Abstract: Apparatus and methods for electrically grounding a support surface includes an at least partially perforated, electrically-conductive cover configured to extend at least partially across the top of the support surface and be electrically grounded to the earth.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for electrically grounding a support surface includes an at least partially perforated, electrically-conductive cover configured to extend at least partially across the top of the support surface and be electrically grounded to the earth.

Abstract: An electrically groundable support surface includes a lower portion configured to be deployed on or near the surface of the earth. An electrically-conductive cover portion constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material is configured to extend at least partially across the top surface of the lower portion and is electrically groundable to the earth. At least one electrically-conductive interface is configured to facilitate electrical connection of the support surface to another electrically-conductive component.

Abstract: An insulated, electrically groundable, support surface includes at least one heat shield configured to be disposed between a ground cover and an electrically-conductive cover(s) of the support surface to insulate the ground cover from heat generated by electric current flowing through the electrically-conductive cover(s).

Abstract: An electrically-conductive cover for electrically grounding a mat includes a frame constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and configured to sit at the perimeter of the top surface of the mat. An electrically-conductive inner panel fits within the frame. The inner panel is coupled to the frame so they can be attached to or removed from the mat as a single unit. At least one fastener releasably couples the frame and/or inner panel to the mat. At least one electrically-conductive interface is configured to facilitate electrical connection of the cover to another electrically-conductive component.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well includes a reusable load-supporting surface having at least two mats surrounding and spaced-away from the borehole opening. At least one spanner is configured to extend between the cellar wall and mats. At least one elongated spanner support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the cellar wall. At least one elongated lip support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the mats.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around a cellar formed around a hydrocarbon exploration or production well includes a clamp and at least one platform. The clamp is configured to engage a wall extending around the cellar and the platform is configured to extend outwardly from the clamp over the earth's surface adjacent to the cellar.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: System for electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least two mats and a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers. Each cover extends at least partially across the top face of one of the mats without extending over any of the edges thereof and is flexibly coupled to the mat sufficient to allow the mat to flex, expand and contract relative to the cover due to environmental factors and the movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface during normal, typical or expected use conditions.

Abstract: System for electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least two mats and a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers. Each cover extends at least partially across the top face of one of the mats without extending over any of the edges thereof and is flexibly coupled to the mat sufficient to allow the mat to flex, expand and contract relative to the cover due to environmental factors and the movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface during normal, typical or expected use conditions.

Abstract: An electrically groundable, reusable, load-supporting surface includes a plurality of planar mats and a plurality of removable, electrically-conductive covers. At least one cover is configured to be coupled to each respective mat. Each cover includes at least one mesh portion constructed at least partially of electrically conductive material. The respective covers of adjacent mats in the load-supporting surface are configured to be electrically interconnected. At least one grounding rod is electrically connectable between at least one cover and the earth to electrically ground the load supporting surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrically connecting and grounding at least two mechanically interconnectable, planar mats in a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least one removable, electrically-conductive cover configured to be engaged with each mat and extend at least partially across the top and/or bottom face thereof. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically connect its associated mat with at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface.

Abstract: An electrically groundable, reusable, load-supporting surface includes a plurality of planar mats and a plurality of removable, electrically-conductive covers. At least one cover is configured to be coupled to each respective mat. Each cover includes at least one mesh portion constructed at least partially of electrically conductive material. The respective covers of adjacent mats in the load-supporting surface are configured to be electrically interconnected. At least one grounding rod is electrically connectable between at least one cover and the earth to electrically ground the load supporting surface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface of an underground borehole includes a clamp and at least one platform. The clamp is configured to engage a wall extending around the borehole and the platform is configured to extend outwardly from the clamp over the earth's surface adjacent to the borehole.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrically connecting and grounding at least two mechanically interconnectable, planar mats in a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least one removable, electrically-conductive cover configured to be engaged with each mat and extend at least partially across the top and/or bottom face thereof. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically connect its associated mat with at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface.