AU2021103011A4

AU2021103011A4 - A fluid drainage assembly and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: AU2021103011A4
Application number: AU2021103011A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gary Holden
Original assignee: Gdh Mining And Maintenance Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Gdh Mining And Maintenance Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-01
Filing date: 2021-06-01
Publication date: 2021-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-01

Abstract

(Figure 1) A fluid drainage assembly and method of use thereof is provided. In one form, the assembly includes a fluid drainage conduit configured to be at least partially inserted into a borehole, said conduit having a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending longitudinally therebetween; at least a pair of sealing members operatively associated with the fluid conduit in a spaced arrangement along a length of the conduit, each sealing member including at least one sealing flange extending outwardly therefrom for forming at least a partial seal between the conduit and a sidewall of the borehole, said at least a pair of sealing members configured to together define a void between the sealing members, the fluid drainage conduit and the sidewall of the borehole; and a sealant configured to be applied into the void and form a fluid-tight seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the borehole to prevent egress of any fluid from the borehole other than via the fluid drainage conduit. 1/4 160 100 162 170 120 110 140 112 114 Figure 1

Description

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A FLUID DRAINAGE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid drainage assembly for use in extracting fluid from a borehole and a method of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A borehole is a narrow shaft bored in the ground, either vertically or horizontally. A borehole may be constructed for many difference purposes, including for the extraction of fluid, such as, e.g., water, petroleum and gases, for geotechnical investigation, environmental site assessment, mineral exploration, and temperature measurement.

[0003] In scenarios in which the fluid being extracted is a gas, it is desirable to provide a fluid drainage assembly that can be readily installed in the borehole to control extraction of the gas from the borehole, particularly when the fluid is a flammable gas.

[0004] Australian Patent No. 2014201774 discloses a fluid drainage assembly adapted to be installed in a borehole for the controlled extraction of a fluid. However, the present inventor has found that the disclosed fluid drainage assembly is both labour intensive and time consuming to install and prone to not forming a fluid-tight seal. Additionally, the present inventor has found that the inflatable bags used to position the fluid drainage assembly in a borehole are predisposed to partially deflating and slipping out of position before a fluid-tight seal can be formed.

[0005] The inventor has addressed one or more of the aforementioned shortcomings and disadvantages by virtue of its fluid drainage assembly as disclosed in Australian Patent Application No. 2020239636, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, the inventor has recognised that even further refinements of the invention are required in order to further simplify the fluid drainage assembly and its installation.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a fluid drainage assembly and method of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid drainage assembly including: a fluid drainage conduit configured to be at least partially inserted into a borehole, said conduit having a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending longitudinally therebetween; at least a pair of sealing members operatively associated with the fluid conduit in a spaced arrangement along a length of the conduit, each sealing member including at least one sealing flange extending outwardly therefrom for forming at least a partial seal between the conduit and a sidewall of the borehole, said at least a pair of sealing members configured to together define a void between the sealing members, the fluid drainage conduit and the sidewall of the borehole; and a sealant configured to be applied into the void and form a fluid-tight seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the borehole to prevent egress of any fluid from the borehole other than via the fluid drainage conduit.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid drainage assembly including: a fluid drainage conduit configured to be at least partially inserted into a borehole, said conduit having a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending longitudinally therebetween; at least three sealing members operatively associated with the fluid conduit, said at least three sealing members including a pair of lower sealing members extending about a lower end of the fluid drainage conduit and at least one upper sealing member extending about an opposed upper end of the fluid drainage conduit, each sealing member including at least one sealing flange extending outwardly therefrom for forming at least a partial seal between the conduit and a sidewall of the borehole, said upper sealing member and an uppermost of the pair of lower sealing members configured to define a void between the sealing members, the fluid drainage conduit and the sidewall of the borehole; and a sealant configured to be applied into the void to form a fluid-tight seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the borehole to prevent egress of any fluid from the borehole other than via the fluid drainage conduit.

[0010] Advantageously, the fluid drainage assembly of the present invention may be rapidly installed in a borehole by a single person without the need for any machinery. Upon insertion into a borehole, the sealing members of the assembly affect at least a partial seal between the conduit and a sidewall of the borehole and enabling sealant to be applied into the void to rapidly affect a fluid-tight seal. By moving away from inflatable bags, the inventor has invented a reliable fluid drainage assembly that can be fitted without the risk of bags deflating or piercing and a seal being compromised or the fluid drainage conduit slipping.

