Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Application No. 62/354,101, filed Jun. 23, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0002]    This application also claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Application No. 62/393,990, filed Sep. 13, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0003]    This application also claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Application No. 62/412,230, filed Oct. 24, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0004]    This application also claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Application No. 62/421,019, filed Nov. 11, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0005]    The present disclosure relates in general to hydraulic fracturing systems used in oil and gas exploration and production operations and, in particular, to a hydraulic fracturing system including a modular pressurization manifold. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0006]    In oil or gas operations, hydraulic fracturing systems may be used to fracture one or more subterranean formations by conveying pressurized hydraulic fracturing fluid to one or more wellbores traversing the subterranean formation(s), the wellbore(s) each having a wellhead located at the surface termination thereof. These hydraulic fracturing systems require temporary surface lines, valves, and manifolds (collectively referred to as “frac iron”) to deliver the hydraulic fracturing fluid from mixing and pumping equipment to one or more fracturing trees connected to the respective wellhead(s). For example, a fracturing manifold may be used to communicate the hydraulic fracturing fluid to multiple fracturing trees. In addition, a pressurization manifold may be used to communicate the hydraulic fracturing fluid to the fracturing manifold from multiple hydraulic fracturing pumps. Many hydraulic fracturing systems utilize conventional frac iron connected to, from, or between: each of the various components of the fracturing manifold, the pressurization manifold and the fracturing manifold, each of the various components of the pressurization manifold, and/or each of the fracturing trees and the fracturing manifold. This conventional frac iron is overly complex and creates a multitude of issues at the work site including, but not limited to, excessive setup time and labor costs, limited adjustability, safety risks associated with potential leak points, and decreased pumping efficiency. In extreme cases, conventional frac iron may decrease the effectiveness of fracturing operations, thereby presenting a problem for operators dealing with challenges such as, for example, continuous duty operations, harsh downhole environments, and multiple extended-reach lateral wells, among others. Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus, system, or method to address one or more of the foregoing issues, and/or one or more other issues. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In a first aspect, the present disclosure introduces an apparatus used to hydraulically fracture a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends, the apparatus including a first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line; and a second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends; and one, or both, of the first and second flow lines are movable relative to the third flow line to permit the connection of the apparatus to the another apparatus. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a skid to which the first and second manifolds are mounted, the skid including first and second rails; and first and second trucks to which the first and second flow lines, respectively, are connected; wherein one, or both, of the first and second trucks are movable along the first and second rails, respectively, to thereby permit the movement of one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the second manifold further includes a fluid block connected to the third flow line and adapted to receive the pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps; and first and second valves connected to the fluid block and adapted to selectively prevent communication of the pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps, respectively, to the wellbore. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the second manifold is supported in an elevated position above the first manifold so that the third flow line is vertically offset from the first and second flow lines. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the first, second, and third flow lines define first, second, and third, inner diameters, the third inner diameter being greater than the first and second inner diameters. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a zipper manifold adapted to convey the pressurized fluid from the second manifold to the wellbore and at least one other wellbore extending in the subterranean formation to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore and the at least one other wellbore extend. 
         [0014]    In a second aspect, the present disclosure introduces a system used to hydraulically fracture a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends, the system including a first manifold adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, the first and second pumps being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first manifold; a second manifold adapted to receive pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps; a third manifold adapted to be in fluid communication with third and fourth pumps, the third and fourth pumps being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the third manifold; a fourth manifold adapted to receive pressurized fluid from the third and fourth pumps; wherein the first manifold is adapted to be connected to, and in fluid communication with, the third manifold; and wherein, one, or both, of the first and third manifolds are movable, relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively, to permit the connection of the first manifold to the third manifold. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment, the second manifold is adapted to be connected to, and in fluid communication with, the fourth manifold to convey the pressurized fluid from the first, second, third, and fourth pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the first manifold includes first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with the first and second pumps, respectively; the third manifold includes third and fourth flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with the third and fourth pumps, respectively; and the third and fourth flow lines are adapted to be connected to, and in fluid communication with, the first and second flow lines. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, one, or both, of the first and third flow lines are movable relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively, to permit the connection of the third flow line to the first flow line; and one, or both, of the second and fourth flow lines are movable relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively, to permit the connection of the fourth flow line to the second flow line. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, the system further includes a first skid to which the first and second manifolds are mounted, the first skid including first and second rails; a second skid to which the third and fourth manifolds are mounted, the second skid including third and fourth rails; and first, second, third, and fourth trucks to which the first, second, third, and fourth flow lines, respectively, are connected; wherein one, or both, of the first and third trucks are movable along the first and third rails, respectively, to thereby permit the movement of one, or both, of the first and third flow lines relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively; and wherein one, or both, of the second and fourth trucks are movable along the second and fourth rails, respectively, to thereby permit the movement of one, or both, of the second and fourth flow lines relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, the second manifold includes a fifth flow line, the second manifold being supported in an elevated position above the first manifold so that the fifth flow line is vertically offset from the first and second flow lines; and the fourth manifold includes a sixth flow line, the fourth manifold being supported in an elevated position above the third manifold so that the sixth flow line is vertically offset from the third and fourth flow lines. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment, the first, second, and fifth flow lines define first second and third inner diameters, respectively, the third inner diameter being greater than the first and second inner diameters; and the third, fourth, and sixth flow lines define fourth, fifth, and sixth inner diameters, respectively, the sixth inner diameter being greater than the fourth and fifth inner diameters. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, the system further includes a zipper manifold adapted to convey the pressurized fluid from the second manifold to the wellbore and at least one other wellbore extending in the subterranean formation to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore and the at least one other wellbore extend. 
