Reusable Borehole Edge Seal System for Hydrocarbon Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing around underground boreholes, such as plastic liners, are not reusable and often ineffective in preventing liquid leakage into the subgrade terrain, leading to disposal challenges and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A reusable load-supporting surface with mats and a borehole edge seal system that includes a clamp and platform to form a liquid-tight seal around the borehole opening, using interlocking mats and spanners to mechanically couple with the cellar wall and mats, preventing liquid from contacting the earth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic liners are used to seal around the borehole, then liquid leakage is prevented, but the liners are not reusable and require landfill disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple components including a reusable liner, clamp, and support structure. The liner can be removed and replaced while the clamp and support system remain in place, enabling reuse of the main structural components while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the clamp and support structure components after the liner is removed. The clamp can be detached, the liner replaced, and the clamp reattached, allowing the expensive structural components to be recovered and reused while only the consumable liner is discarded.
2Reliability
If plastic liners are used to capture liquids, then liquid containment is achieved, but the liners are bulky and require excessive landfill space
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable clamp and support structure allow the liner to be removed and replaced without discarding the entire sealing system. Only the thin liner material is discarded rather than the entire assembly, significantly reducing landfill volume while maintaining containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design separates the disposable liner from the reusable structural components. The inexpensive liner is replaced when needed, while the expensive clamp and support system are recovered and reused, reducing overall waste while maintaining effective liquid containment.
3Ease of repair
If a reusable sealing system with clamp and support structure is implemented, then reusability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into distinct functional components: the liner provides sealing, the clamp provides mechanical attachment, and the support structure provides structural integrity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy replacement of the liner while reusing the clamp and support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp and support structure serve multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling liner attachment, and allowing for liner replacement. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well includes a reusable load-supporting surface having at least two mats surrounding and spaced-away from the borehole opening. At least one spanner is configured to extend between the cellar wall and mats. At least one elongated spanner support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the cellar wall. At least one elongated lip support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the mats.