Well pad drain and containment recovery system

Abstract

A well pad drainage system is provide, which allows for the testing of drainage water collected from the surface of the well pad prior to the release or removal of the drainage water. The drainage system utilizes a French drain in association with one or more catch basins, a drainpipe for release of uncontaminated drainage water and an extraction line for removal of contaminated drainage water.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to the field of drainage systems for well pads. More specifically, the present invention relates to the disposal of drainage fluids from well pads.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Oil and gas drilling and production operations are typically carried out on a well pad. A well pad is a large area, often covering several acres, that has been cleared to contain the drilling and production facilities and equipment, such as the drilling derrick, pumps, mud tank, fuel tanks, generators, offices, housing, and similar. To construct a well pad, the area is cleared of all trees and obstacles. The foundation is built up, usually from rock, gravel, sand, etc. Typically, the resultant well pad surface level is elevated from the surrounding ground surface and is surrounded by a berm. The berm is a rock and earthen raised barrier between the drill pad and the surrounding environment. The berm serves to prevent erosi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system for draining fluids from a well pad that is surrounded by a berm. The system includes a catch basin, a drain pipe, and a drain. The catch basin collects the fluids, which are then drained to the surrounding ground surface through the drain pipe. A method is also provided for testing the fluids to determine if they are contaminated and should be drained or sent to a tanker truck. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a more efficient and effective way to drain fluids from a well pad while minimizing contamination.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, if such fluids are allowed to pool for significant periods of time, they can seep through the berm or well pad ground and enter into the surrounding environment, which can be problematic when the fluids contain chemicals other than water.

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