US20170241228A9 - Apparatus & methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to an underground borehole - Google Patents
Apparatus & methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to an underground borehole Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170241228A9 US20170241228A9 US14/666,584 US201514666584A US2017241228A9 US 20170241228 A9 US20170241228 A9 US 20170241228A9 US 201514666584 A US201514666584 A US 201514666584A US 2017241228 A9 US2017241228 A9 US 2017241228A9
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- borehole
- spanner
- platform
- clamp
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
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- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 title claims description 5
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- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 7
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 claims description 5
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- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229920001821 foam rubber Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 239000012812 sealant material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
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- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
- E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to sealing around the opening to an underground borehole.
- Underground boreholes are formed or used in various industries, such as hydrocarbon exploration and production wells.
- such wells are often formed with a “cellar” located at its upper end.
- the cellar is a dug-out area, or pit, at the top of the borehole which often has inner earthen walls lined with wood, cement, pipe or other material.
- the cellar is typically wider than the borehole and may provide additional height between the rig floor and the well head.
- the cellar may be useful, for example, to collect drainage water and other liquids for disposal, accommodate the installation of and/or provide access to one or more wellhead components, such as a casing spool, casing head, BOP, or other purposes.
- a plastic liner is placed around the borehole (and around or below adjacent mats when a support surface is used) in an effort to capture liquids overflowing from the borehole (or introduced onto the support surface) before such liquids encounter the subgrade terrain.
- the use of liners may have one or more disadvantages.
- the liners are not reusable and must often be discarded. This can be problematic because landfill operators have expressed disinterest in accepting used liners on the basis that they are bulky and require excessive landfill space, or for other reasons. Thus, it can be difficult to find suitable, cost-effective ways to dispose of the liners.
- the plastic liners are sometimes ineffective at preventing liquid leakage into the subgrade terrain or allowing effective clean-up, which can cause other problems and require significant time and effort.
- the present disclosure involves apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface to the underground borehole of a hydrocarbon exploration or production well without the need for liners around or adjacent to the borehole.
- the borehole has a wall formed of wood, cement, metal or other material extending around its opening.
- the apparatus includes a reusable load-supporting surface having at least two sealingly interconnected mats constructed of impermeable plastic. The mats are spaced away from and at least partially surround the borehole opening. At least one flexible, planar spanner is configured to extend between the borehole wall and the mats.
- At least one elongated spanner support is configured to be positioned atop part of at least one spanner and used to mechanically couple such spanner(s) to the borehole wall in forming a liquid tight seal therebetween.
- At least one elongated lip support is configured to be positioned atop or below part of at least one spanner and used to mechanically couple such spanner(s) to at least one of the mats in forming a liquid tight seal therebetween. Liquid exiting the borehole through the borehole opening is prevented from contacting the earth's surface around the borehole opening without the need for liners around or adjacent to the borehole.
- the present disclosure involves a method of providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface to the underground borehole of a hydrocarbon exploration or production well without the need for liners around or adjacent to the borehole.
- the borehole includes a wall formed of wood, cement, metal or other material extending around its opening.
- At least two sealingly interconnected mats of a reusable load-supporting surface are positioned around, and spaced-apart from, the borehole opening.
- At least one flexible, planar spanner is extended between the borehole wall and at least one mat.
- At least one elongated spanner support is positioned atop part of at least one spanner proximate to the borehole wall.
- Each spanner support is mechanically and sealingly coupled to its associated spanner(s) and the borehole wall to form a liquid tight seal between the spanner and borehole wall.
- At least one elongated lip support is positioned atop or below part of at least one spanner proximate to at least one mat.
- Each lip support is mechanically and sealingly coupled to tis associated spanner(s) and mat(s).
- the present disclosure includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance technology dealing with sealing around the opening to an underground borehole. Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary mat useful in a load-supporting surface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of an exemplary load-supporting surface useful in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an inside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 4A is a bottom view of an embodiment of an integrally formed platform-clamp unit useful as part of an inside-clamp arrangement of a borehole edge seal system in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 4B is a top view of the platform-clamp unit of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 5 is a top view of a borehole equipped with another embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an inside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the borehole and borehole edge seal system of FIG. 5 taken along lines 6 - 6 ;
- FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a quarter section of an embodiment of an integrally formed platform-clamp unit useful as part of a borehole edge seal system in an inside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an integrally formed platform-clamp unit incorporating four of the quarter sections shown in FIG. 7A ;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an inside-clamp arrangement and including an exemplary arrangement of rails in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an outside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an outside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an outside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an integrally formed platform-clamp unit useful as part of a borehole edge seal system in an outside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 13 is a perspective partial view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system used in an outside-clamp arrangement with a rectangular-shaped borehole in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rectangular shaped platform-clamp unit useful in the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown in FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15A is a top view of an exemplary load-supporting surface having another embodiment of a borehole edge seal system in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 15B is a partially exploded, partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary load-supporting surface of FIG. 15A taken along lines 15 B- 15 B;
- FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the exemplary load-supporting surface shown in FIG. 15B ;
- FIG. 15D is an exploded view of portions D 1 and D 2 of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown in FIG. 15B ;
- FIG. 16A is exploded, partial cross-sectional, assembly view of components of portion D 2 of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown in FIG. 15D ;
- FIG. 16B is a perspective view of components of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown in FIG. 16A ;
- FIG. 17A is an exploded, partial cross-sectional, assembly view of components of portion D 1 of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown in FIG. 15D ;
- FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown in FIG. 17A ;
- FIG. 18 is a partial top view of the exemplary load-supporting surface and borehole edge seal system of FIG. 15A ;
- FIG. 19A is an exploded, partial cross-sectional, assembly view of the exemplary load-supporting surface and borehole edge seal system of FIG. 18 taken along lines 19 A- 19 A;
- FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the exemplary load-supporting surface and borehole edge seal system of FIG. 19A ;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rectangular shaped platform-clamp unit useful in the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown in FIG. 15A .
- an exemplary load-supporting surface 16 having at least one mat 26 deployed on or near the ground 20 is shown.
- the term “ground” and variations thereof mean the earth's surface, and/or other one or more other surfaces, structures or areas proximate to the earth's surface.
- the load-supporting surface 16 is reusable and capable of supporting the weight of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment thereupon.
- the mats 26 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration.
- each exemplary mat 26 may weight approximately 1,000 lbs., be designed to withstand 600 psi in pure crush pressure placed thereupon, and reduce point-to-point ground pressure on the ground 20 or other surface or area below it that is caused by wheeled and tracked vehicles on the mat 26 .
- the mats 26 may be 14′ ⁇ 8′ DURA-BASE® mats currently sold by the Assignee of this patent application.
- these example features are not necessarily required for every embodiment.
- the load supporting surface 16 may be used in connection with any of the components and features described and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916, filed on Mar. 8, 2013 and entitled “Liquid Containment System for Use with Load-Supporting Surfaces”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/336,163, filed on Jul. 21, 2014 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Providing Illuminated Signals from a Support Surface”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/496,105, filed on Sep.
- each mat 26 is flat, or planar, heavy duty, durable, all-weather and constructed of impermeable material, such as thermoplastic material.
- the exemplary mats 26 are reusable and interlock together to form the load-supporting surface 16 .
- the illustrated mat 26 has a rectangular shape with an opposing pair of short sides 28 , 30 , an opposing pair of long sides 37 , 38 , and an edge 44 extending along each side 28 , 30 , 37 and 38 .
- the first short side 28 and first long side 37 each have an upper lip 46 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom, forming the edge 44 and which will be spaced above the ground 20 or other surface.
- the second short side 30 and second long side 38 each have a lower lip 54 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom below the edge 44 thereof and which will rest on the ground 20 or other surface.
- the upper and lower lips 46 , 54 may have any suitable size, shape, configuration and length.
- the borehole edge seal system 110 of the present disclosure is not limited to use with the above-described embodiments of mats 26 .
- other embodiments of the borehole edge seal system 110 may be used in connection with mats 26 not having upper and/or lower lips 46 , 54 .
- the respective upper and lower lips 46 , 54 of different mats 26 are interconnectable with locking pins 34 (e.g. FIGS. 2 & 10 ) releasably securable through corresponding locking pin holes 32 formed therein.
- the locking pin holes 32 and locking pins 34 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration.
- the illustrated mats 26 include a plurality of locking pin holes 32 , each configured to accept a releasable locking pin 34 (e.g. FIG. 2 ) therethrough.
- Each illustrated mat 26 may include a total of sixteen locking pin holes 34 , eight formed in each of the upper and lower lips 46 , 54 .
- the locking pins 34 may form a liquid-tight seal around, or in, the locking pin holes 32 within which they are engaged.