[0011] As indicated above, the fluid drainage assembly of the present invention is for providing a means for sealing and/or controlling extraction of fluids from a borehole. It will therefore be convenient to describe the assembly with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the fluid drainage assembly is capable of broader applications in which a conduit opening needs to be sealed or partially attenuated for the controlled extraction of a fluid.

[0012] The borehole may include a narrow shaft drilled into the ground. The borehole may be drilled substantially vertically, substantially horizontally or at any suitable angle therebetween.

[0013] Typically, the borehole may be a mine borehole and the fluid drainage assembly may enable controlled extraction of fluid or fluids from the mine borehole.

[0014] The fluid or fluids may include a gas or a mixture of gasses, such as, e.g., hydrocarbon gases, including methane.

[0015] The fluid drainage conduit may be of any size, shape and construction and may be formed from any material or materials suitably adapted for at least partial insertion into a borehole and for controlled extraction of fluid from the borehole via the fluid drainage conduit. The fluid drainage conduit may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more fluid drainage conduit pieces joined together, typically the former.

[0016] The fluid drainage conduit may include a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending longitudinally therebetween. The elongate body may be of tubular construction. The elongate body may be defined by at least one sidewall. The at least one sidewall may be curved such that the elongate body has a substantially circular profile shape, although non-circular conduits are also envisaged.

[0017] The pair of opposed ends may include an insertion end configured to be inserted into the borehole and an opposed outer end.

[0018] The conduit may further include opposed end portions. The end portions may each correspond to a portion at or near each end of the fluid drainage conduit. The end portions may include an insertion end portion and an opposed outer end portion.

[0019] The conduit may be formed from any material or materials that is or are substantially inert to the fluid or fluids being extracted from the borehole. For example, the conduit may be formed from metal or plastic material or materials, or any combination thereof. Typically, the conduit may be formed from steel, aluminium, copper or the like.

[0020] As indicated, the fluid drainage conduit may be suitably sized and shaped for at least partial insertion into the borehole. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the fluid drainage conduit may typically have a diameter that is less than a diameter of the borehole.

[0021] Generally, the fluid drainage conduit may have a diameter of between about 10mm and about 150mm and a length of between about 350mm and about 4,000mm.

[0022] Suitably, the fluid drainage conduit may include at least one passageway extending between the opposed ends for conveying a fluid or fluids through the fluid drainage conduit. The at least one passageway may typically be in the form of an annular passageway or internal bore extending along a length of the conduit. The diameter of the passageway may be defined by the internal diameter of the fluid drainage conduit.

[0023] In some embodiments, the fluid drainage conduit may include one or more further conduits, passageways, or tubes extending at least partially between the opposed ends for conveying the sealant between the outer end and the void.

[0024] The fluid drainage conduit may include closed and/or at least partially open ends.

[0025] Typically, the conduit may include at least one at least partially open end, preferably this may correspond to the insertion end so that fluid in the borehole may enter the conduit.

[0026] Preferably, the fluid drainage conduit may also include an at least partially open outer end so that fluid may be extracted via the outer end.

[0027] In some embodiments, the outer end of the fluid drainage conduit may be connectable to one or more fittings to divert, siphon and/or capture fluid extracted via the fluid drainage conduit.

[0028] The one or more fittings may include one or more pipes, hoses or tubes.

[0029] The one or more fittings may include a branch piece, such as, e.g., a manifold, for diverting fluid extracted from the borehole via the fluid drainage conduit in multiple directions.

[0030] The outer end may be connectable to a storage vessel via the one or more fittings and/or may be connectable to a pump, fan or the like again via the one or more fittings.

[0031] In other embodiments, the one or more fittings may include a cap for closing or sealing off the outer end.

[0032] The outer end may be connectable to the one or more fittings in any suitable way. The outer end may be threaded either internally or externally, may include a flange or may have a quick coupling for coupling to the one or more fittings.

[0033] The fluid drainage conduit may include, or be operatively associated with, one or more valves for controlling extraction of fluid from the borehole. Any suitable valve may be used.

