APPARATUS & METHODS FOR MECHANICALLY COUPLING A SEALING SYSTEM AROUND THE OPENING TO AN UNDERGROUND BOREHOLE

摘要

Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface includes a reusable load-supporting surface having at least two sealingly interconnected mats surrounding and spaced-away from the borehole opening. At least one flexible, planar spanner is configured to extend between the borehole wall and mats. At least one elongated spanner support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the borehole wall. At least one elongated lip support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the mats.

主权项

1. 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 having a wall formed of wood, cement, metal or other material extending around its opening, the apparatus comprising:
a reusable load-supporting surface including at least two sealingly interconnected mats constructed of impermeable plastic, said mats being spaced away from and at least partially surrounding the borehole opening; at least one flexible, planar spanner configured to extend between the borehole wall and said mats; at least one elongated spanner support configured to be positioned atop part of at least one said spanner and mechanically couple said at least one spanner to the borehole wall in forming a liquid tight seal therebetween; and at least one elongated lip support configured to be positioned atop or below part of at least one said spanner and mechanically couple said at least one spanner to at least one said mat in forming a liquid tight seal therebetween, wherein 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.