Patent ID: 6502632
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A well capping apparatus for capping a generally vertically positioned well pipe, comprising:a) a body that includes an upper body section, a lower body section and an annular sealing member that fits in between the upper and lower body sections, the upper body section having an upper surface, a side wall and a lower surface portion, the lower surface portion including a downwardly facing socket that conforms generally to the upper end portion of the well pipe and protectively covers it, the lower body section and sealing member each being annular members that encircle the well pipe below the upper body section; b) a central cavity within the upper section of the body; c) a pair of larger diameter apertures on the upper body section, each communicating with the central cavity, at least one of the larger diameter apertures being on the upper surface of the upper body section; d) a plurality of smaller diameter apertures on the upper body section, each communicating with the central cavity; e) a plurality of water conveying flow lines that are connected to the upper body section so that water flowing in the flow lines communicates with water in the central cavity, at least one of the flow lines being a generally vertically oriented flow line that is contained within the well pipe, the other flow line being a water discharge flow line that is attachable the upper body section at one of the larger diameter apertures, and at a position away from the other water conveying flow line; and f) a plurality of fittings that are connectable to the upper body section at selected of the apertures, the plurality of fittings being at least two fittings selected from the group consisting of a safety relief valve, an electrical supply fitting, a vent tube fitting, a sealing plug fitting, a sample dispensing spigot, a lifting fitting, and a pump support hanger fitting.