(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2016/0273328A1
`Oehring
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Sep. 22, 2016
`
`US 20160273328A1
`
`(54)
`
`(71)
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`(72)
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(63)
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`(60)
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`
`CABLE MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRIC
`POWERED HYDRAULCFRACTURING
`PUMP UNIT
`
`Applicant: US Well Services LLC, Houston, TX
`(US)
`Inventor: Jared Oehring, Houston, TX (US)
`Appl. No.: 15/145,491
`Filed:
`May 3, 2016
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 13/679,.689,
`filed on Nov. 16, 2012, now Pat. No. 9,410,410.
`Provisional application No. 62/156.303, filed on May
`3, 2015.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`E2IB 43/26
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ...................................... E2IB 43/26 (2013.01)
`
`(2006.01)
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A hydraulic fracturing system includes a pump, an electri
`cally powered motor for driving the pump, a trailer on which
`the pump and motor are mounted, and a transformer that steps
`down electricity for use by the motor. Electrical output from
`the transformer connects to a series of receptacles mounted
`onto a housing around the transformer. A similar set of recep
`tacles is provided on the trailer and which are electrically
`connected to the motor. Power cables equipped with plugs on
`their opposing ends insert into the receptacles to close an
`electrical circuit between the transformer and pump.
`
`-36A
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`112B1 112B 112B3
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`() )
`() )
`2B 112Bs 12B
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`118B1 118B2 118B3
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`() is)
`) is
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`118B4 118B 118B,
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`Fig. 8
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`US 2016/0273328A1
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`Sep. 22, 2016
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`CABLE MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRIC
`POWERED HYDRAULCFRACTURING
`PUMP UNIT
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`0001. This application is a continuation of, and claims
`priority to and the benefit of, co-pending U.S. Provisional
`Application Ser. No. 62/156.303, filed May 3, 2015 and is a
`continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to and the benefit
`of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/679,.689,
`filed Nov. 16, 2012, the full disclosures of which are hereby
`incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`0002 1. Field of Invention
`0003. The present disclosure relates to hydraulic fractur
`ing of subterranean formations. In particular, the present dis
`closure relates to electrical components and connections con
`nected to an electric hydraulic fracturing pump to minimize
`space and time requirements for rig up and rig down.
`0004 2. Description of Prior Art
`0005 Hydraulic fracturing is a technique used to stimulate
`production from Some hydrocarbon producing wells. The
`technique usually involves injecting fluid into a wellbore at a
`pressure sufficient to generate fissures in the formation Sur
`rounding the wellbore. Typically the pressurized fluid is
`injected into a portion of the wellbore that is pressure isolated
`from the remaining length of the wellbore so that fracturing is
`limited to a designated portion of the formation. The fractur
`ing fluid slurry, whose primary component is usually water,
`includes proppant (Such as sand or ceramic) that migrate into
`the fractures with the fracturing fluid slurry and remain to
`prop open the fractures after pressure is no longer applied to
`the wellbore. Other primary fluids sometimes used for the
`slurry include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, foam, diesel, or other
`fluids. A typical hydraulic fracturing fleet may include a data
`van unit, blender unit, hydration unit, chemical additive unit,
`hydraulic fracturing pump unit, sand equipment, electric
`wireline, and other equipment.
`0006 Traditionally, the fracturing fluid slurry has been
`pressurized on Surface by high pressure pumps powered by
`diesel engines. To produce the pressures required for hydrau
`lic fracturing, the pumps and associated engines have Sub
`stantial Volume and mass. Heavy duty trailers, skids, or trucks
`are required for transporting the large and heavy pumps and
`motors to sites where wellbores are being fractured. Each
`hydraulic fracturing pump usually includes power and fluid
`ends, as well as seats, valves, springs, and keepers internally.
