Abstract:
A method of and apparatus for the rapid deployment of a fracturing water transferring system, along with the rapid picking up and storage of such system after use. In different embodiments the method in includes the use of a tensioning system to retrieve one or more segments of lay flat hose.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/689,907, filed Nov. 30, 2012 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,052,037 on Jun. 9, 2015) which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/296,928, filed Nov. 15, 2011, which was a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/414,132, filed Nov. 16, 2010. Each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference and priority of each is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The invention relates generally to the rapid deployment and retrieval of a frac water transfer system used in oil and gas operations, and more particularly, to the rapid deployment and retrieval of a frac water transfer system used for hydraulic fracturing operations. 
         [0006]    2. General Background 
         [0007]    Hydraulic fracturing is a process used in the oil and gas industry to stimulate the production rate of a well. This process is also known as “fracing,” or conducting a “frac job,” in the industry. Techniques used in hydraulic fracturing generally involve injecting a fluid down a well at a high pressure. The injected fluid fractures the subterranean formation surrounding the well. A proppant may also be added to the fluid to aid in propping the fractures. The fractures create channels through which oil and/or gas can flow, facilitating the flow of the oil and/or gas to the well for production. 
         [0008]    A typical preliminary step in preparing a frac job is transporting a large volume of water (“frac water”) from a water source to a certain destination. The destination may be any receptacle suitable for holding frac water located in the vicinity of where the frac job will be carried out, including, but not limited to, a buffer pit, a frac pit, a frac tank, or a work tank. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. 
         [0010]    One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a system for transferring frac water between a source of the frac water and a frac water destination. 
         [0011]    The system may comprise a subsystem for determining one or more characteristics of the frac water transfer system, and a portable frac water delivery subsystem. The subsystem for determining one or more characteristics of the frac water transfer system may comprise means for measuring one or more terrain parameters between the frac water source and the frac water destination, and means for designing a pipeline to be assembled between the frac water source and the frac water destination. 
         [0012]    The means for designing may receive the one or more terrain parameters as input and generate output data. The output data may be presented as a set of pressure profiles reflecting one or more measurements relating to one or more characteristics of the pipeline to be assembled. 
         [0013]    The portable frac water delivery subsystem may comprise one or more segments of lay flat hose and one or more tracked carriers for transporting the lay flat hose. The one or more segments of the lay flat hose may be connected in series to assemble one or more pipelines for transferring the frac water from the source of the frac water to the frac water destination. Each of the tracked carriers may comprise a lifting subsystem and a tensioning subsystem. The lifting subsystem may be used to load the one or more spools onto the tracked carrier and/or offloading the one or more spools from the tracked carrier. The lifting subsystem may comprise an arm. One or more linkages may connect the arm to the tracked carrier. To control the arm, one or more hydraulic cylinders may be used to move the one or more linkages. The arm may be used to selectively engage the one or more spools. The tensioning subsystem may be used to flatten the one or more segments of the lay flat hose to be wound onto the one or more spool. Further, the tensioning subsystem may be used to substantially remove water from the one or more segments of the lay flat hose. The tensioning subsystem may comprise a drive subsystem for rotating the one or more spools. A plurality of rollers may selectively engage the one or more segments of the lay flat hose onto the one or more spools. 
         [0014]    The one or more segments of the lay flat hose may be routed through the plurality of rollers in an alternating over and under configuration. The system may further comprise one or more conveyance vehicles for transporting equipment between an equipment storage site and the frac water source and/or the frac water destination, the equipment comprising the one or more spools. One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a method of deploying a system for transferring frac water between a source of the frac water and a frac water destination. The method may involve determining one or more characteristics of the frac water transfer system; deploying a portable frac water delivery subsystem; and assembling one or more pipelines for transferring the frac water from the source of the frac water to the frac water destination. Determining one or more characteristics of the frac water transfer system may involve measuring one or more terrain parameters between a water source and a water destination and determining one or more pipeline design parameters. One or more pipelines to be assembled may be designed using a means for designing. The means for designing may receive the one or more terrain parameters and the one or more design parameters as input. The means for designing may further generate output data presented as a set of pressure profiles reflecting one or more measurements relating to one or more characteristics of the pipeline to be assembled. 
         [0015]    The portable frac water delivery subsystem may comprise one or more segments of lay flat hose and one or more tracked carriers for transporting the lay flat hose. Each tracked carrier may comprise a tensioning subsystem for flattening the one or more segments of the lay flat hose to be wound onto one or more spools. The method may further involve conveying one or more spools to the frac water source and/or the frac water destination, the one or more spools wound with the one or more segments of the lay flat hose. The method may further involve loading the spools onto the one or more tracked carriers and/or offloading the one or more spools from the one or more tracked carriers. The tracked carriers may further comprise a lifting subsystem for loading and/or offloading the one or more spools. The lifting subsystem may comprise an arm. One or more linkages may connect the arm to the tracked carrier. To control the arm, one or more hydraulic cylinders may be used to move the one or more linkages. The arm may be used to selectively engage the one or more spools. The method may further involve retrieving the one or more segments of the lay flat hose from the ground. Retrieval may involve selectively engaging the tensioning subsystem with the one or more segments of the lay flat hose. The tensioning subsystem may further comprise a plurality of rollers, and a drive subsystem for rotating the one or more spools. Retrieval may further involve routing the one or more segments of the lay flat hose through the plurality of rollers; winding the one or more segments of the lay flat hose onto the one or more spools; and substantially removing water from the one or more segments of the lay flat hose. Assembling the pipeline may involve connecting a plurality of segments of the lay flat hose in series. The ends of the segments of the lay flat hose may be fitted with sexless, easy to connect couplings. One or more embodiments of the invention may relate to a computer program product. The computer program product may comprise a computer usable medium having computer readable code embodied thereon for determining one or more characteristics of a frac water transfer system. The computer readable program code may comprise computer program code for receiving one or more terrain parameters as input; computer readable program code for receiving one or more design parameters as input; and computer readable code for generating output data based on at least one of: at least one terrain parameter; and at least one design parameter. The one or more terrain parameters may comprise at least one of: distances between adjacent points along a flow path of the frac water transfer system, elevations at points along the flow path, one or more parameters indicative of a degree of obstruction of the flow path; and one or more measurements taken by measurement devices disposed along the flow path, the one or more measurements relating to the one or more characteristics. The one or more design parameters may comprise at least one of: a number of one or more pumps along the flow path, placement locations of the one or more pumps along the flow path, a number of one or more filter pods along the flow path, and placement locations of the one or more filter pods along the flow path. 
         [0016]    The output data may relate to one or more characteristics of the frac water transfer system, including, but not limited to: water hammer or hydraulic shock effects; wave velocity; friction; hydrostatic head; hydraulic force; pressure loss due to friction; and positive pressure needed to overcome friction. 
         [0017]    The computer program product may further comprise computer readable program code for adjusting at least one of: at least one terrain parameter; and at least one design parameter to generate at least one adjusted parameter. 
         [0018]    The at least one adjusted parameter may comprise: an adjustment to at least one of: the one or more parameters indicative of a degree of obstruction of the flow path, the number of pumps, the placement locations of the pumps along the flow path, the number of filter pods, and the placement locations of the filter pods along the flow path. Computer readable program code may receive the at least one adjusted parameter as input and generate updated output data based on the at least one adjusted parameter. The output data may be presented to a user as a set of pressure profiles reflecting one or more measurements relating to the one or more characteristics of the frac water transfer system. The computer program product may further comprise computer readable program code for generating final output data from the updated output data on the condition that at least one characteristic of the frac water transfer system represented by updated output data is within a predetermined range from a desired value of the at least one characteristic. 
         [0019]    Water for use in hydraulic fracturing is often referred to as “frac water”. Frac water may be obtained from one or more sources of water comprising lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks, streams, well water, flow-back water, produced water, treated water and any other source of water. Conventional methods of moving water over long distances involve extensive labor, time and transportation of, among other things, fixed-length pipes, fittings, and pumps. 
         [0020]    One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a system, method and apparatus for the rapid deployment and retrieval of a frac water transfer system. Embodiments of the system and method of the present invention employ one or more flexible, lay flat hoses and/or one or more segments of lay flat hose for the transfer of frac water over long distances. In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided. 
         [0021]    The lay flat hose may be collapsible such that it may lay flat when substantially empty (i.e. substantially devoid of water or other matter). Thus, the lay flat hose can be wound onto spools, folded into flaking boxes, or otherwise stored in a compact manner. Because the hose is very flexible and conforms to the terrain upon which it is laid, 90°, 45°, 22.5°, or other elbow fittings would not be required in order to have a pipeline containing turns. Characteristics of fluid flow in a pipe such as working pressure, burst pressure, maximum efficiency rate, and maximum feasible rate are considerably higher and thus more desirable for the lay flat hose than for pipes used in conventional methods for frac water transportation. 
         [0022]    The lay flat hose may require fewer connections and pumps than the pipes used in conventional methods for frac water transportation to achieve the desired characteristics during frac water transfer. Moreover, the lay flat hose is difficult to damage, having a life expectancy of approximately five years, whereas the pipes used in conventional methods for frac water transportation have a life expectancy of approximately 2 years. 
         [0023]    In one conventional method, thirty foot (30′) long segments of aluminum piping with an outer diameter of ten inches (10″) are connected in series to form a pipeline for transporting water over a long distance. A mile of straight piping (i.e., piping containing no turns) may require approximately 176 connections. Clamp type connections are typically used to join the pipes. For pipelines containing turns, 90°, 45°, 22.5°, or other elbow fittings may be required. Water may potentially leak through each connection or fitting, thereby decreasing the efficiency of the pipeline and wasting water. The working pressure of the aluminum piping may be approximately 80 psi and the burst pressure may be approximately 150 psi. The maximum efficiency rate may be less than 50 bpm and the maximum feasible rate may be approximately 75 bpm. 
         [0024]    In another conventional method, 3200 ft. or 500 ft. long segments of polyethylene piping with an outer diameter of 4 in. or 6 in., respectively, are connected in series to form a pipeline for transporting water over a long distance. Pipelines having these specifications transfer water at low rates and therefore may not be viable for real-time water transfer. 
         [0025]    In yet another conventional method, 30 ft. long segments of polyethylene piping with an outer diameter of 12 in. are connected in series to form a pipeline for transporting water over a long distance. A mile of straight piping may require approximately 176 connections. Water may potentially leak through each connection, thereby decreasing the efficiency of the pipeline and wasting water. For pipelines containing turns, 90°, 45°, 22.5°, or other elbow fittings may be required. The working pressure of the polyethylene piping may be approximately 150 psi and the burst pressure may be approximately 317 psi. 
         [0026]    The maximum efficiency rate may be approximately 76 bpm and the maximum feasible rate may be approximately 92 bpm. Weighing approximately 26 lbs/ft., manual handling of the polyethylene piping segments is impractical. In one or more embodiments of the invention, a lay flat hose may be deployed in segments ranging from about 5 ft. long to about 700 ft. long and have a nominal inner diameter ranging from about 3 in. to about 16 in. In one or more embodiments, the lay flat hose is deployed in 500 ft. long segments with a nominal inner diameter of 12 in. A straight mile of pipeline constructed out of the lay flat hose may require approximately 11 connections. 
         [0027]    Because the hose is flexible and conforms to the terrain upon which it is laid, elbow fittings, which are prone to leaking, would not be required for pipelines containing turns. The working pressure of the lay flat hose may be approximately 175 psi and the burst pressure may be approximately 400 psi. The maximum efficiency rate may be approximately 100 bpm and the maximum feasible rate may be approximately 130 bpm. The lay flat hose is made of circular woven high tenacity polyester. An elastomeric polyurethane cover and lining completely encapsulate the polyester. A variety of other types of lay flat hose may also be available at a range of sizes, materials, and capabilities. Any lay flat hose suitable for the rapid deployment and retrieval of a frac water transfer system may be used in embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0028]    One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a computer program product for use in connection with the design and deployment of frac water transfer systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The computer program product may generate output data that includes measurements of frac water flow characteristics and/or pressure characteristics determined based on various input parameters. The output data generated by the computer program product may be utilized in making design and equipment choice/placement decisions in connection with the deployment of frac water transfer systems according to embodiments of the invention. The computer program product may comprise a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein. The computer readable program code may comprise computer readable code for receiving as input one or more terrain parameters. The terrain parameters may include, but are not limited to, distances between adjacent discrete points along the flow path of the frac water from the source to the destination as well as elevations at discrete points along the path. The discrete points between which distance measurements may be taken and/or the discrete points at which elevation measurements may be taken may coincide with the endpoints of segments of the flexible hose. Alternatively, the distance and elevation measurements may be taken continuously at any one or more points along the path traversed by the flexible hose when deployed. 
         [0029]    A manual survey of the terrain may be performed to determine the distance and elevation parameters. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the manual survey, a global positioning system (GPS) device may be employed to precisely measure distances and elevation differences between discrete points along the path. The GPS device may also be used to take continuous distance and elevation measurements along the flow path. In addition to the distance and elevation measurements, the terrain parameters may also comprise one or more parameters indicative of a degree of obstruction at one or more discrete points along the path of the flexible hose. More specifically, the one or more parameters indicative of a degree of obstruction may represent a measure of the degree to which terrain characteristics may obstruct frac water flow through the flexible hose at one or more points along the flow path. 
         [0030]    The distance, elevation, and obstruction parameters, along with any other terrain parameters that may be determined, may together provide a comprehensive survey of the terrain. The computer readable program code may further comprise computer readable program code for receiving as input one or more design parameters. Design parameters may include a number of and/or locations along the frac water flow path at which one or more pumps and/or one or more filter pods may be placed. Adjustments to the number and/or placement of pumps and filter pods may affect frac water flow rates and pressure and flow characteristics at various points along the flow path. 
         [0031]    The computer program product may take as inputs one or more of the terrain and/or design parameters noted above and generate output data relating to one or more of the following pressure/flow characteristics: water hammer or hydraulic shock effects, wave velocity, friction, hydrostatic head, hydraulic force, pressure loss due to friction, positive pressure needed to overcome friction, or any combination thereof. 
         [0032]    However, it should be noted that the above list is not exhaustive and the output data may include any other suitable measurement for assisting in the design, implementation, and deployment of a frac water transfer system according to embodiments of the invention. In order to generate the output data, the computer program product may also receive, as input, data provided by various measurement devices disposed along the frac water flow path correspondingly to the points between which and at which distance and elevation measurements are taken. 
         [0033]    The output data may be provided in the form of a set of pressure profiles reflecting any one or more of the measurements discussed above taken at discrete or continuous points along the frac water flow path. If the pressure and flow measurements provided by way of the pressure profiles do not conform to desired values, one or more parameters may be adjusted and new output data based on the adjusted parameters may be generated. This process may be performed iteratively until the desired pressure and flow characteristics are achieved. More specifically, the path of the flexible hose pipeline from source to destination as well as the location and/or number of pumps and/or filter pods may be determined through an assessment of the output data generated by the computer program product based on iterative adjustments to the input parameters. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
           [0035]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment for a layout and take up vehicle taken from the driver side; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the non-driver side; 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the non-driver side; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the driver side; 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the non-driver side; 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the driver side; 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the vehicle through the lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of the take up tensioning system; 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the take up tensioning system shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the articulating roller of the tensioning system. 
           [0047]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the articulating roller of the tensioning system. 
           [0048]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system. 
           [0049]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a hydraulic cylinder powering the reel lifting system. 
           [0050]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the two expanding and retracting articulating arms of the reel lifting system. 
           [0051]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of one of the arms. 
           [0052]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the arm of  FIG. 17  broken open to show the hydraulic cylinder which expands and retracts the arm. 
           [0053]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the reel rotating and tensioning system. 
           [0054]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the reel rotating and tensioning system shown from the opposite side as  FIG. 19 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the motor powering the reel rotating and tensioning system. 
           [0056]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the motor powering the reel rotating and tensioning system taken from the opposite side as  FIG. 21 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of the sliding connection between the reel rotating and tensioning system of  FIG. 21  and the reel. 
           [0058]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a reel rotatably connected to a support base. 
           [0059]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a bearing that rotatably connects the reel to the base. 
           [0060]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the reel of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 27  is a rear view of the reel of  FIG. 24 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 28  is side view of a reel loading with a lay flat hose. 
           [0063]      FIG. 29  is a side view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle about to pick up a reel. 
           [0064]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle about to pick up a reel from the ground. 
           [0065]      FIG. 31  is an enlarged perspective view of a connection between the reel lifting system and the reel. 
           [0066]      FIGS. 32 and 33A  are rear views of the reel lifting system of the vehicle about to pick up a reel from the ground. 
           [0067]      FIG. 33B  is an enlarged view of a connection between the reel lifting system and the reel. 
           [0068]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle in mid path when loading a reel. 
           [0069]      FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle placing the reel on the deck of the vehicle. 
           [0070]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle about to pick up a reel from a raised area such as a trailer. 
           [0071]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle in mid path when loading a reel. 
           [0072]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle placing the reel on the deck of the vehicle. 
           [0073]      FIG. 39  is an enlarged perspective view of the connection between the reel driver and the reel after the reel has been placed on the vehicle. 
           [0074]      FIG. 40  is front perspective view from the non-driver side of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  shown with a loaded reel. 
           [0075]      FIG. 41  is rear perspective view from the non-driver side of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  shown with a loaded reel. 
           [0076]      FIG. 42  is front perspective view from the driver side of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  shown with a loaded reel. 
           [0077]      FIG. 43  is rear perspective view from the driver side of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  shown with a loaded reel. 
           [0078]      FIG. 44  is a side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  shown laying out hose from a reel. 