- Some examples of locking pins 34 which may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,831 to Rogers et al, entitled “Fastening Device” and issued on Apr. 20, 2004 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/780,350, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Connecting Mats” and filed on Feb. 28, 2013, both of which have a common Assignee as the present patent and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
- the locking pin holes 32 of the mats 26 have an oval-shape to accept an oval-shaped enlarged head 36 (e.g. FIG. 2 ) of the illustrated locking pins 34 .
- the present disclosure is not limited to use with the above-described or referenced types and configurations of load-supporting surfaces 16 , mats 26 , locking pins 34 and locking pin holes 32 , or to the disclosures of the above-referenced patents and patent applications. Any suitable load-supporting surfaces 16 , mats 26 , locking pins 34 and locking pin holes 32 may be used.
- a gap 22 may be formed between adjacent edges 44 of adjacent interconnected mats 26 in the load-supporting surface 16 and one or more seal members 10 may be included therein.
- the seal member(s) 10 may provide a liquid-tight seal in the gap 22 between adjacent mats 26 to prevent liquid introduced onto the load-supporting surface 16 from seeping or flowing between and below the load-supporting surface 16 .
- the seal member(s) 10 may also or instead be used between one or more mats 26 and one or more other components associated with the load-supporting surface 16 , and/or between the other components themselves.
- additional components that may be useful in connection with load-supporting surfaces 16 , such as berm members, spacers, drive-over barriers, liquid drain assemblies, etc., are shown and disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916, entitled “Liquid Containment System for Use With Load-Supporting Surfaces” and filed on Mar. 8, 2013.
- FIG. 3 an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system 110 is shown used in connection with a load-supporting surface 16 around an underground borehole 120 in accordance with the present disclosure.
- This particular borehole 120 is a hydrocarbon well 124 with a wide section, or cellar, 125 at its upper end.
- the exemplary borehole 120 has an opening 130 thereto that is accessible from the ground (not shown).
- the borehole edge seal system 110 of the present disclosure is not limited to use with hydrocarbon wells, but may be used with any underground hole accessible from the ground.
- the terms “borehole” and variations thereof mean any hole or orifice in the earth that is accessible from an opening in the surface of the earth or other area or structure.
- This particular borehole 120 (e.g. well 124 with cellar 125 ) includes a wellhead 128 accessible through the cellar 125 and a wall 126 extending around the cellar 125 .
- the wall 126 is metallic and extends up to the earth's surface (not shown), but may be constructed of any other material (e.g. wood, plastic, etc.) and may extend above or below the earth's surface. Further, these components may not be included in the borehole 120 .
- the illustrated borehole 120 , opening 130 and wall 126 have a circular outer shape, but instead may be rectangular (see e.g. FIG. 13 ) or have any other shape. Thus, the shapes of the perimeter of the borehole 120 , opening 130 and wall 126 are not limiting upon the present disclosure.
- the borehole edge seal system 110 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation as long as it assists in providing a liquid-tight seal around the opening 130 .
- the terms “liquid-tight seal”, “sealing engagement”, “sealingly coupling” and variations thereof are synonymous and means at least substantially preventing the passage of liquid thereby.
- a “liquid tight seal” around the opening 130 for example, means assisting in preventing the passage of liquid from inside the borehole 120 through its opening 130 to the earth around and/or adjacent to the opening 130 .
- the exemplary system 110 thus assists in preventing liquid inside the borehole 120 from exiting the borehole 120 through the opening 130 and contacting the area (e.g. ground) adjacent to or surrounding the opening 130 .
- a complete fluid tight seal may be provided.
- a “liquid-tight seal” between components or “sealingly engaged” or “sealingly coupled” components, and variations thereof, may not necessarily always be 100% liquid-tight, but may include some allowance for minimal leaking as can be expected or tolerated depending upon each particular application.
- the illustrated system 110 includes a clamp 140 and a platform 150 .
- the platform 150 assists in sealing around the opening 130 , while the clamp 140 holds the platform 150 in place.
- the clamp 140 and platform 150 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the clamp 140 is metallic and includes two curve-shaped clamp sections, or portions 142 . At each end, each exemplary clamp section 142 includes a connection bracket 144 protruding inwardly therefrom.
- the illustrated clamp sections 142 are adjustably engageable at each end at the adjacent brackets 144 with at least one connector 146 , such as a bolt. When connected, the clamp sections 142 form a ring that fits within the opening 130 of the borehole 120 .
- the clamp 140 may be a single adjustable ring (not shown) or have any other suitable configuration and composition.
- the illustrated platform 150 is plastic, and includes a ring-shaped collar portion 154 and a body portion 156 .
- the platform 150 includes two platform sections 158 , but could instead be a single component or have any other number of platform sections 158 .
- the platform 150 is configured to extend over the edge of the opening 130 and across the surface of the earth or other area or structure adjacent to the opening 130 .
- the platform 150 is placed over the borehole 120 so that its collar 154 extends into the borehole opening 130 . If the platform 150 has multiple sections 158 , they are appropriately positioned over the opening 130 . If desired, the sections 158 may be connected or sealed together. For example, the platform sections 158 may be welded together, such as with a thermoplastic sealant material 160 , at the seams, or overlaps, 164 formed therebetween to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal.
- one or more seals such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber seal or elastomeric seal ring, (not shown) may be sandwiched between the collar 154 of the platform 150 and the borehole wall 126 .
- the exemplary clamp 140 is then inserted into the borehole 120 and positioned over the collar 154 .
- the illustrated clamp 140 is tightened against the collar 154 , seal(s) (if included) and borehole wall 126 .
- two sets of connectors 146 such as bolts, are inserted through the corresponding inwardly-protruding connection brackets 144 of the adjacent clamp sections 142 and tightened sufficiently to secure the system 110 to the borehole wall 126 .
- the body 156 of the platform 150 may be connected to adjacent mats 26 or other components.
- the platform 150 may be sealingly engaged with adjacent mats 26 .
- the outer edges 168 of the platform 150 are welded to adjacent mats 26 using the thermoplastic sealant material 160 .
- the borehole edge seal system 110 may include a clamp 140 and platform 150 that are connected together, or integrally formed.
- the clamp 140 and platform 150 may be integrally formed of metallic material, such as steel, into a unitary platform-clamp unit 170 .
- the platform 150 does not have a separate collar, and the platform-clamp unit 170 includes two sections 172 that are engageable similarly as the clamp sections 142 and platform sections 158 described with respect to FIG. 3 above.
- the platform-clamp unit 170 may instead be a single component or include any other number of sections 172 .
- the platform-clamp unit 170 of FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8 includes four similarly interconnectable sections 172 .
- the borehole edge seal system 110 of FIG. 4A is shown in use with a load-supporting surface 16 around a borehole 120 .
- the exemplary platform-clamp unit 170 is placed in the borehole 120 so that the clamp 140 extends around the inside of the opening 130 of the borehole 120 .
- a seal ring 134 such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber or elastomeric seal, may be sandwiched between the clamp 140 and borehole wall 126 to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal.
- the body 156 of the platform 150 rests on the ground 20 .
- a frame 178 is connected to the top of the platform body 156 around the entire perimeter of the platform-clamp unit 170 .
- the frame 178 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the illustrated frame 178 is plastic and connected to the platform 150 with two rows of connectors 182 , such as bolts.
- at least one seal such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber gasket (not shown), may be sandwiched between the frame 178 and platform 150 .
- the frame 178 if included, may be constructed of any other suitable material and connected to the platform 150 in any other suitable manner.
- the system 110 may be engaged with the adjacent mats 26 or other components of the load-supporting surface 16 .
- plastic sheeting 190 extends from the frame 178 to the adjacent mats 26 .
- One example of presently commercially available plastic sheeting is Site Saver Flat Sheet manufactured by Penda Corporation and distributed by HMI Materials, Inc.
- the plastic sheeting 190 may be sealingly engaged with the frame 178 and mats 26 , such as by welding with a thermoplastic sealant material 160 . If the plastic sheeting 190 has multiple sections, the seams 192 ( FIG. 5 ) formed therebetween may also be sealed, such as with the thermoplastic sealant material 160 .
- any other material(s) or component(s) may be used to sealingly engage the frame 178 to the adjacent mats 26 or other components.
- one or more bolting strips may extend from the frame 178 to the adjacent mats 26 and form a liquid seal therewith and therebetween, similarly as described above with respect to the plastic sheeting 190 .
- the bolting strip may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, and may be engaged with the frame 178 and adjacent mats 26 in any suitable manner, such as with mechanical fasteners (e.g. bolts).
- One or more suitable sealants (silicone glue) or sealing materials (e.g. plastic sheeting) may be used between the bolting strip and the frame 178 , mats 26 , and/or over or around the mechanical fasteners.
- an arrangement of rails 196 may be provided around the borehole edge seal system 110 and borehole 120 , such as to limit access thereto and/or for safety.
