Similar to the remote controller 206 shown in FIG. 2, the controller 404 may be installed in the same area as the remote pump 204 or separate from the remote pump 204.

The controller 404 performs the functions of both the remote controller 206 and the local controller 214 described above. The controller 404 monitors the fluid level of the local fluid tank 212, controls the actuation of the fill valve 210, and controls the operation of the remote pump 204. As with the previously described fluid distribution system 200, the controller 404 starts the remote pump 204 when either the fill valve 210 opens, when the fluid level of the local fluid tank 212 falls below a first predetermined level, or when the pressure in the manifold 216 falls below a first predetermined value. The controller 404 stops the remote pump 204 when either the fill valve 210 closes, when the fluid level of the local fluid tank 212 rises above a second predetermined level, or when the pressure in the manifold 216 rises above a second predetermined value.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the fluid distribution system 400 of FIG. 4 including additional pieces of wellsite equipment 500, 502. Similar to the piece of wellsite equipment 402, the additional pieces of wellsite equipment 500, 502 each include a fill valve 210 and a local fluid tank 212, which operate as described above. The additional pieces of wellsite equipment 500, 502 are connected to the piece of wellsite equipment 402 in series via piping, flexible hoses, or similar means to minimize the amount of piping or hoses that are running across the wellsite. The controller 404 is in communication with the fill valves 210 and the sensors 218 of the local fluid tanks 212 of the additional pieces of wellsite equipment 500, 502 via a wired or wireless connection. The controller 404 may establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the pieces of wellsite equipment 402, 500, 502, as previously described.

One or more specific embodiments of the fluid distribution system for a wellsite have been described. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

Certain terms are used throughout the description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not function.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, these phrases or similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

The embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

Certain embodiments of the disclosed invention may include a fluid distribution system for a wellsite. The fluid distribution system may include a remote controller located outside of the area of the wellsite, a first piece of wellsite equipment located inside the area of the wellsite, a remote pump fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment and located outside of the area of the wellsite, and a remote fluid tank fluidly coupled to the remote pump and located outside of the area of the wellsite. The first piece of wellsite equipment may include a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor, a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank, and a local controller configured to actuate the fill valve in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank and to transmit at least one of a fill valve position or the fluid level of the local fluid tank to the remote controller. The remote controller may be configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to the transmissions from the local controllers.

In certain embodiments, the fluid level sensor may be low fluid level sensor and the local fluid tank may also include a high fluid level sensor. The local controller may be configured to open the fill valve in response to a signal from the low fluid level sensor, to close the fill valve in response to a signal from the high fluid level sensor, and to transmit at least one of the position of the fill valve or the signal from the low fluid sensor and the signal from the high fluid sensor to the remote controller.

In certain embodiments, the fluid distribution system does not include a return connection from the first piece of wellsite equipment to the remote fluid tank.

In certain embodiments, the fluid distribution system may also include a second piece of wellsite equipment fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment in series and located inside the area of the wellsite. The second piece of wellsite equipment may include a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor, a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank, and a local controller configured to actuate the fill valve in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank and to transmit at least one of a fill valve position or the fluid level of the local fluid tank to the remote controller. The remote controller may be further configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to the transmissions from the local controller of the first piece of wellsite equipment and the transmissions from the local controller of the second piece of wellsite equipment.

In certain embodiments, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to transmit a pressure to the remote controller, wherein the remote controller is configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of the transmissions from the local controllers and the transmission from the pressure sensor.

In certain embodiments, the remote controller, the local controller of the first piece of wellsite equipment, and the local controller of the second piece of wellsite equipment are configured to establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment.

Certain embodiments of the disclosed invention may include a fluid distribution system for a wellsite. The fluid distribution system may include a first piece of wellsite equipment located inside an area of the wellsite, a remote pump fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment and located outside of the area of the wellsite, a remote fluid tank fluidly coupled to the remote pump and located outside of the area of the wellsite, and a remote controller located outside of the area of the wellsite. The first piece of wellsite equipment may include a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor and a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank. The remote controller may be configured to actuate the fill valve in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank and to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of a fill valve position or the fluid level of the local fluid tank.

In certain embodiments, the fluid level sensor may be low fluid level sensor and the local fluid tank may also include a high fluid level sensor. The remote controller may be configured to open the fill valve in response to a signal from the low fluid level sensor, to close the fill valve in response to a signal from the high fluid level sensor, and to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of the position of the fill valve or the signal from the low fluid sensor and the signal from the high fluid sensor.

In certain embodiments, the fluid distribution system does not include a return connection from the first piece of wellsite equipment to the remote fluid tank.

In certain embodiments, the fluid distribution system may also include a second piece of wellsite equipment fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment in series and located inside the area of the wellsite. The second piece of wellsite equipment may include a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor and a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank. The remote controller may be further configured to actuate the fill valve of the second piece of wellsite equipment in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment and to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of the positions of the fill valves of the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment or the fluid levels of the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment.

In certain embodiments, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to transmit a pressure to the remote controller, wherein the remote controller is configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of a fill valve position, the fluid level of the local fluid tank, or the transmission from the pressure sensor.

