Patent Publication Number: US-2023141425-A1

Title: Hydraulic powering system and method of operating a hydraulic powering system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 16/891,383, filed Jun. 3, 2020. Application Ser. No. 16/891,383 claims the benefit of provisional patent Application Ser. No. 62/857,071 filed on Jun. 4, 2019. A claim of priority is made to each of U.S. Ser. No. 16/891,383 and U.S. Ser. No. 62/857,071. The disclosure of each of U.S. Ser. No. 16/891,383 and U.S. Ser. No. 62/857,071 are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic powering system and to a method of operating a hydraulic powering system. In particular, the hydraulic powering system includes a hydraulic cylinder, an accumulator, and a manifold assembly providing flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator. The manifold assembly can also provide flow of hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator and a source of hydraulic fluid such as a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic powering system can be used in any environment where hydraulic power is desired. One particular area includes the application of hydraulic power for operating a well service pump in the oil and gas industry to assist with hydrocarbon production utilizing various downhole services such as hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, cementing, sand control, well control, and fluid circulation operations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hydraulic cylinders are often used to create a linear force. The movement of a piston within the hydraulic cylinder, as a result of the application of hydraulic fluid to one side of the piston, translates hydraulic energy from a hydraulic pump into a linear direction. Commonly, a piston rod extends from the piston through an end of the hydraulic cylinder. By application of hydraulic fluid to one side of the piston, the movement of the piston and the piston rod translates the energy into a first linear direction, and application of a hydraulic fluid to the other side of the piston can cause a linear force in the opposite direction. Hydraulic cylinders are often used as actuators on various mechanical devices including, loader arms, buckets, and claws on construction equipment. Hydraulic cylinders can also be used for operating a linear reciprocating, plunger-type pump, commonly referred as a “frac pump” often used to convey or pump a fluid into a well. 
     Accumulators have been used in power fluid systems to store potential energy for later use. While some accumulators utilize a piston or a diaphragm therein, they typically do not include a piston rod extending from the piston to outside of the accumulator. Instead, accumulators often include a hydraulic fluid on one side of the piston or diaphragm and a compressible material, such as a gas, on the other side of the piston or diaphragm. By compressing the gas, energy can be stored and later released by expanding the gas. 
     SUMMARY 
     A hydraulic powering system is described that includes a hydraulic cylinder, an accumulator, and a manifold assembly. The hydraulic cylinder includes: (i) a hydraulic cylinder construction having a hydraulic cylinder wall and first and second hydraulic cylinder end caps forming an internal volume, a piston constructed to slide within the internal volume between the first and second hydraulic cylinder end caps and dividing the internal volume into an extend region and a retract region, and a piston rod extending from the piston and through the retract region and one of the first and second end caps to outside the hydraulic cylinder; (ii) an extend port in fluid connection with the extend region of the hydraulic cylinder; and (iii) a retract port in fluid communication with the retract region of the hydraulic cylinder. The accumulator includes: (i) an accumulator construction having an accumulator wall and first and second accumulator end caps forming an accumulator internal volume, an accumulator piston constructed to slide within the accumulator internal volume between the first and second accumulator end caps and dividing the accumulator internal volume into a hydraulic fluid region and a compressible gas region; and (ii) a hydraulic fluid port in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid region of the accumulator. The manifold assembly includes a plurality of passageways therethrough providing fluid connection between: (i) a hydraulic fluid extend source and the hydraulic cylinder extend port and the accumulator hydraulic fluid port; and (ii) a hydraulic fluid retract source and the hydraulic cylinder retract port and the accumulator hydraulic fluid port. 
     A method of operating a hydraulic powering system is described that includes a step of feeding hydraulic fluid from an accumulator to a hydraulic cylinder retract region of a hydraulic cylinder side during a retract stroke of the hydraulic cylinder. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a hydraulic powering system according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is an alternative perspective view of the hydraulic powering system according to  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a side, plan view of the hydraulic powering system according to  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a partial sectional view of the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator of the hydraulic powering system according to  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a partial sectional view of the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator of the hydraulic powering system according to  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  5    is an additional perspective view of the hydraulic powering system according to  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the manifold assembly of the hydraulic powering system according to  FIG.  1    illustrating an exemplary internal conduit configuration. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the manifold assembly of  FIG.  1    without the valve arrangement. 