- a metal grating 198 may be also or instead be emplaced over the borehole 120 , such as to limit access thereto and/or for safety.
- the present disclosure does not require either of these features.
- FIGS. 9-12 an embodiment of the borehole edge seal system 110 is shown used with a borehole 120 having a wall 126 that extends above the ground 20 .
- the illustrated clamp 140 and platform 150 are integrally formed of metallic material, such as steel, into a unitary platform-clamp unit 170 .
- the platform-clamp unit 170 includes two sections 172 ( FIG. 12 ) that are engageable similarly as the clamp sections 142 and platform portions, or sections, 158 described with respect to FIG. 3 above.
- the connection brackets 144 of the clamp 140 are on the outside of the clamp 140 so the clamp 140 can be tightened around the outside of the borehole wall 126 .
- the platform-clamp unit 170 may instead be a single component or include any other number of sections 172 .
- the exemplary platform-clamp unit 170 is placed around the upwardly protruding portion 132 of the borehole wall 126 so that the clamp 140 extends around the outside of the opening 130 .
- at least one seal such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber or elastomeric seal ring 134 , may be sandwiched between the clamp 140 and borehole wall 126 to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal.
- the body 156 of the platform 150 is shown spaced upwardly off of the ground 20 . However, there may instead be an intermediated component or ground covering between the platform body 156 and the ground 20 .
- a frame 178 is connected to the top of the platform body 156 around the entire perimeter of the platform-clamp unit 170 .
- the frame 178 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the illustrated frame 178 is plastic and connected to the platform 150 with two rows of connectors 182 , such as bolts.
- the frame 178 has two frame sections 180 (e.g. FIG. 9 ) and a pair of removable bracket covers 184 (e.g. FIG. 10 ) positionable therebetween.
- the illustrated bracket covers 184 allow access to the connection brackets 144 of the clamp 140 .
- At least one seal such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber gasket 186 may be sandwiched between the frame 178 and platform 150 .
- the frame 178 if included, may be constructed of any other suitable material and connected to the platform 150 in any other suitable manner.
- the illustrated system 110 may be engaged with the adjacent mats 26 or other components of the load-supporting surface 16 .
- plastic sheeting 190 extends from the frame 178 to the adjacent mats 26 .
- the plastic sheeting 190 may, if desired, be sealingly engaged with the frame 178 and mats 26 , such as by welding with a thermoplastic sealant material 160 . If the plastic sheeting 190 has multiple sections, the seams (not shown) formed therebetween may also be sealed, such as with the thermoplastic sealant material 160 .
- any other material(s) or component(s) may be used to sealingly engage the frame 178 to the adjacent mats 26 or other components.
- the exemplary borehole 120 has a wall (not shown) that extends above the ground 20 .
- the illustrated clamp 140 and platform 150 are integrally formed of metallic material, such as steel, into a unitary platform-clamp unit 170 .
- the platform-clamp unit 170 includes four sections 172 that are engageable similarly as the sections 172 described with respect to FIGS. 9-11 above.
- the illustrated connection brackets 144 of the clamp 140 are on the outside of the clamp 140 so the clamp 140 can be tightened around the outside of the borehole wall (not shown).
- the platform-clamp unit 170 may instead be a single component or include any other number of sections 172 .
- one or more seals may be placed between the clamp 130 and the borehole wall (not shown).
- the seal may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the seal is a band of a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber extended around the perimeter of the rectangular borehole wall (not shown).
- This embodiment also includes an optional metal grating 198 placed over the borehole 120 , such as to limit access thereto and/or for safety. Otherwise, the features, assembly and operation of the platform-clamp unit 170 of this embodiment are similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12 .
- FIGS. 15A-20 illustrate another embodiment of a borehole edge seal system 110 in accordance with the present disclosure. Other than as may differ in the following description or as may be evident from FIGS. 15A-20 , all of the features of the previously described and illustrated embodiments and all of the above details are similarly applicable to these embodiments.
- the illustrated borehole edge seal system 110 is an outside-clamp arrangement, where the clamp 140 engages the outside of the borehole wall 126 (similarly as previously described). Further, the clamp 140 of this embodiment is part of a platform-clamp unit 170 .
- the platform-clamp unit 170 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the platform-clamp unit 170 includes the clamp 140 , a platform 150 and an extension 162 . As shown, the illustrated extension 162 extends from the clamp 140 in the opposite direction as the platform 150 . This may be useful for any suitable purpose.
- the extension 162 may extend at least partially across the top of the borehole wall 126 to assist in positioning or seating the platform-clamp unit 170 on, or relative to, the wall 126 .
- the clamp 140 and platform 150 may be formed of angle iron, and the extension 162 may be a flat metallic panel welded thereto.
- the platform-clamp unit 170 is placed around the upwardly protruding portion 132 of the borehole wall 126 so that the clamp 140 extends around the outside of the opening 130 .
- the exemplary the platform-clamp unit 170 includes four right-angled platform-clamp sections 172 that are useful similarly as the sections 172 described with respect to FIGS. 13-14 above.
- the illustrated connection brackets 144 of the clamp 140 are on the outside of the clamp 140 so the clamp 140 can be tightened around the outside of the borehole wall (not shown).
- the principals and components of the illustrated system 110 are likewise useful in an inside-clamp arrangement (similarly as previously described).
- the exemplary borehole edge seal system 110 is shown engaged with a rectangular-shaped borehole wall 126 that extends around the borehole 120 .
- the principals and components of the illustrated system 110 may likewise be used with a circular, or other, shaped borehole 120 (similarly as previously described).
- the illustrated system 110 in shown used with a load-supporting surface 16 that may be part of a liquid containment system 210 , such as the exemplary liquid containment systems described and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916, filed Mar. 8, 2013 and entitled “Liquid Containment System for Use with Load-Supporting Surfaces”.
- the illustrated liquid containment system 210 includes, for example, berm members 212 and drive over barriers 214 (see e.g. berm members 80 and drive-over barriers 140 described and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916).
- the system 110 is not limited to such application and can be used in connection with any other suitable components.
- the illustrated system 110 includes at least one exemplary spanner 188 positioned atop and engaged with the platform 150 and extending therefrom away from the borehole wall 126 and borehole 120 .
- the spanner 188 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the illustrated spanner 188 is planar and is sealingly engaged between the borehole wall 126 and one or more mats 26 (e.g. FIG. 15D ) surrounding the borehole 120 .
- multiple spanners 188 may be used around the borehole 120 .
- the spanner 188 is constructed flexible (non-rigid) poly-liner material that is mechanically coupled at one or more of its ends to the platform 150 .
- a presently commercially available example of flexible poly-liner material that may be used for the spanner 188 for some applications is relatively thin (e.g. 60 mil) SOLMAX 460ST-2000 HDPE Geomembranel.
- an elongated spanner support 193 may be placed over part of the spanner 188 and used to selectively, releasably, mechanically couple the spanner 188 to the platform 150 in forming a liquid tight seal between the spanner 188 and platform 150 .
- the term “elongated” and variations thereof means having a length that is greater than its width and thickness.
- the spanner support 193 is coupled to the spanner 188 and platform 150 with one or more bolts 195 and nuts 191 (or other suitable connectors) extending through respective aligned component holes 197 .
- This embodiment thus does not require on-site thermoplastic welding of components, such as may be necessary with the use of previously described thermoplastic sealant material 160 (e.g. FIGS. 6 & 11 ).
- the spanner support 193 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the exemplary spanner support 193 is a rigid, metallic panel.
- the spanner support 193 may instead be constructed of plastic or other material, be flexible, or a combination thereof.
- one or more sealants or sealing members may be used to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal along the intersection of the borehole edge seal system 110 and the borehole wall 126 .
- one or more elongated spanner support seals 194 e.g. neoprene rubber
- the spanner support 193 and the spanner 188 may be sandwiched between the spanner support 193 and the spanner 188 to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal at that intersection.
- one or more elongated seal members 133 such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber or elastomeric seal ring 134 , may be sandwiched between the clamp 140 and borehole wall 126 to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal at that intersection.
- the seal member 133 is compressed, or squeezed, between the clamp 140 and borehole wall 126 .
- the exemplary spanner 188 extends at one or more ends to, and engages, one or more of the mats 26 surrounding the borehole 120 (e.g. FIG. 15A ).
- the spanner(s) 188 may engage the adjacent mat(s) 26 in any suitable manner.
- the spanner 188 may be mechanically coupled to the adjacent mats 26 .
- the exemplary borehole edge seal system 110 ( FIG. 18 ) is shown positioned between the upper lips 28 , 37 of adjacent mats 26 on its right and bottom sides, and the lower lips 30 , 38 of adjacent mats 26 on its left and top sides in the load-supporting surface 16 .
