Oilwell leak containment apparatus for a completed oilwell

Details Oilwell leak containment apparatus for a completed oilwell Oilwell leak containment apparatus for a completed oilwell

1999-04-14

2001-09-11

Lillis, Eileen D. (Department: 3673)

Wells

Above ground apparatus

Fluid catcher around pipe coupling

C166S379000, C137S312000, C137S015010

Reexamination Certificate

active

06286593

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an oilwell leak containment apparatus for a completed oilwell.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Canadian Patent Application 2,166,265 by Quinn Holtby describes a method and apparatus of preventing fluid leakage from that portion of a completed oilwell known as a “Christmas Trees”. The Holtby patent discloses an annular ring which is incorporated as part of the Christmas Tree. Around the annular ring is positioned a catch pan with a drainage opening connected by conduit to a storage container.
While the Holtby reference is a useful apparatus, installation requires disassembly and reassembly of the Christmas Tree.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is an oilwell leak containment apparatus for a completed oilwell with simplified field installation.
According to the present invention there is provided an oilwell leak containment apparatus for a completed oilwell which includes a body segmented into at least two segments. Each of the at least two segments has a non-mating edge and a mating edge. The non-mating edge has an upstanding containment wall. When the at least two segments are coupled together to form the body the upstanding containment wall extends around a peripheral edge of the body and defines a liquid containment cavity. The mating edge mates with an other of the at least two segments. Each mating edge has an arcuate portion. When the at least two segments are coupled together to complete the body the arcuate portions form a circular collar. A first portion of at least one two part quick release coupler is positioned along the mating edge the one of the at least two segments. A second portion of the at least one two part quick release coupler is positioned along the mating edge of the other of the at least two segments. Coupling of the first portion with the second portion secures the at least two segments together to form the body.
The containment apparatus, as described above, can rapidly be assembled around a Christmas Tree, without having to disassemble and reassemble any portion of the Christmas Tree.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the containment apparatus, as described above, there is very little room to permit access by personnel, especially as the containment apparatus is positioned lower down on the Christmas Tree. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the at least one two part quick release coupler is positioned within the liquid retaining cavity of the body. Although placing the quick release couplers in a position where they may potentially become submerged in oil has some inherent disadvantages, the advantage of ease of access is believed to outweigh other considerations.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the containment apparatus, as described above, the connecting of the segments must be done in such a manner as to avoid leakage. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when the mating edge of the one of the at least two segments has a projecting tongue and the mating edge of the other of the at least two segments has a tongue receiving groove. To further improve the connection a seal may be positioned within the tongue receiving groove.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the containment apparatus, as described above, it is preferred that some provision be made to dump accumulated oil from the liquid containment cavity either on a continuous or periodic basis in order to avoid the expense of service with a vacuum truck. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be provided when the liquid retaining cavity has at least one drainage aperture. It is preferred that at least one catch tray underlies the at least one drainage aperture. Oil is accumulated in the catch tray, which is small enough to be manually dumped on a periodic basis.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the containment apparatus, as described above, when personnel are servicing the Christmas Tree it is difficult to obtain complete containment due to overspray of oil that can occur. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a plurality of interconnected catch trays underlay the at least one drainage aperture with the interconnected catch trays extending beyond the peripheral edge of the body.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the containment apparatus, as described above, depending upon the amount of oil that accumulates leakage can occur in the area of the circular collar. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when a seal is positioned on the arcuate portions of the at least two segments. When the arcuate portions are joined to form the circular collar, this provides a seal on the circular collar.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the containment apparatus, as described above, when the body is positioned just above ground level, there is no support from the Christmas tree to hold the body up above the underlying catch trays. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when each arcuate portion has a projecting flange, when the at least two segments are coupled to form the body, the projecting flanges form a cylinder that depends from the circular collar.


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