US20170198548A1

US20170198548A1 - Multiple Well Stimulation System

Info

Publication number: US20170198548A1
Application number: US15/288,410
Authority: US
Inventors: Benjamin Skinner Dickinson
Original assignee: Benjamin Skinner Dickinson
Current assignee: De Engineering LLC
Priority date: 2016-01-11
Filing date: 2016-10-07
Publication date: 2017-07-13

Abstract

A fluid fracturing system include a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly which can connect in various configurations to a fracturing tree of a wellhead. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to the fracturing tree can be connected by one or more fluid conveying conduits to one or more fracturing fluid pumps, without use of a conventional intermediate fracturing manifold.

Description

This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/277,394, filed Jan. 11, 2016, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. BACKGROUND

Fracturing systems enhance recovery of natural resources (for example, oil or natural gas) from one or more wellbores and associated wellheads by injecting a fracturing fluid into the wells to increase the number or size of fractures in a rock formation or strata. The fracturing fluid can be water to which chemical additives can, but need not necessarily, be added such as one or more of: acids, sodium chloride, polyacrylamide, ethylene glycol, borate salts, sodium and potassium carbonates, gluteraldehyde, guar gum, citric acid, and isopropanol. Additionally, one or more of: gels, foams, and compressed gases, including nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and air can, but need not necessarily, be injected. Typically, about ninety percent (90%) of the fracturing fluid is water. The fracturing fluid can, but need not necessarily, further include a proppant, typically one or more of: sand, treated sand or man-made ceramic materials, designed to keep an induced hydraulic fracture open during or following injection of fracturing fluid into the well. The proppant can be delivered to the wells as a proppant-laden slurry (for example, a pound of proppant per gallon of fracturing fluid up to a mole percentage of about eighteen percent).
Referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more surface wells (1), which can be accessed by a wellhead (2), can be installed at surface level (3)(also referred to as “ground level”), as exemplified. FIGS. 1 and 2 further exemplify a conventional fracturing system (4), which includes various components to control the flow of fracturing fluids (5) into the well (1), including at least one or more fracturing trees (6) connected to a fracturing manifold (7). The fracturing trees (6) include at least one fracturing tree valve (8) that controls the flow of the fracturing fluid (5) into the wellheads (2) and, subsequently, into the wells (1).
The fracturing manifold (7) can be connected to one or more fracturing trees (6) to provide fracturing fluid (5) to a plurality of wellheads (2). Fracturing fluid (5) from a fracturing fluid supply (9), which can, but need not necessarily, be one or more fracturing fluid supply trucks (10) containing the fracturing fluids (5) or can be fracturing fluid storage tanks, ponds or other fracturing fluid containment structures can be delivered to the fracturing manifold (7). As to particular embodiments, one or more chemical additives (11) from a chemical additive supply (12), which can, but need not necessarily, be one or more chemical additive supply trucks (14) that deliver the chemical additives (11) or can be chemical additive storage tanks, ponds or other chemical additive containment structures, that can be blended into or combined with the fracturing fluid (5) by a fracturing fluid blender (13). As to particular embodiments, proppants (15) from a proppant supply (16), which can, but need not necessarily, be one or more proppant supply trucks (17) that deliver proppants (15) or can be proppant storage units from which proppants (15) can be conveyed to the fracturing fluid blender (13), that can be blended into or combined with the fracturing fluids (5) by the fracturing fluid blender (13). The fracturing fluids (5) which can, but need not necessarily, contain chemical additives (11) or proppant (15), can be delivered to one or more fracturing pumps (18) which sufficiently pressurize the fracturing fluids (5) for injection into one or more wells (1).
The one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to the fracturing manifold (7). As to particular embodiments, one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can, but need not necessarily, be connected to each end of the fracturing manifold (7) (as shown in the example of
FIG. 2, a left bank (19) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) are connected to a fracturing manifold first end (20) and a right bank (21) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) are connected to a fracturing manifold second end (22)).
A conventional fracturing manifold (7) includes a manifold conduit (23) having spaced apart manifold connector blocks (24) each of which can be connected to a manifold valve assembly (25) which controls the flow of fracturing fluids (5) to a corresponding fracturing tree (6). Although FIG. 2 illustrates each valve assembly having two manifold valves (26) connected in series to each connector block (24), a conventional fracturing manifold (7) can include any other suitable number of manifold valves (26) to control the flow of fracturing fluid (5) to a fracturing tree (6).
Conventional fracturing manifolds (7) may be constructed to be installed on or at surface level (3) or on a skid on or at a location on or at surface level (3) a distance from the fracturing trees (6) on the wellheads (2), and each manifold valve assembly (25) is then connected to each fracturing tree (6) with one or more manifold output lines (27). The manifold output lines (27) between each manifold valve assembly (25) of the fracturing manifold (7) and the fracturing tree (6), while depicted as two conduits (each of which may be a conduit typically having a bore of between about 4 inches and about 10 inches) may include a greater number of manifold output lines (27) between the fracturing manifold (7) and a fracturing tree (6) depending upon the flow rate of the fracturing fluids (5) to be delivered to the particular fracturing tree (6).
There would be substantial advantages in a fluid fracturing system that entirely eliminated the conventional fracturing manifold (7) along with the associated manifold output lines (27) to the fracturing trees (6).

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide a multiple well stimulation system that entirely eliminates the conventional fracturing manifold along with the associated manifold output lines to the fracturing trees.
Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly which connects in various configurations to a fracturing tree connected to a wellhead, whether by direct engagement of the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly with the fracturing tree, or by direct engagement by use of only a connector block or spacer spool, or by direct engagement by use of only a connector block and a spacer spool. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to the fracturing tree can be connected by fluid conveying conduits directly to one or more fracturing fluid pumps, without an intermediate fracturing manifold.
Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a method of making and using a multiple well stimulation system including a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to the fracturing tree to deliver and regulate delivery of a fracturing fluid to a wellhead without a conventional fracturing manifold.
Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative block diagram plan view of a conventional fluid fracturing system including a fracturing manifold connected to each of two fracturing trees correspondingly connected to two wellheads.

FIG. 2 is another illustrative block diagram of a conventional fluid fracturing system including a fracturing manifold connected to each of two fracturing trees correspondingly connected to two wellheads.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a particular embodiment of the inventive well stimulation system including an elevation view of two fracturing fluid flow regulation assemblies, one each directly connected to a corresponding two fracturing trees correspondingly connected to two wellheads.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the particular embodiment of the inventive well stimulation system shown in FIG. 3 including an plan view of two fracturing fluid flow regulation assemblies, one each directly connected to a corresponding two fracturing trees correspondingly connected to two wellheads.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a particular embodiment of a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly directly connected to a vertical fracturing tree by a spacer spool and a connector block to dispose the longitudinal axis of fracturing tree and the longitudinal axis of the a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in generally parallel vertical opposed relation a distance apart.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of another particular embodiment of a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to a vertical fracturing tree to dispose the longitudinal axis of the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly and the longitudinal axis of the fracturing tree in generally orthogonal relation.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of another particular embodiment of a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to a vertical fracturing tree to dispose the longitudinal axis of a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly and the longitudinal axis of the fracturing tree in generally axial relation.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a two-well embodiment is shown, which provides an overview of an inventive fluid fracturing system (28) which can deliver fracturing fluids (5) to one or more wellheads (2) of one or more wells (1). Embodiments of the inventive fluid fracturing system (28) can include a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) which can connect in various configurations to a fracturing tree (6) of a wellhead (2). The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29), connected to the fracturing tree (6), can also be connected to one or more fluid conveying conduits (30) connected to one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18), and, as to particular embodiments, without the use of a conventional intermediate fracturing manifold (7).
Now referring primarily to FIGS. 5 through 7, embodiments of a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) can include a valved conduit (31) having a fracturing fluid mixing block (32) connected to a valved conduit first end (33), and one or more connection blocks (34) or spacer spools (35) connected to a valved conduit second end (36).
The fracturing fluid mixing block (32) generally includes a mixing block top (37) and a mixing block bottom (38) joined by a plurality of mixing block sides (39) defining a central mixing chamber (40). Typically, each of the mixing block top (37), mixing block bottom (38) and each mixing block side (39) can, but need not necessarily, include a mixing block port (41) which allows fracturing fluids (5) from a plurality of fracturing fluid conveying conduits (30) to be received and combined in the central mixing chamber (40).
The valved conduit (31) includes at least one valve (42) and typically a first and second valves (42)(43) arranged in a series. The at least one valve (42) or the first and second valves (42)(43) can comprise any suitable valve configuration (as illustrative examples: a choke valve or a gate valve). The first and second valves (42)(43) of a valved conduit (31) facilitate separate and independent control of the flow of fracturing fluids (5) from the fracturing fluid mixing block (32). While the illustrative embodiments shown in the figures include first and second valves (42)(43) arranged in a series, any other suitable number of valves in a suitable arrangement may instead be used to control the flow of fracturing fluids (5) to the fracturing tree (6).
The one or more connection blocks (34) connected to the valved conduit second end (36) opposite the fracturing fluid mixing block (32), can provide a connector top (44), and a connector bottom (45) which join a plurality of connector sides (46) defining a central connector chamber (47). A plurality of connector ports (48) can fluidly communicate with the central connector chamber (47) to allow the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) to be connected in various configurations with the fracturing tree (6).
The one or more spacer spools (35) can provide an open ended conduit (49) having end connections (50), which allow the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) as previously described to be joined a distance apart from the fracturing tree (6)
The fracturing trees (6) shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 have a generally vertical fracturing tree longitudinal axis (51) in relation to the wellhead (2)(also referred to as a “vertical fracturing tree”). Other embodiments may include different styles of fracturing trees (6)(as an illustrative example a fracturing tree (6) connected to the wellhead (2) in generally horizontal relation, also referred to as a “horizontal fracturing tree”). It is also noted that while two fracturing trees (6) are depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) can be coupled to only one, each one of two, or each one of three fracturing trees (6) in other embodiments.
Now referring primarily to FIG. 5, as to a particular embodiment, the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29), including a fracturing fluid mixing block (32), a valved conduit, (31) and a first connection block (34/53), can be connected to a vertical fracturing tree (6) by a spacer spool (35) and a second connector block (34/54) to dispose the fracturing tree longitudinal axis (51) of a fracturing tree (6) and the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly longitudinal axis (52) of the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) in a generally parallel vertical opposed relation a distance apart.
