Abstract:
An apparatus for the emergency capping of pipes and wells is described. The apparatus uses a form of physically deformative valving for emergency closure of pipes and wells. An active magnetic field augmented theta pinch or zeta pinch apparatus causes the pipe or well fixture to collapse or otherwise deform into itself, thus shutting off the flow of material to prevent the environmental damage that may result if the material is a hydrocarbon such as crude oil, natural gas, or the like. The apparatus can be rapidly deployed in response to a situation such as a catastrophic failure of a pipe or well.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/351,287 filed Jun. 3, 2010 entitled “Apparatus For Emergency Electrodynamic Capping Of Pipes And Wells” by Dieter Wolfgang Blum of Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. This application also claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/362,532 filed Jul. 8, 2010 entitled “Apparatus For Emergency Electrodynamic Capping Of Pipes And Wells With Enhanced Theta Pinch Interaction” by Dieter Wolfgang Blum of Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to pipes and wells, and more particularly to an apparatus for the emergency electrodynamic capping of pipes, wells and related structures. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    There are many occasions where gaseous or liquid wellbores or pipelines are located in extremely haphazard, not easily accessible, or very dangerous environmental locales, for example, on the ocean floor. 
         [0006]    In such cases, the occurrence of a wellhead failure, wellbore or pipe leak or breach makes it extremely difficult if not impossible to stem the outflow of contaminant crude oil or natural gas or both, which is a huge negative and catastrophic environmental impact to the earth&#39;s fish, wildlife, plants and coastlines. 
         [0007]    Previous failure prevention mechanisms and means have relied on physical blockage via mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic methods in order to prevent or stem leakage. All of these means have proven unreliable at the depths and pressures and other environments wherein they are most relied upon to perform in order to stop catastrophic environmental damage and pollution. 
         [0008]    Although the above approaches all rely upon an energy supply such as electricity or mechanical energy (in either case driven by fossil fuel powered prime movers) in order to force closure, intermediate linkage and power delivery complexities are often the main cause of ineffectiveness. 
         [0009]    What is desired, are failsafe self-sealing mechanisms of the simplest kind in order to minimize the potential for malfunction. 
         [0010]    The present invention and the various embodiments described and envisioned herein comprises a wellbore/pipeline containment/sealing system that overcomes many of the prior art limitations and problems. 
         [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide for failsafe, predictable and reliable emergency shutoff/closure/flow-stemming valving that is based on electrodynamic principles. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the present invention to provide for electrodynamic emergency shutoff valving that can handle either gaseous or liquid feed streams. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide :for cryogenically activated emergency shutoff valving that utilizes the physical solidification of the gaseous or liquid feed stream for valving action. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the present invention to provide for electrodynamic emergency shutoff valving that utilizes magnetic theta pinch interaction for rapid valving action and closure. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide for electrodynamic emergency shutoff valving that utilizes magnetic zeta pinch interaction for rapid valving action and closure. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the present invention to provide for electrodynamic emergency shutoff valving that utilizes an enhanced and magnetically augmented theta pinch interaction for rapid valving action and closure. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide for electrodynamic emergency shutoff valving that utilizes an enhanced and magnetically augmented zeta pinch interaction for rapid valving action and closure. 
         [0018]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide for electrodynamic emergency shutoff valving that may be permanently affixed and deployed on wellbores, well pipes or pipelines and the like, or it may be temporarily attached and affixed thereto in times of emergency. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide for electrodynamic emergency shutoff valving that utilizes superconducting magnetic field producing means with Low Temperature and High Temperature Superconductors. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide for electrodynamic emergency shutoff valving that utilizes pulsed power sources in order to produce large current flow densities (J.) Pulsed power sources include Marx generators, explosively pumped flux compression generators, compulsators and their variants, and superconducting magnetic storage systems. Some of these pulsed power sources can be quite portable and are easily adaptable to provide the necessary high-current impulses for some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention to function as intended. The required and available current densities lie in the range of 10 to 500 mega-amperes, with energy densities in the range of 20 to 1000 mega joules or more (depending on achievable discharge switching speed.) 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for the emergency capping of pipes and wells comprising an active magnetic field augmented theta pinch or zeta pinch apparatus which causes the pipe or well fixture to collapse or otherwise deform into itself with a rapidly collapsing magnetic field, thus stopping the flow of material to prevent environmental damage that may result if the material is a hydrocarbon such as crude oil, natural gas, or the like. 
         [0022]    The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described by this specification, attached drawings and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates in schematic cross-section, a passively failsafe electromagnetically actuated poppet form of valving for emergency wellbore/pipe closure, shown in an open flow-through state; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates in schematic cross-section, the valving of  FIG. 1  in a closed flow-stemming state; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates in schematic cross-section, a passively failsafe electromagnetically actuated butterfly form of valving for emergency wellbore/pipe closure, shown in its open flow-through state; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates in schematic cross-section, the valving of  FIG. 3  shown in its closed flow-stemming state; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates in schematic cross-section, an active cryogenic form of valving for emergency wellbore/pipe closure, shown in its open flow-through state; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  illustrates in schematic cross-section, the valving of  FIG. 5  shown in its closed flow-stemming state; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  illustrates in schematic cross-section, an active electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving for emergency wellbore/pipe closure, shown in its open flow-through state; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  illustrates in schematic cross-section, the valving of  FIG. 7  in its closed flow-stemming state; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  illustrates the theta-pinch electrodynamic interactions employed by the valving of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  shows an example of a high-current carrying hollow conductor (pipe) physically deformed by the zeta-pinch electrodynamic interactions; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  illustrates in schematic cross-section, an active magnetic field augmented electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving for emergency wellbore/pipe closure, shown in its open flow-through state; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  illustrates in schematic top view, the valving of  FIG. 11 : 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  illustrates in schematic cross-section, the valving of  FIG. 11  shown in its closed flow-stemming state; 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  illustrates in schematic cross-section, an active magnetic field augmented electrodynamic zeta-pinch form of physically deformative valving for emergency wellbore/pipe closure, shown in its open flow-through state; 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  illustrates in schematic cross-section, the valving of  FIG. 14  shown in its closed flow-stemming state; 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  illustrates the zeta-pinch electrodynamic interactions employed by the valving of  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  illustrates in schematic cross-section, an active hyper-magnetic field theta-pinch form of physically deformative electrodynamic valving for emergency wellbore/pipe closure, showing it in its open now-through state: 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  illustrates in schematic top view, the valving of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  illustrates in schematic cross-section, the valving of  FIG. 17  in its closed flow-stemming state; 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  shows an example of a current carrying hollow conductor physically deformed by the companion zeta-pinch electrodynamic interaction; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  is a schematic of a test arrangement for performing zeta pinch experiments. 
       
    
    
       [0045]    The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this specification, attached drawings, and claims. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0046]    For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements. 
         [0047]    The present invention will be described by way of example, and not limitation. Modifications, improvements and additions to the invention described herein may be determined after reading this specification and viewing the accompanying drawings; such modifications, improvements, and additions being considered included in the spirit and broad scope of the present invention and its various embodiments described or envisioned herein. 
         [0048]    Now there is shown in  FIG. 1 , in schematic cross-section, an example of a passive failsafe electromagnetically actuated poppet form of valving according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is shown in its normally open flow-through state and will now be described in detail with reference to the various components as depicted in  FIG. 1 . As shown, a portion of the wellbore/well pipe  10  has a lower entry zone  20  and an upper exit zone  30 , where through the feed stream  70  normally passes or is free to flow through. Further shown is a support spider or frame  40 , for an electromagnet/solenoid  50 , which is placed coaxially within the wellbore or pipe. The electromagnet/solenoid may be conventional or superconducting in construction. A poppet valve  60  having a highly magnetically permeable stem  90 , is also placed coaxial to both the electromagnet/solenoid. Also shown are expansion springs  80  which serve to reduce the amount of energy needed to create an appropriate magnetic field by the electromagnet/solenoid, as will now be explained. 