         [0022]    In a third aspect, the present disclosure introduces a method of hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends, the method including providing first and second manifolds, the first manifold being adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, the first and second pumps being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first manifold, and the second manifold being adapted to receive pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps; providing third and fourth manifolds adjacent the first and second manifolds, respectively, the third manifold being adapted to be in fluid communication with third and fourth pumps, the third and fourth pumps being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the third manifold, and the fourth manifold being adapted to receive pressurized fluid from the third and fourth pumps; connecting the fourth manifold to the second manifold; connecting the first manifold to the third manifold by moving one, or both, of the first and third manifolds relative to the connected second and fourth manifolds, respectively; and communicating pressurized fluid from the first, second, third, and fourth pumps to the wellbore via the second and fourth manifolds to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. 
         [0023]    In an embodiment, the first manifold includes first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with the first and second pumps, respectively; and the third manifold includes third and fourth flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with the third and fourth pumps, respectively. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, connecting the first manifold to the third manifold further includes connecting: the third flow line to the first flow line, and the fourth flow line to the second flow line; and moving one, or both, of the first and third manifolds relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively, includes moving: one, or both, of the first and third flow lines relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively, and one, or both, of the second and fourth flow lines relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, the method further includes mounting the first and second manifolds to a first skid including first and second rails; and mounting the third and fourth manifolds to a second skid including third and fourth rails. 
         [0026]    In an embodiment, the method further includes connecting the first, second, third, and fourth flow lines to first, second, third, and fourth trucks, respectively; wherein moving one, or both, of the first and third flow lines relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively, includes moving one, or both, of the first and third trucks along the first and third rails, respectively; and wherein moving one, or both, of the second and fourth flow lines relative to the second and fourth manifolds, respectively, includes moving one, or both, of the second and fourth trucks along the second and fourth rails, respectively. 
         [0027]    In an embodiment, the second manifold includes a fifth flow line and the fourth manifold includes a sixth flow line; mounting the first and second manifolds to the first skid includes supporting the second manifold in an elevated position above the first manifold so that the fifth flow line is vertically offset from the first and second flow lines; and mounting the third and fourth manifolds to the second skid includes supporting the fourth manifold in an elevated position above the third manifold so that the sixth flow line is vertically offset from the third and fourth flow lines. 
         [0028]    In an embodiment, the second manifold includes a fifth flow line and the fourth manifold includes a sixth flow line; the first, second, and fifth flow lines define first, second, and third inner diameters, respectively, the third inner diameter being greater than the first and second inner diameters; and the third, fourth, and sixth flow lines define fourth, fifth, and sixth inner diameters, respectively, the sixth inner diameter being greater than the fourth and fifth inner diameters. 
         [0029]    In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a zipper manifold adapted to convey the pressurized fluid from the second manifold to the wellbore and at least one other wellbore extending in the subterranean formation to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore and the at least one other wellbore extend. 
         [0030]    In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure introduces, a system used to hydraulically fracture a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends, the system including a skid; and a fluid conduit mounted on the skid and adapted to be in fluid communication with a manifold to convey the pressurized fluid from the manifold to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends, the fluid conduit having a first inner diameter and including a fluid block defining a flow passage having the first inner diameter and a side port via which one or more instrumentation components are adapted to be in fluid communication with the flow passage, the side port having a second inner diameter that is less than the first inner diameter, and one or more valves in fluid communication with the fluid block. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment, the first inner diameter is about 7 inches and the second inner diameter is about 3 inches. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, the one or more valves include a check valve and first and second plug valves connected to each other in series, the first and second plug valves being operable to selectively prevent communication of the pressurized fluid from the manifold to the wellbore via the fluid conduit, and the check valve being operable to limit backflow of the pressurized fluid from the wellbore to the manifold via the fluid conduit. 
         [0033]    In an embodiment, the system further includes a zipper manifold adapted to convey the pressurized fluid from the fluid conduit to the wellbore and at least one other wellbore extending in the subterranean formation to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore and the at least one other wellbore extend. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of a hydraulic fracturing system including, inter alia, first and second manifold assemblies, a valve assembly, and an iron assembly, and a zipper manifold, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the first and second manifold assemblies, the valve assembly, and the iron assembly of  FIG. 1A , the first manifold assembly being connected to a rear header, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic illustration of the first manifold assembly of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first manifold assembly including a high pressure manifold, a low pressure manifold, and a skid, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the first manifold assembly of  FIG. 2A , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the skid of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the skid including one or more trucks adapted to support the low pressure manifold, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of one of the trucks of  FIG. 3 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the low pressure manifold (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) supported on the skid (shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 ) by the one or more trucks (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the high pressure manifold of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are top plan and elevational views, respectively, of the first manifold assembly of  FIG. 2B  connected between the rear header (shown in  FIG. 1B ) and the second manifold assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the valve assembly of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0044]      FIGS. 10 and 11  are elevational and top plan views, respectively, of the valve assembly of  FIG. 9  connected between the second manifold assembly and the iron assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0045]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the iron assembly of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0046]      FIGS. 13 and 14  are elevational and top plan view, respectively, of the iron assembly of  FIG. 12  connected between the valve assembly and the zipper manifold, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0047]      FIGS. 15-18  are perspective views illustrating first, second, third, and fourth stages, respectively, for connecting the second manifold assembly to the first manifold assembly to form a pressurization manifold, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    Turning to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a system is generally referred to by the reference numeral  10  and includes manifold assemblies  12  and  14  in fluid communication with a blender  16 , hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a - 1 , and wellheads  20   a - d . The manifold assemblies  12  and  14  are interconnected with each other to form a pressurization manifold  22 . The blender  16  is in fluid communication with one or more fluid sources  24  and a rear header  26  (shown in  FIG. 1B ) connected to the manifold assembly  12 . The wellheads  20   a - d  are in fluid communication with the pressurization manifold  22  via, for example, zipper modules  28   a - d , an iron assembly  30 , and a valve assembly  32 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . The zipper modules  28   a - d  are connected to the wellheads  20   a - d , respectively, and are interconnected with each other to form a zipper manifold  34 . The iron assembly  30  and the valve assembly  32  are connected in series between the pressurization manifold  22  and the zipper manifold  34 . In an embodiment, the system  10  is part of a hydraulic fracturing (or “frac”) system, which may be used to facilitate oil and gas exploration and production operations. The embodiments provided herein are not, however, limited to a hydraulic fracturing system, as the embodiments may be used with, or adapted to, a mud pump system, a well treatment system, other pumping systems, one or more systems at the wellheads  20   a - d , one or more systems upstream of the wellheads  20   a - d , one or more systems downstream of the wellheads  20   a - d , or one or more other systems associated with the wellheads  20   a - d.    
