Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing wells utilizing an inflatable bag and an automatically separable coupler. An air compressor or other fluid source supplies a fluid to the inflatable bag via a hose connected to the bag by this coupler and a valve. The bag is lowered into the well and it is then inflated until the coupler separates thereby disconnecting the hose from the bag, thus allowing the hose and the coupler to be recovered and used again. The well is thus sealed by the inflated bag. Concrete or any other similar substance can then be deposited into the well to fill the cavity formed between the bag and the level of the ground. Once the bag has been inflated to cover the well opening, it is then disconnected from the hose and coupler. Disconnection is effected automatically by collapse of flexible gaskets which join the coupler and the valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing wells utilizing an inflatable bag and an automatically releasable or breakable coupling. An air compressor or other fluid source supplies a fluid to the inflatable bag via a hose connected to the bag by this coupling. The bag is lowered into the well and it is then inflated until a predetermined pressure is reached at which time the coupling releases or ruptures thereby disconnecting the hose from the bag, thus allowing the hose to be recovered and used again. The well is thus sealed by the inflated bag. Concrete or any other similar substance can then be deposited into the well to fill the cavity formed between the bag and the level of the ground. Before the concrete hardens, data such as the date that the well has been sealed can be imbedded into the concrete thereby forming a permanent record of this information. Additionally, a temporary seal can be formed by inflating the bag just below ground level without utilizing the releasable coupling.