         [0049]    The feed stream  70 , whether gaseous or liquid, will normally exert a force on the bottom of the poppet valve (similar to a piston) providing a tendency for the feed stream to force the poppet valve into it&#39;s closed off position. However, the expansion springs provide an opposing force in the range of 25 to 75% of the force on the poppet valve face by the feed stream. The electromagnet/solenoid, when energized at terminals  95 , provides a magnetic reluctance force on the valve stem (due to maximizing magnetic flux interlinkage) that in turn is transferred to the poppet valve. The magnetic reluctance force is equal to 50 to 200% of the force on the poppet valve face by the feed stream. 
         [0050]    In this fashion, it can be seen that the combination of forces from the expansion springs and the electromagnet/solenoid onto the poppet valve, serves to overcome the force on the poppet valve face by the feed stream, and therefore causes the poppet valve to be in its open or flow-through position as is shown here. 
         [0051]    Shown in  FIG. 2 , in schematic cross-section, is the valving of  FIG. 1 , but now in its closed flow-stemming state. Shown are the wellbore/well pipe  110 , the lower entry zone  120 , is the upper exit zone  130 , the feed stream  170  and the poppet valve  160  and its valve stem  190 . As shown, it can be seen that the valve is now seated and in it&#39;s closed off position. This is because there is no magnetic field interacting with the valve stem portion  190 , and hence, the force provided by the expansion springs  180  is less than the force on the poppet valve face exerted by the feed stream. As shown here, the expansion springs are now compressed. 
         [0052]    Now there is shown in  FIG. 3 , in schematic cross-section, an example of a passively failsafe electromagnetically actuated butterfly form of valving according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is shown in its normally open flow-through state and will now be described in detail with reference to the various components as depicted in  FIG. 3 . As shown, a portion of the wellbore/well pipe  210  has a lower entry zone  220  and an upper exit zone  230 , where through the feed stream  250  normally passes or is free to flow through. Further shown is a support spider or frame  260 , for an electromagnet  270 , which is placed coaxially within the wellbore or pipe. The electromagnet may be conventional or superconducting in construction and has a permeable core  280 . Further shown are two butterfly valve wings  240   a  and  240   b  suspended from swivel point  290 . The butterfly valving wings are comprised of magnetically permeable material such as steel. Also visible are butterfly valving wing stops  285  disposed within the wellbore/well pipe interior. 
         [0053]    The feed stream  250 , whether gaseous or liquid, will normally exert a force on the bottoms of the butterfly valving wings, providing a tendency for the feed stream to force the butterfly wings up and onto their stops, and therefore into their closed off position. 
         [0054]    However, the electromagnet when energized at terminals  295 , provides a magnetic attractive force on the butterfly valving wings in order to keep them folded open. The magnetic attractive force is equal to 50 to 200% of the force on the butterfly valving wings by the feed stream. 
         [0055]    In this fashion, it can be seen that the force from the electromagnet onto the butterfly valving wings, serves to overcome the force on the butterfly valving wings by the feed stream, and therefore causes the butterfly valve remain in its open or flow-through position as is shown. 
         [0056]    Shown in  FIG. 4 , in schematic cross-section, is the valving of  FIG. 3 , but now in its closed flow-stemming state. Shown are the wellbore/well pipe  310 , the lower entry zone  320 , the upper exit zone  330 , the feed stream  350  and the butterfly valving wings  340   a  and  340   b  suspended from swivel point  390 . 
         [0057]    As shown, it can be seen that the butterfly valving wings are now seated against their stops  385  and are in their closed off position. This is because there is no magnetic field interacting with the butterfly valving wings and maintaining them in their open position. 