         [0049]    The manifold assemblies  12  and  14  are identical to one another, and, therefore, in connection with  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3-9 , only the manifold assembly  12  will be described in detail below; however, the description below applies to both of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 . Moreover, the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   g - 1  are connected to the manifold assembly  14  in substantially the same manner that the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a - f  are connected to the manifold assembly  12  and, therefore, in connection with  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3-9 , only the connection of the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a - f  to the manifold assembly  12  will be described in detail below; however, the description below applies equally to the manner in which the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   g - 1  are connected to the manifold assembly  14 . 
         [0050]    Turning to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the manifold assembly  12  includes a low pressure manifold  36  and a high pressure manifold  38 , both of which are mounted on, and connected to, a skid  40 . The hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a - f  are each in fluid communication with both the low pressure manifold  36  and the high pressure manifold  38 . The low pressure manifold  36  communicates hydraulic fracturing fluid from the blender  16  (via the rear header  26 ) to the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a - f . The high pressure manifold  38  includes high pressure modules  42   a - c  connected to each other in series; the high pressure module  42   a  receives the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a  and  18   d ; the high pressure module  42   b  receives the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   b  and  18   e ; and the high pressure module  42   c  receives the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   c  and  18   f . In several embodiments, each of the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a - f  is, includes, or is part of, a positive displacement pump, a reciprocating pump assembly, a frac pump, a pump truck, a truck, a trailer, or any combination thereof. 
         [0051]    Turning to  FIG. 3 , with continuing reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the skid  40  includes, inter alia, longitudinally-extending structural members  44   a  and  44   b , transversely-extending end members  46   a  and  46   b  connected to respective opposing end portions of the longitudinally-extending structural members  44   a  and  44   b , and transversely-extending structural members  48   a - c  connecting the longitudinally-extending structural members  44   a  and  44   b  and extending between the transversely-extending end members  46   a  and  46   b . The skid  40  includes carriage plates  50   a  and  50   b . The carriage plate  50   a  is supported on the longitudinally-extending structural members  44   a  and  44   b , the transversely-extending end member  46   a  and the transversely-extending structural members  48   a  and  48   b , and the carriage plate  50   b  is supported on the longitudinally-extending structural members  44   a  and  44   b , the transversely-extending end member  46   b  and the transversely-extending structural members  48   b  and  48   c . In some embodiments, the carriage plates  50   a  and  50   b  are integrally formed. 
         [0052]    The skid  40  also includes lifting tabs  52   a - d  and transport brackets  54   a - d . The lifting tabs  52   a  and  52   b  are connected to a transversely-extending structural member (not shown) extending between the transversely-extending structural members  48   a  and  48   b  and connected to the longitudinally-extending structural members  44   a  and  44   b . The lifting tabs  52   c  and  52   d  are connected to another transversely-extending structural member (not shown) extending between the transversely-extending structural members  48   b  and  48   c  and connected to the longitudinally-extending structural members  44   a  and  44   b . The transport brackets  54   a  and  54   c  are connected to the longitudinally-extending structural member  44   a , and the transport brackets  54   b  and  54   d  are connected to the longitudinally-extending structural member  44   b . The transport brackets  54   a  and  54   b  are adapted to support flow line components (not visible in  FIG. 3 ) for connecting the high pressure module  42   a  to the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a  and  18   d , and flow line components for connecting the high pressure module  42   b  to the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   b  and  18   e . The transport brackets  54   c  and  54   d  are adapted to support flow line components for connecting the high pressure module  42   c  to the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   c  and  18   f . The skid  40  is supported by jacks  56   a - d  connected, for example, to the respective opposing end portions of the longitudinally-extending structuring members  44   a  and  44   b . The jacks  56   a - d  are operable to level, and to adjust the height of, the skid  40 , as will be discussed in further detail below. 
         [0053]    In addition, the skid  40  includes a pair of longitudinally-extending rails  58   a  and  58   b  connected to the carriage plates  50   a  and  50   b . The longitudinally-extending rails  58   a  and  58   b  support trucks  60   a - d . The trucks  60   a - d  are movable along the rails  58   a  or  58   b  in opposing longitudinal directions, as indicated by arrows  62  and  64 , to permit alignment and connection of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  with the corresponding low pressure manifold (not visible in  FIG. 3 ) of the manifold assembly  14 , as will be discussed in further detail below. The skid  40  also includes locking tabs  66   a  and  66   b  adjacent the longitudinally-extending rails  58   a  and  58   b , respectively. The locking tabs  66   a  and  66   b  are adapted to secure the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  in place after the low pressure manifold  36  is aligned with, and connected to, the corresponding low pressure manifold of the manifold assembly  14 . 