[0034] Typically, the valve may include a valve seat located within or associated with the at least one passageway, the outer end of the fluid drainage conduit or one or more fittings connectable to the outer end, a sealing member movable into or out of engagement with the valve seat and an operable handle or knob for moving the sealing member between the open and closed positions. The valve may be in the form of a tap that includes a sealing member that locates within a valve seat to block the passageway when in the closed position and an operable knob for incrementally moving the sealing member between the closed and open positions.

[0035] The one or more valves may include ball valves, pinch valves, butterfly valves, piston valves and the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the fluid drainage conduit may further include a placement flange at or near the upper end portion of the conduit to define a limit of insertion of the conduit relative to the borehole. The placement flange may extend outwardly from, and at least partway around, the at least one sidewall of the conduit.

[0037] In use, the placement flange may at least partially abut against a surface adjacent the borehole when the fluid drainage is fully inserted in the borehole.

[0038] As indicated, the fluid drainage assembly includes at least a pair of sealing members operatively associated with the fluid conduit in a spaced arrangement along a length of the conduit, preferably for forming a seal between the conduit and the sidewall of the borehole and at least partially defining the void between the sealing members.

[0039] The sealing members may be spaced any suitable distance from one another along the length of the fluid drainage conduit. For example, the sealing members may be spaced a distance ranging from about 50mm to about 3,500mm apart from one another.

[0040] Each sealing member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any material or materials suitable adapted to form a seal between the conduit and a sidewall of the borehole.

[0041] The sealing members and the fluid drainage conduit may be of unitary or separate construction, preferably the latter.

[0042] Generally, each sealing member may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials capable of at least partially deforming for forming a partial seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the borehole and enabling the sealant to be applied into the void and cure or set for forming the fluid-tight seal.

[0043] Typically, each sealing member may be formed from plastic and/or rubber material or materials, such as, e.g., polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, silicone, or polyester, preferably polyurethane.

[0044] Each sealing member may include a collar or sleeve configured to fit about or around a portion of the fluid drainage conduit and the at least one sealing flange extending outwardly from and extending at least partially about or around the collar or sleeve for abutment with a sidewall of the borehole and for forming the at least partial seal, preferably extending entirely around.

[0045] The collar or sleeve and the at least one sealing flange may be of unitary construction or separate construction, preferably the former.

[0046] Each sealing flange may include an outer edge and a planar body extending outwardly from the collar or sleeve to the outer edge, preferably extending radially outwardly and around an entire periphery of the collar or sleeve.

[0047] The sealing flange may extend radially outwardly from the collar or sleeve any suitable distance to the outer edge for abutment and formation of the at least partial seal. For example, the planar body may extend a distance of about 30mm, about 40mm, about 50mm, about 60mm, about 70mm, about 80mm, about 90mm, about 100mm, about 110mm, about 120mm, about 130mm, about 140mm, about 150mm, about 160mm, about 170mm, about 180mm, about 190mm, about 200mm, about 210mm, about 220mm, about 230mm, about 240mm, about 250mm, about 260mm, about 270mm, about 280mm, about 290mm or even about 300mm or more from the collar or sleeve to the outer edge. Typically, the planar body may extend a distance of between about 50mm to about 200mm.

[0048] Of course, like with the diameter of the fluid drainage conduit, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the outer diameter of the sealing member may vary depending on the size of the borehole.

[0049] In some embodiments, the planar body of the sealing flange may extend outwardly to the outer edge in an orientation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid drainage conduit.

[0050] In other embodiments, the planar body of the sealing flange may extend outwardly to the outer edge in an arcuate or curved orientation at least partially curving towards the outer end of the fluid drainage conduit.

[0051] In use, when the fluid drainage conduit is being inserted into a borehole, at least an outer edge portion of the at least one sealing flange of each sealing member may abut with the sidewall of the borehole causing the planar body of the at least one sealing flange to at least partially flex towards the outer end of the fluid drainage conduit, preferably while effecting the at least partial seal with the sidewall of the borehole.

[0052] As indicated, the sleeve or collar of each sealing member is configured to fit about a portion of the fluid drainage conduit, preferably snugly. Generally, the sleeve or collar may include a pair of opposed open ends and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The open ends and an inner surface of the at least one sidewall may define an internal passageway configured to receive the fluid drainage conduit therethrough when fitted about the portion of the fluid drainage conduit.

