Stuffing Box Leak Containment Apparatus with Segmented Vessel
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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, maintain, and inspect, and often lack a proper liquid seal.
Innovation Solution
A containment apparatus featuring a gasket, seal ring, stabilizer bar, and liquid-tight containment vessel with half shells and a topper, designed for easy assembly and access, providing a stable and leak-proof seal around the stuffing box, allowing for visual inspection without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If prior containment devices are used to contain leaking material, then environmental contamination is reduced, but assembly and removal become tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device is divided into multiple segments including a containment vessel, seal ring, gaskets, and stabilizer bars that can be independently assembled and removed. This segmentation allows for easy installation and removal while maintaining effective leak containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements such as flexible gaskets and adjustable seal rings that can adapt to the stuffing box geometry during assembly and removal, making the operation easier while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If prior containment devices are used to contain leaking material, then environmental contamination is reduced, but disassembly is required to access the stuffing box
Solution Approach 1:
The containment vessel is designed as a separate segment that can be removed independently to access the stuffing box, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire device while maintaining leak containment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stuffing box access is extracted as a separate function from the containment function, allowing the containment vessel to remain in place while the stuffing box area remains accessible for maintenance operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If prior containment devices are used to contain leaking material, then environmental contamination is reduced, but proper liquid seal is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Gaskets and seal rings are introduced as intermediary elements between the containment vessel and the stuffing box, providing a reliable liquid seal that prevents leakage while allowing the containment structure to function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible gaskets and seal rings are used to create a reliable liquid seal around the stuffing box, accommodating slight movements and geometry variations while maintaining effective leak prevention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If prior containment devices are used to contain leaking material, then environmental contamination is reduced, but visual inspection of the stuffing box becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device is segmented to allow visual inspection of the stuffing box through openings or transparent sections of the containment vessel, enabling monitoring without removing the containment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Transparent or translucent seal rings and gaskets are used as intermediaries that provide sealing functionality while allowing visual inspection of the stuffing box condition through the containment vessel walls.
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, stabilizes the containment vessel, and enables easy access and inspection, promoting environmental safety without significant increases in cost or time, thereby encouraging environmentally conscious practices.
Implementation Method 1
The seal ring has an upper end carrying an external circumferential groove and a lower end with an outwardly projecting flange. The flange interrupted by at least two slots. The apparatus also includes a stabilizer bar having at least two upwardly extending flanges. When positioned on the pumping tee, the stabilizer bar's upwardly extending flanges extend through the slots of the seal ring. Positioned within the circumferential groove of the seal ring is a second gasket.
Implementation Method 2
To capture any leaks, the apparatus includes a liquid tight containment vessel comprising a first half shell and a second half shell. Alignment of the first half shell with the second half shell defines the liquid tight containment vessel. The containment vessel has a lower opening. The lower opening cooperates with the second gasket to provide a liquid tight seal when the containment vessel is positioned on the seal ring.
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus also includes a stabilizer bar having at least two upwardly extending flanges. When positioned on the pumping tee, the stabilizer bar's upwardly extending flanges extend through the slots of the seal ring.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for containing leaks from a stuffing box on a wellhead production assembly is provided. The apparatus comprises a containment vessel consisting of two half shells that are joined below the stuffing box. The apparatus further comprises a seal subassembly. The components of the seal subassembly are positioned one the nipple and pumping tee below the stuffing box. The half shells are positioned about and joined to the seal subassembly in a manner that provides a liquid tight seal. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a transparent topper having an upper opening to receive a polished rod extending from the stuffing box. The topper is secured to the containment vessel in a liquid tight manner such that the stuffing box is substantially isolated from the environment. As such, any leaks originating from the stuffing box will be contained in the apparatus.