Now referring to FIG. 6, as to particular embodiments, the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29), including a fracturing fluid mixing block (32), a valved conduit (31), and a connector block (34), can be connected to a vertical fracturing tree (6) to dispose the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly longitudinal axis (52) and fracturing tree longitudinal axis (51) in a generally orthogonal relation.
Now referring to FIG. 7, as to particular embodiments, the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29), including a fracturing fluid mixing block (32), a valved conduit (31), and a connector block (34), can be connected to a vertical fracturing tree (6) to dispose the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly longitudinal axis (52) and the fracturing tree longitudinal axis (51) in a generally axial relation.
Again referring to FIG. 3, as to particular embodiments, one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected by one or more fracturing fluid conduits (30) to only one fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A)(or only to 29B or only to 29C) connected to only one wellhead (2A)(or only 2B or only to 2C). As an illustrative example, one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to a mixing block first port (41A) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32), and one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to a mixing block second port (41B) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32). By way of example, a left bank (19) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to the mixing block first port (41A) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) and a right bank (21) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to the mixing block second port (41B) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) of the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A)(shown in broken line) connected to the fracturing tree (6A).
Again referring primarily to FIG. 3, as to a particular embodiment of the invention, the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly longitudinal axis (52A)(52B) of a first and second fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A)(29B) can be disposed in generally parallel vertical relation to the corresponding fracturing tree longitudinal axes (51A)(51B) of a first and second fracturing tree (6A)(6B) as shown; however, any of the various configurations of the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) can be connected to a fracturing tree (6), as above described. One or more fracturing fluid conveying conduits (30) can interconnect the fracturing fluid mixing blocks (32) of the first and second fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A)(29B). One or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected by one or more fracturing fluid conduits (30) to each of the first and second fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A)(29B). As to particular embodiments, one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to the first fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A). By way of example and as shown in FIG. 3, a left bank (19) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) connected to the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) of the first fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A) connected to the first fracturing tree (6A), and a right bank (21) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) of the second fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29B)(shown in broken line) connected to the second fracturing tree (6B).
Again referring to FIG. 3, as to particular embodiments, one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected by one or more fracturing fluid conduits (30) to three fracturing fluid flow regulation assemblies (29A)(29B)(29C) correspondingly connected to three wellheads (2A)(2B)(2C). As to particular embodiments, one or more fluid conveying conduits (30) can interconnect the fracturing fluid mixing blocks (32) of the first, second, and third fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A)(29B)(29C). One or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to a first mixing block port (41) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) of the first fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29A), and one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to a first mixing block port (41) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) of the third fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29C). As shown in the example, a left bank (19) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to the first mixing block port (41A) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) of the first fluid flow regulation assembly (29A), and a right bank (21) of fracturing fluid pumps (18) can be connected to the first mixing bloc port (41A) of the fracturing fluid mixing block (32) of the third fluid flow regulation assembly (29C).
As above described, fracturing fluid (5) from a fracturing fluid supply (9) can be delivered to the fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly (29) by the one or more fracturing fluid pumps (18), as above described. As to particular embodiments, the fracturing fluid supply (9) can be one or more fracturing fluid supply trucks (10) that deliver the fracturing fluid (5) or can be fracturing fluid storage tanks, ponds or other fracturing fluid containment structures. As to particular embodiments, chemical additives (11) from a chemical additive supply (12) can be blended into or combined with the fracturing fluid (5) by a fracturing fluid blender (13). As to particular embodiments, the chemical additive supply (12) can be one or more chemical additive supply trucks (10) that deliver the chemical additives (11) or can be chemical additive storage tanks, ponds or other chemical additive containment structures. As to particular embodiments, proppants (15) from a proppant supply (16) can be blended into or combined with the fracturing fluid (5) by the fracturing fluid blender (13). As to particular embodiments, the proppant supply (16) can be one or more proppant supply trucks (10) that deliver proppants (15) or can be proppant storage units from which proppants (15) can be conveyed to the fracturing fluid blender (13). The fracturing fluid (5) which can, but need not necessarily, contain chemical additives (11) or proppant (15) can be delivered to a plurality of fracturing fluid pumps (18) which sufficiently pressurize the fracturing fluid (5) for injection into one or more wells (1).
As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a multiple well stimulation system and methods for making and using such multiple well stimulation system including the best mode.
As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.
It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “pump” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “pumping”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “pumping”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “pump” and even a “means for pumping.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.
All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.
Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the multiple well stimulation systems herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.
The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.
The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.
Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

