Patent ID: 9689217
Date: 2017-06-27
CPC Classifications: E21B

Claim:
1. An apparatus for use in containing fluid or gas that is released upon disconnection of a threaded joint between sections of pipe or between a Kelly and a pipe section, the apparatus comprising: a) at least two arcuate sections of a generally tubular housing having upper and lower ends and outer and inner surfaces, the sections hinged together and configured to substantially enclose the threaded joint thereby providing a generally cylindrical enclosure disposed about the threaded joint; b) a handle disposed on at least one arcuate section; c) at least one upper groove disposed on the inner surface of the upper end of each arcuate section whereby at least one upper circumferential groove is formed on the inner surfaces when the arcuate sections are enclosed about the threaded joint; d) at least one lower groove disposed on the inner surface of the lower end of each arcuate section whereby at least one lower circumferential groove is formed on the inner surfaces when the arcuate sections are enclosed about the threaded joint; e) sealing means disposed in the at least one upper and lower circumferential grooves for providing a sealing contact with the Kelly or with the pipe section when the arcuate sections are enclosed about the threaded joint, and wherein f) latching means for releasable latching the arcuate sections together when the housing is enclosed about the threaded joint, the latching means comprising at least one latching mechanism; and g) a spout disposed on the outer surface of at least one of the at least two arcuate sections near the lower end and above the at least one lower groove, the spout configured to provide communication between the outer and inner surfaces thereby providing a path for drilling fluid to flow through when the arcuate sections are enclosed about the threaded joint and the threaded joint is disconnected.