Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a fire spread-limiting assembly comprising a heat resistant covering; and a cooling fluid circulation assembly comprising: a cooling fluid source integrated to the heat resistant covering, one or more flexible fluid lines being part of the heat resistant covering, and a pump fluidly connected to said one or more flexible fluid lines and to the cooling fluid source and configured to circulate the cooling fluid within said one or more flexible fluid lines upon actuation. There is also disclosed a method for limiting a spread of a fire.

Abstract: A fracturing device, a firefighting method thereof, and a computer readable storage medium are disclosed. The fracturing device includes a power unit, the power unit includes a muffling compartment, a turbine engine, and a firefighting system; the firefighting system includes a firefighting material generator, at least one firefighting sprayer and at least one firefighting detector, the at least one firefighting sprayer and the at least one firefighting detector are located in the muffling compartment, each of the at least one firefighting sprayer is connected with the firefighting material generator and configured to spray out firefighting material generated by the firefighting material generator.

Abstract: The technology relates to a submersible water lifting assembly and automatic fire fighting system for unmanned platforms having said system (1) that is efficient yet simple to install, energy saving, noise free and economical. The submersible water lifting assembly can comprise a High flow Ratio ejector Pump (30/30A) that utilizes under water arrangements of unmanned platform and enables the fire-fighting system to efficiently lift water from the sea water; using the force of existing water injection system; eliminating the requirement of diesel engine driven pump, for lifting the water. It avoids fire risk of the safety system itself, even in conditions of a large fire, unlike that of the prior art.

Abstract: Drilling-fluid monitoring technology for a drilling rig's drilling-fluid circulation system. Pairs of vertically separated pressure sensors are installed at various points in the circulation system, including at the bell nipple or flow line, to provide drilling-fluid density information at different points in the circulation system. The bell nipple/flow line sensors provide information about the height of the fluid in the bell nipple and the density of the drilling fluid before the cuttings are removed from the fluid. Changes in the bell-nipple drilling-fluid density or height may indicate potentially dangerous borehole conditions. Similarly, comparisons between bell-nipple drilling-fluid density with the density at other points in the circulation system provide information about the status of the circulation system. This information may be used to operate the drilling rig more safely and efficiently during the drilling process.

Abstract: A fracturing device, a firefighting method thereof, and a computer readable storage medium are disclosed. The fracturing device includes a power unit, the power unit includes a muffling compartment, a turbine engine, and a firefighting system; the firefighting system includes a firefighting material generator, at least one firefighting sprayer and at least one firefighting detector, the at least one firefighting sprayer and the at least one firefighting detector are located in the muffling compartment, each of the at least one firefighting sprayer is connected with the firefighting material generator and configured to spray out firefighting material generated by the firefighting material generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a subterranean wellbore using a drill string. The apparatus includes a riser, a sealing device arranged in the riser so as to form a first riser chamber and a second riser chamber, and a riser booster pump. The riser at least partly contains the drill string and defines a substantially annular space around the drill string. The second chamber is in a fluid communication with the riser booster pump so that a kill fluid stored in the second riser chamber may be maintained at a first pressure which is greater than a second pressure of a drilling fluid in the first riser chamber.

Abstract: A throttling valve formed by introducing an elongate tubular body into a tubular member through which fluid is flowing. The tubular body is provided with first and second ends, the first end being adapted for engaging a flow control device and the second end having a beveled end that enables fluid communication between the tubular member and the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with a tapered stem, the outside diameter of the stem proximate the first end of the tubular body being greater than the outside diameter of the stem proximate the second end, for seating against the opening in the end of the tubular member and effecting a seal between the outside surface of the stem and the margin of the opening in the tubular member. An elastomeric or other seal may be mounted on the outside surface of the stem for this same purpose.

Abstract: Fire suppression systems and methods are described. One described system includes a housing configured to house a container of a fire suppression material, a delivery block in fluid communication with the container, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the delivery block and configured to disperse the fire suppression material from the delivery block. The described system can also include a power supply; a thermal indicator coupled to the power supply and operable to: detect the presence of a fire, generate a first signal indicating the presence of the fire, and transmit the first signal; and an actuator coupled to the power supply, the actuator in communication with the thermal indicator and configured to cause the fire suppression material to be transferred from the container to the delivery block in response to receipt of the first signal.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is located in a closed containment enclosure surrounding a storage bin and comprises a closed tank (28) positioned on the storage bin containing a liquid (26) and having a fireproof shield enclosing the tank and a liquid level control system for controlling the level of liquid in the tank with the tank (28) comprising at least one opening in communication with the closed container enclosure, and at least one internal chamber in direct communication with the storage bin via a flue pipe and at least one external chamber in direct communication with the containment enclosure via said at least one opening.