`These parts allow the hydraulic fracturing pump to draw in
`low pressure fluid slurry (at approximately 100 psi) and dis
`charge the same fluid slurry at high pressures (up to 15,000 psi
`or more). Recently electrical motors have been introduced to
`replace the diesel motors, which greatly reduces the noise
`generated by the equipment during operation. After being
`transported to a wellsite electrically powered fracturing
`equipment, i.e. motors for pressurizing fracturing and
`hydraulic fluids, are connected to electrical power sources.
`Electrical connection for this equipment is time consuming,
`and the current electrical distribution configurations require
`numerous cables that occupy valuable space.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0007 Disclosed herein is an example of a hydraulic frac
`turing system for fracturing a Subterranean formation, and
`which includes first and second pumps, first and second
`motors for driving the first and second pumps, a transformer,
`a first electrical circuit between the first motor and the trans
`former, and through which the first motor and transformer are
`in electrical communication, and a second electrical circuit
`that is separate and isolated from the first electrical circuit,
`and that is between the second motor and the transformer, and
`through which the second motor and transformer are in elec
`trical communication. A cable assembly can be included
`which has an electrically conducting cable, a transformer end
`plug on one end of the cable and in electrical communication
`with the cable, and a motor end plug on an end of the cable
`distal from the transformer end plug and that is in electrical
`communication with the cable. A transformer receptacle can
`further be included that is in electrical communication with
`the transformer, and a motor receptacle in electrical commu
`nication with a one of the first or second motors, so that when
`the transformer end plug is inserted into the transformer
`receptacle, and the motor end plug is inserted into the motor
`receptacle, the transformer and a one of the first or second
`motors are in electrical communication, and wherein the
`plugs are selectively withdrawn from the receptacles. The
`hydraulic fracturing system can further include a multiplicity
`of cable assemblies, transformer receptacles, and motor
`receptacles, wherein three phase electricity is transferred
`between the transformer and the first or second motors in
`different cables. The receptacles can be strategically arranged
`so that cable assemblies that conduct electricity at the same
`phase are adjacent one another. A transformer ground recep
`tacle can further be included that is in electrical communica
`tion with a ground leg of the transformer, and a pump ground
`receptacle in electrical communication with a ground leg of
`one of the first or second pumps, so that when the transformer
`ground plug is inserted into the transformer ground recep
`tacle, and the pump ground plug is inserted into the pump
`receptacle, the transformer ground leg and the ground leg of
`one of the first or second pumps are in electrical communi
`cation, and wherein the plugs are selectively withdrawn from
`the receptacles. The hydraulic fracturing system can also
`include a platform on which the first and second pumps and
`motors are mounted, an enclosure on the platform, one or
`more variable frequency drives coupled with one or more of
`the motors and within the enclosure, and a removable panel
`on the enclosure adjacent the variable frequency drive, so that
`by removing the panel the variable frequency drive is easily
`accessible.
`0008 Another example of a hydraulic fracturing system
`for fracturing a subterranean formation includes a source of
`electricity, a row of Source receptacles that are in electrical
`communication with the source of electricity and configured
`so that some of the source receptacles receive electricity from
`the source of electricity at a phase that is different from a
`phase of electricity received by other source receptacles from
`the source of electricity, an electrically powered motor that is
`spaced apart from the source of electricity, a row of motor
`receptacles that are in electrical communication with the
`motor, and cable assemblies. The cable assemblies include a
`Source plug that is selectively insertable into a one of the
`Source receptacles, a motor plug that is selectively insertable
`into a one of the motor receptacles, and a cable in electrical
`communication with both the Source plug and motor plug, so
`
`LIBERTY EXHIBIT 1012, Page 10
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`Sep. 22, 2016
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`that when the Source plug inserts into a one of the Source
`receptacles, and the motor plug inserts into the a one of the
`motor receptacles, electricity at a designated phase is trans
`mitted from the source of electricity to the variable frequency
`drive to operate and control a motor. The source of electricity
`can be a transformer having alternating current electricity at
`three different phases. In an example, the motor is a first
`motor, the system further having a second motor, and wherein
`the first and second motors each drive fracturing pumps. In an
`embodiment, electricity conducts from the source of electric
`ity to the first motor along a first path, wherein electricity
`conducts from the source of electricity to the second motor
`along a second path, and wherein the first and second paths
`are separate and distinct from one another. In another embodi
`ment, electricity conducts from the Source of electricity to a
`single variable frequency drive which Supplies power to a
`single motor which turns more than one hydraulic fracturing
`pump. A first pair of the source receptacles can receive elec
`tricity at a first phase, so that a corresponding first pair of
`cable assemblies that have source plugs inserted into the
`Source receptacles conduct electricity at the first phase,
`wherein a second pair of the Source receptacles receive elec
`tricity at a second phase, so that a corresponding second pair
`of cable assemblies that have source plugs inserted into the
`Source receptacles conduct electricity at the second phase,
`and wherein a third pair of the source receptacles receive
`electricity at a third phase, so that a corresponding third pair
`of cable assemblies that have source plugs inserted into the
`source receptacles conduct electricity at the third phase.
`0009. A method of hydraulic fracturing is described herein
`and that includes electrically connecting a fracturing pump
`motor with a source of electricity by inserting a source end of
`a cable assembly into a source receptacle that is in electrical
`communication with the Source of electricity and inserting a
`motor end of the cable assembly, which is in electrical com
`munication with the source end of the cable assembly, into a
`motor receptacle that is in electrical communication with
`variable frequency drive, which is in electrical communica
`tion with the motor, which is in mechanical communication
`with the hydraulic fracturing pump that discharges high pres
`sure hydraulic fracturing fluid slurry to the wellbore. The
`Source of electricity transmits electricity to the Source recep
`tacle, so that electricity conducts from the source receptacle,
`to the motor receptacle, to the variable frequency drive, and to
`the motor. The source of electricity can be a transformer that
`transmits 3-phase electricity. In an embodiment, the fractur
`ing pump motor includes a first fracturing pump motor, and
`wherein the cable assembly comprises a first cable assembly,
`the method further comprising repeating the steps of electri
`cally connecting a fracturing pump motor with a source of
`electricity by inserting a source end of a cable assembly into
`a source receptacle that is in electrical communication with
`the source of electricity and inserting a motor end of the cable
`assembly, which is in electrical communication with the
`Source end of the cable assembly, into a motor receptacle that
`is in electrical communication with the fracturing pump
`motor, directing fracturing fluid to a Suction end of a fractur
`ing pump that is coupled with the fracturing pump motor, and
`causing the Source of electricity to transmit electricity to the
`Source receptacle, so that electricity conducts from the Source
`receptacle, to the Source and motor ends, to the motor recep
`tacle, and to the motor using a second fracturing pump motor
`and a second cable assembly. The method can also include
`removing the ends of the cable assembly from the receptacles,
`
`moving the Source of electricity and fracturing pump motor to
`a different location, and repeating the steps of electrically
`connecting a fracturing pump motor with a source of electric
`ity by inserting a source end of a cable assembly into a source
`receptacle that is in electrical communication with the Source
`of electricity and inserting a motor end of the cable assembly,
`which is in electrical communication with the source end of
`the cable assembly, into a motor receptacle that is in electrical
`communication with the fracturing pump motor, directing
`fracturing fluid to a Suction end of a fracturing pump that is
`coupled with the fracturing pump motor, and causing the
`Source of electricity to transmit electricity to the source recep
`tacle, so that electricity conducts from the source receptacle,
`to the source and motor ends, to the motor receptacle, and to
`the motor. The method can optionally further include repeat
`ing the step of electrically connecting a fracturing pump
`motor with a source of electricity by inserting a source end of
`a cable assembly into a source receptacle that is in electrical
`communication with the source of electricity and inserting a
`motor end of the cable assembly, which is in electrical com
`munication with the source end of the cable assembly, into a
`motor receptacle that is in electrical communication with the
`fracturing pump motor, so that multiple cable assemblies are
`connected between multiple source receptacles and multiple
`motor receptacles, so that electricity at different phases is
`conducted through the different cable assemblies to the frac
`turing pump motor. Optionally, a path of electricity between
`the Source of electricity and the first fracturing pump motor is
`separate and distinct from a path of electricity between the
`Source of electricity and the second fracturing pump motor.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`0010 Some of the features and benefits of the present
`invention having been stated, others will become apparent as
`the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings, in which:
`0011
`FIG. 1 is a schematic of an example of a hydraulic
`fracturing system.