         [0054]    The trucks  60   a - d  are identical to one another and, therefore, in connection with  FIG. 4 , only the truck  60   a  will be described in detail below; however, the description below applies to every one of the trucks  60   a - d . Turning to  FIG. 4 , the truck  60   a  includes a mounting plate  68 , a shoe bracket  70 , a shoe  72 , and a fastener  74  (e.g., a u-bolt). The shoe bracket  70  is adapted to accommodate the shoe  72 . The fastener  74  is adapted to connect the shoe bracket  70  to the mounting plate  68 , and to secure one or more components of the low pressure manifold  36  against the shoe  72 . The truck  60   a  also includes axle blocks  76   a  and  76   b , rail wheels  78   a  and  78   b , and axles  80   a  and  80   b . The axle blocks  76   a  and  76   b  are adapted to be connected to the mounting plate  68  opposite the shoe bracket  70 , and the rail wheels  78   a  and  78   b  are adapted to be connected to the axle blocks  76   a  and  76   b  via the axles  80   a  and  80   b . The rail wheels  78   a  and  78   b  are adapted to support and maintain the truck  60   a  on the longitudinally-extending rail  58   a  as the truck  60   a  moves along the rail  58   a  in the opposing longitudinal directions  62  and  64 . The truck  60   a  includes skirt segments  82   a  and  82   b  adapted to be connected to the mounting plate  68  to conceal the rail wheels  78   a  and  78   b  and to balance the truck  60   a  on the longitudinally-extending rail  58   a  via contact with carriage plate  50   a  or  50   b . The skirt segments  82   a  and  82   b  are recessed to accommodate the longitudinally-extending rail  58   a  as the truck  60   a  moves along the rail  58   a  in the opposing longitudinal directions  62  and  64 . 
         [0055]    Turning to  FIG. 5 , with continuing reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the low pressure manifold  36  includes longitudinally-extending tubular members, or flow lines  84   a  and  84   b . The flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  are spaced in a substantially parallel relation, and are adapted to be in fluid communication with the blender  16  via the rear header  26  (shown in  FIG. 1B ). The flow line  84   a  is secured to the trucks  60   a  and  60   b , and the flow line  84   b  is secured to the trucks  60   c  and  60   d , via the respective fasteners  74 . As a result, the flow line  84   a  is mounted to the skid  40  via the trucks  60   a  and  60   b , and the flow line  84   b  is mounted to the skid  40  via the trucks  60   c  and  60   d . The flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  are thus each movable in either of the longitudinal directions  62  and  64  via displacement of the trucks  60   a - d  along the longitudinally-extending rails  58   a  and  58   b . In an embodiment, the low pressure manifold  36  is mounted on the skid  40  by lowering the flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  down and then ensuring that the respective fasteners  74  extend about the flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  and engage the trucks  60 - d.    
         [0056]    The flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  each include valves  86   a  and  86   b  such as, for example, butterfly valves, at or near opposing end portions thereof. The flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  each include handles  88   a  and  88   b  extending therefrom to facilitate movement of the flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  along the longitudinally-extending rails  58   a  and  58   b  via the trucks  60   a - d  in the opposing longitudinal directions  62  and  64 . The flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  each include a locking tab  90  adapted to engage the skid  40 &#39;s locking tabs  66   a  or  66   b  to secure the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  in place after the low pressure manifold  36  is aligned with, and connected to, the corresponding low pressure manifold of the manifold assembly  14 . 
         [0057]    The hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a ,  18   b , and  18   c  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ; not visible in  FIG. 5 ) are adapted to be in fluid communication with the flow line  84   a  via one of outlet ports  92   a  and  92   b , one of outlet ports  94   a  and  94   b , and one of outlet ports  96   a  and  96   b , respectively; such fluid communication may be effected with one or more hoses, piping, swivels, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof. The outlet ports  92   a ,  92   b ,  94   a ,  94   b ,  96   a , and  96   b  are connected to the flow line  84   a . In some embodiments, one, or more, of the outlet ports  92   a ,  92   b ,  94   a ,  94   b ,  96   a , and  96   b  include caps and/or valves such as, for example, butterfly valves to limit or otherwise control the flow of the hydraulic fracturing fluid to the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a ,  18   b , or  18   c . In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a ,  18   b , and  18   c  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ; not visible in  FIG. 5 ) are in fluid communication with the flow line  84   a  via both of the outlet ports  92   a  and  92   b , both of the outlet ports  94   a  and  94   b , and both of the outlet ports  96   a  and  96   b , respectively; such fluid communication may be effected with one or more hoses, piping, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof. 
         [0058]    The hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   d ,  18   e  and  18   f  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ; not visible in  FIG. 5 ) are adapted to be in fluid communication with the flow line  84   b  via one of outlet ports  98   a  and  98   b , one of outlet ports  100   a  and  100   b , and one of outlet ports  102   a  and  102   b , respectively; such fluid communication may be effected with one or more hoses, piping, swivels, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof. The outlet ports  98   a ,  98   b ,  100   a ,  100   b ,  102   a , and  102   b  are connected to the flow line  84   b . In some embodiments, one, or more, of the outlet ports  98   a ,  98   b ,  100   a ,  100   b ,  102   a , and  102   b  include caps and/or valves such as, for example, butterfly valves to limit or otherwise control the flow of the hydraulic fracturing fluid to the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   d ,  18   e  or  18   f . In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   d ,  18   e , and  18   f  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ; not visible in  FIG. 5 ) are in fluid communication with the flow line  84   b  via both of the outlet ports  98   a  and  98   b , both of the outlet ports  100   a  and  100   b , and both of the outlet ports  102   a  and  102   b , respectively; such fluid communication may be effected with one or more hoses, piping, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof. 