Abstract: In the event of a failure of a fire prevention or extinguishing system, an inertization method reduces the fire risk in an enclosed protected area, where the oxygen content in the area can be maintained on a control concentration that lies below an operating concentration for a certain time period, so that the emergency operation phase is sufficiently long to prevent the ignition and/or re-ignition of combustible materials therein. The control concentration is maintained for an emergency operation period by a redundant secondary source. Alternatively, the control concentration and the operating concentration, while forming a safety margin, can be lowered so far below the design concentration that in the event of a primary source failure, the growth curve of the oxygen content reaches a limit concentration determined for the area in a predefined period, which is sufficiently long to continue to prevent the ignition and/or re-ignition of the combustible materials.

Abstract: In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.

Abstract: Equipment and method for extinguishing an oil fire where said oil is delivered through a 10 to 60 inch diameter pipe. The oil feed pipe is crushed in place, and the feed of oil to the fire is eliminated or largely reduced. This method is more economical than prior art methods, and response time is faster than prior art methods. With pipe crushing, explosives and other oxygen starvation techniques are not needed, but they could be used in combination.

Abstract: Fire extinguishing and oil and gas well recovery system, which is particularly suitable for use in oil and petrochemical mining, characterised in that it comprises a detailed sequence of operations that are performed by means of a special caterpillar vehicle that can move safely over difficult terrain or through the desert. The vehicle can be used to approach the well while guaranteeing the safety of individuals, to position the explosive charge and detonate it for the subsequent recovery of the well. The special vehicle is equipped with an articulated arm, which together with a jib crane can handle any type of element, a front hydraulic shovel; rear motorisation, a control cabin and several pressurised water canons. The whole unit is heat-protected by means of special thermal insulation.

Abstract: An engine/steam generator which converts hydrogen peroxide to superheated steam and oxygen and having an afterburner that together with a reducing agent, utilizes the oxygen, thereby supplying oxygen free super-heated steam under pressure for oil well stimulation. Fluids such as water and KH30 can be injected into the engine/stem generator. The invention also relates to an apparatus and methods of incineration, soil remediation, land fill remediation, controlled vault burning, chemical atomization/vaporization, home heating, generation of electricity, diesel engine exhaust cleaning, steam turbine, gas path cleaner for jet engines, steam cleaning, natural gas engine power booster emission reducer, chemical storage tank cleaning, portable gas drive, and metal tempering.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a fire in a multi-floored building, a method of treating fire in a multi-floored building, and a portable apparatus for assembly and subsequent treating of a fire in a multi-floored building are disclosed. The apparatus, method and system include a curvilinear tubular structure and a bracing system coupled to a source of a fluid pressure.

Abstract: A canister fire extinguishing assembly includes a device that is adapted for removably coupling to a fire extinguisher. The device includes a container that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge. A mounting is attached to an outer surface of the peripheral wall for removably mounting the fire extinguisher to the container. A valve actuating assembly is removably coupled to the extinguisher. The valve actuating assembly is adapted for actuating a valve of the fire extinguisher and for directing pressurized fire extinguishing composition therein into the container when smoke is detected within the container or a temperature of greater than 50° C. is detected.

Abstract: A system that controls nitrogen pressure in the ullage of a power transformer that has its windings submerged in oil. The pressure is controlled in a narrow range of approximately 0.5 psi to approximately 2.0 psi. A nitrogen generator supplies the nitrogen to a reservoir from which it is distributed to the ullage as well as to accessories such as a load tap changer or a control box. A temperature regulator is provided for substation installations that are located in climates with wide ambient temperature variations to control the pressure of the generated nitrogen in an acceptable range.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling safety valves used for shutting off high pressure upward flow through drill pipe or tubing. The apparatus includes an adjustable clamp assembly for holding the safety valve; a three-stage double-acting hydraulic extension system to provide horizontal (and optionally, rotational) movement of the safety valve; a telescoping, mechanically-extending stanchion with a stabilizing plate attached to the hydraulic extension system; a stable track assembly for vertical movement of the apparatus; and a positioning arm with a yoke for placement against the drill pipe or tubing, providing a distance measurement used to vertically align the safety valve with the drill pipe or tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling safety valves used for shutting off high pressure upward flow through drill pipe or tubing. The apparatus includes an adjustable clamp assembly for holding the safety valve; a three-stage double-acting hydraulic extension system to provide horizontal (and optionally, rotational) movement of the safety valve; a stable track assembly for vertical movement of the apparatus; and a positioning arm with a yoke for placement against the drill pipe or tubing, providing a distance measurement used to vertically align the safety valve with the drill pipe or tubing.

