WO2015076785A1

WO2015076785A1 - Improved methods for manufacturing hydraulic fracturing fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2015076785A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/070781
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Stewart; Brian PARR
Original assignee: Surefire Usa, Llc
Priority date: 2013-11-19
Filing date: 2013-11-19
Publication date: 2015-05-28

Abstract

Systems involving two pumps, generally on a tractor trailer for producing viscous hydraulic fracturing fluids onsite from the use of dry gels and liquids are disclosed.

Description

IMPROVED METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING

FLUID

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing hydraulic fracturing fluid at a hydraulic fracturing site using a multiple pump system for mixing the hydraulic fluid.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Specialized fluid systems have been developed in the commercial fracking industry. These fluids are designed to implement a treatment according to design in order to help increase production and improve a return on investment. In general, the development of these fluid designs has been based on certain key parameters such as: fluid type, viscosity requirements, fluid rheology, cost, geologic formation type, material availability and proppant selection.

[0003] A hydraulic fracture is formed by pumping the fracturing fluid into the wellbore at a rate sufficient to increase pressure downhole at the target zone (determined by the location of the well casing perforations) to exceed that of the fracture gradient (pressure gradient) of the rock. Formation fluids include gas, oil, salt water and fluids introduced to the formation during completion of the well during fracturing.

[0004] Fluid systems optimized to these parameters can result in minimized formation and fracture face damage for maximized results. In some instances, fluid systems are linear gels, cross-linked gels or friction-reduced water.

[0005] Linear gel fracturing fluids are typically formulated with a wide variety of different polymers in an aqueous base. Polymers that are commonly used to formulate these linear gels include guar, hydroxypropyl guar (HPG), carboxymethyl HPG, and hydroxyethyl cellulose. These polymers are dry powders that hydrate or swell when mixed with an aqueous solution and form a viscous gel.

[0006] Crosslinked gel fluids include such fluids as borate crosslinked fracturing fluids. Borate cross-linked fracturing fluids use borate ions to crosslink hydrated polymers and thereby increase viscosity. The polymers most often used in these fluids are HPG and guar. In the case of borate cross linking, the cross linking is reversible, thereby providing more effective cleanup.

[0007] Organometallic crosslinked fluids are another class of fracturing fluids often used in the industry. Particular fluids that are widely used include zirconate and titanate complexes of guar, HPG and carboxymethyl-hydroxypropyl guar. Organometallic crosslinked fluids are routinely used to transport the proppant for treatments in tight gas sand formations that require extended fracture lengths.

[0008] Gelled oil fluids are a viscous gelled oil system for fracturing that minimizes the possibility of damage in certain formations such as particle migration resulting from water contacting clay. Additionally, gelled oil is often a convenient choice in cold weather applications as opposed to aqueous based gels.

[0009] Liquid gel concentrates are concentrated liquid slurries prepared with polymers. Since the concentrated polymers are in liquid form, the handling and mixing of dry, powered material at the wellhead is eliminated. Liquid gel concentrates can also be added to an already hydrated gel to adjust the viscosity of the existing gel. Further, it can be added to water and premixed as the fluid is being pumped such that the viscosity can be controlled while the treatment is being pumped.

[0010] Conventional or existing practice involves introduction of one or more additives to the formation independent of the fracturing operation. The additives are added at the production site either directly into the well bore or by mixing in a hopper or mixing equipment along with large volumes of the fracturing fluid, proppants and other substances needed in the fracturing operation. This results in inadequate dispersion of the additives in the fracturing fluid and the blend is not homogeneous. The process also does not allow for the monitoring and feedback needed to control the rate of addition of the additives to the fracturing fluids. The well operators, therefore, do not have control over the additive concentration delivered to the formation, or whether an effective amount of additives has been added, or whether too much additives have been added in the fracturing operation. This results in inadequate or excessive concentrations of additives being used in the frac or fracturing operation. This adversely impacts the fracturing operation, resulting in loss of production. Furthermore, large volumes of one or more fracturing fluids are required in the fracturing operation since adequate information on the composition, flow rates and/or interaction between the one or more fracturing fluids and the one or more additives is not easily available. The well operators typically employ larger than necessary fracturing volumes in an attempt to overcome this lack of information. All of this results in an inefficient and costly process. There is also an environmental cost associated to this, since the flowback fluids return from the well bore after the fracturing operation is completed and have to be cleaned up, and proper disposal of certain toxic additives comprising biocides and surfactants has to be ensured, at the end of the fracturing process. Embodiments of the invention teach an efficient and cost-effective method for the controlled delivery of fracturing fluids to the well bore.

SUMMARY

[0011] Certain embodiments of the invention comprise a system for producing a viscous hydraulic fracturing fluid, the system comprising: an inlet manifold fluidly connected to a unified fluid path having a bifurcation, the bifurcation connected to a first fluid pump and a second fluid pump; a first fluid path, the first fluid path connected to a hydration tank through a direct inflow valve; a second fluid path, the second fluid path connected to a mixer capable of mixing a dry gel with fluid in the second fluid path to create a concentrated gel, and wherein the concentrated gel is delivered to the hydration tank by a mixer line valve; wherein the first fluid pump pumps a fluid from the bifurcation to the hydration tank when the direct inflow valve is open, and wherein the second fluid pump pushes a concentrated gel into the hydration when the mixer line valve is open, thereby allowing for the production of a maximum amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid.

[0012] In the embodiments herein, maximum indicates a rate of hydraulic fracturing fluid production from the system at or near the highest rate for the system of a given size. Less than maximum means about 85% or below the maximum rate.

[0013] In certain configurations of the system, wherein the first fluid path and the second fluid path are connected by a bypass line, the bypass line is downstream of the first fluid pump and the second fluid pump, and upstream of the mixer, the bypass line further comprising a bypass valve. Further, in additional embodiments, the second fluid path comprises a second pump valve, and the second pump valve is upstream of the bypass line. In certain further embodiments, the hydration tank is fhiidly connected to an outlet line bifurcation with a return line and a discharge manifold downstream of different ends of the bifurcation. In this case the discharge manifold is used to deliver hydraulic fracturing fluid to a hydraulic fracturing operation. Still further, in certain embodiments, the return line is fluidly connected to a bypass line valve, which is upstream and fluidly connected to the unified path.

[0014] In certain operations, if less than a maximum amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is desired, the second pump is turned off, the bypass valve is opened, the bypass outlet valve is closed, and the first pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and the second fluid path simultaneously. In other situations this same configuration can be used if the second pump malfunctions.

[0015] In certain other operations, if less than a maximum amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is desired, the first pump is turned off, the bypass valve is opened, the bypass outlet valve is closed, and the second pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and the second fluid path simultaneously. Likewise, this configuration can be used if the first pump fails.

[0016] In operations wherein the viscosity of the hydraulic fracturing fluid in the hydration tank is too low, the bypass valve is closed, the discharge manifold is closed, the bypass outlet valve is opened and the first pump sends the dilute hydraulic fracturing fluid back into the hydration tank through the first path while the second pump sends the dilute hydraulic fracturing fluid through the mixer wherein it is concentrated with more dry gel and sent to the hydration tank.

[0017] In other operations wherein the viscosity of the hydraulic fracturing fluid in the hydration tank is to viscous, the bypass valve is closed, the second pump valve is closed, the bypass outlet valve is closed, and the first pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and into the hydration tank. Alternatively, if the viscosity of the fluid in the hydration tank is too viscous, the first pump is turned off, the bypass valve is opened, the direct inflow valve is opened, the bypass outlet valve is closed, the mixer line valve is closed and the second pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and into the hydration tank. [0018] In other aspects of the system, the mixer is an eductor. In still further aspects of the system, the dry gel is contained in a hopper operatively connected to the mixer. In such embodiments, a conveyor moves the dry gel to the mixer.

[0019] Other aspects of the system include a meter downstream of the first pump and upstream of the bifurcation which is capable of measuring fluid flow per minute.

[0020] In embodiments of the system pertaining to the hydration tank, the concentrated gel and the fluid are mixed into a viscous hydraulic fracturing gel by using a shear baffle, a static mixer, a shear paddle or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other enhancements and objects of the invention are obtained, we briefly describe a more particular description of the invention briefly rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, we herein describe the invention with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 is schematic of the system of the present invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a shear baffle of the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 3 is a static mixer of the present invention;

[0025] Fig. 4 is a high shear paddle of the present invention; and

[0026] Fig. 5 is the implementation of the present invention on a tractor trailer.