           [0079]      FIG. 45  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the non-driver side shown laying out hose from a reel. 
           [0080]      FIG. 46  is a rear perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the driver side shown laying out hose from a reel. 
           [0081]      FIG. 47  is a front perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the non-driver side showing the taking of hose from the ground. 
           [0082]      FIG. 48  is a side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  showing the taking up of hose from the ground. 
           [0083]      FIG. 49  is a front perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the driver side showing the taking up of a hose from the ground. 
           [0084]      FIG. 50  is an enlarged view of the tensioning system used during take up with the articulating roller being in an up position. 
           [0085]      FIG. 51  is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the method incorporating the vehicle of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0086]      FIG. 52  is a front perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  taken from the non-driver side and showing the reel locking system. 
           [0087]      FIG. 53  is a front perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 52  with a reel loaded on the vehicle and the reel locking system in an unlocked state. 
           [0088]      FIG. 54  is an enlarged perspective view of the reel locking system shown in  FIG. 53 . 
           [0089]      FIG. 55  is a front perspective view of the vehicle of  FIG. 52  with a reel loaded on the vehicle and the reel locking system in an locked state. 
           [0090]      FIG. 56  is an enlarged perspective view of the reel locking system shown in  FIG. 55 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0091]    In one embodiment is provided a system  200  for rapidly deploying a frac water transfer system, as depicted schematically in  FIG. 2 . The system  200  comprises one or more segments of lay flat hose  304  wound onto one or more spools or reels  202 . 
         [0092]    The spools  300  comprise a cylindrical core and two sidewalls having a circular cross section. In one or more embodiments, the sidewalls of the spools  300  may comprise spokes  302 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 24-28 . Each sidewall further comprises a circumferential surface. 
         [0093]    The lay flat hose  304  may be manually wound onto the spools  202 . The lay flat hose  304  may comprise a first end  306  and a second end  312 . The second end  312  of the lay flat hose  304  is attached to the cylindrical core or drum  308  of the spool  302  such that the end  312  will rotate along with and at substantially the same rate as the drum  308  of the spool  300 . 
         [0094]    In various embodiments, each end  306 ,  312  of the lay flat hose segment  304  comprises a coupling  310 . While the coupling  310  of the second end  312  may be disposed proximate the outer surface of the drum  308 , and the lay flat hose  304  may be wound around both the drum  308  and the coupling  310 , such an arrangement may create an irregular shaped spooling resembling an egg. To avoid the irregular shape, the coupling  310  of the second end  312  may be disposed within the drum  308  (see  FIG. 28 ). Disposing the coupling  310  within the drum  308  further connects and anchors the second end  312  to the spool  300 . 
         [0095]    In one embodiment, a crank (not shown) that rotates the drum  308  of the spool  300  (or it may be turned manually), thereby rotating and winding the lay flat hose  304  around the drum  308  of the spool  300 . Manual adjustments in alignment of the lay flat hose  304  may be necessary to reduce tangling and ensure that the desired length of lay flat hose  304  fits within the spool&#39;s  300  carrying capacity. The number of spools  300 ,  300 ′,  300 ″, etc. necessary depends on the desired or required total length of lay flat hose  304 , which is determined, in part, by surveying the path from the water source  208  to the destination  210 . 
       Reel Drive System 
       [0096]    In various embodiments a drive system  502  may be used to facilitate winding the segments of lay flat hose  304  onto the spools  300  during take up of lay flat hose  304 . For example, drive system  502  may comprise a shaft fitted with friction rollers. The friction rollers may be spaced such that each friction roller aligns with and engages a circumferential surface of a sidewall of the spool  300 . A power source in communication with a motor may rotate the shaft, and consequently rotate the friction rollers, in one direction, causing the spool  300  to rotate in the opposite direction. The drive system may thus replace the manual crank system described above for winding the segments of lay flat hose  304  onto the spools  300 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the reel rotating and tensioning system  502 .  FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the reel rotating and tensioning system  502  shown from the opposite side as  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the motor  511  powering the reel rotating and tensioning system  502 .  FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the motor  511  powering the reel rotating and tensioning system taken from the opposite side as  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of the sliding connection between the reel rotating and tensioning system of  FIG. 21  and the reel. 
         [0098]    An axle drive subsystem  502  of the crawler  212  may comprise a drive shaft  504  that engages a connection  330  of the spool  300 . The opposing end of the drive shaft  504  that does not engage the spool connection  330  may be fitted with a second gear  510  (driven gear). The second gear&#39;s  510  rotation correspondingly rotates the connection  330  and the spool  300  in the same direction. 
         [0099]    A first gear  508  (drive gear) may be substantially aligned in a parallel configuration with the second gear  510 . A motor  511  may be used to rotate the first gear  508 . The teeth of the gears  508 ,  510  may mesh in order to transmit the motor&#39;s torque. Alternatively, the second gear  510  may be spaced apart from the first gear  508  and a chain  512  may be used to transmit rotary motion from the first gear  508  to the second gear  510 . Guard  513  can cover gears  508 ,  510  and chain  512 . Unlike the meshing configuration in which the gears  508 ,  510  rotate in opposite directions, the drive chain transmits rotary motion such that the gears  508 ,  510  rotate in the same direction. Because the second gear&#39;s  510  rotation correspondingly rotates the spool  300  in the same direction, spool  300  rotates in the same direction as the second gear  510  and motor  511 . Rotation of spool  300  in one direction may lay lay flat hose  304 , and rotation of spool  300  in the opposite direction may take up or retrieve lay flat hose  304 . 
         [0100]    A detachable connection can be made between reel  300  and axle drive subsystem  502 .  FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of the sliding connection  520  between the reel rotating and tensioning system  502  and the reel  300 . This slidable connection  520  can include first end  522  and second end  524  having first section  530  which accepts telescoping second section  540 . Arrows  590  schematically indicate the ability of first section  530  to slide relative to second section  540 , however, first and second sections are rotationally locked relative to each other so that rotation of second section causes rotation of first section  530 . First end  522  can be coupled to drive axle  504  of subsystem  502 . Second end  524  can be coupled to spool  300 . Spool  300  can rotate relative to its support base  350 . When connected by second end  524 , rotation of telescoping connection  520  causes rotation of spool  300  relative to base  350 . 
       Tensioning System for Hose Reel 
       [0101]    A tensioning subsystem  602  is provided for the crawler  212  in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The tensioning subsystem  602  may comprise a plurality of rollers  603 ,  604 ,  605  (see  FIGS. 1-13  and  47 - 50 ). The lay flat hose  304  may engage the rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  in an alternating over-and-under configuration. 