Abstract: System for controlling oil well fires by blocking the production or drilling pipes. A box incorporating a movable piston is fitted around the pipe. The piston carries, on its forward end, a drilling cylinder (3), which can be brought to the pipe by a hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement. Subsequently, the drilling cylinder drills through the pipe wall and after that the drilling cylinder or a separate plugging cylinder (4) is left in the drilled hole and blocks the fluid flow through the pipe. The process is remote controlled.

Abstract: A highly effective module for preventing corrosion of oil well pipes and equipment and for preventing resulting fires and explosions. The module is a collar formed from slitted and expanded metal net and is adapted to fit in the annular space between the oil production pipe and the outer casing of the oil well, to prevent oxygen from the atmosphere from entering the annular space at the top of the well, and to exclude hydrocarbon vapors from the subterranean production zone from entering the annular space at the bottom of the well. The invention also relates to methods for extinguishing a burning oil well.

Abstract: In a well drilling system a fire suppression apparatus includes a pressure rated bell nipple or enclosure member mounted on the blowout preventer and including an elongated central passage opening at one end to an enlarged bore portion adjacent a restabbing flange. Diametrically opposed convergent nozzles open into the enlarged bore portion and are connected to a source of pressure water and/or a source of pressure fire extinguishing fluid by way of a manifold and respective remotely controllable shut off valves and check valves. The enclosure replaces a conventional bell nipple and provides an added measure of fire suppression protection in the event of uncontrolled flow of well fluids from the well. Branch conduit sections are connected to the main conduit section of the enclosure to provide a cuttings evacuation fluid flow line and a fill up or well fluid diversion line.

Abstract: A well drilling system for drilling with gaseous drilling fluid, particularly natural gas, in a closed circulation path including an enclosure or bell nipple mounted on a wellhead between the wellbore and a rotary control head for the drillstem. The enclosure redirects the flow of cuttings laden gaseous drilling fluid being circulated out of the well and includes a plurality of fire extinguishing fluid injection nozzles arranged to inhibit or extinguish fire within the enclosure and the rotary control head. Drill cuttings are separated from the gaseous drilling fluid in a pressure vessel which includes separator baffles and a drill cuttings port and valve arrangement for dumping samples and substantial quantities of drill cuttings collected within the pressure vessel during operation of the system. The enclosure and fire extinguishing system may be used in conjunction with operations using conventional liquid drilling fluids and conventional liquid-solids separation equipment.

Abstract: An effective method for diminishing hydrocarbon vapors in fuel tanks and thereby avoiding expensive, complicated and risky procedures for capturing purged hydrocarbon vapors during refueling. The method involves filling the fuel tank with multiple pieces of expanded metal net formed in the shape of ellipsoids, to inhibit the formation of hydrocarbon vapors and to promote condensation of such vapors as may be formed.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested spheroids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: A highly effective module for preventing corrosion of oil well pipes and equipment and for preventing resulting fires and explosions. The module is a collar formed from slitted and expanded metal net and is adapted to fit in the annular space between the oil production pipe and the outer casing of the oil well, to prevent oxygen from the atmosphere from entering the annular space at the top of the well, and to exclude hydrocarbon vapors from the subterranean production zone from entering the annular space at the bottom of the well. The invention also relates to methods for extinguishing a burning oil well.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for the cooling and quenching of destructive fires. The Fire Extinguishing Capsule comprises two double-walled hemishapes which are sealed together by an equatorial belt seal which may be raptured in order to disperse the extinguishant in the capsule. The capsule may be suspended in sire or from a hook and ladder system or a helicopter in the case of forest fires or oil well fires or transported by sled to a fire scene.