         [0058]    Now shown in  FIG. 5 , in schematic cross-section, is an example of an active cryogenic form of valving according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is shown in its normally open flow-through state and will now he described in detail with reference to the various components as depicted in  FIG. 5 . As shown, a portion of the wellbore/well pipe  410  has a lower entry zone  420  and an upper exit zone  430 , where through the feed stream  450  normally passes or is free to flow through. Further shown is a support spider or frame  460 , with internal cryogenic fluid ducting, for a heat exchanger  470 , which is placed coaxially within the wellbore or pipe. Wellbore/well pipe wall mounted heat exchangers  440  are also shown connected to the same cryogenic fluid ducting. The number of the heat exchangers  440  is determined by the rate of valving desired. As illustrated, the feed stream  450 , whether gaseous or liquid, is free to flow past and through the cryogenic valving, as the cryogenic valving will be above the phase change point of the feed stream. Examples include, but are not limited to methane@91° K, liquid Nitrogen @77° K. 
         [0059]    Now shown in  FIG. 6 , in schematic cross-section, is the valving of  FIG. 5 , but now in its closed flow-stemming state. Shown are the wellbore/well pipe  510 , the lower entry zone  520 , the upper exit zone  530 , the feed stream  550  and the heat exchangers  540 . The admission and flow of cryogenic fluid through fluid ports  580  and  590  will affect a rapid cooling and continual solidification of the feed stream on and around the heat exchanger structure. As shown, it can be seen that a solidified feed stream mass  560  has formed in the interior of the wellbore/well pipe  510 , thereby causing the cryogenic valving to be in its closed off state. 
         [0060]    Shown in  FIG. 7 , in schematic cross-section, is an example of an active electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is shown in its normally open flow-through state and will now be described in detail with reference to the various components as depicted in  FIG. 7 . As shown, a section of the wellbore/well pipe  600  has a lower entry zone  610  and an upper exit zone  620 , where through the feed stream  640  normally passes or is free to flow through. The section of pipe has a first end and a second end and has an interior wall and an exterior wall. Further shown are dielectric spacers  605  (although not completely necessary, they can limit current dissipation.) Also shown is a conductive winding  630  circumferentially placed about the exterior wall of the wellbore/well pipe section. When a high-current impulse/discharge is sent through winding  630  via connections  660  using a high current high voltage source, there is generated an axial magnetic flux field B  670 , which in turn induces a large electrical current (density J)  695  to flow circumferentially in the wellbore/well pipe casing. The interaction of the self magnetic field due to the current flow and the current flow charges themselves (electrons) will exert Lorentz forces  680  and  690  within the interior of the wellbore/well pipe casing, and these forces will he directed inward as shown towards the constriction or θ-pinch zone  650 . 
         [0061]    As illustrated, the feed stream  640 , whether gaseous or liquid, is free to flow past and through the electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving until such time as a large current impulse/discharge is sent through the winding. When the event occurs, there will be massive forces deforming and pinching the wellbore/well pipe casing, in essence pinching it shut, as will be described below. 
         [0062]    Now shown in  FIG. 8 , in schematic cross-section, is the valving of  FIG. 7 , but now in its closed flow-stemming state. Shown are the wellbore/well pipe  700 , the lower entry zone  710 , the upper exit zone  720 , and the feed stream  740 . As illustrated, in/at the θ-pinch or constriction zone  750 , the wellbore/well pipe walls have collapsed inward, thereby causing the electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving to be in its closed off state. 