         [0059]    The high pressure modules  42   a - c  are identical to one another, and, therefore, in connection with  FIG. 6 , only the high pressure module  42   a  will be described in detail below; however, the description below applies to every one of the high pressure modules  42   a - c . Moreover, in connection with  FIG. 6 , parts of the high pressure modules  42   b  and  42   c  that are substantially identical to corresponding parts of the high pressure module  42   a  are given the same reference numerals. Turning to  FIG. 6 , the high pressure module  42   a  includes a fluid block  104 , valves such as, for example, plug valves  106   a  and  106   b , and a vertical support  108 . The plug valves  106   a  and  106   b  are connected to opposing sides of the fluid block  104 . In addition, a connector  110   a  is connected to the plug valve  106   a  opposite the fluid block  104 , and a connector  110   b  is connected to the plug valve  106   b  opposite the fluid block  104 . The vertical support  108  is adapted to support the fluid block  104 , the plug valves  106   a  and  106   b , and the connectors  110   a  and  110   b  in an elevated position above the skid  40  (or another horizontal surface). 
         [0060]    The high pressure module  42   a &#39;s fluid block  104  is connected to the corresponding fluid block  104  of the high pressure module  42   b  via a longitudinally-extending tubular member, or flow line  112 , and the high pressure module  42   b &#39;s fluid block  104  is connected to the corresponding fluid block  104  of the high pressure module  42   c  via a longitudinally-extending tubular member, or flow line  114 . More particularly, the respective fluid blocks  104  of the high pressure modules  42   a  and  42   b  are connected to opposing end portions of the flow line  112 , and the respective fluid blocks  104  of the high pressure modules  42   b  and  42   c  are connected to opposing end portions of the flow line  114 . As a result, the respective vertical supports  108  of the high pressure modules  42   a - c  are adapted to support the respective fluid blocks  104  and the flow lines  112  and  114  in an elevated position above the skid  40  (or the another horizontal surface). 
         [0061]    The hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a ,  18   b , and  18   c  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ; not visible in  FIG. 6 ) are adapted to be in fluid communication with the respective fluid blocks  104  of the high pressure modules  42   a - c  via the respective plug valves  106   a ; such fluid communication may be effected by connecting, to the respective connectors  110   a  of the high pressure modules  42   a - c , one or more hoses, piping, swivels, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof. The hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   d ,  18   e , and  18   f  (shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ; not visible in  FIG. 6 ) are adapted to be in fluid communication with the respective fluid blocks  104  of the high pressure modules  42   a - c  via the respective plug valves  106   b ; such fluid communication may be effected by connecting, to the respective connectors  110   b  of the high pressure modules  42   a - c , one or more hoses, piping, swivels, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof. 
         [0062]    Turning to  FIGS. 2B, 7, and 8 , with continuing reference to  FIGS. 3-6 , the manifold assembly  12  is shown in a fully assembled state connected between the rear header  26  and the manifold assembly  14 . The low pressure manifold  36  is mounted to the skid  40  via the flow line  84   a &#39;s connection to the trucks  60   a  and  60   b , and the flow line  84   b &#39;s connection to the trucks  60   c  and  60   d . The flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  of the low pressure manifold  36  are connected to, and in fluid communication with, the rear header  26  (not visible in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; shown in  FIG. 1B ) via longitudinally-extending tubular members, or flow lines  116   a  and  116   b , respectively. The manifold assembly  12 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  is connected to, and in fluid communication with, the low pressure manifold of the manifold assembly  14  (not visible in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; shown in  FIG. 1B ) via longitudinally-extending tubular members, or flow lines  118   a  and  118   b , respectively. In addition, the high pressure manifold  38  is mounted to the skid  40  via connection of the vertical supports  108  of the high pressure modules  42   a - c  to the transversely-extending structural members  48   a - c , respectively, of the skid  40 . The manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure module  42   a  includes a blind flange  119  connected to the fluid block  104  thereof. The manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure module  42   c  is connected to, and in fluid communication with, the high pressure manifold of the manifold assembly  14  (not visible in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; shown in  FIG. 1B ) via a longitudinally-extending tubular member, or flow line  120 . 
         [0063]    Turning to  FIG. 9 , with continuing reference to  FIG. 1B , the valve assembly  32  includes a fluid conduit  122  mounted on, and connected to, a skid  124 . The skid  124  is similar (or substantially identical) to the skid  40 , and, therefore, the skid  124  will not be described in further detail; however, to the extent that parts of the skid are similar (or substantially identical) to corresponding parts of the skid  40 , said similar (or substantially identical) parts are given the same reference numerals. The fluid conduit  122  includes fluid blocks  126   a  and  126   b , longitudinally-extending tubular members, or flow lines  128   a  and  128   b , and valves  130   a - c . The fluid blocks  126   a  and  126   b , the flow lines  128   a  and  128   b , and the valves  130   a - c  are connected to each other in series and supported in an elevated position above the skid  124  by vertical supports  132   a - e . In some embodiments, the valves  130   a  and  130   b  are plug valves (e.g., the valve  130   a  may be a manual plug valve, and the valve  130   b  may be an automatic plug valve). In some embodiments, the valve  130   c  is a check valve. In an embodiment, the fluid conduit  122  is connected to the skid  124  by lowering the fluid conduit  122  down and then ensuring that the fluid blocks  126   a  and  126   b  and the flow lines  128   a  and  128   b  are supported by the vertical supports  132   a  and  132   e , respectively, and that the valves  130   a - c  are supported by the vertical supports  132   b - d , respectively. 