         FIG.  8    is an end view of the cylinder base end of the manifold assembly according to  FIG.  7    facing the hydraulic cylinder. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the cylinder base end of the manifold assembly according to  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  10    is an end view of the accumulator base end of the manifold assembly according to  FIG.  7    facing the accumulator. 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the accumulator base end of the manifold assembly according to  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of an alternative hydraulic powering system according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of an alternative hydraulic powering system according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic powering system that includes a hydraulic cylinder, an accumulator, and a manifold assembly providing hydraulic fluid communication between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator. The manifold assembly can also provide communication of the hydraulic fluid between a source of hydraulic fluid, such as a hydraulic pump, and the hydraulic powering system. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a method of operating the hydraulic powering system. 
     Herein, example hydraulic powering systems, hydraulic cylinders, accumulators, and manifold assemblies are characterized in detail. Many of the specific features can be applied to provide advantage. There is no specific requirement that the various individual features and components be applied in an overall assembly with all of the features and characteristics described, however, in order to provide for some benefit in accord with the present disclosure. 
     Hydraulic cylinders generally operate by transferring energy into a linear direction. Depending on the side of the hydraulic cylinder into which the hydraulic fluid is introduced or removed, a piston with a piston rod extending therefrom moves in an extension direction or a retraction direction. The operation can be referred to as an extend stroke or as a retract stroke. It is often desirable to enhance the performance by increasing the speed and/or force of the extend stroke or by increasing the speed and/or force of the retract stroke. Enhancing the performance can additionally include leveling or making more uniform the application of force and avoiding spikes that sometimes occur at the end of an extend stroke (or the beginning of a retract stroke) or at the end of a retract stroke (or the beginning of an extend stroke). Furthermore, enhancing the performance of the hydraulic cylinder may include enhancing the performance of the hydraulic pump associated with, or powering the hydraulic cylinder, by utilizing the energy stored in an accumulator. Furthermore, using the stored energy in the accumulator may help reduce the demands on the hydraulic pump that causes undue wear on the hydraulic pump. For example, increasing the speed of the extend stroke or increasing the speed of the retract stroke may result in hydraulic fluid not being pulled into the hydraulic pump fast enough thereby causing cavitation or starving of the hydraulic pump. That, in turn, can cause wear on the hydraulic pump and shorten its life, and can also result in decreased performance of the hydraulic cylinder. In addition, there is a considerable amount of momentum that must be reversed every time the hydraulic cylinder switches between the extend stroke or the retract stroke, and the valve operation of the hydraulic pump might not be fast enough to provide the desired level of performance. The accumulator can also help absorb pressure spikes that may occur during operation of the hydraulic powering system. Accordingly, it is desirable to enhance the performance of the hydraulic cylinder by adding a force that is available for increasing the speed and/or force of the extend stroke and/or the retract stroke. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , a hydraulic powering system is illustrated at reference number  10 . The hydraulic powering system  10  includes a hydraulic cylinder  12  and an accumulator  14 . The hydraulic cylinder  12  and the accumulator  14  can operate from a source of hydraulic fluid, such as a hydraulic pump, that causes the hydraulic cylinder  12  to operate and also stores energy in the accumulator  14  that, in turn, can be drawn upon to assist in operating the hydraulic cylinder  12 . The hydraulic cylinder  12  and the accumulator  14  can be held together by a bracket assembly  15 . Variations of the bracket assembly  15  can be provided to help hold the accumulator  14  relative to the hydraulic cylinder  12 . 