Abstract: Apparatus for extinguishing an oil well fire includes a platform which is maneuvered by helicopters into a position centered on the well casing. A radial slot formed in the platform guides the casing to pass to the center of the platform. A latch secures the platform around the casing. The platform supports a plurality of dewar tanks containing liquid helium. Each dewar tank has a remotely controlled release device. In the preferred embodiment, this release device comprises an explosive charge, but in other embodiments may be a remotely controlled valve. At least three cables, attached to the platform in circumferentially spaced apart relation, enable an equal number of helicopters to move the platform stably. The platform is preferably made from titanium. The cables are steel sheathed in insulating material. When used, the device is maneuvered onto the well casing, and a remote signal releases the helium. The helium absorbs heat and expands.

Abstract: A highly efficient fuel containment medium which is adapted to protect neighboring facilities against fire or explosion of flammable materials accidentally released from above-ground storage tanks. The fuel containment medium has special applicability for use in diked areas surrounding fuel storage tanks. The medium effectively suppresses flame heights and spread rates in pool fires in said diked areas. The containment medium comprises a mineral aggregate mixed with a flame-effects modifier such as fragments of expanded metal net made from magnesium alloy foil. In a preferred embodiment, the aggregate is sand or gravel, and the flame-effects modifier comprises ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil.

Abstract: Fires in oil wells are contained by placing a pipe ring containing selectively located and aimed spray nozzles around a burning oil well by a self-propelled vehicle that includes a controllable boom for raising and lowering the pipe ring and a pump to supply liquid carbon dioxide to the spray nozzles to form a substantially cylindrical or conical volume of liquid carbon dioxide around the oil well. The spray excludes oxygen from the region inside the cylindrical volume and the fire is extinguished by lack of oxygen as it is cooled. Some of the spray may be directed away from the pipe ring to cool heated objects near the fire. In one embodiment of the invention, a ring containing spray nozzles is moved by a walking boom to surround and put out a fire in a well in which the flow rate is relatively high.

Abstract: A control system for wild oil and gas wells etc. using a centered, angled tubular device placed over and attached to the well head by clamps and remotely controlled hydraulic cylinders. The discharge of the well is directed into the bottom of the device, having movable blades forming two apertures used to minimize the induction of air from the exterior. Inert gas from engines powering pumps is injected into the space between the apertures, so that greater than atmospheric pressure in this chamber will result in the outflow of inert gas and prevent induction of air. Inert gas can also be injected into the main body of the device when required to prevent combustion. High pressure motive fluid is discharged from nozzles within the angled chamber of the device, directing the oil and liquids which impinge on the upper surface of the tube to be directed by baffles to its bottom, then flowing into a collecting trough and drawn through slots in the trough bottom by fluid jet eductors.

Abstract: A technique for controlling an oilwell fire is provided which utilizes boxes (10, 40, 60) formed of autoclave cellular concrete. This material is sufficiently heat resistant to survive the temperatures of a burning oilwell and provide the possibility of extinguishing the fire and creating a mechanism to put the oilwell back into production with relative ease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high capacity movable plant for continuously distributing nitrogen in gaseous phase or in a mixture gaseous and liquid phases for extinguishing fires comprising at least a high capacity thermally insulated tank for storing nitrogen in liquid phase at a temperature of about -196.degree. C. and at maximum pressure of about 405.2 kPa and from which nitrogen in liquid phase is supplied, with a liquid nitrogen supplying capacity of about 50 m.sup.3, to a pumping unit comprising at least three pumps each having each a flow rate of 175 m.sup.3 /h with a maximum differential pressure of 1013 kPa. The liquid nitrogen is vaporized in the vaporization and mixture regulation unit with a vaporization capacity of about 360,000 m.sup.3 /h for liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: A open air fire quencher comprises a vessel having a substantially airtight top and sides and at least a partially open bottom. The open bottom permits placement of the vessel vertically down over a flame source until the bottom rests on a grade surrounding the flame source. The vessel includes an inner quenching chamber and an outer chamber. The outer chamber may be filled with water to absorb the thermal energy from the flame source. The outer chamber includes a drain to allow water to be released downward. The released water assists in forming an airtight seal around the open bottom. The released water further assists in cooling the area surrounding the flame. In a further embodiment the inner chamber has a flame deflector and the vessel includes an extinguishing system for spraying the flame source with an extinguishing substance.

