Patent ID: 8479807
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An above-ground, well fluid leak detection and response apparatus comprising: at least one well fluid leak detector established to generate information regarding the presence of a leak of well fluid from an in-situ leach mining wellhead; a communication system configured to convey said information; a programmable logic controller configured to act according to said information; a response system coordinated with said programmable logic controller to automatically act in the event of detection of said well fluid leak; an environmental enclosure that comprehensively surrounds said well fluid leak detector and said wellhead, wherein said enclosure rests on a ground surface at a ground and atmosphere interface and comprises an affirmatively thermally insulative material; a leaked fluid capture basin established as a bottom part of said enclosure; at least one opening through said leaked fluid capture basin, said at least one opening sized to accommodate a well fluid entrance conduit portion of said wellhead and a well fluid exit conduit portion of said wellhead, wherein well fluid enters said enclosure through said well fluid entrance conduit portion and exits said enclosure through said well fluid exit conduit portion; wherein said leaked fluid capture basin is sealed against said well fluid entrance conduit portion and said well fluid exit conduit portion to capture well fluid that leaks from said wellhead, and wherein said at least one well fluid leak detector is established within said environmental enclosure; said apparatus further comprising: a functionality verification system that comprises: said apparatus further comprising: at least one power supply that powers said at least one well fluid leak detector, said communication system, said programmable logic controller, said functionality verification system, and said response system.