[0053] In some embodiments, each sealing member may include more than one sealing flange, or even a plurality of sealing flanges. For example, the sealing member may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or even 10 sealing flanges, typically three sealing flanges. The sealing flanges may be arranged in a spaced arrangement extending between the opposed open ends of the sleeve or collar, preferably evenly spaced.

[0054] In some embodiments, each sealing member may further be fastened to, or connected with, the portion of the fluid drainage conduit to which the sealing member is fitted about. Each sealing member may be fastened to, or connected with, the portion of the fluid drainage conduit in any suitable way.

[0055] For example, in some embodiments, each sealing member may be fastened to the portion of the fluid drainage conduit with one or more mechanical and/or chemical fasteners.

[0056] In some such embodiments, the sleeve or collar of each sealing member may be fastened to the portion of the fluid drainage conduit with one or more mechanical fasteners. The one or more mechanical fasteners may include one or more threaded fasteners, which may extend through respective openings defined in the sleeve or collar and the portion of the fluid drainage conduit to fasten the sealing member to the conduit.

[0057] In other such embodiments, the sleeve or collar may be fastened to the portion of the fluid drainage conduit with one or more chemical fasteners. For example, the one or more chemical fasteners may include a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive and/or double-sided adhesive tape extending between the sleeve or collar of the sealing member and the portion of the fluid drainage conduit.

[0058] In other embodiments, each sealing member and the portion of the fluid drainage conduit may be connected together by a connecting mechanism or part thereof. The connecting mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with the sealing member and/or the portion of the fluid drainage conduit.

[0059] In some such embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with the sleeve or collar of the sealing member and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the portion of the fluid drainage conduit.

[0060] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection, an interference (snap-fit) type connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.

[0061] In some such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the sleeve or collar may include a male formation configured to be inserted into or coupled with a female formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the portion of the fluid drainage conduit.

[0062] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive or couple with a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism.

[0063] In yet other embodiments, each sealing member may be fastened in place on the portion of the fluid drainage conduit by at least one clamp clamping the sealing member in place. The at least one clamp may preferably be a hose clamp. In preferred such embodiments, each sealing member may be fastened in place by a hose clamp overlying each end portion of the sleeve or collar of the sealing member.

[0064] As indicated, the at least a pair of sealing members define a void between the sealing members, the fluid drainage conduit and the sidewall of the borehole for receiving the sealant.

[0065] The sealant may be delivered from a sealant source into the void, preferably via one or more outlets in fluid communication with the source.

[0066] In some embodiments, the outlets may be defined in, or operatively associated with, the fluid drainage conduit. The outlets may be arranged relative to one another to evenly discharge sealant about the fluid drainage conduit into the void.

[0067] In other embodiments, the outlets may be externally associated relative to the fluid drainage conduit for discharging sealant about the fluid drainage conduit into the void.

[0068] In some embodiments, the sealant source may be an external source connectable to the one or more outlets via one or more conduits extending at least partially along the fluid drainage conduit between the void and the external source. The one or more conduits may extend at least partially along the fluid drainage conduit in an internal or external arrangement relative to the fluid drainage conduit, preferably external. In such embodiments, the sealant may be dispensed under pressure from the external source to the void, typical via a pump for pumping the sealant from the external source to the void.

[0069] In other embodiments, the sealant source may be a pressurised container adapted to be dispensed by one or more valves. When the one or more valves are opened, the sealant from the container may be released without interruption into the void via the one or more outlets until the pressure in the container and the pressure in the void substantially equalise.

[0070] In embodiments in which the sealant source is an external said source, the one or more conduits may preferably extend at least partially along the fluid drainage conduit in an external arrangement. In such embodiments, the at least one sealing flange of an uppermost sealing member may include one or more openings defined therein for receiving the one or more conduits therethrough for application of the sealant directly into the void.

[0071] The one or more openings may preferably be sized and shaped to snugly receive the one or more conduits therethrough. In some such embodiments, a further sealant may be applied around the openings to sealingly engage with a sidewall of each conduit extending therethrough.

[0072] The pressurised container may include one or more aerosol cans or pressurised cannisters.