         [0102]    The second end  312  of the lay flat hose  304  may be connected to the spool  300  so that the lay flat hose may be retrieved. The axle drive subsystem  502 , described above with reference to  FIG. 5 , may rotate the spool  300  in either direction to retrieve and wind the lay flat hose  304  onto the spool  300 . 
         [0103]    As the lay flat hose  304  passes through the rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  of the tensioning subsystem  602 , rotational forces on reel  300  from axial shaft  506  cause tensile forces to act upon the lay flat hose  304 , flattening the lay flat hose  304  and ensuring that it is neatly and tightly wound onto the spool  300 . Further, because the tensioning subsystem  602  flattens the lay flat hose  304 , fluid is thereby squeezed out and removed from the lay flat hose  304 . This water removing effect may efficiently dry the lay flat hose  304  and allows it to be readily deployed for further use or stored for later use. In various embodiments, the rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  of the tensioning subsystem  602  may be disposed towards the front of the crawler  212  to facilitate retrieval or take up of the lay flat hose  304  while the crawler  212  is moving in a forward direction. 
         [0104]    The rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  may be disposed at a height above the ground sufficient to vertically lift the lay flat hose  304  off the ground to reduce any wear and tear of the lay flat hose  304  that may otherwise occur by its scraping against the ground during retrieval along with also facilitating removal of water from the vertically lifted portion of the lay flat hose. 
         [0105]    In various embodiments, the tensioning subsystem  602  may comprise one roller  604  (see  FIG. 40 ) or two rollers  603 ,  604 . 
         [0106]    The rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  may be closely spaced and have parallel axes. The axes of the rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  may also be parallel to the axis  301  of the spool  300 . The rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  may be aligned laterally with respect to each other and the spool  300  such that, when the lay flat hose  304  is retrieved, the lay flat hose  304  is pulled longitudinally towards the spool  300  and wound onto the spool  300 . 
         [0107]    Middle roller  604  may be pivotally connected to support structure  606 . As shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , middle roller  604  can have a handle  609  to facilitate selective pivoting of roller  604  relative to rollers  603  and  605 . 
         [0108]    The first end  306  of the lay flat hose segment  304  is the end that is first unwound and offloaded from the spool  300  as the spool  300  is rotated by the axial drive subsystem  502 . The second end  312  of the lay flat hose  304  is the end that is last unwound and offloaded from the spool  300 . The lay flat hose segment  304  may be manually positioned as it unwinds from the spool  300  to ensure placement of the lay flat hose segment  304  suitable for connecting the first end  306  of the lay flat hose segment to the second end  312  of the previously laid lay flat hose segment  304 . 
         [0109]    In various embodiments, the spools  300  of lay flat hose  304  may be provided with one or more support structures, frames, or “skids”  350 . The skids  350  allow for a completely self-contained modular system comprising one or more spools  300  of lay flat hose  304 . Each skid or frame or support  350  may further comprise one or more legs for maintaining the skids in a position suitable for facilitating the loading and offloading of the spools  300  onto and from the skids. Moreover, the legs may facilitate the loading and offloading of the skids  350  onto and from a vehicle or a trailer towed by a vehicle. Each skid or frame or support  350  may further comprise a lifting mechanism allowing for the skid or frame to be self-supported. 
         [0000]    Getting Reels to and/or from Stages Locations/Pre-Staging Reels for Layout or Take Up 
         [0110]    The spools  300  (or combination of spool  300  and base  350 ) may be pre-staged at predetermined positions at which lay flat hose  304  will be needed between the one or more water sources  208  and the one or more destinations  210  to avoid deadheading. The pre-staging positions may be determined based on the terrain parameters gathered from the survey and the output data of the computer program product  224 . 
         [0111]    The skids or frames  350  may be loaded onto one or more conveyance vehicles  204 . Any type of conveyance vehicle  204  suitable for carrying skids or heavy equipment may be used, including, but not limited to: a rollback trailer with a hydraulic lift, a flatbed trailer with a portable forklift, or a flatbed trailer with a knuckle-boom crane. The skids or frames may be lifted and loaded onto the conveyance vehicle  204  manually or with the aid of machinery suitable for lifting heavy equipment. For example, a forklift or a crane may be used to lift the skids onto the conveyance vehicle  204 . In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the spools  300  may be loaded directly onto the conveyance vehicle  204  without the use of skids. It is to be understood that the present invention envisions the conveyance of modules of multiple spools  300  loaded onto skids and/or spools  300  without skids. The conveyance vehicle  204  onto which spools  300  are loaded may be a 48 ft. flatbed trailer with the capacity to carry about 14 spools  300 , approximately 1.25 mi. of lay flat hose  304 . The use of a flatbed trailer may comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) size and weight requirements. The use of a flatbed trailer as the conveyance vehicle  204  facilitates the use of a third party contractor for hauling of the load, which reduces the DOT risk exposure of the person or entity hiring the third party contractor. A desired number of spools  300  may be loaded onto the conveyance vehicle  204 . The desired number of spools  300  is determined, in part, based on the total length of lay flat hose  304  needed to complete the designed pipeline  216  and on the conveyance vehicle&#39;s  204  carrying capacity. 
         [0112]    The conveyance vehicle  204  may be driven from the equipment site  206  to the water source  208  to begin laying the lay flat hose  304  towards the frac water destination  210 , i.e., the location to which water will be transported. The frac water destination  210  may be in the vicinity of the location where the frac job will be performed. Alternatively, the conveyance vehicle  204  may be driven to the destination  210 , and the lay flat hose  304  may be laid towards the water source  208 . Besides spools  300 , the conveyance vehicle  204  may carry smaller off-road vehicles  212  and/or various other types of equipment  214  that facilitate the rapid deployment and retrieval of a frac water transfer system in accordance with embodiments of the invention. One or more conveyance vehicles  204  and/or off-road vehicles  212  may be used to transport additional spools  300  of lay flat hose  304  or other equipment  214 , if necessary, to the current pipeline  216  work location. 
         [0113]    The current pipeline  216  work location is defined herein as the vicinity of the location at which the last segment of lay flat hose  304  has been laid. The spools  300  may be offloaded from the conveyance vehicle  204  in a manner similar to that used in loading the skids onto the conveyance vehicle  204 . However, a different manner of offloading the spools  300  from the conveyance vehicle  204  may be used. For example, if a forklift was used to lift and load the spools  300  onto the conveyance vehicle  204 , a forklift may also be used to lift and offload the spools  300  from the conveyance vehicle  204 . But the spools  300  may also be offloaded manually or with the aid of any other machinery suitable for lifting heavy equipment. 
         [0114]    In one or more embodiments, smaller off-road vehicles  212  (see  FIGS. 1-15 ) may be used to transport the spools  300  from the conveyance vehicle  204  to the current pipeline work location. The off-road vehicle(s)  212  may be one or more all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), each towing a trailer capable of being towed in an all-terrain environment. The vehicles  212  may position the trailer proximate a spool such that the lifting mechanism on the vehicles  212  is capable of lifting and offloading a spool  300  and lifting and loading the spool  300  onto the trailer. A vehicle (or vehicles)  212  can be positioned near work location  216  as can be a trailer carrying spools  300 . 
         [0000]    Laying Out Hose from Vehicle 