         [0063]    Now shown in  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated the theta-pinch interactions employed by the active electrodynamic θ-pinch form of physically deformative valving described in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 10  there is shown an example of a high-current carrying hollow conductor (pipe) physically deformed by the θ-pinch electrodynamic interactions employed by the active electrodynamic θ-pinch form of physically deformative valving described in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0065]    Now shown in  FIG. 11 , in schematic cross-section, is an example of an active magnetic field augmented electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is shown in its normally open flow-through state and will now be described in detail with reference to the various components as depicted in  FIG. 11 . As shown, a section of the wellbore/well pipe  800  has a lower entry zone  810  and an upper exit zone  820 , where through the feed stream  840  normally passes or is free to flow through. The section of pipe has a first end and a second end and has an interior wall and an exterior wall. Further shown are dielectric spacers  815 , which serve to constrain injected current flow to a particular longitudinal section  805  of the wellbore/well pipe. Also shown is a conductive winding  830  circumferentially placed about the exterior wall of the wellbore/well pipe section, which may be of conventional or superconducting construction. The winding  830  may be energized via terminals  860  using a high current high voltage source when necessary, and when so energized, there is generated an axial magnetic flux field B  870 . Also shown (in order to increase flux density) is magnetic back iron  865  on the outside of the winding. 
         [0066]    Terminals  817  and  819  serve to inject a large electrical current (density J)  895  (large current impulse preferably, as would be used in a normal externally induced θ-pinch) to flow circumferentially in the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  805  using a suitable high current high voltage source. The interaction of winding generated magnetic field and the current flow charges (electrons) will exert Lorentz forces  880  and  890  within the interior of the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  805 , and these forces will be directed inward as shown towards the constriction or θ-pinch zone  850 . 
         [0067]    As illustrated, the feed stream  840 , whether gaseous or liquid, is free to flow past and through the magnetic field augmented electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving until such time as both a large axial magnetic field is set up by the solenoidal winding  830 , and a large current impulse/discharge is sent through the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  805 . When these two events occur in proper relationship, there will be massive Lorentz forces deforming and pinching the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  805 , pinching it shut. It should be noted, that this method does not rely on the conventional method of induced currents and their attendant magnetic fields. 
         [0068]    Now shown in  FIG. 12 , in schematic top view, is the valving of  FIG. 11 . Shown are the wellbore/well pipe casing  805 , the solenoidal winding  830 , the winding back-iron  865  and the interior flow area (exit portion)  820 . Also shown is a further longitudinal dielectric segment  897  displaced in the circumference of the casing  805  and the current injection terminals  817  and  819 . It can be seen that any injected current will flow circumferentially in the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  805 . 
         [0069]    Now shown in  FIG. 13 , in schematic cross-section, is the valving of  FIG. 11 , but now in its closed flow-stemming state. Shown are the wellbore/well pipe  905 , the lower entry zone  910 , the upper exit zone  920 , and the feed stream  940 . As illustrated, in/at the θ-pinch or constriction zone  950 , the wellbore/well pipe walls  905  have collapsed inward, thereby causing the magnetic field augmented electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving to be in its closed off state. 
         [0070]    Shown in  FIG. 14 , in schematic cross-section, is an example of an active magnetic field augmented electrodynamic zeta-pinch form of physically deformative valving according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is shown in its normally open flow-through state and will now be described in detail with reference to the various components as depicted in  FIG. 14 . As shown, a section of the wellbore/well pipe  1030  has a lower entry zone  1010  and an upper exit zone  1015 , where through the feed stream  1005  normally passes or is free to flow through. The section of pipe has a first end and a second end and has an interior wall and an exterior wall. Further shown are dielectric spacers  1020 , which serve to constrain injected current flow to a particular longitudinal section  1030  of the wellbore/well pipe. Also shown is a conductive winding  1050  circumferentially placed about the interior and exterior walls of the wellbore/well pipe section  1030 , which may be of conventional or superconducting construction. The winding  1050  has an armored or protective cover  1040  in the interior of the wellbore/well pipe for its protection. The winding  1050  may be energized via terminals  1077  and  1079  using a high current high voltage source when necessary, and when so energized, there is generated a radial magnetic flux field B  1055  within the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  1030 . 