         [0064]    The fluid block  126   a  is connected to the flow line  128   a  and supported by the vertical support  132   a  in an elevated position above the skid  124  at or near the transversely-extending end member  46   a  (visible in  FIG. 11 ) thereof. The valve  130   a  is connected to the flow line  128   a  opposite the fluid block  126   a  and supported by the vertical support  130   b  in an elevated position above the skid  124 . The fluid block  126   b  is connected to the flow line  128   b  and supported by the vertical support  132   e  in an elevated position above the skid  124  at or near the transversely-extending end member  46   b  thereof. The valve  130   c  is connected to the flow line  128   b  opposite the fluid block  126   b  and supported by the vertical support  132   d  in an elevated position above the skid  124 . Finally, the valve  130   b  is connected between the valves  130   a  and  130   c  and supported by the vertical support  132   c  in an elevated position above the skid  124 . 
         [0065]    In an embodiment, side ports  134   a  and  134   b  (visible in  FIG. 11 ) of the fluid block  126   a  and/or side ports  136   a  and  136   b  (visible in  FIG. 11 ) of the fluid block  126   b  may be used to establish fluid communication with the fluid conduit  122 ; such fluid communication may be effected with one or more hoses, piping, swivels, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof. Moreover, such fluid communication may be used, for example, to support instrumentation (not shown) for measuring one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fracturing fluid exiting the respective high pressure manifolds  38  of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 . 
         [0066]    Turning to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , with continuing reference to  FIG. 9 , the valve assembly  32  is shown connected between the manifold assembly  14  and the iron assembly  30 . More particularly, the fluid block  126   a  of the valve assembly  32  is connected to the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure module  42   c  (not visible in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ; shown, e.g., in  FIG. 1B ) via a longitudinally-extending tubular member, or flow line  138 . In addition, the fluid block  126   b  of the valve assembly  32  is connected to the iron assembly  30  (not visible in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ; shown, e.g., in  FIG. 1B ) via a longitudinally-extending tubular member, or flow line  140 . As a result, the fluid conduit  122  of the valve assembly  32  is capable of communicating the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the high pressure module  42   c  of the manifold assembly  14  to the iron assembly  30 . 
         [0067]    Turning to  FIG. 12 , with continuing reference to  FIG. 1B , the iron assembly  30  includes a fluid conduit  142  mounted on, and connected to, a skid  144 . The skid  144  is similar (or substantially identical) to the skid  40 , and, therefore, the skid  144  will not be described in further detail; however, to the extent that parts of the skid  144  are similar (or substantially identical) to corresponding parts of the skid  40 , said similar (or substantially identical) parts are given the same reference numerals. The fluid conduit  142  includes fluid blocks  146   a  and  146   b  and longitudinally-extending tubular members, or flow lines  148   a  and  148   b . The fluid blocks  146   a  and  146   b  and the flow lines  148   a  and  148   b  are connected to each other in series and supported in an elevated position above the skid  144  by vertical supports  150   a - c . In an embodiment, the fluid conduit  142  is connected to the skid  144  by lowering the fluid conduit  142  down and then ensuring that the fluid block  146   a  and the flow line  148   a  are supported by the vertical support  150   a , the flow lines  148   a  and  148   b  are supported by the vertical support  150   b , and the fluid block  146   b  and the flow line  148   b  are supported by the vertical support  150   c . The fluid block  146   a  is connected to the flow line  148   a  and supported by the vertical support  150   a  in an elevated position above the skid  144  at or near the transversely-extending end member  46   a  thereof. The fluid block  146   b  is connected to the flow line  148   b  and supported by the vertical support  150   c  in an elevated position above the skid  144  at or near the transversely-extending end member  46   b  thereof. The flow lines  148   a  and  148   b  are connected to each other and supported by the vertical support  150   b  in an elevated position above the skid  144 . 
         [0068]    In an embodiment, side ports  152   a  and  152   b  (visible in  FIG. 14 ) of the fluid block  146   a  and/or side ports  154   a  and  154   b  (visible in  FIG. 14 ) and of the fluid block  146   b  may be used to establish fluid communication with the fluid conduit  142 ; such fluid communication may be effected with one or more hoses, piping, swivels, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof. Moreover, such fluid communication may be used, for example, to support instrumentation (not shown) for measuring one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fracturing fluid exiting the respective high pressure manifolds  38  of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 . 
         [0069]    Turning to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , with continuing reference to  FIG. 12 , the iron assembly  30  is shown connected between the valve assembly  32  and the zipper manifold  34 . More particularly, the fluid block  146   a  of the iron assembly  30 , is connected to the valve assembly  32 &#39;s fluid block  126   b  (not visible in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ; shown, e.g., in  FIG. 1B ) via the flow line  140 . In addition, the fluid block  146   b  of the iron assembly  30  is connected to the zipper manifold  34  (not visible in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ; shown, e.g., in  FIG. 1A ) via a longitudinally-extending tubular member, or flow line  156 . As a result, the fluid conduit  142  of the iron assembly  30  is capable of communicating the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the fluid block  126   b  of the valve assembly  32  to the zipper manifold  34 . 
