Well fluid leak detection and response apparatus and method
First Claim
1. An above-ground, well fluid leak detection and response apparatus comprising:
- at least one well fluid leak detector established to generate information regarding the presence of a leak of well fluid from an in-situ leach mining wellhead;
a communication system configured to convey said information;
a programmable logic controller configured to act according to said information;
a response system coordinated with said programmable logic controller to automatically act in the event of detection of said well fluid leak;
an environmental enclosure that comprehensively surrounds said well fluid leak detector and said wellhead, wherein said enclosure rests on a ground surface at a ground and atmosphere interface and comprises an affirmatively thermally insulative material;
a leaked fluid capture basin established as a bottom part of said enclosure;
at least one opening through said leaked fluid capture basin, said at least one opening sized to accommodate a well fluid entrance conduit portion of said wellhead and a well fluid exit conduit portion of said wellhead, wherein well fluid enters said enclosure through said well fluid entrance conduit portion and exits said enclosure through said well fluid exit conduit portion;
wherein said leaked fluid capture basin is sealed against said well fluid entrance conduit portion and said well fluid exit conduit portion to capture well fluid that leaks from said wellhead, andwherein said at least one well fluid leak detector is established within said environmental enclosure;
said apparatus further comprising;
a functionality verification system that comprises;
a leak simulator configured to simulate a leak without leaking a fluid;
from said wellhead; and
a communication system functionality validator;
said apparatus further comprising;
at least one power supply that powers said at least one well fluid leak detector, said communication system, said programmable logic controller, said functionality verification system, and said response system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the inventive technology may provide a leaked fluid detection and response system in one aspect, and in another aspect, an environmental enclosure for at least a component of such leaked fluid detection system. Various embodiments of the leaked fluid detection and response system may provide wireless communication of detected leaks and a PLC that automates response and provides information regarding the presence of a leak. Enclosures may, in various embodiments, comprehensively surround enclosed components, thermally insulate enclosed components, include a leaked fluid capture basin, be aerodynamically streamlined, and/or be vermin-tight.
30 Citations
23 Claims
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1. An above-ground, well fluid leak detection and response apparatus comprising:
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at least one well fluid leak detector established to generate information regarding the presence of a leak of well fluid from an in-situ leach mining wellhead; a communication system configured to convey said information; a programmable logic controller configured to act according to said information; a response system coordinated with said programmable logic controller to automatically act in the event of detection of said well fluid leak; an environmental enclosure that comprehensively surrounds said well fluid leak detector and said wellhead, wherein said enclosure rests on a ground surface at a ground and atmosphere interface and comprises an affirmatively thermally insulative material; a leaked fluid capture basin established as a bottom part of said enclosure; at least one opening through said leaked fluid capture basin, said at least one opening sized to accommodate a well fluid entrance conduit portion of said wellhead and a well fluid exit conduit portion of said wellhead, wherein well fluid enters said enclosure through said well fluid entrance conduit portion and exits said enclosure through said well fluid exit conduit portion; wherein said leaked fluid capture basin is sealed against said well fluid entrance conduit portion and said well fluid exit conduit portion to capture well fluid that leaks from said wellhead, and wherein said at least one well fluid leak detector is established within said environmental enclosure; said apparatus further comprising; a functionality verification system that comprises; a leak simulator configured to simulate a leak without leaking a fluid;
from said wellhead; anda communication system functionality validator; said apparatus further comprising; at least one power supply that powers said at least one well fluid leak detector, said communication system, said programmable logic controller, said functionality verification system, and said response system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A well fluid leak detection and response method comprising the steps of:
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establishing at least one well fluid leak detector to generate information regarding the presence of a leak of well fluid from an in-situ leach mining wellhead; enclosing said at least one well fluid leak detector and said wellhead within an environmental enclosure that is affirmatively thermally insulated; resting said environmental enclosure on a ground surface at a ground and atmosphere interface; sealing all openings of said environmental enclosure through which well fluid conduit passes; establishing a leaked fluid capture basin as a part of said environmental enclosure and below said wellhead; establishing a communication system to convey said information; configuring a programmable logic controller to act according to said information; coordinating a response system with the programmable logic controller to automatically act in the event of detection of said well fluid leak; configuring a functionality verification system to; simulate a leak from said wellhead without leaking a fluid from said wellhead; validate communication system functionality; and powering said at least one well fluid leak detector, said communication system, said programmable logic controller, the functionality verification system and said response system. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. A well fluid leak detection and response method comprising the steps of:
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establishing an environmental enclosure at a ground and atmosphere interface to surround a wellhead by resting said environmental enclosure on said ground, wherein said environmental enclosure is affirmatively thermally insulated; leaking well fluid from a leak of said wellhead; detecting presence of said leak with at least one fluid leak detector; capturing said leaked well fluid with a leaked fluid capture basin that forms part of said environmental enclosure; conveying, with a communication system, information relative to presence of said leak to outside of said environmental enclosure; using a programmable logic controller to act according to said information; automatically acting with a response system in the event of detection of said leak, wherein said response system is coordinated with said programmable logic controller; verifying system functionality by simulating a leak without leaking a fluid from said wellhead, and validating communication system functionality; and powering the at least one well fluid leak detector, the communication system, the programmable logic controller, the functionality verification system and the response system. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification