Abstract: A device and method for extinguishing wellhead fires is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of placing a screen member directly onto said wellhead such that the area of combustion is entirely above said screen, raising said screen from said wellhead to create a distance of free-flowing but non-burning oil, and placing a diversion member into the flow path of the non-burning oil. The device comprises an apertured screen member which allows the oil to flow through the apertures while preventing the fire from burning below it.

Abstract: A system for controlling and extinguishing oil and gas well fires, as well as a system for remotely controlling flow of a pipeline. The system of the present invention encapsulates a section of the pipe, such as beneath the oil and gas well. The encapsulated section of pipe is tapped to bleed off the maximum pressure and flow of the pipe which is diverted to a remote storage reservoir. The upper and lower sections of the encapsulated section of pipe are sealed to allow a valve to be installed in the pipe. The pipe is operated by remote-activation to control the flow to the surface. The flow can thus be stopped to allow the surface facilities to be rebuilt or replaced.

Abstract: The present method and apparatus are directed to a fire control system for use with a drilling rig. Multiple nozzle means are positioned around a drilling rig at selected locations to spray water delivered through fire hoses onto the rig to prevent fire damage. The equipment utilizes a skid-mounted engine and connected centrifugal pump for delivery of water from a closed storage tank. An engine control unit adjusts the throttle to an operating speed which delivers no water during normal operation. Subject to control by switch means on the rig floor, either hard wired or by means of a radio transmitter and receiver arrangement, the engine control unit switches the engine to maximum power output. An alarm is also sounded when this occurs. So long as the engine is running, operating lights signal rig personnel that the equipment is operative. The equipment is switched from a slow speed operation to a maximum power output to deliver water under control of rig personnel.

Abstract: A semicylindrical hood is formed with a lower beveled cutting edge arranged for positioning above an oil well fire and its projection, wherein the edge is arranged for a digging into a surrounding environment relative to the fire to effect its discontinuance of oxygen thereto. A first halogen gas conduit and a second water conduit are directed into the hood to effect extinguishing and cooling of a fire contained therewithin. Various guide loops are mounted about the lower edge perimeter for guidance of the hood relative to an associated oil well fire. A pressure relief valve, as well as a temperature indicator organization, is mounted through the hood.

Abstract: A wellhead fire extinguishing apparatus comprises a flame containment housing which is lowered into place above the wellhead fire to create a chimney-like updraft and draw the fire surrounding the wellhead into the housing. The housing is then lowered to the well platform or ground and the flame is cooled by a coolant/flame retardant to cause the ignition point of the flame to rise above a flapper valve in the housing. The flapper valve is closed by remote actuation to separate the flame from the fuel flowing from the wellhead. The unburned fuel is vented from the housing and the flame is extinguished by the coolant/flame retardant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus extinguishes an oil well or gas well fire burning as a consequence of ignited oil and/or gas escaping the well. The method employs an elevated chimney that is placed over the burning well to cause combustion to shift from the well to an elevated position above the well at the top of the chimney as oil and/or gas continue to escape from the well through the chimney. This provides a route for the passage of unignited oil and/or gas from a lower portion of the chimney. The unignited oil and/or gas can be conducted away from the well while oil and/or gas escaping from the top of the chimney continues to burn. The fire is extinguished by closing off the top of the chimney while permitting all of the oil and/or gas escaping from the well to be routed away from the well in unignited condition through the power portion of the chimney. After the fire is extinguished, the chimney can be removed to permit the well to be closed against further escape of oil and/or gas.

Abstract: A method and system for stopping the flow of petroleum from a location along a pipe extending from an underground petroleum deposit, when the location is at, below, or above the surface of the earth. Initially, the location is identified of at least one underground segment of the pipe between the deposit and said location along the pipe. Then, a fluid flow path is established from at least one point on the surface of the earth displaced from the identified point along the pipe to the underground region adjacent to at least one of the underground segments. A flow of a coolant is established in or along the fluid flow path and that flow is controlled whereby sufficient heat is extracted from the underground segment, in effect lowering the temperature of the flowing oil, so that the flow rate of petroleum flowing through the segment is reduced substantially to zero. The blockage may be removed by heating frozen oil in the segment so that flow of oil may be re-established in the well pipe.

Abstract: A system, for extinguishing flames from combustible fluids exiting from a pipe, has an elongated tubular extinguisher body being disposable over the fluid emitting pipe, the extinguisher body having a lower inlet end and an upper outlet end and the body being adapted to accommodate a flow of the combustible fluid through the extinguisher body. A valve arrangement is mounted in the extinguisher body adjacent its upper outlet end for gradually limiting and finally eliminating the flow of the combustible fluid through the extinguisher body. Also, a flame inhibiting structure, including circular nozzle structures, are disposed adjacent the lower inlet end of the body and adjacent the valve arrangement and externally of the extinguisher body for preventing the support of combustion of combustible fluids adjacent the circular nozzle structures.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus provides a safe environment for controlling oil wellhead gushers and fires at such gushers. It includes a main compartment, having a gas exchange lock access, and a flue stack, having a flue outlet, which form a gastight enclosure at the area around the wellhead. The flue stack opens to atmosphere at the flue outlet and a portion of the flue stack is moveable to control the size of the opening and, thus, the flow rate of exiting gases. A nonflammable environment is established in the apparatus, any fire present at the wellhead is relocated exterior to the enclosure, and the relocated fire is extinguished. The apparatus can be provided with at least one baffle that temporarily retains liquids impinging on it while not preventing the flow of gases from the enclosure, and a recovery basin that is positioned below the liquid-gas separation baffle(s) so as to collect and pass the liquids so collected exterior to the apparatus for recovery.

Abstract: The application of sand combined with sandblasting extinguishes oil and gas fires by cutting off oxygen, cooling the area and stopping the fuel supply. Sand mixed with soda ash converts to glass to smother high temperature fires. Sandblasting controls flames while a fire is smothered by mounding with sand.

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.

Abstract: An Oil Well Head Fire Cap is a self-locking and sealing adapter coupling that, when lowered onto an uncontrolled well head fire, will connect a new well head valve to a burning oil well casing. When the valve is closed, the fire is extinguished by stopping the flow of gushing fuel. The Coned shape of the device will allow it to center itself and, when forced down with a cement anchor block, will compress an inner casing into a tapered sleeve until it reaches the seal material and seats. A plurality of spring-engaged sprags, set in recesses, with upwardly pointed horizontal teeth, will roll back, out of the way, as the coupling is lowered on the outer, or surface, casing. As the anchor block is removed, the coupling is lifted by the downhole pressure. The spring-engaged sprags will bite into the outer casing forcing them to roll out tighter against the outer casing, making a firmer grip or deeper "bite".

Abstract: A very simple, safe, and robust device for extinguishing oil well fires consists of an inclined duct which is connected to a vertical duct placed over an oil well fire, and of suitably arranged baffles which are inserted into the inclined dust for redirecting or separating the oil and gas streams. The purpose of the inclined duct is to separate the oil and gas from the two-phase mixture which is produced by a burning well and consequently to decrease the oil evaporation area or volume of combustible gas and starve the fire when the air inflow from the bottom into the vertical duct is reduced or eliminated. The fire-extinguishing device contains only baffles as moving parts which can be operated remotely through pulleys. The separated oil stream can be discharged into the atmosphere or collected into a holding tank until the next phase of work associated with capping of the oil well is initiated, thus reducing the environmental pollution problems and creating a safe zone for personnel to work.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher extinguishes a fire burning relative to a support surface. The fire emanates from an opened end of a pipe. The fire extingisher includes a body having a downward opening cavity for being dropped over the fire to enclose the fire within the cavity; the body has a continuous wall forming a mouth of the cavity; a seal for forming a substantially airtight seal between the continuous wall of the body and the support surface; and a crimp mechanism for crimping the opened end of the pipe after the body is dropped over the fire.

Abstract: The present invention is an oil well fire extinguisher. The oil well extinguisher has a base and a wall structure which extends upwards from the base to enclose an area above the base. Integral with the base is a flange assembly having a series of flanges encircling the base and on which the oil well fire extinguisher is supported. A base opening encircled by a flange leads into a main or throttle chamber within the wall structure. The throttle chamber is encompassed by a throttle assembly which extends upward from the base at an acute angle, resulting in the area of the throttle chamber to decrease as the chamber extends upwards towards the top of the wall structure. A ceramic cap is fixed at the top of the wall structure and deflects oil and heat from the throttle chamber, through velocity diffusion bars, and into an outer collection chamber. The outer collection chamber has velocity diffusion plates having angled lips and extending therein to help with the collection of unburnt oil.

Abstract: A system to mitigate the effect of an environmental release of a contaminant gas. The system includes at least one first fluid effect device (13) positioned in the vicinity of the environmental release (33). A first fluid stream (20), a second fluid stream (23) and a flame (24) may each selectively be discharged from the first fluid device (13) in proximity to the contaminant gas. At least one second fluid effect device (25) also may be positioned in the vicinity of the environmental release (33) and the first fluid effect device (13). A third fluid stream (30) may be discharged from the second fluid device (25) proximate to the contaminant gas. A method to mitigate the effect of an environmental release of a contaminant gas employing the foregoing system is likewise embodied herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a reopenable shut-off valve into a flowing high pressure pipe, such as the production pipe in an uncontrolled flowing well, utilizes a cylindrical outer saddle member attached around the production pipe and providing a housing for the drilling, finishing and plugging assembly. The saddle is welded directly to the pipe section or attached via an intermediate layer of epoxy to add rigidity and strength to the pipe section. A rotary drill is advanced completely through the surrounding saddle and the internal production pipe and is followed axially by a valve plug. Sealing engagement of the valve plug in the cut hole may be attained by expanding the plug with internal fluid pressure or by utilizing a tapered plug held in sealing engagement with the similarly tapered hole by the application of an axial sealing force. A method for accessing the production pipe at an underground location for attaching the pipe plugging apparatus a safe distance from the well head is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are provided for delaying ignition or extinguishing an oil well rig fire through the injection of pressurized carbon dioxide, nitrogen, monoammonia phosphate, or Monnex into the flow of hydrocarbons from the drill pipe and casing through a spool apparatus located above the "Hydril" and blow-out preventers and above the casing but preferably below the mud return line, with untreated water being used as a back-up fluid after the chemicals have been dissipated. Such untreated water is inexpensive, readily available in most instances, and abundant in quantity. Such spool apparatus is equipped with a plurality of novel check valves which allow flow of chemicals upon actuation of the system while shutting off the flow of untreated water. After the chemicals have been dissipated, the novel check valves allow untreated water to flow into the system. The entire system may be activated by a mechanism at the control head of the well.

Abstract: An aqueous solution useful in extinguishing fires is disclosed comprising diammonium phosphate, a water soluble polyol, a water soluble gas-generating agent, a non-combustible viscosity builder and water; when sprayed upon burning surfaces, the solution intumesces and generates a flame-resistant polymeric foam having a high char value; the foam shuts off the air supply to the burning surface and thereby quickly and effectively extinguishes the fire.

Abstract: A stable offshore platform for surface or undersea work is provided by connecting a semisubmersible trailer unit with a workboat. Preferably, two columns of the trailer are joined by a beam member or truss, and this assembly is linked to the workboat via a truss-like trailer tongue with a ball swivel joint. When in transit, the semisubmersible unit is deballasted to a shallow draft condition and towed by the workboat.

Abstract: A snuffer is provided for putting out fires in oil tanks or oil wells which consists of a framework for maintaining an asbestos or the like covering, forming a cap which can be lowered over the fire. A fire retardant fluid may be injected within the snuffer.

Abstract: An extendable utility boom assembly for assisting fire-fighting operations performed from a semi-submersible service vessel upon an offshore platform is disclosed. The boom assembly is moved to operating position by means of a carriage assembly which is mounted for movement along a track secured to the deck of the service vessel. Orientation of the boom assembly in azimuth and pitch is provided by a supporting frame which is pivotally mounted on the carriage assembly for angular movement through a horizontal plane, and a trunnion which is pivotally mounted on the supporting frame for angular movement through a vertical plane. An elongated utility boom is supported by roller bearing elements for axial movement through the trunnion. A first linear actuator is interconnected between the carriage assembly and supporting frame for displacing the supporting frame through the horizontal plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fire suppression on offshore oil platforms including a stab receptacle on an outer surface of a platform connected to a fluid distribution system within the platform for distributing fire suppressing fluid to selected locations, a stab carrying a fluid conduit from a self-propelled service vessel, with the stab being in turn supported on a boom extending from the service vessel, a pumping system on the service vessel for supplying fire suppressing fluid through the conduit to the stab and thereby to the preselected locations. The service vessel is preferably a semi-submersible and includes a system for dynamic positioning of the vessel such as side thrusters in addition to a main propulsion unit.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing apparatus for oil wells has a plurality of containers for containing fire extinguishing material connected to a main fire extinguishing container. The main fire extinguishing container has a conduit leading from a valve in the neck thereof to the interior of a bell nipple positioned on an oil well blow out preventor. A bracket attached to the main container supports a manually operable spring loaded mechanism which is adapted, upon release of the spring loaded plunger contained therein, to open a valve in the neck of the main container and allow the content of the several containers to flow under pressure through conduits into the interior of the bell nipple thus extinguishing a fire therein.