     The hydraulic powering system  10  includes a manifold assembly  16  that can control flow of hydraulic fluid to, from, and between the hydraulic cylinder  12  and the accumulator  14 . In addition, the manifold assembly can control flow of hydraulic fluid between the manifold assembly and a source of hydraulic fluid. The source of hydraulic fluid can be a pump arrangement that provides hydraulic fluid under pressure and also receives hydraulic fluid that can be, in turn, returned under pressure. The manifold assembly  16  can include a valve construction  21 , such as a valve arrangement  18 , that directs flow of hydraulic fluid through the manifold assembly  16 . The valve construction  21  can be provided as an integral part of the manifold assembly  16  where it is built into the manifold assembly  16 , or the valve construction  21  can be provided as a separate structure that attaches to the manifold assembly  16 . As depicted, the valve arrangement  18  is a structure that can be attached to the manifold assembly  16  via fasteners  19 . An advantage of providing the valve construction  21  as a separate structure is that the manifold assembly  16  can be provided having greater flexibility in terms of varied applications. That is, the valve construction  21  can be replaced with an alternative to adjust the operation of the hydraulic powering system  10 . In addition, servicing of the hydraulic powering system  10  can be enhanced by providing the valve construction  21  as a separate structure that can more easily be detached from the manifold assembly  16  to provide for more convenient servicing thereof due the moving parts in the valve construction  21  may require servicing more often than the remainder of the manifold assembly  16 . 
     The manifold assembly  16  includes an extend port  20  and a retract port  22 . A hydraulic fluid powering source, such as a hydraulic fluid pump arrangement, can provide a fluid connection to the extend port  20  and the retract port  22  to operate the hydraulic powering system  10 . The attachment can be via hydraulic lines. As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the extend port  20  can be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid via an extend line  24 , and the retract port  22  can be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid via the retract line  26 . Also shown is a hydraulic fluid dump line  28  which is available for returning hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic fluid reservoir when pressure within the accumulator exceeds design limits. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  4   , a partial sectional view of the hydraulic powering system  10  illustrates the operation of the hydraulic cylinder  12  and the accumulator  14 . The hydraulic cylinder  12  includes a cylinder wall  30  extending from a hydraulic cylinder first end  32  to a hydraulic cylinder second end  34 , a hydraulic cylinder first end cap  36  located at the hydraulic cylinder first end  32 , and a hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  located at the hydraulic cylinder second  34 . The combination of the cylinder wall  30 , the hydraulic cylinder first end cap  36 , and the hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  provides a hydraulic cylinder interior region  40 . The cylinder wall  30  can have a cylindrical shape forming the cylinder interior region  40 . Additionally included is a piston  42  that slides between the hydraulic cylinder first end  32  and the hydraulic cylinder second end  34  within the hydraulic cylinder interior region  40 . Extending from the piston  42  is a piston rod  44  that extends through the hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  and forms a piston rod end  46  that is available for connection to another device such as a frac pump. 
     The hydraulic cylinder  12  is illustrated in  FIG.  4    in a retracted position where the piston  42  is retracted toward the first end cap  36 . In an extended position, the piston  42  would be located toward the second hydraulic cylinder end cap  34 . The hydraulic cylinder interior region  40  can be divided into two regions that can be referred to as the extend region  48  and the retract region  50 . The extend region  48  is located between the hydraulic cylinder first end cap  36  and the piston  42 , and the retract region  50  is located between the hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  and the piston  32 . As the piston  42  moves toward the hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  and toward an extended position, hydraulic cylinder fluid leaves the retract region  50  via the hydraulic fluid retract line  52 , and hydraulic fluid enters into the extend region  48 . In reverse, as the piston  42  moves from the hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  toward the hydraulic cylinder first end cap  36 , the hydraulic fluid enters into the retract region  50  via the hydraulic fluid retract line  52 , and hydraulic fluid exits the extend region  48 . It should be understood, however, that the precise flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the extend region  48  and the retract region  50  will vary as a result of interaction with the accumulator  14  and the manifold assembly  16 . The characterization that the piston moves toward the hydraulic cylinder first end cap  36  or the hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  does not mean that the piston  42  actually contacts the hydraulic cylinder first end cap  36  or the hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38 , but rather that the piston  42  moves in a direction that can be characterized as extension (an extend stroke) and retraction (a retract stroke). It may be possible that the piston  42  actually contacts the first hydraulic cylinder  36  and/or hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  during the movement. Now referring to  FIG.  4 A , the piston  42  is located closer to the hydraulic cylinder second end cap  38  more clearly showing both the extend region  48  and the retract region  50 . 
     The hydraulic cylinder  12  includes a position sensor  58  positioned within the piston rod  44 , and an electronic sensor  59  that works with the position sensor  58  to identify where the piston or piston rod is at any time during a stroke. The position sensor  58  can be provided as a MTS brand sensor, and various position sensors for providing location information of a piston rod or a piston in a hydraulic cylinder are well known. Feedback from the piston rod  44  provides information useful that permits the valve arrangement to control flow of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic powering system  10 . 