Abstract: Fires in oil wells are contained by placing a pipe ring containing selectively located and aimed spray nozzles around a burning oil well by a self-propelled vehicle that includes a controllable boom for raising and lowering the pipe ring and a pump to supply liquid carbon dioxide to the spray nozzles to form a substantially cylindrical or conical volume of liquid carbon dioxide around the oil well. The spray excludes oxygen from the region inside the cylindrical volume and the fire is extinguished by lack of oxygen as it is cooled. Some of the spray may be directed away from the pipe ring to cool heated objects near the fire. In one embodiment of the invention, a ring containing spray nozzles is moved by a walking boom to surround and put out a fire in a well in which the flow rate is relatively high.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and process to extinguish fires in oil wells by encircling the nucleus of the fire by creating a barrier of isolation of the fuel. The apparatus expands gases in the gaseous and liquid states and directs such gases upon, under and around the nucleus of fire, encircling it at 360 degrees and isolating it completely from the atmospheric air, while at the same time causing the convenient cooling of the nucleus of fire, thereby avoiding any possibility of auto-ignition. The process and apparatus of extinguishing fires in oil wells either in land or at sea, is also disclosed which uses a derrick type hoist, to place the apparatus around the fire, and to apply simultaneously a non-combustible gas in the liquid state (for example, carbon dioxide CO.sub.2, or bromochlorine-difluormetane, or nitrogen or any other commercially known gas like HALON 1211), and the same gas in the gaseous state.

Abstract: Conventional bombs or commercially available explosives are selectively placed about well pipes and exploded to cause closure of the well pipe and thus resulting in substantial reduction in the flow of oil and gas to facilitate extinguishing the fire thereon. Explosive charges are selectively placed about the well pipes in slanting holes so to remove the cellar assembly, make a ramp to the well pipe, and to close the well pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to be mounted over a flaming oil wellhead to extinguish the flames. The invention includes a base having hydraulically operable arms designed to allow secure support of the base over the oil wellhead even in uneven terrain. A cap device is mountable on the base and includes tangentially arranged ports designed to supply the interior of the cap with a fluid such as liquid nitrogen to cool and extinguish the flames. The cap may include a labyrinth tortuous path restrictor forcing escaping combustion products and other gases to follow a tortuous path to atmosphere to thereby cause the gases to lose energy and cool as they escape.

Abstract: A device for extinguishing oil well fires having an inverted conical steel chamber which is lifted by a crane and placed over the wellhead of a burning oil well. The chamber is dropped into place so that it embeds itself into the sand or soil around the wellhead. Numerous fire hoses supply water to the interior of the chamber to extinguish the fire. Gas exhaust valves vent the interior of the chamber so that the pressure of the steam created does not lift the chamber off of the fire. A remotely controlled damper plate at the top of the chamber can be closed to seal off the fire inside the chamber. The chamber is made in sections that can be dissassembled and nested together for ease in shipping or storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency spill basin for collecting flammable and/or environmentally unsound materials issuing from a chemical plant in the event of a major accident. According to the invention, the basin comprises a deep shaft (1) constructed in the ground, which is closed at the bottom (2) and has a diameter smaller than its depth. Arranged in the longitudinal direction of the shaft (1) is a fire-extinguishing gas pipe (4) extending into the vicinity of the bottom (2) of the shaft and comprising outlet openings (5) spaced along its length. Provided on the bottom (2) of the shaft is a layer of nonflammable granules (3) of low specific gravity.

Abstract: A steerable compression clamp assembly includes a guide plate for aligning the assembly with an oil wellhead casing and clamp and compression assemblies for collapsing the casing to seal same. The clamp assembly provides an articulating arm which cooperates with a stop arm. The compression assembly includes a pair of crushing dies which mount to a hydraulic ram. In alternative configurations, a cable directed drag skid or a tracked vehicle support the compression assembly. Remotely mounted controls direct machine operation and steering. A hydraulic cylinder may also be included with a split duide plate to provide a controlled separation of the guide plate during compression.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extinguishing oil well fires by plugging a wellhead pipe from which oil, gas and a fire flame front are emanating including centering and fluid ballasting a capper over the wellhead pipe, forcibly inserting the capper into the wellhead pipe to seal the wellhead pipe and introducing mud through the capper into the wellhead pipe to "kill" the fire. The apparatus includes the capper, fluid ballast and pressure exerting apparatus and plugging apparatus.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a method of extinguishing an oil well fire includes positioning an elongated tubular member in an upright position over the opening of the well with the lower end of the member engaging the ground to substantially contain the flame to the interior thereof and to shut off the supply of air into its lower end, and forming an earth back-fill around the lower end portion of the tubular member to shut off all supply of air into its interior.