Abstract: The emergency well-control vessel is capable of being moved above an offshore live oil or gas well, over which all normal controls have been lost. The vessel carries special purpose equipments and specially trained personnel for the purpose of bringing the erupted well under control, thereby stopping the pollution of the water body with the ejected formation fluids which form a so-called "plume". Such equipment is adapted to allow the vessel to move over and continue to dispel the plume while simultaneously attempting to regain control of the well. In one aspect, control of the abandoned wellhead and blowout preventers is established with divers working from the vessel or from an auxiliary craft. After control of the blowout preventer stack is confirmed and the same is fully operational, a kill string is lowered through the open blowout preventer stack and as deep down into the well as necessary.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling and preventing an oil blowout comprising a hollow frustoconical dome which is disposable over the end of a well discharge pipe or an offshore rig discharge pipe. At the top of the hollow dome is an axially disposed main valve for the blowoff of oil or gas escaping from the discharge pipe. A plurality of concentrically disposed two-way valves are disposed at the top of the dome about the main valve. With the main valve and the concentrically disposed valves open for the blow off of liquids and fluids, the dome is lowered over the discharge pipe. When the dome is fully lowered, it seats on the bottom surface surrounding the outlet of the discharge pipe. Concrete is poured around the dome to seal the dome to the bottom surface. Connected to the concentrically disposed valves are conduits for conducting gas and oil escaping from the discharge pipe to a storage facility, such as a barge, tank or the like, when the concentrically disposed valves are open for storing oil or gas.

Abstract: A system for delaying the ignition of, or for extinguishing, an oil well rig fire, by injecting an admixture of for example pressurized CO.sub.2 and mono-potassium phosphate into the flow of hydrocarbons from the drill pipe and casing, through a plurality of holds in the wall of a spool apparatus located in the "stack" above the "Hydril" and blow-out preventers and above the casing but preferably below the mud return line element. The spool apparatus is equipped with a plurality of one-way check valves for receiving a plurality of conduits or chicksaw lines for transporting the chemicals from storage tanks to the spool apparatus. The entire system can be manually activated by a spring-loaded mechanism at the control head. Additionally, the system can be used to inject, for example, ammonium hydroxide to neutralize highly toxic gases, known as "sour" gases, arising during a blow-out.

Abstract: An extendable utility boom assembly for assisting fire-fighting operations performed from a semi-submersible service vessel upon an offshore platform is disclosed. The boom assembly is moved to operating position by means of a carriage assembly which is mounted for movement along a track secured to the deck of the service vessel. Orientation of the boom assembly in azimuth and pitch is provided by a supporting frame which is pivotally mounted on the carriage assembly for angular movement through a horizontal plane, and a boom housing which is pivotally mounted on the supporting frame for angular movement through a vertical plane. An elongated utility boom is supported by roller bearing elements for axial movement through the boom housing. A first linear actuator is interconnected between the carriage assembly and supporting frame for displacing the supporting frame through the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A portable safety flare for combustion of waste gases is disclosed for the combustion of combustible gas from oil wells, combustible waste gas from oil refineries and chemical plants, and particularly where it is not desired to go to the expense of installing a flare stack or for use in exploratory operations close to residential areas, or where the flare stack is not functional so that shut-down of the refinery would be required until the flare stack is repaired, and which preferably includes a vehicular trailer body with a floor and having stabilizing supports and side walls movable from closed positions for transport to elevated and heat shielding positions for use, and with provisions for noise suppression, the floor having waste gas burners thereabove with pilots and ignitors for staged combustion of the gas, the floor and walls being protected against the heat generated by the combustion, the trailer having sources of pressure fluid for operating various components and a source of igniting gas, and a mo