     The accumulator  14  includes an accumulator wall  60  extending from an accumulator first end  62  to an accumulator second end  64 , an accumulator first end cap  66  located at the accumulator first end  62 , and an accumulator second end cap  68  located at the accumulator second end  64 . The accumulator wall  60 , the accumulator first end cap  66 , and the accumulator second end cap  68  provide an accumulator interior region  70 . The accumulator wall  60  can have a cylindrical shape forming the accumulator interior region  70 . The accumulator  14  additionally includes a piston  72  that slides within the accumulator interior region  70  between the accumulator first end cap  66  and the accumulator second end cap  68 . As shown, the piston  72  is in a discharged position  74  where the piston  72  is located adjacent the accumulator first end cap  66 . The accumulator interior region  70  is divided into a first side region  76  and a second side region  78 . The first side region  76  is located between the piston  72  and the accumulator first end cap  66 , and the second side region  78  is located between the piston  72  and the accumulator second end cap  68 . In general, the second side region  78  includes a compressible gas therein that can be fed into the second side region  78  via the gas charging port  80 . The first side region  76  can be referred to as the hydraulic fluid region  77 , and the second side region  78  can be referred to as the compressible gas region  79 . In addition, because of the presence of a compressible gas within the second side region  78 , it is expected that the piston  72  will not extend all the way to the accumulator second end cap  68 . Now referring to  FIG.  4 A , the piston  72  is illustrated in a different position closer to the accumulator second end cap  68  and more clearly showing both first side region  76  or hydraulic fluid region  77  and the second side region  78  or compressible gas region  79 . 
     The accumulator  14  can be operated by introducing hydraulic fluid into the first side region  76  between the accumulator first end  66  and the piston  72  and thereby causing the piston  72  to move toward the accumulator second end cap  68 . The compressible gas within the second side region  78  becomes compressed as the piston  72  moves toward the accumulator second end cap  68 . Compressing the gas in the second side region  78  stores energy that can later be released as the piston  72  is permitted to move toward the accumulator first end cap  66 . As the piston  72  moves toward the accumulator first end cap  66 , the gas in the second side region  78  expands and the hydraulic fluid exits the first side region  76 . 
     It should be understood that the accumulator  14  illustrated is a piston accumulator because it involves the movement of the piston  72  within the accumulator interior region  70 . The particular size of the exemplified accumulator  14  is about 12 gallons. Other types of the accumulators are available and can be used including bladder accumulators. In order to achieve a similar energy storage using a single bladder accumulator, the bladder accumulator would generally require a greater diameter. Alternatively, multiple accumulators can be arranged, for example, in series or in parallel, to provide the desired energy storage and output. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  6 - 11   , the manifold assembly  16  includes several conduits or passageways therein for exchanging hydraulic fluid with the hydraulic cylinder  12  in the accumulator  14 . The valve arrangement  18  interacts with the manifold assembly  16  via Port  1 , Port  3 , and Port  2 . Port  2  can be referred to as a “common port” because it can provide a common connection between Port  2  and Port  1 , and between Port  2  and Port  3 . The valve arrangement  18  includes a valve system therein that controls flow through Ports  1 - 3 . This is explained in more detail below. It should also be appreciated that a computer controller can be provided directing the operation of the valve arrangement  18 . 
     The manifold assembly  16  includes two parts assembled together. The first part can be referred to as a cylinder base end  100  and the second part can be referred as an accumulator base end  102 . The cylinder base end  100  is shown isolated in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , and the accumulator end  102  is shown isolated in  FIGS.  10  and  11   . It should be appreciated that the cylinder base end  100  and the accumulator end  102  can be provided as a single, integral structure. By separating the manifold assembly  16  into the cylinder base end  100  and the accumulator base end  102 , it is easier to form the conduits or passageways there through for flow of hydraulic fluid and also for containing various relief valves. The cylinder base end  100  and the accumulator base end  102  are conveniently assembled together. 