- the spanner 188 is shown engaging the lower lip 54 of an adjacent mat 26 .
- an elongated lip support 199 may be positioned atop part of the spanner 188 and used to selectively, releasably, mechanically couple the spanner 188 to the lower lip 54 of the mat 26 in forming a liquid tight seal between the spanner 188 and the lower lip 54 .
- the exemplary lip support 199 thus fills in at least part of the space created by the lower lip 54 .
- the exemplary lip support 199 is shown coupling the spanner 188 to the upper lip 46 of an adjacent mat 26 .
- the lip support 199 is positioned below the spanner 188 and upper lip 46 .
- the exemplary spanner 188 thus fills in at least part of the space created by the upper lip 46 .
- the lip support 199 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the lip support 199 may be constructed of the same thermoplastic material as the mat 26 .
- multiple different-sized lip supports 199 may be used (e.g. 7′ long ⁇ 12′′ wide and 13′ long ⁇ 12′′ wide) at different locations.
- one or more sealants or sealing members may be used to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal along the intersection of the spanner 188 and mat 26 .
- one or more elongated lip support seals 200 e.g. closed-cell foam neoprene
- any suitable mechanism may be used to mechanically couple the lip support 199 to the adjacent components.
- at least one locking pin 34 extends through aligned locking pin holes 32 formed in the lip support 199 , the spanner 188 , lip support seal 200 and mat(s) 26 .
- one or more covers 202 may be placed atop the spanner 188 between the mats 26 that surround the borehole edge seal system 110 and borehole 120 . This may be useful in some embodiments, for example, to protect the spanner 188 from damage.
- the cover 202 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
- the cover 202 includes one or more protective rubber mats 203 that lie atop, extend across and cover the entire spanner 188 (or multiple spanners 188 ).
- the rubber mats 203 may be formed in 4′ ⁇ 6′ sheets and interconnect with one another in any suitable manner.
- the borehole edge seal system 110 and related components will, in some applications prevent, or otherwise assist in preventing such liquid(s) and/or solids from at least substantially contacting or contaminating the earth's surface (or other surface or area) adjacent to the borehole 120 . Further, in at least some embodiments, this may be accomplished without the need for any liners below or adjacent to the system 110 and/or load-supporting surface 16 .
- one or more sealants may be used at any intersection of components and/or one or more seals placed between components, such as to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal around the opening 130 to the borehole 120 .
- Any suitable sealant such as silicone glue, may be used.
- the borehole edge seal system 110 may be part of a spill management system to prevent liquid leakage from one or more permanent, semi-permanent or temporary load-supporting surfaces 16 and facilitate clean-up or disposal of such liquid.
- the system 110 may be used in conjunction with technology shown and disclosed in any combination of the aforementioned patents and patent applications, such as to provide a self-contained liquid barrier system around and across the load-supporting surface 16 without the need for any liners below or adjacent to the load-supporting surface 16 .
- Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of the objects of this disclosure.
- the present invention does not require each of the components and acts described above and is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments or methods of operation. Any one or more of the above components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other such components, features and processes.
- the present invention includes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and claims.
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Abstract
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/497,429, filed Sep. 26, 2014 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Around the Opening to an Underground Borehole”, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/889,171, filed on Oct. 10, 2013 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Around the Opening to an Underground Borehole”, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The present application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/080,499, filed on Nov. 17, 2014 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Around the Opening to an Underground Borehole”, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The present disclosure relates to sealing around the opening to an underground borehole.
- Underground boreholes are formed or used in various industries, such as hydrocarbon exploration and production wells. In the oilfield industry, for example, such wells are often formed with a “cellar” located at its upper end. The cellar is a dug-out area, or pit, at the top of the borehole which often has inner earthen walls lined with wood, cement, pipe or other material. The cellar is typically wider than the borehole and may provide additional height between the rig floor and the well head. The cellar may be useful, for example, to collect drainage water and other liquids for disposal, accommodate the installation of and/or provide access to one or more wellhead components, such as a casing spool, casing head, BOP, or other purposes.
- It is often desirable to provide a liquid-tight seal around the opening to an underground borehole, such as to prevent the liquids form spilling out of the borehole onto the earth or subgrade terrain adjacent to the borehole. Sometimes, temporary or semi-permanent support surfaces are used around the borehole site. In instances where a support surface is located proximate to an underground borehole, it may likewise be desirable to provide a liquid-tight seal at the juncture of the support surface and the underground borehole, such as to prevent the liquids disposed on the support surface or within the borehole from contacting or contaminating the earth adjacent to the borehole or beneath the adjacent support surface.
- Traditionally, a plastic liner is placed around the borehole (and around or below adjacent mats when a support surface is used) in an effort to capture liquids overflowing from the borehole (or introduced onto the support surface) before such liquids encounter the subgrade terrain. The use of liners may have one or more disadvantages. In many instances, the liners are not reusable and must often be discarded. This can be problematic because landfill operators have expressed disinterest in accepting used liners on the basis that they are bulky and require excessive landfill space, or for other reasons. Thus, it can be difficult to find suitable, cost-effective ways to dispose of the liners. For another example, the plastic liners are sometimes ineffective at preventing liquid leakage into the subgrade terrain or allowing effective clean-up, which can cause other problems and require significant time and effort. Thus, there is a need for improved apparatus, systems and methods for preventing liquids from entering the earth adjacent to an underground wellbore.
- It should be understood that the above-described features, capabilities and disadvantages are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope or subject matter of the appended claims or those of any related patent application or patent. Thus, none of the appended claims or claims of any related application or patent should be limited by the above discussion or construed to address, include or exclude each or any of the above-cited features, capabilities or disadvantages merely because of the mention thereof herein.
- Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems, articles and methods useful in connection with sealing around the opening to an underground borehole having one or more of the attributes or capabilities described or shown in, or as may be apparent from, the various portions of this patent application.
- In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface to the underground borehole of a hydrocarbon exploration or production well without the need for liners around or adjacent to the borehole. The borehole has a wall formed of wood, cement, metal or other material extending around its opening. The apparatus includes a reusable load-supporting surface having at least two sealingly interconnected mats constructed of impermeable plastic. The mats are spaced away from and at least partially surround the borehole opening. At least one flexible, planar spanner is configured to extend between the borehole wall and the mats. At least one elongated spanner support is configured to be positioned atop part of at least one spanner and used to mechanically couple such spanner(s) to the borehole wall in forming a liquid tight seal therebetween. At least one elongated lip support is configured to be positioned atop or below part of at least one spanner and used to mechanically couple such spanner(s) to at least one of the mats in forming a liquid tight seal therebetween. Liquid exiting the borehole through the borehole opening is prevented from contacting the earth's surface around the borehole opening without the need for liners around or adjacent to the borehole.
- In various embodiments, the present disclosure involves a method of providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface to the underground borehole of a hydrocarbon exploration or production well without the need for liners around or adjacent to the borehole. The borehole includes a wall formed of wood, cement, metal or other material extending around its opening. At least two sealingly interconnected mats of a reusable load-supporting surface are positioned around, and spaced-apart from, the borehole opening. At least one flexible, planar spanner is extended between the borehole wall and at least one mat. At least one elongated spanner support is positioned atop part of at least one spanner proximate to the borehole wall. Each spanner support is mechanically and sealingly coupled to its associated spanner(s) and the borehole wall to form a liquid tight seal between the spanner and borehole wall. At least one elongated lip support is positioned atop or below part of at least one spanner proximate to at least one mat. Each lip support is mechanically and sealingly coupled to tis associated spanner(s) and mat(s).
- Accordingly, the present disclosure includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance technology dealing with sealing around the opening to an underground borehole. Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings.
- The following figures are part of the present specification, included to demonstrate certain aspects of various embodiments of this disclosure and referenced in the detailed description herein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary mat useful in a load-supporting surface in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of an exemplary load-supporting surface useful in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an inside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4A is a bottom view of an embodiment of an integrally formed platform-clamp unit useful as part of an inside-clamp arrangement of a borehole edge seal system in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4B is a top view of the platform-clamp unit ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5 is a top view of a borehole equipped with another embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an inside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the borehole and borehole edge seal system ofFIG. 5 taken along lines 6-6; -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a quarter section of an embodiment of an integrally formed platform-clamp unit useful as part of a borehole edge seal system in an inside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an embodiment of an integrally formed platform-clamp unit incorporating four of the quarter sections shown inFIG. 7A ; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an inside-clamp arrangement and including an exemplary arrangement of rails in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an outside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an outside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system having an outside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an integrally formed platform-clamp unit useful as part of a borehole edge seal system in an outside-clamp arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective partial view of a borehole equipped with an embodiment of a borehole edge seal system used in an outside-clamp arrangement with a rectangular-shaped borehole in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rectangular shaped platform-clamp unit useful in the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown inFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15A is a top view of an exemplary load-supporting surface having another embodiment of a borehole edge seal system in accordance with the present disclosure; -
FIG. 15B is a partially exploded, partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary load-supporting surface ofFIG. 15A taken along lines 15B-15B; -
FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the exemplary load-supporting surface shown inFIG. 15B ; -
FIG. 15D is an exploded view of portions D1 and D2 of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown inFIG. 15B ; -
FIG. 16A is exploded, partial cross-sectional, assembly view of components of portion D2 of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown inFIG. 15D ; -
FIG. 16B is a perspective view of components of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown inFIG. 16A ; -
FIG. 17A is an exploded, partial cross-sectional, assembly view of components of portion D1 of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown inFIG. 15D ; -
FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown inFIG. 17A ; -
FIG. 18 is a partial top view of the exemplary load-supporting surface and borehole edge seal system ofFIG. 15A ; -
FIG. 19A is an exploded, partial cross-sectional, assembly view of the exemplary load-supporting surface and borehole edge seal system ofFIG. 18 taken along lines 19A-19A; -
FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the exemplary load-supporting surface and borehole edge seal system ofFIG. 19A ; and -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rectangular shaped platform-clamp unit useful in the exemplary borehole edge seal system shown inFIG. 15A . - Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and referring to the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the description herein and appended drawings, being of example embodiments, are not intended to limit the claims of this patent application or any patent or patent application claiming priority hereto. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure or any appended claims. Many changes may be made to the particular embodiments and details disclosed herein without departing from such spirit and scope.
- In showing and describing preferred embodiments in the appended figures, common or similar elements are referenced with like or identical reference numerals or are apparent from the figures and/or the description herein. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
- As used herein and throughout various portions (and headings) of this patent application, the terms “invention”, “present invention” and variations thereof are not intended to mean every possible embodiment encompassed by this disclosure or any particular claim(s). Thus, the subject matter of each such reference should not be considered as necessary for, or part of, every embodiment hereof or of any particular claim(s) merely because of such reference. The terms “coupled”, “connected”, “engaged” and the like, and variations thereof, as used herein and in the appended claims are intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection or engagement. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections.
- Certain terms are used herein and in the appended claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Also, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used herein and in the appended claims in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . .” Further, reference herein and in the appended claims to components and aspects in a singular tense does not necessarily limit the present disclosure or appended claims to only one such component or aspect, but should be interpreted generally to mean one or more, as may be suitable and desirable in each particular instance.
- Referring initially to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary load-supportingsurface 16 having at least onemat 26 deployed on or near theground 20 is shown. As used herein, the term “ground” and variations thereof mean the earth's surface, and/or other one or more other surfaces, structures or areas proximate to the earth's surface. In the present embodiment, the load-supportingsurface 16 is reusable and capable of supporting the weight of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment thereupon. Themats 26 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration. Some examples ofmats 26 which may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,551 to Seaux, entitled “Mat System for Construction of Roadways and Support Surfaces” and issued on Aug. 5, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,257 to Seaux et al., entitled “Interlocking Mat System for Construction of Load Supporting Surfaces” and issued on Jan. 28, 2003, both of which have a common Assignee as the present patent and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. - For example, each
exemplary mat 26 may weight approximately 1,000 lbs., be designed to withstand 600 psi in pure crush pressure placed thereupon, and reduce point-to-point ground pressure on theground 20 or other surface or area below it that is caused by wheeled and tracked vehicles on themat 26. In some embodiments, themats 26 may be 14′×8′ DURA-BASE® mats currently sold by the Assignee of this patent application. However, these example features are not necessarily required for every embodiment. - If desired, the
load supporting surface 16 may be used in connection with any of the components and features described and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916, filed on Mar. 8, 2013 and entitled “Liquid Containment System for Use with Load-Supporting Surfaces”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/336,163, filed on Jul. 21, 2014 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Providing Illuminated Signals from a Support Surface”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/496,105, filed on Sep. 25, 2014 and entitled “Apparatus & Methods for Electrically Grounding a Load-Supporting Surface” each of which has a common Assignee as the present patent and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, eachmat 26 is flat, or planar, heavy duty, durable, all-weather and constructed of impermeable material, such as thermoplastic material. Theexemplary mats 26 are reusable and interlock together to form the load-supportingsurface 16. - The illustrated
mat 26 has a rectangular shape with an opposing pair ofshort sides long sides edge 44 extending along eachside short side 28 and firstlong side 37 each have anupper lip 46 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom, forming theedge 44 and which will be spaced above theground 20 or other surface. The secondshort side 30 and secondlong side 38 each have alower lip 54 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom below theedge 44 thereof and which will rest on theground 20 or other surface. The upper andlower lips edge seal system 110 of the present disclosure is not limited to use with the above-described embodiments ofmats 26. For example, other embodiments of the boreholeedge seal system 110 may be used in connection withmats 26 not having upper and/orlower lips - In this embodiment, the respective upper and
lower lips different mats 26 are interconnectable with locking pins 34 (e.g.FIGS. 2 & 10 ) releasably securable through corresponding locking pin holes 32 formed therein. The locking pin holes 32 and locking pins 34 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration. The illustratedmats 26 include a plurality of locking pin holes 32, each configured to accept a releasable locking pin 34 (e.g.FIG. 2 ) therethrough. Each illustratedmat 26 may include a total of sixteen locking pin holes 34, eight formed in each of the upper andlower lips pins 34 which may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,831 to Rogers et al, entitled “Fastening Device” and issued on Apr. 20, 2004 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/780,350, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Connecting Mats” and filed on Feb. 28, 2013, both of which have a common Assignee as the present patent and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. - In the illustrated example, the locking pin holes 32 of the
mats 26 have an oval-shape to accept an oval-shaped enlarged head 36 (e.g.FIG. 2 ) of the illustrated locking pins 34. It should be noted, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to use with the above-described or referenced types and configurations of load-supportingsurfaces 16,mats 26, locking pins 34 and locking pin holes 32, or to the disclosures of the above-referenced patents and patent applications. Any suitable load-supportingsurfaces 16,mats 26, locking pins 34 and locking pin holes 32 may be used. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in some embodiments, agap 22 may be formed betweenadjacent edges 44 of adjacentinterconnected mats 26 in the load-supportingsurface 16 and one ormore seal members 10 may be included therein. For example, the seal member(s) 10 may provide a liquid-tight seal in thegap 22 betweenadjacent mats 26 to prevent liquid introduced onto the load-supportingsurface 16 from seeping or flowing between and below the load-supportingsurface 16. Some embodiments of seal members that may be used in thegaps 22 are disclosed in U. S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,580, filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Between Adjacent Components of a Load-Supporting Surface”, U. S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/013,899, filed on Jun. 18, 2014 and entitled “Load-Supporting Surface with Interconnecting Components and Top Side Seal Assembly for Sealing Therebetween and Methods of Assembly and Use Thereof”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/011,805, filed on Jun. 13, 2014 and entitled “Load-Supporting Surface with Interconnecting Components and Frame-Style Seal Assembly for Sealing Therebetween and Methods of Assembly and Use Thereof”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/116,989, filed on Feb. 17, 2015 and entitled “Load-Supporting Surface with Interconnecting Components and Frame-Style Seal Assembly for Sealing Therebetween and Methods of Assembly and Use Thereof”, all of which have a common Assignee as the present patent and the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. - The seal member(s) 10 may also or instead be used between one or