`0012 FIG. 2 is schematic of an example of electrical com
`munication between a transformer and fracturing pump sys
`tem of the hydraulic fracturing system of FIG. 1.
`0013 FIG. 3 is an end perspective views of an example of
`a junction box on the transformer of FIG. 2.
`0014 FIG. 4 is an end perspective views of an example of
`a junction box on the fracturing pump system of FIG. 2.
`0015 FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an example of a
`cable assembly for use in electrical communication between
`the transformer and fracturing pump system of FIG. 2.
`0016 FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an example of
`the fracturing pump system of FIG. 2.
`0017 FIG. 7 is an end perspective view of the fracturing
`pump system of FIG. 6.
`0018 FIG. 8 is an end perspective view of an example of
`the transformer of FIG. 2.
`0019 While the invention will be described in connection
`with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it
`is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment. On
`the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifica
`tions, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit
`and Scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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`Sep. 22, 2016
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
`0020. The method and system of the present disclosure
`will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to
`the accompanying drawings in which embodiments are
`shown. The method and system of the present disclosure may
`be in many different forms and should not be construed as
`limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather,
`these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
`thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to
`those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements
`throughout. In an embodiment, usage of the term “about
`includes +/-5% of the cited magnitude. In an embodiment,
`usage of the term “substantially includes +/-5% of the cited
`magnitude.
`0021. It is to be further understood that the scope of the
`present disclosure is not limited to the exact details of con
`struction, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown
`and described, as modifications and equivalents will be appar
`ent to one skilled in the art. In the drawings and specification,
`there have been disclosed illustrative embodiments and,
`although specific terms are employed, they are used in a
`generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of
`limitation.
`0022 FIG. 1 is a schematic example of a hydraulic frac
`turing system 10 that is used for pressurizing a wellbore 12 to
`create fractures 14 in a subterranean formation 16 that sur
`rounds the wellbore 12. Included with the system 10 is a
`hydration unit 18 that receives fluid from a fluid source 20 via
`line 22, and also selectively receives additives from an addi
`tive source 24 via line 26. Additive source 24 can be separate
`from the hydration unit 18 as a stand-alone unit, or can be
`included as part of the same unit as the hydration unit 18. The
`fluid, which in one example is water, is mixed inside of the
`hydration unit 18 with the additives. In an embodiment, the
`fluid and additives are mixed over a period of time to allow for
`uniform distribution of the additives within the fluid. In the
`example of FIG. 1, the fluid and additive mixture is trans
`ferred to a blender unit 28 via line 30. A proppant source 32
`contains proppant, which is delivered to the blender unit 28 as
`represented by line 34, where line 34 can be a conveyer. Inside
`the blender unit 28, the proppant and fluid/additive mixture
`are combined to form a fracturing slurry, which is then trans
`ferred to a fracturing pump system 36 via line 38; thus fluid in
`line 38 includes the discharge of blender unit 28 which is the
`suction (or boost) for the fracturing pump system36. Blender
`unit 28 can have an onboard chemical additive system, Such as
`with chemical pumps and augers (not shown). Optionally,
`additive source 24 can provide chemicals to blender unit 28:
`or a separate and standalone chemical additive system (not
`shown) can be provided for delivering chemicals to the
`blender unit 28. In an example, the pressure of the slurry in
`line 38 ranges from around 80 psi to around 100 psi. The
`pressure of the slurry can be increased up to around 15,000 psi
`by pump system 36. A motor 39, which connects to pump
`system 36 via connection 40, drives pump system 36 so that it
`can pressurize the slurry. In one example, the motor 39 is
`controlled by a variable frequency drive (“VFD). After being
`discharged from pump system 36, slurry is injected into a
`wellhead assembly 41; discharge piping 42 connects dis
`charge of pump system 36 with wellhead assembly 41 and
`provides a conduit for the slurry between the pump system 36
`and the wellhead assembly 41. In an alternative, hoses or
`other connections can be used to provide a conduit for the
`slurry between the pump system 36 and the wellhead assem
`
`bly 41. Optionally, any type of fluid can be pressurized by the
`fracturing pump system 36 to form a fracturing fluid that is
`then pumped into the wellbore 12 for fracturing the formation
`14, and is not limited to fluids having chemicals or proppant.