1. A fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly to regulate delivery of fracturing fluid to a fracturing tree connected to a wellhead of a surface well, comprising:

a valved conduit including at least one valve operable to regulate flow of said fracturing fluid between a valved conduit first end and a valved conduit second end;

a fracturing fluid mixing block connected to said valved conduit first end, said fracturing fluid mixing block defining an internal mixing chamber and a plurality of mixing block ports connectable to one or more fracturing fluid conveying conduits; and

a connection block connected to said valved conduit second end, said connection block defining an internal flow path and a plurality of connection block ports connectable to said fracturing tree.

2. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one valve comprises a first and second valves directly connected in series to regulate flow of said fracturing fluid between said valved conduit first end and said valved conduit second end.

3. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 2, wherein said first and second valves independently regulate flow of said fracturing fluid between said valved conduit first end and said valved conduit second end.

4. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 1, wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree, and wherein said connection block connects to said vertical fracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixed axial relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.

5. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 1, wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree, and wherein said connection block connects to said vertical fracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixed orthogonal relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.

6. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 1, wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree, and wherein said connection block connects to said vertical fracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixed parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.

7. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 6, wherein said connection block comprises a first connection block connected to said valved conduit second end and second connection block connected to said vertical fracturing tree, said first and second connection blocks connected to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixed parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.

8. The fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly of claim 7, further comprising a spacer spool connected between said first and second connection blocks.

9. A well stimulation system, comprising:

a fracturing tree connected to a wellhead of a well;

a fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly connected to said fracturing tree, including:

a valved conduit including at least one valve operable to regulate fluid flow between a valved conduit first end and a valved conduit second end;

a connection block connected to said valved conduit second end, said connection block defining an internal flow path and a plurality of connection block ports connectable to a fracturing tree;

a fracturing fluid pump connected to said fracturing fluid mixing block; and

a fracturing fluid supply which delivers fracturing fluid to said fracturing fluid pump.

10. The well stimulation system of claim 9, further comprising a proppant supply which delivers a proppant to said fracturing fluid.

11. The well stimulation system of claim 10, further comprising a chemical additive supply which delivers a chemical additive to said fracturing fluid.

12. The well stimulation system of claim 11, further comprising a fracturing fluid blender which blends said proppant or said chemical additive with said fracturing fluid delivered to said fracturing fluid pump.

13. The well stimulation system of claim 9, wherein said at least one valve comprises a first and second valves directly connected in series to regulate flow of said fracturing fluid between said valved conduit first end and said valved conduit second end.

14. The well stimulation system of claim 13, wherein said first and second valves independently regulate flow of said fracturing fluid between said valved conduit first end and said valved conduit second end.

15. The well stimulation system of claim 9, wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree, and wherein said connection block connects to said vertical fracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixed axial relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.

16. The well stimulation system of claim 9, wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree, and wherein said connection block connects to said vertical fracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixed orthogonal relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.

17. The well stimulation system of claim 9, wherein said fracturing tree comprises a vertical fracturing tree, and wherein said connection block connects to said vertical fracturing tree to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixed parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.

18. The well stimulation system of claim 17, wherein said connection block comprises a first connection block connected to said valved conduit second end and second connection block connected to said vertical fracturing tree, said first and second connection blocks connected to dispose a longitudinal axis of said fracturing fluid flow regulation assembly in substantially fixed parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of said vertical fracturing tree.

19. The well stimulation system of claim 18, further comprising a spacer spool connected between said first and second connection blocks.

20-30. (canceled)