Abstract: A process for dynamically killing a well blowout by means of a relief well. A low density fluid is pumped down the relief well and into the blowout well at a rate to produce a frictional pressure loss in the blowout well which when added to the hydrostatic pressure in the blowout well is greater than the static formation pressure but less than the formation fracturing pressure. Injection of the low density fluid is continued until the blowout well goes from two-phase to single-phase flow. Thereafter, a high density fluid such as a drilling mud is pumped down the relief well and into the blowout well. This fluid produces a hydrostatic pressure in the blowout well which is greater than the static formation pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for extinguishing fires consuming combustible fluids, particularly gaseous fluids, issuing from wells, pipes or vent stacks. The apparatus comprises an extinguisher body typically having a cylindrical passageway which is connected in inline flow relationship with the well, pipe or vent stack and through which the flow of combustible fluid must pass. A diffuser cone is mounted within the extinguisher body passageway in coaxial alignment, the apex of the cone directed towards the outlet of the extinguisher body. An extinguisher fluid nozzle is mounted within the extinguisher body passageway for directing a flow of high momentum inert gas against the apex of the conical diffuser. High momentum inert gas is supplied to the nozzle when it is required to extinguish a fire consuming the combustible fluid passing through the extinguisher body and out of the well, pipe or vent stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown and described for remotely closing a well(s) without the possibility of accidental closure. The method and apparatus will have a significant application to underwater wells. A point of activation of a gas generator is remotely located away from the well to avoid debris that may fall at or near the well. A diver or technician brings the means for activating the gas generator to the activation point of the gas generator. Upon activation, pressure generated by the gas generator is transferred by appropriate conduit means to well closure equipment which may include a crimping device, a "U" type blowout preventer, blind rams or any combination thereof. The faces of rams used to pinch concentrical strings of pipe may be shaped to seal the outer strings of pipe as well as inner strings.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for bringing a well under control by injecting a well-controlling fluid into an adjacent well, through the subterranean formation, and thence into the out-of-control well, wherein the improvement lies in a particular sequence of steps whereby fluid communication between the boreholes is established or improved.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous utilization of low expanded foam and medium expanded foam produced by respective generators thereof, for the extinction of fires, from liquefied gas comprising transporting the medium expanded foam by the faster traveling low expanded foam in order to provide a high velocity of flow of the medium expanded foam. The low expanded foam is produced by a plurality of generators disposed beneath a single generator of medium expanded foam and inclined with respect thereto to direct the jets of low expanded foam into the lower part of the jet of medium expanded foam.

Abstract: Infrared thermography is applied to the determination of the temperatures of equipment engulfed in an oil well fire. Operation is similar to a television camera in that the radiant flux from the scanner impinging on the infrared detector generates an electrical signal across the scanner. The amplitude of the signal varies according to the point-by-point temperature variation along the surface of the object that is being scanned by the camera. In this manner, a thermal picture display is generated by the signal produced by the scanning system. This produces a real time thermal image on the display screen. The thermal image is made stable, and hence usable in analyzing oil well fires, by the use of specially selected bandpass infrared filters.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extinguishing fires in oil wells. The method includes the steps of: attaching a shell which is integral with required guides and valves to the outer oil producing pipe or its casing; inserting at least one positioning pin member through the outer pipe at a first level to immobilize the inner pipe relative to the outer pipe; and driving at least one drill at a second lower level through both pipes into a closed plug housing diametrically opposed thereto, so that part of the wall of the outer pipe remains in two diametrically opposed positions. The apparatus for carrying out this method includes an arcuate shell of at least two parts having an internal radius equal to the external radius of the outer oil producing pipe and adapted to be attached to the outer wall of the outer pipe; at least one housing containing a positioning pin attached to the shell at one level; and at least one drill guide together with a drill attached to the shell at a level below the first level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extinguishing oil well fires in wells having an inner pipe and an outer pipe separated by an annular space. A plurality of rod-like members as drills are inserted in a common horizontal plane at equal radial spacing through the walls of both the inner and the outer pipes. The drills have interfitting inner ends which, when placed in side-by-side relationship, form a continuous wall equal to the internal cross section of the inner pipe. Accordingly, the inner pipe is closed against the passage of oil or gas therethrough. A valved pipe is inserted through the wall of the outer pipe below the drills to form a communicating passageway. A member is inserted through the valved pipe and into the annular space to gradually fill the space between the inner and outer pipes to form a seal therein against the passage of oil or gas therethrough.