In certain embodiments, the remote controller may be configured to establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment.

Certain embodiments of the disclosed invention may include a method of distributing fluid to wellsite equipment. The method may include monitoring a fluid level of a local fluid tank of a first piece of wellsite equipment located inside an area of a wellsite. The method may also include opening a fill valve of the first piece of wellsite equipment when the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment drops below a first predetermined level. The method may further include starting a remote pump located outside the area of the wellsite in response to either the fill valve of the first piece of wellsite equipment opening, the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment dropping below the first predetermined level, or a pressure in a manifold downstream of the remote pump dropping below a first predetermined value, wherein the remote pump supplies the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment with fluid from a remote tank located outside the area of the wellsite. The method may also include closing the fill valve of the first piece of wellsite equipment when the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment reaches a second predetermined level. The method may further include stopping the remote pump in response to either the fill valve of the first piece of wellsite equipment closing, the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment reaching the second predetermined level, or the pressure reaching a second predetermined value.

In certain embodiments, the method may also include monitoring a fluid level of a local fluid tank of a second piece of wellsite equipment fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment in series and located inside the area of the wellsite. The method may further include opening a fill valve of the second piece of wellsite equipment when the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment drops below the first predetermined level. The method may also include closing the fill valve of the second piece of wellsite equipment when the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment reaches the second predetermined level. Starting the remote pump may include starting the remote pump in response to either any fill valve opening, any fluid level of the local fluid tanks dropping below the first predetermined level, or the pressure dropping below the first predetermined value. The remote pump may supply at least one of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment or the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment with fluid from the remote tank. Stopping the remote pump may include stopping the remote pump in response to either all fill valves closing or all fluid levels of the local fluid tanks reaching the second predetermined level, or the pressure reaching the second predetermined value.

In certain embodiments, the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment are fluidly coupled in series.

In certain embodiments, the method may also include establishing a hierarchy that prioritizes the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment.

In certain embodiments, the method may also include closing or partially closing the fill valve of the low priority piece of wellsite equipment if the fill valve of the high priority piece of wellsite equipment opens.

In certain embodiments, the method may also include delaying the opening of or partially opening the fill valve of the low priority piece of wellsite equipment if the fill valve of the high priority piece of wellsite equipment is already open.

In certain embodiments, the method may also include monitoring a fluid level of a local fluid tank of a third piece of wellsite equipment fluidly coupled to the second piece of wellsite equipment and located inside the area of the wellsite. The method may further include opening a fill valve of the third piece of wellsite equipment when the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the third piece of wellsite equipment drops below the first predetermined level. The method may also include closing the fill valve of the third piece of wellsite equipment when the local fluid tank of the third piece of wellsite equipment reaches the second predetermined level. The method may further include establishing a hierarchy that prioritizes the first piece of wellsite equipment, the second piece of wellsite equipment, and the third piece of wellsite equipment. The method may also include increasing an output rate of the remote pump if the fill valves of the two higher priority pieces of wellsite equipment are open. The remote pump may supply at least one of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment, the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment, or the local fluid tank of the third piece of wellsite equipment with fluid from the remote tank.

In certain embodiments, the first piece of wellsite equipment, the second piece of wellsite equipment, and the third piece of wellsite equipment are fluidly coupled in series.

Claims

1. A fluid distribution system for a wellsite, the fluid distribution system comprising:

a remote controller located outside of an area of the wellsite;

a first piece of wellsite equipment located inside the area of the wellsite, the first piece of wellsite equipment comprising: a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor, a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank, and a local controller configured to actuate the fill valve in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank and to transmit at least one of a fill valve position or the fluid level of the local fluid tank to the remote controller;

a remote pump fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment and located outside of the area of the wellsite, wherein the remote controller is configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to the transmissions from the local controllers; and

a remote fluid tank fluidly coupled to the remote pump and located outside of the area of the wellsite.

2. The fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein:

the fluid level sensor is a low fluid level sensor;

the local fluid tank further comprises a high fluid level sensor; and

the local controller is configured to open the fill valve in response to a signal from the low fluid level sensor, to close the fill valve in response to a signal from the high fluid level sensor, and to transmit at least one of the position of the fill valve or the signal from the low fluid sensor and the signal from the high fluid sensor to the remote controller.

3. The fluid distribution system of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution system does not include a return connection from the first piece of wellsite equipment to the remote fluid tank.

4. The fluid distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a second piece of wellsite equipment fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment in series and located inside the area of the wellsite, the second piece of wellsite equipment comprising:

a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor;

a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank; and

a local controller configured to actuate the fill valve in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank and to transmit at least one of a fill valve position or the fluid level of the local fluid tank to the remote controller, wherein the remote controller is further configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to the transmissions from the local controller of the first piece of wellsite equipment and the transmissions from the local controller of the second piece of wellsite equipment.

5. The fluid distribution system of claim 4, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to transmit a pressure to the remote controller, wherein the remote controller is configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of the transmissions from the local controllers and the transmission from the pressure sensor.

6. The fluid distribution system of claim 4, wherein the remote controller, the local controller of the first piece of wellsite equipment, and the local controller of the second piece of wellsite equipment are configured to establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment.

7. A fluid distribution system for a wellsite, the fluid distribution system comprising:

a first piece of wellsite equipment located in an area of the wellsite, the first piece of wellsite equipment comprising a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor, and a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank;

a remote pump fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment and located outside of the area of the wellsite;

a remote fluid tank fluidly coupled to the remote pump and located outside of the area of the wellsite; and

a remote controller located outside of the area, the remote controller configured to actuate the fill valve in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank and to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of a fill valve position or the fluid level of the local fluid tank.

8. The fluid distribution system of claim 7, wherein:

the fluid level sensor is a low fluid level sensor;

the local fluid tank further comprises a high fluid level sensor; and

the remote controller is configured to open the fill valve in response to a signal from the low fluid level sensor, to close the fill valve in response to a signal from the high fluid level sensor, and to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of the position of the fill valve or the signal from the low fluid sensor and the signal from the high fluid sensor.

9. The fluid distribution system of claim 7, wherein the fluid distribution system does not include a return connection from the first piece of wellsite equipment to the remote fluid tank.

10. The fluid distribution system of claim 7, further comprising a second piece of wellsite equipment fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment in series and located inside the area of the wellsite, the second piece of wellsite equipment comprising a local fluid tank comprising a fluid level sensor and a fill valve fluidly coupled to the local fluid tank, wherein the remote controller is further configured to actuate the fill valve of the second piece of wellsite equipment in response to a fluid level of the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment and to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of the positions of the fill valves of the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment or the fluid levels of the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment.

11. The fluid distribution system of claim 10, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to transmit a pressure to the remote controller, wherein the remote controller is configured to start and stop the remote pump in response to at least one of a fill valve position, the fluid level of the local fluid tank, or the transmission from the pressure sensor.

12. The fluid distribution system of claim 10, wherein the remote controller is configured to establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment.

13. A method of distributing fluid to wellsite equipment, the method comprising:

monitoring a fluid level of a local fluid tank of a first piece of wellsite equipment located inside an area of a wellsite;

opening a fill valve of the first piece of wellsite equipment when the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment drops below a first predetermined level;

starting a remote pump located outside the area of the wellsite in response to either the fill valve of the first piece of wellsite equipment opening, the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment dropping below the first predetermined level, or a pressure in a manifold downstream of the remote pump dropping below a first predetermined value, wherein the remote pump supplies the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment with fluid from a remote tank located outside the area of the wellsite;

closing the fill valve of the first piece of wellsite equipment when the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment reaches a second predetermined level; and

stopping the remote pump in response to either the fill valve of the first piece of wellsite equipment closing, the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment reaching the second predetermined level, or the pressure reaching a second predetermined value.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises:

monitoring a fluid level of a local fluid tank of a second piece of wellsite equipment fluidly coupled to the first piece of wellsite equipment in series and located inside the area of the wellsite;

opening a fill valve of the second piece of wellsite equipment when the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment drops below the first predetermined level;

closing the fill valve of the second piece of wellsite equipment when the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment reaches the second predetermined level;

wherein starting the remote pump comprises starting the remote pump in response to either any fill valve opening, any fluid level of the local fluid tanks dropping below the first predetermined level, or the pressure dropping below the first predetermined value, wherein the remote pump supplies at least one of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment or the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment with fluid from the remote tank; and

wherein stopping the remote pump comprises stopping the remote pump in response to either all fill valves closing, all fluid levels of the local fluid tanks reaching the second predetermined level, or the pressure reaching the second predetermined value.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment are fluidly coupled in series.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising establishing a hierarchy that prioritizes the first piece of wellsite equipment and the second piece of wellsite equipment.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising closing or partially closing the fill valve of the low priority piece of wellsite equipment if the fill valve of the high priority piece of wellsite equipment opens.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising delaying the opening of or partially opening the fill valve of the low priority piece of wellsite equipment if the fill valve of the high priority piece of wellsite equipment is already open.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises:

monitoring a fluid level of a local fluid tank of a third piece of wellsite equipment fluidly coupled to the second piece of wellsite equipment and located inside the area of the wellsite;

opening a fill valve of the third piece of wellsite equipment when the fluid level of the local fluid tank of the third piece of wellsite equipment drops below the first predetermined level;

closing the fill valve of the third piece of wellsite equipment when the local fluid tank of the third piece of wellsite equipment reaches the second predetermined level;

establishing a hierarchy that prioritizes the first piece of wellsite equipment, the second piece of wellsite equipment, and the third piece of wellsite equipment;

increasing an output rate of the remote pump if the fill valves of the two higher priority pieces of wellsite equipment are open; and

wherein the remote pump supplies at least one of the local fluid tank of the first piece of wellsite equipment, the local fluid tank of the second piece of wellsite equipment, or the local fluid tank of the third piece of wellsite equipment with fluid from the remote tank.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first piece of wellsite equipment, the second piece of wellsite equipment, and the third piece of wellsite equipment are fluidly coupled in series.