     The cylinder base end  100  includes a plurality of bolt holes  120  for connection with the hydraulic cylinder  12  via the bolts  122  and includes bolt holes  124  for connection with the accumulator end  102  via bolts  126 . Similarly, the accumulator base end  102  includes a plurality of bolt holes  123  for connection with the accumulator  14  via the bolts  123 , and includes bolt holes  125  for connection with the hydraulic cylinder  12  via the bolts  126 . While bolt holes and bolts are identified herein, it should be understood that various other fasteners can be used in place of or in combination with bolt holes and bolts. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  7 - 9   , the cylinder base end  100  includes a flange or extension  104  that fits within the hydraulic cylinder first end  32 . The flange or extension  104  can be provided as the hydraulic cylinder first end cap  36 . In addition, the flange or extension  104  includes a groove  106  for receipt of a gasket or O-ring for creating a seal with the cylinder wall  30  at the cylinder wall front end  32 . Hydraulic fluid can be introduced into the extend region  48 , or removed therefrom, via the internal extend port  108  and/or the internal communication port  110 . The internal extend port  108  is connected to the extend port  20  via the conduit  109 , and the internal communication port  110  is connected to Port  1  via the conduit  111 . 
     The cylinder base end includes Port  2  which is connected via conduit  112  to the first side region  76  of the accumulator  14 , and Port  3  which is connect to the retract port  22  via the conduit  114 . 
     Because the cylinder base end  100  and the accumulator base end  102  can be made from a solid metallic material such as steel, the conduits can be drilled out advantageously by drilling straight lines. The resulting openings can be plugged. For example, in order to create the conduit  114  between Port  3  and the retract port  22 , a first conduit can be drilled out from the drill port  130  to the Port  3 , and a second conduit can be drilled out from the drill port  132  to the retract port  22 . The drill ports  130  and  132  can be plugged. Additional drill ports  134 ,  136 , and  138  are identified that form conduits  135 ,  137 , and  139 . 
     Pressure control valves  140  and  142  are provided to regulate the pressure in the extend region  48  and in the retract region  50 . The pressure control valves  140  and  142  can be provided as relief valves and/or as sequence valves. If the pressure control valve  140  is a relief valve and it is triggered, then hydraulic fluid can flow from the retract region  50  to the extend region  48  via conduit  135 . If the pressure control valve  142  is a relief valve and it is triggered, the hydraulic fluid can flow from the extend region  48  to the retract region  50  via the conduits  137  and  143 . The valves  140  and  142  include check valves that provide for one way flow of hydraulic fluid when the valves are triggered. The pressure control valves  140  and  142 , when provided as relief valves, can be provided as 6,000 psi and 3,000 psi valves. It should be understood that the relief valves can be provided with desired any thresholds. 
     In addition, a through hole  151  can be provided for the position sensor  58  and  59 , and a check valve  152  can be provided for make up hydraulic fluid when desired, such as when there is cavitation in the hydraulic cylinder. 
     The accumulator base end  102  is illustrated in  FIGS.  7 ,  10 , and  11   . The accumulator base end  102  includes a flange or extension  154  that extends into the accumulator wall  60 . The flange or extension  154  can be referred as the accumulator first end cap  66 . In addition, the flange or extension  154  includes a groove  156  constructed to receive a gasket or O-ring to create a seal with the internal surface of the accumulator wall  60  when it is inserted therein. 
     The accumulator base end  102  includes an accumulator charge/discharge port  170 . Hydraulic fluid flows through the accumulator charge/discharge port  170  when charging or discharging hydraulic fluid from the first side region  76 . Hydraulic fluid flows to and from the accumulator charge/discharge port  170  via the conduit  172  which is in communication with the conduit  112  and Port B in the hydraulic cylinder base end  100 . The accumulator base end  102  additionally includes pressure control valves  174  and  176 , and a dump valve  178 . The pressure control valves  174  and  176  can be provided as relief valves and/or as sequence valves. If the pressure control valves  174  and  176  are provided as relief valves, once a maximum pressure is triggered, then hydraulic fluid is permitted to flow from the first side region  76  via the conduit  180  and through the dump line  28 . The relief valves  174  and  176  can be provided having check valves to provide one way flow. In addition, the relief valves  174  and  176  would work together to provide desired flow. The dump valve  178  permits bleeding of residual pressure if there is a power loss. As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the extend port  20 , the retract port  22 , and the dump line port  29  are capped, but the caps are removed in place of extend line  24 , retract line  26 , and dump line  28  as shown in, for example,  FIG.  4   . Also included is a pressure sensor  182  for identifying and communicating pressure within the first side region  76  of the accumulator  14 . 