         [0115]    The segment of lay flat hose  304  to be laid may be unwound from the spool  300 . The trailer on which the spool  300  is sitting may comprise a friction roller drive mechanism (not shown) for unwinding the lay flat hose  304  from the spool  300 . A shaft comprising mounted friction rollers may be in contact with the circumferential surface of the sidewalls of the spool  300 . A remote hydraulic power pack may provide the source of power to rotate the shaft, thus rotating the friction rollers in the same direction. The friction rollers may comprise an outside contact surface made of a material having a high coefficient of friction. The contact of the rotating friction rollers with the circumferential surfaces of the sidewalls of the spool  300  in turn causes the spool  300  to rotate in the direction opposite of that in which the friction rollers (and correspondingly, the shaft) are rotating. As the spool  300  rotates, the lay flat hose  304  may be unwound and offloaded from the spool  300 . In one or more embodiments, the drive mechanism may unwind the lay flat hose  304  from the spools  300  at a rate ranging from about 1 mph to about 4 mph. 
         [0116]      FIG. 44  is a side view of vehicle  212  shown laying out hose  304  from a reel  300 . In this figure it is shown that hose  304  is being laid out from the rear or second end  1010  of vehicle  212 .  FIG. 45  is a rear perspective view of vehicle  212  taken from the non-driver side shown laying out hose  304  from reel  300 .  FIG. 46  is a rear perspective view of vehicle  212  taken from the driver side shown laying out hose from a reel. 
         [0117]    As section  314  of hose lays on the ground and vehicle  212  moves in the direction of arrow  900  hose  304  is impart torsional forces on reel  300  causing reel  300  to tend to rotate in the direction of arrow  920 . During this process drive axle subsystem  502  is coupled to reel  300 , and motor  511  can provide a braking action against free spinning of reel  300 . Depending on the speed of vehicle  212  in the direction of arrow  900 , operator can selectively control the rate of rotation of axle drive subsystem  502  (and thereby reel  304 ) to prevent over-spinning of reel  300  and allowing the flat laying of lay flat hose  304  in the direction of arrow  910 . 
       Taking Up Previously Layed Out Hose 
       [0118]      FIG. 47  is a front perspective view of vehicle  212  taken from the non-driver side showing the taking up of hose  304  from the ground.  FIG. 48  is a side view of vehicle  212  showing the taking up of hose  304  from the ground.  FIG. 49  is a front perspective view of vehicle  212  taken from the driver side showing the taking up of hose  304  from the ground. 
         [0119]    As section  314  of hose is taken up from the ground and vehicle  212  moves in the direction of arrow  900  axle drive subsystem  502  imparts torsional forces on reel  300  causing reel  300  to tend to rotate in the direction of arrow  940 . During this process drive axle subsystem  502  is coupled to reel  300 , and motor  511  can over-rotate reel  300  to maintain tension in hose  318  and assist in removal of water from section  317  of hose being taken up. Depending on the speed of vehicle  212  in the direction of arrow  900 , operator can selectively control the rate of rotation of axle drive subsystem  502  (and thereby reel  304 ) to maintain over rotation of reel  300  and tension in hose section  318 , and pick up hose section in the direction of arrow  950  and allowing a dewatered and flat section of lay flat hose  304  to be wound onto reel  300 . 
         [0120]    During the take up process tensioning subsystem  602  comprising plurality of rollers  603 ,  604 ,  605  engages lay flat hose  304  in an alternating over-and-under configuration (arrows  690 ,  692 , and  694  schematically indicate such over and under engagement). As the lay flat hose  304  passes through the rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  of the tensioning subsystem  602 , rotational forces on reel  300  from axial shaft  506  cause tensile forces to act upon the lay flat hose  304 , flattening the lay flat hose  304  and ensuring that it is neatly and tightly wound onto the spool  300 . Further, because the tensioning subsystem  602  flattens the lay flat hose  304 , fluid is thereby squeezed out and removed from the lay flat hose  304 . This water removing effect may efficiently dry the lay flat hose  304  and allows it to be readily deployed for further use or stored for later use. In various embodiments, the rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  of the tensioning subsystem  602  may be disposed towards the front of the crawler  212  to facilitate retrieval or take up of the lay flat hose  304  while the crawler  212  is moving in a forward direction. 
         [0121]    The rollers  603 ,  604 , and  605  may be disposed at a height above the ground sufficient to vertically lift the lay flat hose  304  off the ground to reduce any wear and tear of the lay flat hose  304  that may otherwise occur by its scraping against the ground during retrieval along with also facilitating removal of water from the vertically lifted portion of the lay flat hose. 
         [0122]    As shown in  FIGS. 49 and 50 , middle roller  604  may be pivotally connected to support structure  606 . As shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , middle roller  604  can have a handle  609  to facilitate selective pivoting of roller  604  relative to rollers  603  and  605 . Pivoting middle roller  604  allows end coupling  310  to pass through tensioning system  602 . 
       Vehicle 
       [0123]    Vehicle(s)  400  may be tracked carriers or “crawlers”  212  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 . Vehicle  212  can provide an under carriage or tracked chassis  213  that enables the vehicle  212  to travel over the terrain where the pipeline  216  is to be placed. The vehicle  212  may have deck or bed  402 , a lifting subsystem  404 , a drive axle subsystem  502 , and a tensioning subsystem  602 . The crawler  212  may be designed to be small enough for maneuverability in tight spaces, but yet large enough to optimize the number of trips required to deploy the lay flat hose  304  and to optimize the time required to complete the trips. 
         [0124]    In one or more embodiments, the crawler  212  may have a full length ranging from about 12 ft. to about 15 ft., a full width ranging from about 5 ft. to about 7 ft., and a carrying capacity of over 7,000 lbs. Powered by an engine having between about 70 hp to about 80 hp or more, the crawler  212  may travel at a maximum speed ranging from about 4 mph to about 8 mph or higher. A driver-operator of the crawler  212  may be seated in a location relative to the bed or deck  402  such that the lay flat hose  304  may be laid along the pipeline path  216  without obstructing the driver-operator&#39;s forward view. The bed  402  may be designed to provide a stable support structure for at least the spool  300 , the lay flat hose  304 , and the spool&#39;s base  406 . 
         [0000]    Loading and Unloading Reels to and/or from Deck of Vehicle 
         [0125]      FIGS. 1-10  and  14 - 18  illustrate the lifting subsystem  404  of the crawler  212  in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The lifting subsystem  404  may comprise any mechanism capable of lifting the spool  300  (or the combination of spool  300  and base  406 ) and placing it on the deck or bed  402  of the crawler  212 . 
         [0126]    In various embodiments, the lifting subsystem  404  comprises one or more arms  408 ,  409 . An operator may control the movement of the arms  408 ,  409  via hydraulic cylinders  414 ,  415 . The lift system  404  provides a pair of spaced apart arms  408 ,  409 . Each arm is pivotally attached to chassis  213 . Arm  408  is attached to chassis  213  at pivotal connection  416 . Arm  409  is attached to chassis  213  at pivotal connection  417 . Hydraulic cylinders  414 ,  415  are provided for raising or lowering arms  408 ,  409 . Each cylinder  414 ,  415  has an extendable portion or pushrod. Cylinder  414  has extendable pushrod  422 . Cylinder  415  has extendable pushrod  423 . 
         [0127]    Each arm  408 ,  409  can be a telescoping arm, providing an extendable section. Arm  408  can telescope and lengthen by extending section  420 . Arm  409  can telescope and lengthen by extending section  421  (see arrows  424 ). Each cylinder  414 ,  415  is pinned or otherwise connected to chassis  213 . 
         [0128]    An operator may control the arms  408 ,  409  to lift the spool  300  (or spool  300  plus base  406 ) off the ground and place the spool  300  (or spool  300  plus base  406 ) onto the bed  402  of the crawler  212  in an upright position (see  FIGS. 7-9 ,  12  and  1 - 3 ). The lifting subsystem  404  of the crawler  212  may also be used to load and offload the spools  300  (or spool  300  plus base  406 ) from the conveyance vehicles  204 . 
         [0129]    Each cylinder  414 ,  415  pushrod  422 ,  423  is connected (pinned) to an arm  408  or  409  (see  FIGS. 14-18 ). Pushrod  422  is pinned or pivotally attached at  416  to arm  408 . Pushrod  423  is pinned or pivotally connected at  417  to arm  409 . Each of the arms  408 ,  409  provides a free end portion in the form of a fitting  425  or  426 . The arm  408  provides fitting  425 . The arm  409  provides fitting  426 . Each of the fittings  425 ,  426  can be in the form of a projecting portion, eyelet, or other lifting device that can be used to form a connection with a lifting sling that also connects to the reel  300 . Fittings  425 ,  426  can each support or shackle to connect with a sling. The reel  300  could provide a hub or drum  308  that could be configured to form a connection with an eyelet of a lifting sling. Such lifting slings are commercially available and known. Slings are typically in the form of an elongated cable having a loop at each end portion of the cable. To lift a spool, two slings would be employed. Each sling would be attached to an arm  408 ,  409  at a fitting  425  or  426 . Each sling would connect to spool  300  at hub or drum  308 . 
         [0130]      FIGS. 24-28  show a spool  300  supported upon its base  406  and prior to be loaded upon the deck or bed  402  of vehicle  212 . In order to lift the spool  300  and its base  406  upon chassis  213  of vehicle  212 , the fittings  425 ,  426  of arms  408 ,  409  would each be provided with a sling  427 . Typically, such a lifting sling  427  would have eyelet end portions, one eyelet end portion attached to a fitting  425  of arm  408 , the other sling having an eyelet that would be attached to the fitting  426  of the arm  409 . These two slings would then be connected to opposing sides of the hub or drum  308  of spool  300 . The spool  300  and its base  406  would then be lifted upwardly as illustrated by the arrows  427 . 
         [0131]      FIGS. 29-34  schematically illustrate lifting subsystem  404  of vehicle  212  lifting spool  300  from a ground surface  352 .  FIGS. 29 and 30  are respectively side and perspective views of the reel lifting system  404  about to pick up a reel  300 . Sling  427  is used to connect reel  300  to ends  425  and  426  of arms  408 , 408 .  FIG. 31  is an enlarged perspective view of a connection using lifting slings  427  between the reel lifting system  300  and the reel  300 .  FIGS. 32 and 33A  are rear views of the reel lifting system  404  about to pick up a reel  300  from the ground  352 .  FIG. 33B  is an enlarged view of a connection (sling  427 ) between the reel lifting system  404  and reel  300 . During this movement rods  422  and  423  are respectively retracted into pistons  414  and  415  causing arms  408  and  409  to move in the direction of arrow  492 .  FIG. 34  is a side view of reel lifting system  404 , having picked up reel  300  and now in mid path with motion schematically indicated by arrow  492 .  FIG. 35  is a side view of reel lifting system  404  now placing the lifted reel  300  on deck  802 . 
         [0132]    After being placed on deck  802 , drive axle subsystem  502  can be operably connected to reel  300 , to control rotation of reel  300 .  FIG. 39  shows this type of connection with arrow  598  schematically indicating that telescoping section  520  can be extended in the direction of arrow  598  to operable couple reel  300  with drive axle subsystem  502 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of reel lifting system  404  about to pick up a reel  300  from a raised deck area  358  such as a trailer. In order to attach sling  427  to reel  300  at this upper height H, telescoping arms  420  and  421  can be selectively extended and/or retracted by an operator. Arrows  498  schematically indicate selective extension and/or retraction of arms  420  and  421  relative to arms  408  and  409 . As shown in  FIG. 18  a hydraulic piston/cylinder type arrangement can be used to extend and/or retract arms  420 , 421  relative to arms  408 , 409 .  FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle in mid path when loading a reel. During this movement rods  422  and  423  are respectively retracted into pistons  414  and  415  causing arms  408  and  409  to move in the direction of arrow  492 . Additionally, telescoping arms  420  and  421  can be selectively retracted (schematically indicated by arrow  493 ) into arms  408  and  409  causing spool  300  to be lowered towards deck  802 .  FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the reel lifting system of the vehicle placing the reel on the deck of the vehicle. During this movement telescoping arms  420  and  421  can be selectively retracted by an operator to place base  350  of reel  300  on deck  802  of vehicle  212 . 
       Couplings for Lay Flat Hose Sections 
       [0134]    Any type of coupling  310  suitable for connecting two ends of the lay flat hose  304  may be used. For example, in one or more embodiments, the first end  306  of each laid hose segment  304  may be connected to the second end  312  of the previously laid lay flat hose segment  304  using an easy to connect, unisex coupling  310  that substantially eliminates water leakage and has a suitable pressure rating. In the foregoing described manner, the lay flat hose  304  may be connected in series, from end to end, until a pipeline  216  spanning at least the length from the water source  208  to the frac water destination  210 , or vice-versa, is constructed. 
       Components of Pipeline Incorporating Laid Out Hose 
       [0135]    One or more pumps  218  may be integrated within the pipeline  216  to force the flow of water through the pipeline  216 . One or more filter pods  220  may also be integrated within the pipeline  216  to remove particulate matter originating from the water source  208  before the frac water reaches its destination  210 . More than one lay flat hose  304  pipelines  216  may be constructed as part of the rapid deployment and retrieval of a system for transferring frac water. As previously described, design parameters  222  may be determined based in part on insight gained from the computer program product  224 . 
         [0136]    U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/479,641 and U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0059226 A1 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
         [0137]    One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for the rapid deployment and retrieval of frac water transfer systems in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         [0138]    Accordingly, compared to conventional methods, embodiments of the present invention may substantially reduce the number of person-hours and the number of one-way vehicular trips required to complete the pipeline, thereby reducing cost and the potential for harm to humans and the environment. 
       Locking and Unlocking System for Reel 
       [0139]      FIG. 52  is a front perspective view of vehicle  212  from the non-driver side and showing the reel locking system  850 .  FIG. 53  is a front perspective view of vehicle  212  with a reel  300  loaded on the vehicle bed  800  and the reel locking system  850  in an unlocked state.  FIG. 54  is an enlarged perspective view of the reel locking system  850  shown in an unlocked state.  FIG. 55  is a front perspective view of vehicle  212  with the reel locking system  850  in a locked state so that pivoting arm  860  has pivoted over base  350  of reel  300 .  FIG. 56  is an enlarged perspective view of the reel locking system  850  shown in the locked state. To move from the locked to unlocked state, controller  870  can cause arm  860  to rotate in the direction of arrow  862  and away from base  350 . 
         [0140]    Reel locking system  850  can include a pivoting arm  860  which pivots in the direction of arrow  862  over base  350  to lock reel  300  in position. Controller  870  can place reel locking system in locked and unlocked states. 
         [0141]    The following is a list of reference numerals used in this application: 
       REFERENCE NUMERAL LISTING 
       [0142]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE NUMBER 
                 DESCRIPTION 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 200 
                 system 
               