[0073] The pressurised container may be formed from any suitable material or materials capable of holding the sealant under pressure, such as, e.g., plastic, steel, tin plate, aluminium.

[0074] The pressurised container may be sized and shaped to contain a volume of sealant sufficient to form a fluid-tight seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the sidewall of the borehole.

[0075] In such embodiments, the pressurised container may be operatively associated with the fluid drainage conduit, preferably at a location in fluid communication with the void. For example, the pressurised container may be secured to the fluid drainage conduit at location between the at least a pair of sealing members, either directly or indirectly.

[0076] In other such embodiments, the pressurised container may be an external pressurised container relative to the borehole and connected to the one or more outlets via the one or more conduits as previously described.

[0077] Generally, a sufficient volume of sealant may be applied into the void to sealingly engage the sidewall of the borehole, and preferably at least partially penetrate the sidewall of the borehole.

[0078] In some embodiments, the sealant may be applied into the void until a predetermined pressure threshold is reached within the void. The predetermined pressure threshold may be a pressure value for the void indicative that a sufficient quantity of sealant has been applied into the void for the sealant to have sealingly engaged with the sidewall of the borehole, preferably to have at least partially penetrated the sidewall.

[0079] In other embodiments, the sealant may be applied from a pressure container into the void without interruption until the pressure in the container and the pressure in the void substantially equalise.

[0080] In some such embodiments, the pressurised container may contain a sufficient quantity of sealant to have sealingly engaged the sidewall of the borehole when the pressures substantially equalise, preferably to have at least partially penetrated the sidewall when the pressure substantially equalise.

[0081] In yet other embodiments, a predetermined quantity of sealant may be applied into the void for the sealant to have sealingly engaged with the sidewall of the borehole, preferably to have at least partially penetrated the sidewall.

[0082] In yet other embodiments, a predetermined quantity of sealant may be applied under pressure into the void to substantially fill the void, possibly entirely fill the void.

[0083] Any suitable type of sealant may be used that is initially flowable and adapted to cure and form the fluid-tight seal.

[0084] For example, in some embodiments, the sealant may include grout.

[0085] In other embodiments, the sealant may include a foam medium. The foam medium may be adapted to form an expanding foam when dispensed under pressure, preferably a closed cell foam. The foam medium may be in the form of a spray foam formulated to expand up to 30 times its liquid volume when dispensed. Suitably, once dispensed, the expanding form may set in about 30-60 seconds.

[0086] The expanding foam may be characterised by being a closed cell foam.

[0087] Usually, the spray foam may include a plastic foam.

[0088] For example, in some such embodiments, the spray foam may include a two component mixture of isocyanate and polyol resin.

[0089] In other such embodiments, the spray foam may include polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate.

[0090] In preferred such embodiments, the foam medium may include EXPANDA FOAM T M

.

[0091] In some embodiments, the fluid drainage conduit may include one or more pressure sensors capable of measuring fluid pressure in the void. The sensors may typically be located on the fluid drainage conduit, preferably about a middle portion of the conduit between the outer end portions. The pressure sensors may be of any suitable type capable of detecting fluid pressure. For example, in some such embodiments the pressure sensors may be an electronic gauge pressure sensor.

[0092] In some embodiments, the fluid drainage conduit may include one or more venting ports located between the fluid drainage member and an uppermost sealing member to enable the void to vent to the atmosphere. The one or more venting ports may include an actuating mechanism enabling the vents to be selectively opened and closed. In use, the one or more vents may be used to depressurise the void and/or vent any residual fluid in the void prior to filling the void with sealant.

[0093] In other embodiments, the one or more openings defined in the at least one sealing flange of the uppermost sealing member may be shaped to define a vent gap around each of the one or more conduits extending therethrough to enable the void to vent to the atmosphere.

[0094] Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the one or more openings defined in the at least one sealing flange may additionally function as venting ports enabling the void to vent to the atmosphere.

[0095] In some embodiments, the fluid drainage assembly may include one or more actuating mechanisms for operating one or more valves and actuating application of the sealant into the void. Any suitable type of actuating mechanism may be used.

[0096] The one or more actuating mechanisms may be manually actuated or by using drive.

[0097] In some embodiments, the one or more actuating mechanisms may include an electromechanical solenoid. For example, the electromechanical solenoid may be used to slide a sealing member in a valve to an open or closed position.