     The valve construction  21  can be provided as a control valve. An example of a valve construction  21  that provides control is the valve arrangement  18  which is depicted in the form of a two position and three way valve. When desired, the valve arrangement  18  can provide a common connection between Port  1  and Port  2 , and can provide a common connection between Port  2  and Port  3 . The valve arrangement  18  can include a first spring chamber  190  and a second spring chamber  192 . In general, the first and second spring chambers  190  and  192  include a spring that keeps a replaceable spool in position when the hydraulic powering system  10  in unpowered. In addition, the valve arrangement  18  can include a pilot valve  194  which provides oil to drive the valve arrangement  18 . It should be appreciated that the valve arrangement  18  can be driven by a computer control system or other electronic means that takes into account the various operational parameters. It should be appreciated that the valve construction  21  can be provided as a control valve other than as a two position and three way valve. For example, the valve construction  21  can be provided as a plurality of valves, together or separate, that provide the desired control of hydraulic fluid flow through the manifold assembly  16 . The plurality of valves can be arranged in parallel and/or series to provide the desired flow control. 
     An advantage of the hydraulic powering system  10  is that when the hydraulic pump is providing hydraulic fluid to the extend region  48  of the hydraulic cylinder  12 , hydraulic fluid can also be directed to the first side region  76  of the accumulator  14  in order to charge the accumulator  14 . In certain circumstances, the extend stroke of the hydraulic cylinder  12  can provide the desired work. The time of the retract stroke, in contrast, reduces the work interval. By accelerating the retract stroke, it may be possible to operate the hydraulic cylinder more efficiently. Accordingly, the hydraulic powering system  10  can rely upon the stored energy in the accumulator  14  to accelerate the movement of the piston  42  during the retract stroke. This is accomplished by permitting the hydraulic fluid from the first side region  76  of the accumulator  14  to flow via the hydraulic fluid retract line  52  into the retract region  50  of the hydraulic cylinder  12 . This can occur when the valve arrangement  18  provides communication between Port  2  and Port  3 . 
     By utilizing the manifold assembly, the use of hydraulic hoses can be minimized. Several problems result from using hydraulic hoses to provide connections between the source of hydraulic fluid and the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator. One problem is that the hoses cause a mess of lines that can become tangled and may even be hooked up incorrectly. Another problem is that the hoses can wear more quickly and require replacement. Another problem is that the hoses are more susceptible to leaking and/or bursting which can cause safety and pollution concerns. The servicing of the hoses by periodic replacement or by addressing a hose rupture issue likely requires taking the hydraulic cylinder out of use thereby resulting in loss of productivity. Furthermore, the use of hoses can result in a loss of energy as a result of the expansion of the hoses being subject to relatively large internal pressures. An expansion as a result of application of pressure may result in loss of energy and also a loss in responsiveness. In high performance industrial equipment such as frac pumps, a decrease in responsiveness can cause a delay or reduction in performance. The conduits within the manifold assembly are not subject to expansion under pressure the same way as hoses. In addition, long runs of hoses can permit pressure drop to occur which is not desirable. The use of a manifold assembly according to the present disclosure addresses these problems and provides for better control. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , alternative hydraulic powering systems are illustrated at reference number  200  and  250 . In the hydraulic powering system  200 , multiple hydraulic cylinders  202 ,  204 , and  206  can be operated in conjunction with a single accumulator  208 . Alternatively, in the hydraulic powering system  250 , a single hydraulic cylinder  252  can be operated in conjunction with multiple accumulators including accumulator  154 , accumulator  156 , and accumulator  158 . It should be appreciated that additional variations can be provided, and that the interaction between the hydraulic cylinders and the accumulators can be provided as describe previously. 
     Again, the principles, techniques, and features described herein can be applied in a variety of system, and there is no requirement that all of the advantageous features identified be incorporated in an assembly, system, method, or component to obtain some benefit according to the present disclosure. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.