         [0070]    Turning to  FIGS. 15-18 , with continuing reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an embodiment of the manner in which the manifold assembly  14  is connected to the manifold assembly  12  is illustrated. In connection with  FIGS. 15-18 , parts of the manifold assembly  14  that are substantially identical to corresponding parts of the manifold assembly  12  are given the same reference numerals. The manifold assembly  14  is suspended above a generally horizontal surface  158  (e.g., the ground) adjacent the manifold assembly  12  using a lifting mechanism  160  (e.g., a crane, a forklift, a front-end loader, a backhoe, an excavator, or another lifting mechanism) connected to the skid  40 &#39;s lifting tabs  52   a - d , as shown in  FIG. 15 . The manifold assembly  14  continues to be so suspended above the generally horizontal surface  158  adjacent the manifold assembly  12  to facilitate connection of the flow line  120  between the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure module  42   c  and the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure module  42   a , as shown in  FIG. 16 . Moreover, upon connection of the flow line  120  between the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure module  42   c  and the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure module  42   a , a distance D 1  is defined between the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s flow line  84   a  and the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s flow line  84   a.    
         [0071]    The manifold assembly  12 &#39;s flow line  84   a  is displaced via the associated trucks  60   a  and  60   b  in the longitudinal direction  62 , and/or the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s flow line  84   a  is displaced via the associated trucks  60   a  and  60   b  in the longitudinal direction  64 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . The displacement of the flow line  84   a  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  in the longitudinal direction  62 , and/or the displacement of the flow line  84   a  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  in the longitudinal direction  64 , causes a distance D 2  to be defined between the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s flow line  84   a  and the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s flow line  84   a . The distance D 2  is greater than the distance D 1 , thereby permitting the connection of the flow line  118   a  between the respective flow lines  84   a  of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . Moreover, during the displacement of the flow line  84   a  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  in the longitudinal direction  62 , and/or the displacement of the flow line  84   a  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  in the longitudinal direction  64 , the respective locking tabs  66   a  and  66   b  engage the locking tabs  90  to thereby limit the movement of the respective flow lines  84   a  in the longitudinal directions  62  and  64 . 
         [0072]    The manner in which the flow line  118   b  is connected between the respective flow lines  84   b  of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14  is substantially identical to the manner in which the flow line  118   a  is connected between the respective flow lines  84   a  of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 , and, therefore, will not be described in further detail. The jacks  56   a - d  may be connected to the skid  40  and lowered to support the manifold assembly  14  before, during, or after, the connection of the flow line  120  between the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure module  42   c  and the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure module  42   a , as shown in  FIG. 16 . In addition, or as an alternative, the jacks  56   a - d  may be connected to the skid  40  and lowered to support the manifold assembly  14 , before, during, or after, the connection of the flow lines  118   a  and  118   b  between the respective low pressure manifolds  36  of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 . 
         [0073]    In operation, the hydraulic fracturing fluid is prepared in the blender  16  and communicated to the pressurization manifold  22  via the rear header  26 . The respective valves  86   a  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  are opened to permit communication of the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the rear header  26  to the flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  via the flow lines  116   a  and  116   b . Moreover, the respective valves  86   b  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s flow lines  84   a  and  84   b , and the respective valves  86   b  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s flow lines  84   a  and  84   b , are opened to permit communication of the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the low pressure manifold  36  of the manifold assembly  12  to the low pressure manifold  36  of the manifold assembly  14  via the flow lines  118   a  and  118   b . The respective valves  86   b  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  are closed to cap the low pressure manifold  36  of the manifold assembly  14 . The hydraulic fracturing fluid is communicated from the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  to the respective hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a - f  via one (or both) of outlet ports  92   a  and  92   b , one (or both) of outlet ports  94   a  and  94   b , and one (or both) of outlet ports  96   a  and  96   b , one (or both) of outlet ports  98   a  and  98   b , one (or both) of outlet ports  100   a  and  100   b , and one (or both) of outlet ports  102   a  and  102   b . The hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   a - f  receive, pressurize, and communicate the hydraulic fracturing fluid to the associated high pressure module  42   a    42   b , or  42   c  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure manifold  38 . The blind flange  119  connected to the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure module  42   a  prevents communication of the hydraulic fracturing fluid to atmosphere. In a similar manner, the hydraulic fracturing fluid is communicated from the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  to the respective hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   g - 1 , and from the respective hydraulic fracturing pumps  18   g - 1  to the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure modules  42   a ,  42   b , or  42   c.    
         [0074]    The hydraulic fracturing fluid is communicated from the pressurization manifold  22  to the valve assembly  32  via the respective fluid blocks  104  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure modules  42   a - c , the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s flow lines  112  and  114 , the flow line  120  connected between the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure module  42   c  and the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure module  42   a , the respective fluid blocks  104  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure modules  42   a - c , the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s flow lines  112  and  114 , and the flow line  138  connected between the fluid block  104  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure module  42   c  and the valve assembly  32 &#39;s fluid block  126   a.    
         [0075]    The hydraulic fracturing fluid is communicated from the valve assembly  32  to the iron assembly  30  via the fluid block  126   a , the flow line  128   a , the valve  130   a , the valve  130   b , the valve  130   c , the flow line  128   b , the fluid block  126   b , and the flow line  140  connected between the valve assembly  32 &#39;s fluid block  126   b  and the iron assembly  30 &#39;s fluid block  146   a . In those embodiments in which the valves  130   a  and  130   b  are plug valves, the valves  130   a  and  130   b  are operable to selectively prevent communication of the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the manifold assembly  14  to the iron assembly  30  via the valve assembly  32 . In those embodiments in which the valve  130   b  is a check valve, the valve  130   b  is operable to prevent backflow of the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the iron assembly  30  to the manifold assembly  14  via the valve assembly  32 . In some embodiments, during the communication of the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the valve assembly  32  to the iron assembly  30 , at least one of the side ports  134   a ,  134   b ,  136   a  and  136   b  of the fluid blocks  126   a  or  126   b  is used to establish fluid communication with the fluid conduit  122  and to support instrumentation (not shown) for measuring one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fracturing fluid exiting the respective high pressure manifolds  38  of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 . 