Abstract: An oil/gas separator is disclosed that can be utilized to return the burning wells in Kuwait to production. Advantageously, a crane is used to install the separator at a safe distance from the well. The gas from the well is burned off at the site, and the oil is immediately pumped into Kuwait's oil gathering system. Diverters inside the separator prevent the oil jet coming out of the well from reaching the top vents where the gas is burned. The oil falls back down, and is pumped from an annular oil catcher at the bottom of the separator, or from the concrete cellar surrounding the well.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this invention provides a cannon-like device for projecting a sheath of fire extinguishing particles rapidly upwardly along a flaming oil and/or gas stream gushing up from an oil and/or gas well. The sheath instantaneously insulates the oil and/or gas in the stream from the surrounding atmosphere to freeze the flame at the tip of the sheath and shield the stream within the sheath from contact with the flaming oil and/or gas above and around the stream of oil and/or gas enclosed within the sheath until all of the already flaming oil and/or gas has been burned out. The method for eliminating the flames above the outlet of an oil well is accomplished by separating the oil and/or gas stream flowing from the oil and/or gas well from the flames by producing a sheath of fire extinguishing material, driven by an explosive charge into a position to surround and separate the oil and/or gas stream from the flames.

Abstract: In an apparatus and process for extinguishing the fire of an escaping flow of fossil fuel, such as from an oil or gas well, the preferred apparatus comprises a boom-held, open-ended, split stack equipped with quench fluid outlets on its inside and structure for spreading the stack and closing it around the flame to confine and operate on the flame front. The process involves closing such stack around the flame, preferably with the quench fluid flowing from the opened-up stack as it approaches the fire, then continuing such flow until the fire goes out and the fuel vapors and equipment in the former flame zone are below autoignition temperature.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for controlling large hydrocarbon-fueled fires contemplates the use of vapors produced by direct contact vapor generators to simultaneously cool the flames and deprive the fire of oxygen. A direct contact vapor generator accomplishes fire suppression by surrounding the fire with oxygen-free gases while cooling the flames with water vapor. The direct contact vapor generator is uniquely suited for extinguishing hydrocarbon-fueled fires because of its ability to produce oxygen-free gases and vapor in sufficient quantity to snuff out a fire of the magnitude of those occurring at the sabotaged wellheads in Kuwait in 1991 as well as oil field, oil storage facility, and oil refinery type fires.

Abstract: A system to extinguish oil well fires includes screens for dispersing an oil jet through the walls of a cylinder by the use of layered mesh screens, resulting in the reduction of the velocity of the oil jet by impact with the screens and the interior wall of the cylinder to a point where it will then flow down the wall of the cylinder by gravity. This system also includes a collar around the cylinder, through which water will be pumped and sprayed on the cylinder through holes formed in the collar and directed at the cylinder. Additional holes may also be formed and may also be formed and directed to the surrounding area to help extinguish any remaining ground fire. This system allows the flame of an oil well fire to go into the cylinder and the combustion in the cylinder will then produce carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide is prevented from escaping by a flapper valve, which seals the cylinder from a rush of external air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capping a burning or blown out oil or gas well are disclosed. A pipe is placed over a flange and casing on a wellhead and welded thereto using thermite welding. The thermite reaction occurs in one or more crucibles mounted to the pipe. Graphite feeders direct the molten metal produced by the reaction into apertures near the bottom of the central pipe. The feeders join the pipe at an angle such that the molten metal flows into the annular space between the interior of the pipe and the wellhead structure in a generally circular flow pattern. A malleable clamp to conform to the configuration of the pipe and flange is provided to hold the pipe in place over the flange and act as a mold for the molten metal during the welding process. After the weld has formed, a valve in the pipe is closed, which simultaneously shuts off the flow of oil and extinguishes the fire by depriving it of oil, its fuel.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, an oil well fire fighting vehicle includes a reciprocated cable mechanism to cut off damaged well casing above ground level, and a slot region and gripping members that attach the vehicle to the cut-off casing when the vehicle is positioned thereover. A diverter deflects the oil flow away from the front of the vehicle, and a packer and valve assembly are forced down into the casing to pack-off the same and confine the oil flow to the valve which can be closed to shut in the well. Various heads for controlling the flow of oil from the well also are disclosed.