Stuffing Box Leak Containment with Segmented Tub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wellhead production equipment, particularly stuffing boxes, are prone to leaking, leading to environmental contamination due to inadequate containment solutions that are difficult to assemble, disassemble, and maintain, and lack effective liquid seals, deterring operators from using containment devices.

Innovation Solution

A containment apparatus comprising a concave tub, a dome-shaped lid, and a float switch that provides a fluid-tight seal, allows easy access and remote inspection, and includes a float switch that sends signals when liquid levels exceed a predetermined level, enabling wireless monitoring and automatic shutdown of the well.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If containment devices are installed around the stuffing box, then leak containment capability is improved, but assembly and removal become tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak containment capabilityVSAvoidassembly and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The containment device is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The tub structure includes removable components such as the lid and side panels, allowing operators to quickly assemble and remove the containment device without complex fastening procedures, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable leak containment and ease of assembly/removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If containment devices are installed around the stuffing box, then leak containment capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak containment capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted as a separate, specialized component within the containment device. The gasket system is designed as a distinct element that can be independently installed and replaced, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective leak containment. This extraction reduces device complexity by separating the sealing function from the structural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If containment devices are installed around the stuffing box, then leak containment capability is improved, but access to stuffing box becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak containment capabilityVSAvoidaccess to stuffing box

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The containment device features a segmented structure with removable lids and side panels that provide easy access to the stuffing box. The tub can be opened from multiple sides, and the lid is designed to be easily removed, allowing operators to access the stuffing box for maintenance, inspection, or adjustment while the containment device remains in place, thus resolving the contradiction between leak containment and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If containment devices are installed around the stuffing box, then leak containment capability is improved, but proper liquid seal becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak containment capabilityVSAvoidliquid seal implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The containment device incorporates specialized sealing surfaces and gasket materials at specific locations where liquid seals are required. The tub includes recessed sealing surfaces, O-ring grooves, and flanged connections with gaskets positioned precisely where liquid tight seals are needed, such as at the stuffing box penetration and lid connections, achieving proper liquid seals without complicating the overall device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus effectively contains leaks, reduces environmental pollution, and promotes environmentally conscious practices without significant increases in cost or time, ensuring easy assembly, access, and reliable liquid sealing.

Implementation Method 1

The float switch is mounted in the first portion of the wall such that the float switch is moved from an on-position to an off-position when a level of liquid in the concave tub exceeds a predetermined level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

The lower rim defines a bottom aperture configured to receive a portion of a stuffing box therethrough in a fluid tight seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

The lid is dome-shaped and with an upper opening, which receives a polish rod therethrough in a water resistant seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10287862B2Stuffing box leak containment apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 ANTI-POLLUTION INNOVATIONS LP

AI summary

A containment apparatus for protecting a surrounding environment from leaks originating from a stuffing box is provided. In some embodiments, the containment apparatus utilizes a float switch to switch off a pump associated with the stuffing box when the level of a liquid in the vessel exceeds a predetermined level. The switch can communicate ultrasonically with a receiver that relays a message to a user. In some embodiments, the vessel comprises two half vessels that are lined by a metal frame along their mating edges.