         [0076]    The hydraulic fracturing fluid is communicated from the iron assembly  30  to the zipper manifold  34  via the fluid block  146   a , the flow line  148   a , the flow line  148   b , the fluid block  146   b , and the flow line  156  connected between the iron assembly  30 &#39;s fluid block  146   b  and the zipper manifold  34 . In some embodiments, during the communication of the hydraulic fracturing fluid from the iron assembly  30  to the zipper manifold  34 , at least one of the side ports  152   a ,  152   b ,  154   a  and  154   b  of the fluid blocks  146   a  or  146   b  is used to establish fluid communication with the fluid conduit  142  and to support instrumentation (not shown) for measuring one or more characteristics of the hydraulic fracturing fluid exiting the respective high pressure manifolds  38  of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 . 
         [0077]    The system  10  has been described herein as including the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 , the valve assembly  32 , and the iron assembly  30 ; however, the iron assembly  30  may be omitted and the valve assembly  32  may instead be connected between the manifold assembly  14  and the zipper manifold  34 ; the valve assembly  32  may be omitted and the iron assembly may instead be connected between the manifold assembly  14  and the zipper manifold; or the iron assembly  30  and the valve assembly  32  may be omitted and the manifold assembly  14  may be connected to the zipper manifold  34 . Moreover, systems analogous to the system  10  are contemplated in which varying numbers of manifold assemblies, valve assemblies, and iron assemblies are used to construct the system depending on the particular requirements of the fracturing job. 
         [0078]    In some embodiments, the flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  define first and second inner diameters, respectively, and the flow lines  112  and  114  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure manifold  38  each define a third inner diameter, the third inner diameter being greater than the first and second inner diameters. In some embodiments, fluid blocks  104  of the manifold assembly  12 &#39;s high pressure modules  42   a - c  each define an inner diameter substantially the same as the third inner diameter. In some embodiments, the flow lines  84   a  and  84   b  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s low pressure manifold  36  define fourth and fifth inner diameters, respectively, and the flow lines  112  and  114  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure manifold  38  each define a sixth inner diameter, the sixth inner diameter being greater than the fourth and fifth inner diameters. In some embodiments, fluid blocks  104  of the manifold assembly  14 &#39;s high pressure modules  42   a - c  each define an inner diameter substantially the same as the sixth inner diameter. In several embodiments, the third and sixth inner diameters are about 5⅛ inches, are greater than about 5⅛ inches, range from about 5⅛ inches to about 7 1/16 inches, or are about 7 1/16 inches. 
         [0079]    In some embodiments, the flow lines  128   a  and  128   b  of the valve assembly  32  each define a seventh inner diameter, the seventh inner diameter being about the same as the third and sixth inner diameters of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 , respectively. In some embodiments, the fluid blocks  126   a  and  126   b  and/or the valves  130   a - 130   c  of the valve assembly  32  each define an inner diameter substantially the same as the seventh inner diameter. In some embodiments, the components (i.e., the one or more hoses, piping, swivels, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof) used to establish fluid communication with the fluid block  126   a  or  126   b  via the side ports  134   a  and  134   b  or the side ports  136   a  and  136   b , respectively, each define an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid blocks  126   a  and  126   b . For example, such components (and/or the side port(s)  134   a ,  134   b ,  136   a , or  136   b ) may define an inner diameter of about 3 inches, and the fluid blocks  126   a  and  126   b  may define an inner diameter of about 7 inches. 
         [0080]    In some embodiments, the flow lines  148   a  and  148   b  of the iron assembly  30  each define an eighth inner diameter, the eighth inner diameter being about the same as the third and sixth inner diameters of the manifold assemblies  12  and  14 , respectively. In some embodiments, the fluid blocks  146   a  and  146   b  of the iron assembly  30  each define an inner diameter substantially the same as the eighth inner diameter. In some embodiments, the components (i.e., the one or more hoses, piping, swivels, flowline components, other components, or any combination thereof) used to establish fluid communication with the fluid block  146   a  or  146   b  via the side ports  152   a  and  152   b  or the side ports  154   a  and  154   b , respectively, each define an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid blocks  146   a  and  146   b . For example, such components (and/or the side port(s)  152   a ,  152   b ,  154   a , or  154   b ) may define an inner diameter of about 3 inches, and the fluid blocks  146   a  and  146   b  may define an inner diameter of about 7 inches. 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, the hydraulic fracturing system  10  described herein decreases setup time and labor costs, provides adjustability, decreases safety risks associated with potential leak points, and/or increases pumping efficiency during hydraulic fracturing operations. As a result, in some embodiments, the hydraulic fracturing system  10  increases the overall effectiveness of fracturing operations, thereby enabling operators to effective address challenges such as, for example, continuous duty operations, harsh downhole environments, and multiple extended-reach lateral wells, among others. 
         [0082]    It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0083]    In some embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various embodiments. 
         [0084]    In some embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In some embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures. 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations. 
         [0086]    In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes other technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “left” and right”, “front” and “rear”, “above” and “below” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 
         [0087]    In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear. 
         [0088]    Although some embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are illustrative only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function.

Technology Category: f