`Examples exist wherein the system 10 includes multiple
`pumps 36, and multiple motors 39 for driving the multiple
`pumps 36. Examples also exist wherein the system 10
`includes the ability to pump down equipment, instrumenta
`tion, or other retrievable items through the slurry into the
`wellbore.
`0023. An example of a turbine 44 is provided in the
`example of FIG. 1 and which receives a combustible fuel from
`a fuel source 46 via a feed line 48. In one example, the
`combustible fuel is natural gas, and the fuel source 46 can be
`a container of natural gas or a well (not shown) proximate the
`turbine 44. Combustion of the fuel in the turbine 44 in turn
`powers a generator 50 that produces electricity. Shaft 52
`connects generator 50 to turbine 44. The combination of the
`turbine 44, generator 50, and shaft 52 define a turbine gen
`erator 53. In another example, gearing can also be used to
`connect the turbine 44 and generator 50. An example of a
`micro-grid 54 is further illustrated in FIG. 1, and which dis
`tributes electricity generated by the turbine generator 53.
`Included with the micro-grid 54 is a transformer 56 for step
`ping down Voltage of the electricity generated by the genera
`tor 50 to a voltage more compatible for use by electrical
`powered devices in the hydraulic fracturing system 10. In
`another example, the power generated by the turbine genera
`tor and the power utilized by the electrical powered devices in
`the hydraulic fracturing system 10 are of the same Voltage,
`such as 4160 V so that main power transformers are not
`needed. In one embodiment, multiple 3500 kVA dry cast coil
`transformers are utilized. Electricity generated in generator
`50 is conveyed to transformer 56 via line 58. In one example,
`transformer 56 steps the voltage down from 13.8 kV to around
`600 V. Other example step down voltages include 4,160 V.
`480 V, or other voltages. The output or low voltage side of the
`transformer 56 connects to a power bus 60, lines 62, 64, 66.
`68.70, and 72 connect to power bus 60 and deliver electricity
`to electrically powered end users in the system 10. More
`specifically, line 62 connects fluid source 20 to bus 60, line 64
`connects additive source 24 to bus 60, line 66 connects hydra
`tion unit 18 to bus 60, line 68 connects proppant source 32 to
`bus 60, line 70 connects blender unit 28 to bus 60, and line 72
`connects motor 39 to bus 60. In an example, additive source
`24 contains ten or more chemical pumps for Supplementing
`the existing chemical pumps on the hydration unit 18 and
`blender unit 28. Chemicals from the additive source 24 can be
`delivered via lines 26 to either the hydration unit 18 and/or the
`blender unit 28. In one embodiment, the elements of the
`system 10 are mobile and can be readily transported to a
`wellsite adjacent the wellbore 12, such as on trailers or other
`platforms equipped with wheels or tracks.