List of Reference Numerals

[0027] 10 eductor line valve

[0028] 20 eductor [0029] 30 bypass valve

[0030] 40 bypass line

[0031] 50 direct inflow line

[0032] 60 hydration tank

[0033] 70 first pump

[0034] 80 metering device

[0035] 85 direct inflow line valve

[0036] 90 second pump

[0037] 100 upstream second pump flow line

[0038] 110 second pump valve

[0039] 120 upstream eductor line

[0040] 130 downstream eductor line

[0041] 140 hydration fluid valve

[0042] 150 outlet line valve

[0043] 160 outlet line

[0044] 170 bypass outlet line

[0045] 180 first bypass outlet line valve

[0046] 190 second bypass outlet line valve

[0047] 195 discharge manifold

[0048] 200 inlet manifold [0049] 205 unified pathway

[0050] 210 viscosity meter

[0051] 230 hopper

[0052] 240 feed belt

[0053] 250 shear baffle

[0054] 260 static mixer

[0055] 265 educator nozzles

[0056] 270 high shear paddle

[0057] 280 trailer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Certain embodiments of the invention pertain to methods of premixing of a dry gel polymer and water at a well site to create a concentrated gel. Still further, certain embodiments of the invention pertain to methods of proper dilution of the concentrated gel with water to achieve the proper viscosity. In further embodiments of the invention, water is supplied to the concentrated gel with a pump. In such embodiments, the water is often metered such that the concentration of concentrated gel to water is the correct concentration for the application. In certain further embodiments, water is routed to produce the concentrated gel and to produce the diluted gel in a dilution or displacement tank. In further embodiments, upon mixing the concentrated gel and the water to the desired concentration, the dilute gel is further mixed to add additional shear energy to the fluid.

[0059] Certain further embodiments of the invention overcome potential problems with high rates of on-site hydraulic fracturing fluid production. In certain embodiments, a two pump system replaces a single pump system. In embodiments wherein there is a single pump system, a limiting factor is that the hydration tank should have a set amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid set by the operator. In such embodiments, when the operator us using as much water as can be put into the tank, the valve from the pump to the hydration tank is opened to maximum to maintain the level inside the tank.

[0060] In such embodiments, wherein there is only one pump and the valve from the pump to the hydration tank is open, proper mixing of dry gel in the eductor can arise. In such embodiments, the water destined for the hydration tank starves the flow of water the eductor, thereby puling excess dry gel into the system without proper hydration. In such embodiments, the system becomes plugged with dry gel which has not been properly hydrated.

[0061] In embodiments, wherein a high level of hydraulic fracturing fluid must be produced in a short time, the embodiments of the invention alleviate this potential problem by providing adequate hydration to the eductor. In certain embodiments, a second pump is employed in the system to control the amount of water going to the eductor. In certain embodiments, the second pump pushes more water through the eductor. In other embodiments, wherein a high amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is not needed, the second pump pushes less water through the eductor. In embodiments wherein the second pump pushes less water through the eductor, the pump has a slower pump speed. In other embodiments wherein the second pump pushes less water through the eductor, the use of the first pump provides less water to the second pump by taking some of the water that would otherwise be going to the second pump, thereby limiting the amount of water the second pump pushes into the eductor.

[0062] In further embodiments, wherein a high amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is not needed, the second pump is turned off. In other embodiments wherein a high amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is not needed, a valve downstream of the second pump is shut off and a first pump bypass valve is opened.

[0063] In further embodiments, wherein the first pump fails, the valve downstream of the second pump is opened and the first pump bypass valve is opened.

[0064] In certain embodiments wherein the eductor is clogged, the valve from the dry gel line to the eductor is shut off. In this embodiment, the force of the second pump pushes the too viscous hydraulic fracturing concentrated gel through the system and into the hydration tank. [0065] In embodiments of the method concerning the preparation of concentrated gel, in certain embodiments, the dry gel is guar or a complex of guar such as hydroxypropyl guar (HPG), carboxymethyl HPG or a combination thereof. In embodiments concerning the liquid to be mixed with the dry gel, the liquid is water, ammonia, methanol, ethanol, gasoline, diesel, mineral oil, any liquid organic compound and the like. In specific embodiments, the liquid is water.

[0066] In embodiments of the method concerning the preparation of concentrated gel, in certain embodiments, the dry gel is dispersed by a container into a liquid medium in order to produce a concentrated gel from the dry gel. In further embodiments, the container is a barrel, a cylinder, a box, a hopper and the like. In specific embodiments, the container is a hopper.

[0067] In further embodiments, the container is operatively attached to a mechanism to move the dry gel from the container to the liquid medium in order to produce a concentrated gel. In such embodiments, the mechanism is a valve, a conveyor belt, a vacuum suction, a piston to push the dry gel, a blower to push the dry gel, or a combination thereof. In specific embodiments, the mechanism to move the dry gel from the container to the liquid medium is a conveyor belt. In further embodiments, in lieu of a conveyor belt, the metering apparatus for chemicals such as guar or other hydraulic fracturing dry gel can be an auger feeder "acrison", a fixed screw feeder "olds elevator", a pneumatic conveyor (such as pressurized and non-pressurized blowing, a mechanical feeder such as a train driven trough and a vibrating conveyor.

[0068] Further embodiments of the invention concern the mixing of the dry gel with the liquid medium. In such instances, the mixing of the dry gel with the liquid medium is performed by pouring the dry gel into the liquid, by sprinkling the dry gel into the liquid, by stirring the dry gel into the liquid, by spraying the dry gel into the liquid, by pouring the liquid onto the dry gel, by spraying the liquid onto the dry gel, by pumping the dry gel into the liquid, by using an eductor to mix the dry gel with the liquid, or a combination thereof. In such embodiments, the mixing of the dry gel with the liquid created a concentrated gel with a high viscosity.

[0069] Additional embodiments of the invention pertain to mixing the concentrated gel with further liquid to generate a correctly viscous liquid capable of being used in hydraulic fracturing operations. In such embodiments, the concentrated gel is pumped or pushed through pressure into a hydration tank. They hydration tank, in certain embodiments, already contains a liquid. In other embodiments, the concentrated gel is pumped into the hydration tank and then the liquid is pumped into the hydration tank. In still other embodiments, the concentrated gel is pumped into the hydration tank at the same time as the liquid.

[0070] In embodiments wherein the concentrated gel is diluted in the hydration tank, the concentrated gel and liquid are mixed to add additional shear energy to the fluid. In certain embodiments, the mixing is accomplished by one or more shear baffle. In certain embodiments, the mixing is accomplished by one or more static mixer. In certain further embodiments, the mixing is accomplished by one or more high shear paddles. In still further embodiments, the mixing is accomplished by some combination of the aforementioned methods.

[0071] In embodiments concerning the static mixer, the concentrated gel is diluted down with liquid in the hydration tank using a static mixing system. The static mixer creates a tremendous amount of shear on the fluid. In certain embodiments, the static mixer is composed of a plurality of eductor nozzles capable of pulling concentrated gel in using the velocity of the liquid through a restricted orifice. In certain further embodiments, a poppet type valve is built into the bottom of the static mixer to create back pressure on the nozzles which can be used to create high velocity mixing.

[0072] In embodiments concerning the high shear paddles, in certain embodiments, the paddles create a very high amount of mechanical shear on the fluid at very low speeds (30 rpm). In such embodiments, this reduces splashing and maximizes the amount of shear while moving the fluid as little as possible. Traditional paddle designs create shear by generating bulk motion of the fluid and creating turbulence. This requires a tremendous amount of horsepower per the amount of shear. By creating localized mechanical shear around the edges of the holes in the high shear paddle, mixing can be enhanced with the usage of less horsepower.

[0073] Regarding the entry of liquid into the system to create the concentrated gel and the diluted gel, the liquid enters the process through an inlet manifold. The system comprises pipes to move liquid and gel from one location to another. The pipes are of any diameter necessary to produce the necessary amount of dilute gel for hydraulic fracturing operations. For instance, the pipes can have an internal diameter of 1 inch to three feet or some derivation therein. However, the diameter is not limited to this range.

[0074] To provide pressure to move the liquid or gel, two pumps, such as c pumps are employed in the system. In such embodiments, two pumps are employed downstream of the inlet manifold, but upstream from the eductor and hydration tank. In certain further embodiments, a water meter capable of detecting water pressure or water volume passing through the meter in a given time is positioned downstream of at least one pump, but upstream of a liquid path bifurcation.

[0075] Certain embodiments concern the liquid path bifurcation, also known as a bypass line. The bifurcation allows liquid to flow into the hydration tank the eductor, or both the hydration tank and the eductor. In further embodiments, the eductor is positioned downstream of the bifurcation and upstream of the hydration tank.

[0076] To control the flow of liquid coming from the liquid path bifurcation, valves are used. In certain embodiments, the valves can be annular valves, diaphragm valves, fixed cone valves, gate valves, needle valves, pinch valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves and the like. In specific embodiments, the valves are butterfly valves.

[0077] As seen in Fig. 1, the valves are placed in the system wherever control or shutoff of the liquid or gel is desired. In certain embodiments, an eductor line valve 10, is positioned downstream of the eductor 20 so as to prevent concentrated gel from entering the hydration tank. This allows fluid without concentrated gel to flow into the hydration tank.