               
                 202 
                 one or more spools or reels 
               
               
                 204 
                 one or more conveyance vehicles 
               
               
                 206 
                 equipment site 
               
               
                 208 
                 water source 
               
               
                 210 
                 frac water destination 
               
               
                 212 
                 off-road vehicles/crawler 
               
               
                 213 
                 tracked chassis/under carriage 
               
               
                 214 
                 various other types of equipment 
               
               
                 216 
                 current pipeline 
               
               
                 218 
                 one or more pumps 
               
               
                 290 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 300 
                 reel 
               
               
                 301 
                 axis 
               
               
                 302 
                 spokes 
               
               
                 304 
                 one or more segments of lay flat hose 
               
               
                 306 
                 first end 
               
               
                 308 
                 drum 
               
               
                 310 
                 coupling 
               
               
                 312 
                 second end 
               
               
                 314 
                 section of laid out hose 
               
               
                 316 
                 section of laid out hose with water 
               
               
                 318 
                 section of hose with water removed 
               
               
                 320 
                 bearing 
               
               
                 330 
                 connection with reel drive system 
               
               
                 350 
                 spool&#39;s base 
               
               
                 352 
                 ground 
               
               
                 358 
                 elevated surface 
               
               
                 404 
                 lifting subsystem 
               
               
                 406 
                 spool&#39;s base 
               
               
                 408 
                 arm 
               
               
                 409 
                 arm 
               
               
                 410 
                 one or more linkages 
               
               
                 414 
                 one or more hydraulic cylinder 
               
               
                 415 
                 hydraulic cylinder 
               
               
                 416 
                 pivotal connection 
               
               
                 417 
                 pivotal connection 
               
               
                 418 
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 419 
                 pinned connection 
               
               
                 420 
                 extendable section 
               
               
                 421 
                 extendable section 
               
               
                 422 
                 pushrod 
               
               
                 423 
                 pushrod 
               
               
                 424 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 425 
                 fitting 
               
               
                 426 
                 fitting 
               
               
                 427 
                 shackle 
               
               
                 490 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 492 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 493 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 494 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 496 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 498 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 502 
                 drive axle subsystem 
               
               
                 504 
                 drive shaft 
               
               
                 506 
                 axial shaft 
               
               
                 508 
                 first gear 
               
               
                 510 
                 second gear 
               
               
                 511 
                 motor 
               
               
                 512 
                 chain 
               
               
                 513 
                 guard 
               
               
                 520 
                 telescoping connection 
               
               
                 522 
                 first end 
               
               
                 524 
                 second end 
               
               
                 530 
                 first section 
               
               
                 540 
                 second section 
               
               
                 550 
                 connection 
               
               
                 552 
                 locking connection 
               
               
                 590 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 592 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 596 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 602 
                 tensioning subsystem 
               
               
                 603 
                 roller 
               
               
                 604 
                 roller 
               
               
                 605 
                 roller 
               
               
                 606 
                 support structure 
               
               
                 608 
                 take up deck 
               
               
                 609 
                 handle 
               
               
                 610 
                 pivot 
               
               
                 611 
                 rod 
               
               
                 612 
                 coupling 
               
               
                 620 
                 support cup 
               
               
                 622 
                 plurality of bearings 
               
               
                 612 
                 hydraulic cylinder 
               
               
                 690 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 692 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 694 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 696 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 698 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 704 
                 one or more design parameters 
               
               
                 706 
                 computer program product output 
               
               
                 708 
                 step 
               
               
                 710 
                 step 
               
               
                 712 
                 step 
               
               
                 714 
                 step 
               
               
                 716 
                 step 
               
               
                 718 
                 lay flat hose pipeline 
               
               
                 720 
                 step 
               
               
                 802 
                 bed/deck 
               
               
                 803 
                 cab/cabin 
               
               
                 850 
                 reel locking system 
               
               
                 860 
                 pivoting arm 
               
               
                 862 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 864 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 870 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 890 
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         [0143]    The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.