`0024 Schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 is one example of
`a fracturing pump system 36A having pumps 80, 82 that are
`respectively powered by motors 84, 86. Couplings 88, 90
`mechanically affix the pumps 80, 82 with motors 84, 86 so
`that when motors 84, 86 are energized, the motors 84, 86 will
`drive pumps 80, 82 for pressurizing fracturing fluid that is
`then delivered to the wellbore 12 (FIG.1). In this example, the
`fracturing pump system 36A is mounted on a trailer 92 which
`provides a mobile Surface for transporting components of the
`fracturing pump system 36A to and from designated loca
`tions. Thus when operations at a wellsite are deemed com
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`Sep. 22, 2016
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`plete, the fracturing pump system 36A can be transported to
`another wellsite for subsequent operations, or to a facility for
`repair or maintenance. Also schematically represented on
`trailer 92 and as part of the fracturing pump system 36A, are
`a motor control center 94 and auxiliary components 96.
`Examples of auxiliaries include heaters for the motors 84, 86,
`lights on the fracturing pump system 36A, control power for
`a variable frequency drive (not shown), heater for lube oil for
`pumps 80, 82, air blowers (not shown) for motors 84, 86, a
`hydraulic pump motor, and a hydraulic cooler motor (not
`shown). Not shown are variable frequency drives to control
`and operate motors 84, 86. In another embodiment, a single
`variable frequency drive controls and operates a single motor
`84 which turns one or more hydraulic fracturing pumps (80
`and 82).
`0025. Also shown in FIG. 2 is an example of transformer
`56A having a high voltage side HV connected to line 58A:
`junction boxes 98, 100 respectively mounted on transformer
`56A and fracturing pump system 36A provide means for
`electrical communication between transformer 56A and frac
`turing pump system 36A. Junction box 98 is mounted on a
`low voltage side LV of the transformer 56A. As will be
`described in more detail below, junction boxes 98, 100 are
`equipped with quick disconnect receptacles so that lines hav
`ing conductive wires and that conduct electricity between
`transformer 56A and fracturing pump system 36A, can be
`easily inserted and removed by operations personnel to sig
`nificantly reduce the time required for assembly and disas
`sembly of the hydraulic fracturing system 10. The electrically
`conducting lines between junction boxes 98,100 include wire
`bundles 102, 104, which as will be described below each
`include a number of wires within and that are separable and
`distinct from one another. Wire bundles 102, 104 conduct
`electrical power from transformer 56A and to junction box
`100 and which is used for energizing motors 84, 86. Also
`extending between junction boxes 98, 100 is line 106 and
`which conducts electricity that is used for powering the motor
`control center 94 and auxiliary components 96. Also extend
`ing between junction boxes 98, 100 is line 108 which is used
`as a ground between the transformer 56A and the hydraulic
`fracturing pump unit 36A. In one embodiment, the power
`generated is of the same Voltage as the power Supplied to the
`hydraulic fracturing pump unit 36. In this case, power for the
`hydraulic fracturing pump unit 36 is supplied directly without
`needing a transformer 56.
`0026 FIG.3 shows an end perspective view of an example
`of junction box 98 and having a row 110 of receptacles 112
`112. The receptacles 112-112 are each equipped with an
`opening 114-114 in which an electrical conducting plug can
`be readily inserted and removed thereby providing electrical
`communication between the plug and attached conducting
`lead (such as a cable). Set below and extending generally
`parallel with row 110 is row 116 which also includes recep
`tacles 118-118, wherein the receptacles 118-118 are each
`equipped with openings 120-120 for receiving an electri
`cally conducting plug. Set adjacent receptacle 112 is a
`ground connection 122 which connects to ground leads
`within transformer 36A (FIG. 2). Below ground connection
`122 is an auxiliary/MCC connection 124, which provides a
`source of electrical power for the auxiliary components 96
`and motor control center 94 (FIG. 2). In another embodiment,
`the receptacles can be arranged in different patterns and con
`figurations.
`
`0027 FIG. 4 shows an end perspective view of one
`example of junction box 100 which includes a row 126 of
`receptacles 128-128, wherein the receptacles each have an
`opening 130-130 on their ends distal from where they
`mount to junction box 100. Parallel with and set below row
`126 is row 132, which is made up of a line of receptacles
`134-134 each having openings 136-136. Also included
`with receptacle 100 is a ground connection 138 and an aux
`iliary/MCC connection 140. In another embodiment, the
`receptacles can be arranged in different patterns and configu
`rations.
`0028 FIG. 5 shows in a side perspective view one example
`of a cable assembly 142 which includes plugs 144, 146 and a
`cable 148 extending between the plugs 144, 146 which pro
`vides electrical communication between plugs 144, 146.
`Plugs 144, 146 as shown each have an outer periphery con
`figured so that plugs 144, 146 can be readily inserted into and
`removed from openings 114-114, 120-120, 130-130
`136-136. Optionally included with the plugs 144, 146 are
`electrodes 149 which are electrically conductive elements.
`Electrodes 149 are shown formed along the outer curved
`Surface of plugs 144, 146 and can be recessed or inlayed on
`the surface of the plugs 144, 146 or can project radially
`outward. Alternate examples of electrodes 149A resemble
`planar prongs that projectaxially outward from the respective
`ends of plugs 144, 146 opposite from their connection to
`cable 148. When the plugs 144, 146 are inserted into a one of
`the receptacles 112-112, 118-118, 128-128, 134-134
`of FIG.3 or 4, the electrodes 149, 149A come into electrically
`conducting contact with corresponding electrodes (not
`shown) provided within the receptacles 112-112, 118
`118, 128-128, 134-134; and thereby providing electrical
`communication one of the receptacles 112-112, 118-118
`disposed injunction box 98 and one of the receptacles 128
`128, 134-134 disposed injunction box 100.
`(0029 Referring back to FIG. 2, line 150 is shown within
`fracturing pump system 36A and extending from a side of
`junction box 100 opposite from cable bundle 102 and con
`necting to motor 86. Accordingly, electrical communication
`between transformer 56 and motor 86 takes place from junc
`tion box 98, through cable bundle 102, to junction box 100,
`then to line 150. Although shown as a single line, line 150 can
`be made up of a plurality of electrically conducting elements
`Such as lines or cables and may include a variable frequency
`drive. One specific example of forming cable bundle 102, six
`of the cable assemblies 142 are provided, and one of plugs
`144, 146 are inserted into each of the openings 114-114 of
`receptacles 112-112. The other one of the plugs 144, 146 of
`cable assemblies 142 is then inserted into a corresponding
`opening 130-130 of receptacles 128-128. Thus in one
`example the six cable assemblies 142 extending between the
`receptacles 112-112 to receptacles 128-128 define cable
`bundle 102 for powering motor 86. An advantage of the cable
`assemblies 142 with insertable and removable plugs 144, 146
`and receptacles 112-112 and receptables 128-128 is that
`the electrical communication between transformer 56A and
`motor 86 can be assembled in a matter of minutes, versus the
`hours that has typically been required for hardwiring the
`electrical connection between the transformer 56A and motor
`86. Similarly, cable bundle 104 is formed by providing six of
`the cable assemblies 142 and connecting them with the plugs
`144, 146 into the receptacles 118-118 and receptacles 134
`134. In similar fashion, a ground connection 108 between
`transformer 56A and fracturing pump system 36A is created
`
`LIBERTY EXHIBIT 1012, Page 13
`
`

`

`US 2016/0273328A1
`
`Sep. 22, 2016
`
`by providing cable assembly 142 and inserting one of plugs
`144, 146 into ground connection 122 and the other one of the
`plugs 144, 146 into ground connection 138. Optionally,
`simple bolton lugattachments (not shown) can be used in lieu
`of the cable assemblies 142 for the ground connections 122,
`138. Thus, while cable bundles 102, 104 each include six or
`more of the cable assemblies 142, example lines 106, 108 can
`include a single cable assembly 142. Alternatively, line 106