[0078] In other embodiments, wherein a high amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is desired, a bypass valve 30 is positioned downstream of the bypass line 40, and is closed such that the first pump 70, through the metering device 80, and through the direct inflow line valve 85 pushes liquid into direct inflow line 50 and into to the hydration tank 60. Additionally, the second pump 90, pumps fluid from the upstream second pump flow line 100, through the second pump 90, past the second pump valve 110, through the upstream eductor line 120, and into the eductor 20. Subsequently, the second pump pumps concentrated hydraulic fluid gel into the hydration tank 60 through the downstream eductor line 130 and into the hydration tank 60 when the eductor line valve 10 is open. In this embodiment, the outlet line valve 150 of the outlet line 160 is opened to supply hydraulic fracturing fluid for operations, while the bypass outlet line 170, the first bypass outlet line valve 180 and the second bypass outlet line valve 190 are closed.

[0079] In embodiments wherein a lower amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is desired, the second pump 90 is shut off and additively or optionally, the second pump valve 110 is closed. In this embodiment, the bypass valve 30 is opened, and the first pump 70 pumps fluid both through the eductor 20, the downstream eductor line 130 and into the hydration tank 60, while at the same time pumping fluid through the direct inflow line valve 85, the direct inflow line 50 and into the hydration tank, past the hydration fluid valve 140. In this embodiment, the outlet line valve 150 of the outlet line 160 is opened to supply hydraulic fracturing fluid for operations, while the bypass outlet line 170, the first bypass outlet line valve 180 and the second bypass outlet line valve 190 are closed. This configuration also works if the second pump 90 is broken.

[0080] In still further embodiments, wherein the viscosity of the hydraulic fracturing fluid is too low in the hydration tank, another configuration is employed. In this embodiment, the outlet line valve 150 of the outlet line 160 is opened and the discharge manifold 195 is closed. The bypass outlet line 170, the first bypass outlet line valve 180 is opened, and the second bypass outlet line valve 190 is optionally opened and the inlet manifold 200 is closed. In this configuration, the bypass valve 30 is closed, the direct inflow line valve 85 is open and the second pump valve 110 is open. This allows the first pump 70 to supply the lower viscosity hydraulic fluid to the hydration tank 60, through the open hydration fluid valve 140, while the second pump 90 pushes the same fluid through the open second pump valve 110, through the upstream eductor line 120, the eductor 20 the downstream eductor line 130 and into the hydration tank 60 through the eductor line valve 10.

[0081] In embodiments wherein the first pump 70 is broken, the outlet line valve 150 of the outlet line 160 is opened to supply hydraulic fracturing fluid for operations, while the bypass outlet line 170, the first bypass outlet line valve 180 and the second bypass outlet line valve 190 are closed. In this embodiment, fluid is pumped through the second pump 90, through the second pump valve 110, and through the bypass line 40. Further, the bypass valve 30 is opened. Consequently, fluid is pushed through the upstream eductor line 120, the eductor 20 the downstream eductor line 130 and into the hydration tank 60 through the eductor line valve 10. Fluid is also pushed through the direct inflow line valve 85, through the direct inflow line 50 and into the hydration tank 60 and out the opened hydration fluid valve 140.

[0082] In certain further embodiments, the viscosity of the diluted gel within the hydration tank is measured to determine if it is the correct viscosity for the fracturing operation. In such embodiments, the viscosity meter 210 is within the hydration tank 60 or fluidly connected to the hydration tank 60. Additionally as can be seen, a hopper 230 supplies the dry gel to the eductor through a feed belt 240.

[0083] As can be seen in Fig. 2 is shear baffle 250 of the present invention. The shear baffle sits within the hydration tank 60 such that the liquid and concentrated gel passes through the baffle to better mix the two together.

[0084] Fig. 3 illustrates the static mixer 260 found in the hydration tank 60. The static mixer possesses educator nozzles 265 that pull concentrated gel in using the velocity of the fresh water or liquid through a restricted orifice.

[0085] Fig. 4 illustrates the high shear paddle 270 of the present invention. The paddle is situated within the hydration tank 60 and is designed to create a high amount of mechanical shear on the fluid at very low speeds. The shear baffle 250, the static mixer 260 and the high shear paddle 270 of the present invention can be found in the hydration tank 60 as shown on a trailer 280 in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 respectively.