more mats 26 and one or more other components associated with the load-supportingsurface 16, and/or between the other components themselves. Some examples of such additional components that may be useful in connection with load-supportingsurfaces 16, such as berm members, spacers, drive-over barriers, liquid drain assemblies, etc., are shown and disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916, entitled “Liquid Containment System for Use With Load-Supporting Surfaces” and filed on Mar. 8, 2013. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , an embodiment of a boreholeedge seal system 110 is shown used in connection with a load-supportingsurface 16 around anunderground borehole 120 in accordance with the present disclosure. Thisparticular borehole 120 is a hydrocarbon well 124 with a wide section, or cellar, 125 at its upper end. Theexemplary borehole 120 has anopening 130 thereto that is accessible from the ground (not shown). However, the boreholeedge seal system 110 of the present disclosure is not limited to use with hydrocarbon wells, but may be used with any underground hole accessible from the ground. Thus, as used herein, the terms “borehole” and variations thereof mean any hole or orifice in the earth that is accessible from an opening in the surface of the earth or other area or structure. - This particular borehole 120 (e.g. well 124 with cellar 125) includes a
wellhead 128 accessible through thecellar 125 and awall 126 extending around thecellar 125. In this instance, thewall 126 is metallic and extends up to the earth's surface (not shown), but may be constructed of any other material (e.g. wood, plastic, etc.) and may extend above or below the earth's surface. Further, these components may not be included in theborehole 120. The illustratedborehole 120, opening 130 andwall 126 have a circular outer shape, but instead may be rectangular (see e.g.FIG. 13 ) or have any other shape. Thus, the shapes of the perimeter of theborehole 120, opening 130 andwall 126 are not limiting upon the present disclosure. - The borehole
edge seal system 110 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation as long as it assists in providing a liquid-tight seal around theopening 130. As used herein, the terms “liquid-tight seal”, “sealing engagement”, “sealingly coupling” and variations thereof are synonymous and means at least substantially preventing the passage of liquid thereby. A “liquid tight seal” around theopening 130, for example, means assisting in preventing the passage of liquid from inside the borehole 120 through itsopening 130 to the earth around and/or adjacent to theopening 130. Theexemplary system 110 thus assists in preventing liquid inside the borehole 120 from exiting the borehole 120 through theopening 130 and contacting the area (e.g. ground) adjacent to or surrounding theopening 130. In some embodiments, a complete fluid tight seal may be provided. However, as used herein, a “liquid-tight seal” between components or “sealingly engaged” or “sealingly coupled” components, and variations thereof, may not necessarily always be 100% liquid-tight, but may include some allowance for minimal leaking as can be expected or tolerated depending upon each particular application. - Still referring to
FIG. 3 , the illustratedsystem 110 includes aclamp 140 and aplatform 150. Theplatform 150 assists in sealing around theopening 130, while theclamp 140 holds theplatform 150 in place. Theclamp 140 andplatform 150 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this embodiment, theclamp 140 is metallic and includes two curve-shaped clamp sections, orportions 142. At each end, eachexemplary clamp section 142 includes aconnection bracket 144 protruding inwardly therefrom. - The illustrated
clamp sections 142 are adjustably engageable at each end at theadjacent brackets 144 with at least oneconnector 146, such as a bolt. When connected, theclamp sections 142 form a ring that fits within theopening 130 of theborehole 120. In other embodiments, theclamp 140 may be a single adjustable ring (not shown) or have any other suitable configuration and composition. - Still referring to
FIG. 3 , the illustratedplatform 150 is plastic, and includes a ring-shapedcollar portion 154 and abody portion 156. In this particular instance, theplatform 150 includes twoplatform sections 158, but could instead be a single component or have any other number ofplatform sections 158. In this particular embodiment, theplatform 150 is configured to extend over the edge of theopening 130 and across the surface of the earth or other area or structure adjacent to theopening 130. - In use of the illustrated
system 110, theplatform 150 is placed over the borehole 120 so that itscollar 154 extends into theborehole opening 130. If theplatform 150 hasmultiple sections 158, they are appropriately positioned over theopening 130. If desired, thesections 158 may be connected or sealed together. For example, theplatform sections 158 may be welded together, such as with athermoplastic sealant material 160, at the seams, or overlaps, 164 formed therebetween to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal. - If desired, one or more seals, such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber seal or elastomeric seal ring, (not shown) may be sandwiched between the
collar 154 of theplatform 150 and theborehole wall 126. Theexemplary clamp 140 is then inserted into theborehole 120 and positioned over thecollar 154. The illustratedclamp 140 is tightened against thecollar 154, seal(s) (if included) andborehole wall 126. In this embodiment, two sets ofconnectors 146, such as bolts, are inserted through the corresponding inwardly-protrudingconnection brackets 144 of theadjacent clamp sections 142 and tightened sufficiently to secure thesystem 110 to theborehole wall 126. This is an example of an “inside-clamp” arrangement, where theclamp 140 engages the inside of theborehole wall 126. As will be described below, other embodiments are referred to as “outside-clamp” arrangements, where theclamp 140 engages the outside of theborehole wall 126. - Still referring to
FIG. 3 , when the boreholeedge seal system 110 is used in connection with a load-supportingsurface 16, thebody 156 of theplatform 150 may be connected toadjacent mats 26 or other components. For example, theplatform 150 may be sealingly engaged withadjacent mats 26. In this embodiment, theouter edges 168 of theplatform 150 are welded toadjacent mats 26 using thethermoplastic sealant material 160. - Now referring to
FIGS. 4A & 4B , in some embodiments, the boreholeedge seal system 110 may include aclamp 140 andplatform 150 that are connected together, or integrally formed. For example, theclamp 140 andplatform 150 may be integrally formed of metallic material, such as steel, into a unitary platform-clamp unit 170. In this embodiment, theplatform 150 does not have a separate collar, and the platform-clamp unit 170 includes twosections 172 that are engageable similarly as theclamp sections 142 andplatform sections 158 described with respect toFIG. 3 above. However, the platform-clamp unit 170 may instead be a single component or include any other number ofsections 172. For example, the platform-clamp unit 170 ofFIGS. 7A, 7B and 8 includes four similarlyinterconnectable sections 172. - Now referring to
FIGS. 5 & 6 , the boreholeedge seal system 110 ofFIG. 4A is shown in use with a load-supportingsurface 16 around aborehole 120. Referring specifically toFIG. 6 , the exemplary platform-clamp unit 170 is placed in the borehole 120 so that theclamp 140 extends around the inside of theopening 130 of theborehole 120. If desired, aseal ring 134, such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber or elastomeric seal, may be sandwiched between theclamp 140 andborehole wall 126 to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal. In this example, thebody 156 of theplatform 150 rests on theground 20. However, there may instead be an intermediated component, ground covering or space between theplatform body 156 and theground 20. - In this particular embodiment, a
frame 178 is connected to the top of theplatform body 156 around the entire perimeter of the platform-clamp unit 170. Theframe 178 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. The illustratedframe 178 is plastic and connected to theplatform 150 with two rows ofconnectors 182, such as bolts. If desired, at least one seal, such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber gasket (not shown), may be sandwiched between theframe 178 andplatform 150. However, theframe 178, if included, may be constructed of any other suitable material and connected to theplatform 150 in any other suitable manner. - Still referring to
FIG. 6 , thesystem 110 may be engaged with theadjacent mats 26 or other components of the load-supportingsurface 16. In this example,plastic sheeting 190 extends from theframe 178 to theadjacent mats 26. One example of presently commercially available plastic sheeting is Site Saver Flat Sheet manufactured by Penda Corporation and distributed by HMI Materials, Inc. Theplastic sheeting 190 may be sealingly engaged with theframe 178 andmats 26, such as by welding with athermoplastic sealant material 160. If theplastic sheeting 190 has multiple sections, the seams 192 (FIG. 5 ) formed therebetween may also be sealed, such as with thethermoplastic sealant material 160. However, any other material(s) or component(s) may be used to sealingly engage theframe 178 to theadjacent mats 26 or other components. For example, one or more bolting strips (not shown) may extend from theframe 178 to theadjacent mats 26 and form a liquid seal therewith and therebetween, similarly as described above with respect to theplastic sheeting 190. The bolting strip may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, and may be engaged with theframe 178 andadjacent mats 26 in any suitable manner, such as with mechanical fasteners (e.g. bolts). One or more suitable sealants (silicone glue) or sealing materials (e.g. plastic sheeting) may be used between the bolting strip and theframe 178,mats 26, and/or over or around the mechanical fasteners. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , if desired, an arrangement ofrails 196 may be provided around the boreholeedge seal system 110 andborehole 120, such as to limit access thereto and/or for safety. As shown inFIG. 13 , ametal grating 198 may be also or instead be emplaced over theborehole 120, such as to limit access thereto and/or for safety. However, the present disclosure does not require either of these features. - Now referring to
FIGS. 9-12 , an embodiment of the boreholeedge seal system 110 is shown used with a borehole 120 having awall 126 that extends above theground 20. The illustratedclamp 140 andplatform 150 are integrally formed of metallic material, such as steel, into a unitary platform-clamp unit 170. In this embodiment, the platform-clamp unit 170 includes two sections 172 (FIG. 12 ) that are engageable similarly as theclamp sections 142 and platform portions, or sections, 158 described with respect toFIG. 3 above. However, in this embodiment, theconnection brackets 144 of theclamp 140 are on the outside of theclamp 140 so theclamp 140 can be tightened around the outside of theborehole wall 126. This is an example of an “outside-clamp” arrangement, where theclamp 140 engages the outside of theborehole wall 126. As in the other embodiments, the platform-clamp unit 170 may instead be a single component or include any other number ofsections 172. - Referring specifically to