[0098] In some embodiments, the assembly may include a controller for controlling operation of the one or more valves and/or actuating mechanisms and/or receiving and reporting pressure measurements received from the one or more pressure sensors.

[0099] The controller may be a remote controller. For example, the controller in some embodiments may be configured to be hand-held by an operator.

[00100] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a fluid drainage assembly into a borehole, said method including: providing the fluid drainage assembly in accordance with the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention; inserting a fluid drainage conduit of the assembly at least partially into the borehole so that sealing members operatively associated with the fluid drainage conduit sealingly engage with a sidewall of the borehole and define a void between the sealing members; and applying a sealant into the void to form a seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the borehole to prevent egress of any fluid from the borehole other than via the fluid drainage conduit of the assembly.

[00101] The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the assembly as hereinbefore described.

[00102] The inserting may include inserting the fluid drainage conduit of the assembly into the borehole until all sealing members are entirely received within the borehole, preferably such that the placement flange may be at least abutting a surface adjacent the borehole.

[00103] The sealant may preferably be applied under pressure into the void. Preferably, the sealant may be applied such that the sealant at least partially penetrates the sidewall of the borehole.

[00104] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[00105] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00106] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00107] Figure 1 is a photograph showing a perspective view of a fluid drainage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00108] Figure 2 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of a lower end portion of the fluid drainage assembly shown in Figure 1;

[00109] Figures 3A to 3C are illustrations respectively showing sectional side views of a fluid drainage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention and parts thereof fitted to a borehole; and

[00110] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of fitting a fluid drainage assembly to a borehole according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00111] Figures 1, 2 and 3A to 3C show embodiments of a fluid drainage assembly (100) for controlled extraction of fluid (900; shown only in Figures 3A and 3C) from a borehole (800; shown only in Figures 3A-3C).

[00112] Referring to Figure 1, in this embodiment, the fluid drainage assembly (100) includes a fluid drainage conduit (110) configured to be at least partially inserted into a borehole (800; not shown); and a pair of sealing members (120) operatively associated with the fluid conduit (110) in a spaced arrangement along a length of the conduit (110), each sealing member (120) including a plurality of sealing flanges (130) extending outwardly therefrom for forming at least a partial seal between the conduit (110) and a sidewall of the borehole (800; not shown). The sealing members (120) together define a void (140) between the sealing members (120), the fluid drainage conduit (110) and the sidewall of the borehole (800; not shown).

[00113] The assembly (100) further includes a sealant (150; shown only in Figures 3A-3C) configured to be applied into the void (140) under pressure and form a fluid-tight seal (180; shown only in Figures 3A-3C) between the fluid drainage conduit (110) and the borehole (800; shown only in Figures 3A-3C) to prevent egress of any fluid (900; shown only in Figures 3A and 3C) from the borehole other than via the fluid drainage conduit (110).

[00114] The fluid drainage conduit (110) is of unitary construction.

[00115] The fluid drainage conduit (110) includes a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body defined by a curved sidewall (112) extending longitudinally therebetween. The conduit (110) has a circular profile shape.

[00116] The pair of opposed ends include an insertion end (114) configured to be inserted first into the borehole (800; not shown) and an opposed outer end (116).

[00117] The conduit (110) is formed from copper.

[00118] The conduit (110) defines a primary passageway (not shown) extending between the opposed ends for conveying the fluid (900; not shown) through the fluid drainage conduit (110).

[00119] As shown, the outer end (116) is connectable to a fitting (160) having a valve (162) for the controlled extraction of the fluid (900; not shown) from the borehole (800; not shown). The valve (162) enables the primary passageway to be selectively closed and opened.

[00120] The fluid drainage conduit (110) further includes a placement flange (170) at or near the outer end (116) of the conduit (110) to define a limit of insertion of the conduit (110) relative to a borehole (800; not shown).

[00121] The placement flange (170) extends outwardly from, and at least partway around, the curved sidewall (112) of the conduit (110). In use, the placement flange (140) at least partially abuts against a surface adjacent the borehole (800; not shown) when the fluid drainage conduit (110) is fully inserted into a borehole (800; not shown).

[00122] As indicated, the pair of sealing members (120) are operatively associated with the fluid conduit (110) in a spaced arrangement along a length of the conduit (110) for forming at least a partial seal between the conduit (110) and a sidewall of a borehole (800; not shown) and at least partially defining the void (140) between the sealing members (120).

[00123] Referring to Figure 2, each sealing member (120) is formed from polyurethane and includes a sleeve (122) configured to fit about or around a portion of the fluid drainage conduit (110) and the plurality of sealing flanges (130) extending radially outwardly therefrom and extending entirely about or around the sleeve (122) for abutment with a sidewall of the borehole (800; not shown) and for forming the at least partial seal.

[00124] The sleeve (122) and the sealing flanges (130) are of unitary construction.

[00125] Each sealing flange (130) includes an outer edge (132) and a planar body (134) extending outwardly from the sleeve (122) to the outer edge (132) in an orientation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fluid drainage conduit (110).

[00126] In use, when the fluid drainage conduit (110) is inserted into a borehole (800; not shown), at least an outer edge portion (132) of the plurality of sealing flanges (130) of each sealing member (120) abuts with a sidewall of the borehole (800; not shown) causing the planar body (134) of the flanges (130) to flex towards the outer end (116; not shown) of the fluid drainage conduit (110) while affecting an at least partial seal with the sidewall of the borehole (800; not shown).

[00127] The sleeve (122) of each sealing member (120) is configured to snugly fit about a portion of the fluid drainage conduit (110).

[00128] Generally, the sleeve (122) includes a pair of opposed open ends and a sidewall extending therebetween. The open ends and an inner surface of the sidewall define an internal passageway configured to receive the fluid drainage conduit (110) therethrough when fitted about the portion of the fluid drainage conduit (110).

[00129] Each sealing member (120) is secured in place along a length of the fluid drainage conduit (110) by a pair of hose clamps (124) fitted over each end portion of the sleeve (122) of the sealing member (120). The hose clamps (124) are partially obscured in Figure 2 by a tape wrap applied about the void portion (140) of the conduit (110) extending between the sealing members (120).

[00130] Referring back to Figure 1, when the fluid drainage conduit (110) is fully inserted into the borehole (800; not shown) and the sealing members (120) are affecting at least a partial seal with a sidewall of the borehole (800; not shown), sealant (150; not shown) is applied into the void (140) under pressure to form a fluid-tight seal (180; not shown). This will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 3A-3C.

[00131] Figures 3A-3C show another embodiment of the fluid drainage assembly (100). For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be referenced with the same reference numerals.

[00132] Referring to Figure 3A, in this embodiment, the assembly (100) includes three sealing members (120) operatively associated with the fluid conduit (110) in a spaced arrangement including a pair of lower sealing members (120A) extending about the conduit (110) at or near the insertion end (114) and an upper sealing member (120B) extending about the conduit (110) at or near the outer end (116). The void (140) is defined between the upper sealing member (120B) and an uppermost sealing member (120) of the pair of lower sealing members (120A).

[00133] In the embodiment shown, the fluid drainage conduit (110) is shown fully inserted into a borehole (800) with the placement flange (170) abutting a ground surface adjacent the borehole (800). Further, the sealing flanges (130) of each sealing member (120A, 120B) are shown flexing at least partially towards the outer end (116) of the fluid drainage conduit (110) while affecting an at least partial seal with a sidewall (810) of the borehole (800).

[00134] Referring to Figure 3B, sealant (150) is applied into the void (140) under pressure from an external source to form a fluid-tight seal (180) between the fluid drainage conduit (110) and the sidewall (810) of the borehole (800) to prevent egress of fluid (900; shown only in Figures 3A and 3C) from the borehole (800) other than via the fluid drainage conduit (110).

[00135] The sealant (150) is initially flowable and adapted to cure and form the fluid-tight seal (180). Typically, the sealant (150) may be EXPANDA FOAM T M .

[00136] As shown, the sealant (150) is applied via a conduit (152) extending at least partially along the fluid drainage conduit (110) in an external arrangement relative to the conduit (110) into the void (140). The upper sealing member (120B) includes aligned openings (124) defined in the sealing flanges (130) for the conduit (152) to extend therethrough for application of the sealant (150) directly into the void (140).

[00137] The openings (124) additionally function as venting openings enabling the void (140) to vent to the atmosphere as it is filled with sealant (150).