[0086] From the foregoing description, one of ordinary skill in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this disclosure, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to adapt the disclosure to various usages and conditions. For example, we do not mean for references such as above, below, left, right, and the like to be limiting but rather as a guide for orientation of the referenced element to another element. A person of skill in the art should understand that certain of the above-described structures, functions, and operations of the above-described embodiments are not necessary to practice the present disclosure and are included in the description simply for completeness of an exemplary embodiment or embodiments. In addition, a person of skill in the art should understand that specific structures, functions, and operations set forth in the above-described referenced patents and publications can be practiced in conjunction with the present disclosure, but they are not essential to its practice.

[0087] The invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. A person of skill in the art should consider the described embodiments in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. A person of skill in the art should embrace, within their scope, all changes to the claims which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims. Further, we hereby incorporate by reference, as if presented in their entirety, all published documents, patents, and applications mentioned herein.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A system for producing a viscous hydraulic fracturing fluid, the system comprising a. an inlet manifold fluidly connected to a unified fluid path having a bifurcation, the bifurcation connected to a first fluid pump and a second fluid pump; b. a first fluid path, the first fluid path connected to a hydration tank through a direct inflow valve; c. a second fluid path, the second fluid path connected to a mixer capable of mixing a dry gel with fluid in the second fluid path to create a concentrated gel, and wherein the concentrated gel is delivered to the hydration tank by a mixer line valve; wherein the first fluid pump pumps a fluid from the bifurcation to the hydration tank when the direct inflow valve is open, and wherein the second fluid pump pushes a concentrated gel into the hydration when the mixer line valve is open, thereby allowing for the production of a maximum amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fluid path and the second fluid path are connected by a bypass line, the bypass line being downstream of the first fluid pump and the second fluid pump, and upstream of the mixer, the bypass line further comprising a bypass valve.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second fluid path comprises a second pump valve, the second pump valve being upstream of the bypass line.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the hydration tank is fluidly connected to an outlet line bifurcation with a return line and a discharge manifold downstream of different ends of the bifurcation, and wherein the discharge manifold used to deliver hydraulic fracturing fluid to a hydraulic fracturing operation.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the return line is fluidly connected to a bypass outlet line valve, which is upstream and fluidly connected to the unified path.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein if a less than maximum amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is desired, the second pump is turned off, the bypass valve is opened, the bypass outlet valve is closed, and the first pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and the second fluid path simultaneously.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein if the second pump malfunctions, the bypass valve is opened, the bypass outlet valve is closed, and the first pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and the second fluid path simultaneously.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein if less than a maximum amount of hydraulic fracturing fluid is desired, the first pump is turned off, the bypass valve is opened, the bypass outlet valve is closed, and the second pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and the second fluid path simultaneously.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein if the first pump malfunctions, the first pump is turned off, the bypass valve is opened, the bypass outlet valve is closed, and the second pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and the second fluid path simultaneously.

10. The system of claim 5, wherein if the viscosity of the hydraulic fracturing fluid in the hydration tank is too low, the bypass valve is closed, the discharge manifold is closed, the bypass outlet valve is opened and the first pump sends the dilute hydraulic fracturing fluid back into the hydration tank through the first path while the second pump sends the dilute hydraulic fracturing fluid through the mixer wherein it is concentrated with more dry gel and sent to the hydration tank.

11. The system of claim 5, wherein if the viscosity of the fluid in the hydration tank is too viscous, the bypass valve is closed, the second pump valve is closed, the bypass outlet valve is closed, and the first pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and into the hydration tank.

12. The system of claim 5, wherein if the viscosity of the fluid in the hydration tank is too viscous, the first pump is turned off, the bypass valve is opened, the direct inflow valve is opened, the bypass outlet valve is closed, the mixer line valve is closed and the second pump pumps fluid through the first fluid path and into the hydration tank.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the mixer is an eductor.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the dry gel is contained in a hopper operatively connected to the mixer.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein a conveyor moves the dry gel to the mixer.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein downstream of the fluid pump and upstream of the bifurcation is a meter capable of measuring fluid flow per minute.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the concentrated gel and the fluid in the hydration tank are mixed into a viscous hydraulic fracturing gel by a shear baffle positioned within the hydration tank.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the concentrated gel and the fluid in the hydration tank are mixed into a viscous hydraulic fracturing gel by a static mixer positioned within the hydration tank.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the concentrated gel and the fluid in the hydration tank are mixed into a viscous hydraulic fracturing gel by a shear paddle positioned within the hydration tank.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the valves are butterfly valves.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the dry gel is guar.