FIG. 11 , the exemplary platform-clamp unit 170 is placed around the upwardly protrudingportion 132 of theborehole wall 126 so that theclamp 140 extends around the outside of theopening 130. If desired, at least one seal, such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber orelastomeric seal ring 134, may be sandwiched between theclamp 140 andborehole wall 126 to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal. In this example, thebody 156 of theplatform 150 is shown spaced upwardly off of theground 20. However, there may instead be an intermediated component or ground covering between theplatform body 156 and theground 20. - Still referring to
FIG. 11 , in this embodiment, aframe 178 is connected to the top of theplatform body 156 around the entire perimeter of the platform-clamp unit 170. Theframe 178 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. The illustratedframe 178 is plastic and connected to theplatform 150 with two rows ofconnectors 182, such as bolts. In this example, theframe 178 has two frame sections 180 (e.g.FIG. 9 ) and a pair of removable bracket covers 184 (e.g.FIG. 10 ) positionable therebetween. The illustrated bracket covers 184 allow access to theconnection brackets 144 of theclamp 140. If desired, at least one seal, such as a closed-cell neoprenefoam rubber gasket 186 may be sandwiched between theframe 178 andplatform 150. However, theframe 178, if included, may be constructed of any other suitable material and connected to theplatform 150 in any other suitable manner. - Still referring to
FIG. 11 , the illustratedsystem 110 may be engaged with theadjacent mats 26 or other components of the load-supportingsurface 16. In this example,plastic sheeting 190 extends from theframe 178 to theadjacent mats 26. Theplastic sheeting 190 may, if desired, be sealingly engaged with theframe 178 andmats 26, such as by welding with athermoplastic sealant material 160. If theplastic sheeting 190 has multiple sections, the seams (not shown) formed therebetween may also be sealed, such as with thethermoplastic sealant material 160. However, any other material(s) or component(s) may be used to sealingly engage theframe 178 to theadjacent mats 26 or other components. - Now referring to
FIGS. 13 & 14 , an embodiment of the boreholeedge seal system 110 useful with a rectangular shapedborehole 120 is shown. Theexemplary borehole 120 has a wall (not shown) that extends above theground 20. The illustratedclamp 140 andplatform 150 are integrally formed of metallic material, such as steel, into a unitary platform-clamp unit 170. In this embodiment, the platform-clamp unit 170 includes foursections 172 that are engageable similarly as thesections 172 described with respect toFIGS. 9-11 above. As shown, the illustratedconnection brackets 144 of theclamp 140 are on the outside of theclamp 140 so theclamp 140 can be tightened around the outside of the borehole wall (not shown). As in the other embodiments, the platform-clamp unit 170 may instead be a single component or include any other number ofsections 172. - In this embodiment, one or more seals (not shown) may be placed between the
clamp 130 and the borehole wall (not shown). The seal may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this example, the seal is a band of a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber extended around the perimeter of the rectangular borehole wall (not shown). This embodiment also includes an optional metal grating 198 placed over theborehole 120, such as to limit access thereto and/or for safety. Otherwise, the features, assembly and operation of the platform-clamp unit 170 of this embodiment are similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 9-12 . -
FIGS. 15A-20 illustrate another embodiment of a boreholeedge seal system 110 in accordance with the present disclosure. Other than as may differ in the following description or as may be evident fromFIGS. 15A-20 , all of the features of the previously described and illustrated embodiments and all of the above details are similarly applicable to these embodiments. - Referring to
FIGS. 15B and 16A , the illustrated boreholeedge seal system 110 is an outside-clamp arrangement, where theclamp 140 engages the outside of the borehole wall 126 (similarly as previously described). Further, theclamp 140 of this embodiment is part of a platform-clamp unit 170. The platform-clamp unit 170 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this example, the platform-clamp unit 170 includes theclamp 140, aplatform 150 and anextension 162. As shown, the illustratedextension 162 extends from theclamp 140 in the opposite direction as theplatform 150. This may be useful for any suitable purpose. For example, in some applications, theextension 162 may extend at least partially across the top of theborehole wall 126 to assist in positioning or seating the platform-clamp unit 170 on, or relative to, thewall 126. In some embodiments, theclamp 140 andplatform 150 may be formed of angle iron, and theextension 162 may be a flat metallic panel welded thereto. - Similarly as previously described, the platform-
clamp unit 170 is placed around the upwardly protrudingportion 132 of theborehole wall 126 so that theclamp 140 extends around the outside of theopening 130. As shown inFIG. 20 , the exemplary the platform-clamp unit 170 includes four right-angled platform-clamp sections 172 that are useful similarly as thesections 172 described with respect toFIGS. 13-14 above. As shown, the illustratedconnection brackets 144 of theclamp 140 are on the outside of theclamp 140 so theclamp 140 can be tightened around the outside of the borehole wall (not shown). However, in other embodiments, the principals and components of the illustratedsystem 110 are likewise useful in an inside-clamp arrangement (similarly as previously described). - Referring specifically to
FIGS. 15A-D , the exemplary boreholeedge seal system 110 is shown engaged with a rectangular-shapedborehole wall 126 that extends around theborehole 120. However, the principals and components of the illustratedsystem 110 may likewise be used with a circular, or other, shaped borehole 120 (similarly as previously described). - The illustrated
system 110 in shown used with a load-supportingsurface 16 that may be part of aliquid containment system 210, such as the exemplary liquid containment systems described and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916, filed Mar. 8, 2013 and entitled “Liquid Containment System for Use with Load-Supporting Surfaces”. The illustratedliquid containment system 210 includes, for example,berm members 212 and drive over barriers 214 (see e.g. berm members 80 and drive-overbarriers 140 described and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/790,916). However, thesystem 110 is not limited to such application and can be used in connection with any other suitable components. - Referring to
FIGS. 16A & 16B , the illustratedsystem 110 includes at least oneexemplary spanner 188 positioned atop and engaged with theplatform 150 and extending therefrom away from theborehole wall 126 andborehole 120. Thespanner 188 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. For example, the illustratedspanner 188 is planar and is sealingly engaged between theborehole wall 126 and one or more mats 26 (e.g.FIG. 15D ) surrounding theborehole 120. In some embodiments,multiple spanners 188 may be used around theborehole 120. - In this particular embodiment, the
spanner 188 is constructed flexible (non-rigid) poly-liner material that is mechanically coupled at one or more of its ends to theplatform 150. A presently commercially available example of flexible poly-liner material that may be used for thespanner 188 for some applications is relatively thin (e.g. 60 mil) SOLMAX 460ST-2000 HDPE Geomembranel. For example, anelongated spanner support 193 may be placed over part of thespanner 188 and used to selectively, releasably, mechanically couple thespanner 188 to theplatform 150 in forming a liquid tight seal between thespanner 188 andplatform 150. As used herein, the term “elongated” and variations thereof means having a length that is greater than its width and thickness. In this embodiment, thespanner support 193 is coupled to thespanner 188 andplatform 150 with one ormore bolts 195 and nuts 191 (or other suitable connectors) extending through respective aligned component holes 197. This embodiment thus does not require on-site thermoplastic welding of components, such as may be necessary with the use of previously described thermoplastic sealant material 160 (e.g.FIGS. 6 & 11 ). - The
spanner support 193 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this embodiment, theexemplary spanner support 193 is a rigid, metallic panel. In other embodiments, thespanner support 193 may instead be constructed of plastic or other material, be flexible, or a combination thereof. - Referring back to
FIGS. 16A and 16B , if desired, one or more sealants or sealing members may be used to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal along the intersection of the boreholeedge seal system 110 and theborehole wall 126. For example, one or more elongated spanner support seals 194 (e.g. neoprene rubber) may be sandwiched between thespanner support 193 and thespanner 188 to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal at that intersection. For another example, one or moreelongated seal members 133, such as a closed-cell neoprene foam rubber orelastomeric seal ring 134, may be sandwiched between theclamp 140 andborehole wall 126 to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal at that intersection. In this embodiment, theseal member 133 is compressed, or squeezed, between theclamp 140 andborehole wall 126. - Now referring to
FIGS. 17A & 17B , theexemplary spanner 188 extends at one or more ends to, and engages, one or more of themats 26 surrounding the borehole 120 (e.g.FIG. 15A ). The spanner(s) 188 may engage the adjacent mat(s) 26 in any suitable manner. For example, thespanner 188 may be mechanically coupled to theadjacent mats 26. - In the present embodiment, the exemplary borehole edge seal system 110 (
FIG. 18 ) is shown positioned between theupper lips adjacent mats 26 on its right and bottom sides, and thelower lips adjacent mats 26 on its left and top sides in the load-supportingsurface 16. InFIGS. 17A & 17B , thespanner 188 is shown engaging thelower lip 54 of anadjacent mat 26. For example, anelongated lip support 199 may be positioned atop part of thespanner 188 and used to selectively, releasably, mechanically couple thespanner 188 to thelower lip 54 of themat 26 in forming a liquid tight seal between thespanner 188 and thelower lip 54. Theexemplary lip support 199 thus fills in at least part of the space created by thelower lip 54. InFIGS. 19A & 19B , theexemplary lip support 199 is shown coupling thespanner 188 to theupper lip 46 of anadjacent mat 26. In this example, thelip support 199 is positioned below thespanner 188 andupper lip 46. Theexemplary spanner 188 thus fills in at least part of the space created by theupper lip 46. - The
lip support 199 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. For example, thelip support 199 may be constructed of the same thermoplastic material as themat 26. In some embodiments, multiple different-sized lip supports 199 may be used (e.g. 7′ long×12″ wide and 13′ long×12″ wide) at different locations. If desired, one or more sealants or sealing members may be used to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal along the intersection of thespanner 188 andmat 26. For example, one or more elongated lip support seals 200 (e.g. closed-cell foam neoprene) may be sandwiched between thelip support 199 and thespanner 188. - Any suitable mechanism may be used to mechanically couple the
lip support 199 to the adjacent components. In this embodiment, at least onelocking pin 34 extends through aligned locking pin holes 32 formed in thelip support 199, thespanner 188,lip support seal 200 and mat(s) 26. - In some embodiments, one or more covers 202 (e.g.