[00138] Referring to Figure 3C, in this embodiment the inclusion of the pair of lower sealing members (120A) advantageously assists in the formation of at least a partial seal between the lower sealing members (120A) and the sidewall (810) of the borehole (800) thereby ensuring the fluid (900) is only able to egress from the borehole (800) via the fluid drainage conduit (110).

[00139] A method (400) of fitting the fluid drainage assembly as shown in Figures 3A-3C is now described in detail with reference to Figure 4.

[00140] At step 410, the insertion end (114) of the fluid drainage conduit (110) is aligned and inserted into the borehole (800) until the placement flange (170) abuts a ground surface adjacent the borehole (800).

[00141] Insertion of the fluid drainage conduit (110) into the borehole (800) causes the respective sealing members (120) to sealingly engage with the sidewall (810) of the borehole (800) and affect a partial seal as shown in Figure 3A as well as define a void (140) between an uppermost of the lower pair of sealing members (120A) and the upper sealing member (120B).

[00142] At step 420, sealant (150) is directly applied into the void (140) under pressure from an external source to form the fluid-tight seal (180) between the fluid drainage conduit (110) and the sidewall (810) of the borehole (800).

[00143] The sealant (150) is delivered into the void (140) via a conduit (152) extending at least partially along the fluid drainage conduit (110) in an external arrangement into the void (140). The conduit (152) extends through openings (124) defined in the sealing flanges (130) of the upper sealing member (120B) for application of the sealant (150) directly into the void (140).

[00144] As shown in Figure 3A, the sealant (150) is applied into the void (140) until the void (140) is entirely filled with sealant (150). The sealant (150) is configured to rapid cure or set and form the fluid-tight seal (180) thereby preventing the egress of fluid (900) from the borehole (800) other than via the fluid drainage conduit (110).

[00145] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise'include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00146] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00147] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A fluid drainage assembly including: a fluid drainage conduit configured to be at least partially inserted into a borehole, said conduit having a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending longitudinally therebetween; at least a pair of sealing members operatively associated with the fluid conduit in a spaced arrangement along a length of the conduit, each sealing member including at least one sealing flange extending outwardly therefrom for forming at least a partial seal between the conduit and a sidewall of the borehole, said at least a pair of sealing members configured to together define a void between the sealing members, the fluid drainage conduit and the sidewall of the borehole; and a sealant configured to be applied into the void and form a fluid-tight seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the borehole to prevent egress of any fluid from the borehole other than via the fluid drainage conduit.

2. The fluid drainage assembly of claim 1, wherein each sealing member includes a plurality of sealing flanges arranged in a spaced arrangement relative to each other and configured to at least partially flex when inserted into a bore and effect the at least partial seal with the sidewall of the borehole.

3. The fluid drainage assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, further including one or more conduits extending at least partially along the fluid drainage conduit in an external arrangement to the fluid drainage conduit and through one or more openings defined in an uppermost of the sealing members for application of the sealant directly into the void.

4. A fluid drainage assembly including: a fluid drainage conduit configured to be at least partially inserted into a borehole, said conduit having a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending longitudinally therebetween; at least three sealing members operatively associated with the fluid conduit, said at least three sealing members including a pair of lower sealing members extending about a lower end of the fluid drainage conduit and at least one upper sealing member extending about an opposed upper end of the fluid drainage conduit, each sealing member including at least one sealing flange extending outwardly therefrom for forming at least a partial seal between the conduit and a sidewall of the borehole, said upper sealing member and an uppermost of the pair of lower sealing members configured to define a void between the sealing members, the fluid drainage conduit and the sidewall of the borehole; and a sealant configured to be applied into the void to form a fluid-tight seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the borehole to prevent egress of any fluid from the borehole other than via the fluid drainage conduit.

5. A method of installing a fluid drainage assembly into a borehole, said method including: providing the fluid drainage assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4; inserting a fluid drainage conduit of the assembly at least partially into the borehole so that sealing members operatively associated with the fluid drainage conduit sealingly engage with a sidewall of the borehole and define a void between the sealing members; and applying a sealing into the void to form a seal between the fluid drainage conduit and the borehole to prevent egress of any fluid from the borehole other than via the fluid drainage conduit of the assembly.

Date: 1 June 2021