FIGS. 15A-C ) may be placed atop thespanner 188 between themats 26 that surround the boreholeedge seal system 110 andborehole 120. This may be useful in some embodiments, for example, to protect thespanner 188 from damage. Thecover 202 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this embodiment, thecover 202 includes one or moreprotective rubber mats 203 that lie atop, extend across and cover the entire spanner 188 (or multiple spanners 188). For example, therubber mats 203 may be formed in 4′×6′ sheets and interconnect with one another in any suitable manner. - In accordance with all of the above embodiments of the present disclosure, if the borehole 120 overflows with liquid(s) and/or solids, the borehole
edge seal system 110 and related components will, in some applications prevent, or otherwise assist in preventing such liquid(s) and/or solids from at least substantially contacting or contaminating the earth's surface (or other surface or area) adjacent to theborehole 120. Further, in at least some embodiments, this may be accomplished without the need for any liners below or adjacent to thesystem 110 and/or load-supportingsurface 16. It should be noted that, in all of the above embodiments, one or more sealants may be used at any intersection of components and/or one or more seals placed between components, such as to assist in providing a liquid-tight seal around theopening 130 to theborehole 120. Any suitable sealant, such as silicone glue, may be used. - If desired, the borehole
edge seal system 110 may be part of a spill management system to prevent liquid leakage from one or more permanent, semi-permanent or temporary load-supportingsurfaces 16 and facilitate clean-up or disposal of such liquid. For example, thesystem 110 may be used in conjunction with technology shown and disclosed in any combination of the aforementioned patents and patent applications, such as to provide a self-contained liquid barrier system around and across the load-supportingsurface 16 without the need for any liners below or adjacent to the load-supportingsurface 16. - Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of the objects of this disclosure. However, the present invention does not require each of the components and acts described above and is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments or methods of operation. Any one or more of the above components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other such components, features and processes. Moreover, the present invention includes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and claims.
- The methods that may be described above or claimed herein and any other methods which may fall within the scope of the appended claims can be performed in any desired suitable order and are not necessarily limited to any sequence described herein or as may be listed in the appended claims. Further, the methods of the present invention do not necessarily require use of the particular embodiments shown and described herein, but are equally applicable with any other suitable structure, form and configuration of components.
- While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, many variations, modifications and/or changes of the system, apparatus and methods of the present invention, such as in the components, details of construction and operation, arrangement of parts and/or methods of use, are possible, contemplated by the patent applicant(s), within the scope of any appended claims, and may be made and used by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or teachings of the invention and scope of this disclosure and any appended claims. Thus, all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, and the scope of the disclosure and any appended claims should not be limited to the embodiments described and shown herein.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (9)
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US14/666,584 US9790758B2 (en) | 2013-10-10 | 2015-03-24 | Apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well |
PCT/US2015/022451 WO2016048412A1 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2015-03-25 | Apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to an underground borehole |
AU2015322089A AU2015322089B2 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2015-03-25 | Apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to a cellar around a hydrocarbon exploration well |
PE2017000420A PE20170617A1 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2015-03-25 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MECHANICALLY COUPLING A SEALING SYSTEM AROUND THE OPENING TO AN UNDERGROUND BORING |
CA2959001A CA2959001C (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2015-03-25 | Apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to an underground borehole |
CN201580050498.5A CN106715823B (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2015-03-25 | Leading to the device and method that the opening surrounding mechanical connection sealing system of cellar is formed by around oil-gas exploration well or producing well |
EP15715586.2A EP3198108B1 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2015-03-25 | Apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to an underground borehole |
MX2017003669A MX2017003669A (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2015-03-25 | Apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to an underground borehole. |
BR112017004057A BR112017004057A2 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2015-03-25 | apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to an underground wellbore |
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US14/497,429 US9745815B2 (en) | 2013-10-10 | 2014-09-26 | Apparatus and methods for sealing around the opening to a cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well |
US201462080499P | 2014-11-17 | 2014-11-17 | |
US14/666,584 US9790758B2 (en) | 2013-10-10 | 2015-03-24 | Apparatus and methods for mechanically coupling a sealing system around the opening to cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well |
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EP (1) | EP3198108B1 (en) |
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US9458578B2 (en) | 2014-11-07 | 2016-10-04 | Erik D. Klein | Timber access mat with grounding |
CA3009245A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2018-12-22 | EDK Innovations, LLC | Equipotential grounding grate |
US11805757B1 (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2023-11-07 | Yak Access LLC | Equipotential security fence and grounding grate |
US11891564B2 (en) | 2022-03-31 | 2024-02-06 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods in which colloidal silica gel is used to resist corrosion of a wellhead component in a well cellar |
US11988060B2 (en) * | 2022-03-31 | 2024-05-21 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods in which polyacrylamide gel is used to resist corrosion of a wellhead component in a well cellar |
CN218545758U (en) * | 2022-08-04 | 2023-02-28 | 郑州万马云电子科技有限公司 | Monitoring device |
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US5111879A (en) | 1990-06-06 | 1992-05-12 | Amtrol Inc. | Sanitary locking lip split well seal |
US5098220A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1992-03-24 | Norman Carol A | Membrane liner for casinghead of oil well of the like |
CA2258064C (en) | 1999-01-07 | 2003-12-16 | Quinn Holtby | Oilwell leak containment apparatus for a completed oilwell |
US6386225B1 (en) | 2001-08-14 | 2002-05-14 | Quinn Holtby | Modular catch pan for wellheads and a method of use of the same |
CN2563192Y (en) * | 2002-07-31 | 2003-07-30 | 晏福春 | Waterproof, deodorant, anti-theft type airtight well lid |
US7987904B1 (en) | 2006-01-23 | 2011-08-02 | Rose James A | Sealed well cellar |
US8127837B1 (en) * | 2007-05-02 | 2012-03-06 | James Anthony Rose | Sealed well cellar |
CN200988969Y (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2007-12-12 | 吴天伟 | Not easy lost manhole cover |
CA2657298A1 (en) | 2008-03-07 | 2009-09-07 | Stream-Flo Industries Ltd. | Split non-welded casing cap for high temperature service |
US8534484B2 (en) * | 2009-10-13 | 2013-09-17 | Seahorse Industries Ltd. | Sealing cover assembly for an underground utility box |
US9212746B2 (en) | 2012-04-09 | 2015-12-15 | Newpark Mats & Integrated Services Llc | Apparatus and methods for sealing between adjacent components of a load-supporting surface |
US20140102691A1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2014-04-17 | Ryan Gibson | Method of drilling and operating an oil or gas well, a method of preventing or minimizing contamination to the soil about an oil or gas well, using a kit to install, an impervious and reusable liner and apparatus therefor |
US8770273B1 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2014-07-08 | Ryan Gibson | Method of drilling and operating an oil or gas well, a method of preventing or minimizing contamination to the soil about an oil or gas well, using a kit to install, an impervious and reusable liner and apparatus therefor |
US9039325B2 (en) | 2013-03-08 | 2015-05-26 | Newpark Mats & Integrated Services Llc | Liquid containment system for use with load-supporting surfaces |
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US20160090806A1 (en) | 2016-03-31 |
EP3198108B1 (en) | 2018-10-24 |
AU2015322089A1 (en) | 2017-03-09 |
CN106715823A (en) | 2017-05-24 |
US9790758B2 (en) | 2017-10-17 |
WO2016048412A1 (en) | 2016-03-31 |
CA2959001C (en) | 2018-11-27 |
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Owner name: NEWPARK MATS & INTEGRATED SERVICES LLC, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DUGAS, A W, MR;DURIO, KENNETH EDWARD, MR;MCDOWELL, JAMES KERWIN, MR;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:035623/0802 Effective date: 20150415 |
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