         [0071]    Terminals  1070  serve to inject a large electrical current (density J)  1075  (large current impulse preferably, as would be used in a normal externally induced zeta- or θ-pinch) to flow longitudinally in the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  1030 . The interaction of winding generated magnetic field and the current flow charges (electrons) will exert Lorentz forces (not shown) similar to those previously described in relation to θ-pinch, within the interior of the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  1030 , and these forces will be directed inward as depicted, toward the constriction or zeta-pinch zone  1060 . 
         [0072]    As illustrated, the feed stream  1005 , whether gaseous or liquid, is free to flow past and through the magnetic field augmented electrodynamic zeta-pinch form of physically deformative valving until such time as both a large radial magnetic field is set up by the solenoidal winding  1050 , and a large current impulse/discharge is sent through the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  1030 . When these two the events occur in proper relationship, there will he massive Lorentz forces deforming and pinching the wellbore/well pipe casing portion  1030 , pinching it shut. It should be noted, that this method also does not rely on the conventional method of induced currents and their attendant magnetic fields. 
         [0073]      FIG. 15  illustrates in schematic cross-section, the valving of  FIG. 14  in its closed flow-stemming state; 
         [0074]    Now shown in  FIG. 15 , in schematic cross-section, is the valving of  FIG. 14 , but now in its closed flow-stemming state. Shown are the wellbore/well pipe  1130 , the lower entry zone  1110 , the upper exit zone  1115 , and the feed stream  1105 . As illustrated, in/at the zeta-pinch or constriction zone  1160 , the wellbore/well pipe walls  1130  have collapsed inward, thereby causing the magnetic field augmented electrodynamic zeta-pinch form of physically deformative valving to be in its closed off state. As this form of valving employs a sacrificial winding (i.e., it is destroyed during valving actuation), the remnants thereof are depicted by mass slugs  1180 . 
         [0075]    Now shown in  FIG. 16 , there is illustrated the zeta-pinch interactions employed by the active electrodynamic zeta-pinch form of physically deformative valving described in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
         [0076]    Now there is shown in  FIG. 17 , in schematic cross-section, an example of an active theta-pinch form of physically deformative electrodynamic valving according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electrodynamic valving of the present invention is illustratively shown in its normally open flow-through state and will now be described in detail with reference to the various components depicted in  FIG. 17 . As shown, a section of the wellbore/well pipe  1700  has a lower entry zone  1710  and an upper exit zone  1720 , where a feed stream  1740  normally passes or is free to flow through. A feed stream  1740  may be, by example and not limitation, a hydrocarbon material such as crude oil, natural gas, and the like. The section of pipe has a first end and a second end and has an interior wall and an exterior wall. Further shown are dielectric spacers  1705  (although not completely necessary, they can limit current dissipation.) Also shown is a single-turn toroidal current-carrying loop/conductive winding  1730  circumferentially placed about the exterior wall of the wellbore/well pipe section  1700 . In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple turns may be present. 
         [0077]    The winding  1730  is preferentially superconducting, the winding  1730  being suitably energized with a high current high voltage source to have a high-current density azimuthal/circumferential flow of electric current therein. The winding  1730 , may be enclosed in a suitable cryostat  1760  constructed of a material that is electrically non-conducting. Cryostats are known and are important for the application of materials such as superconducting materials. A cryostat is essentially a low temperature refrigerator used to cool, for example, infrared detectors, medical instruments, and superconducting devices. Cryostats are known to those skilled in the art. Examples of cryostats are those made by Janis Research (www.janis.com), Shi Cryogenics (shicryogenics.com), and Ball Aerospace (www.ballaerospace.com). The winding  1730  will generate an axial static magnetic flux field (B)  1770 , one portion thereof being mostly concentrated within the volume of the wall of the wellbore/well pipe  1700  due to, in the case of steel or iron pipe, the much higher magnetic IS permeability of the wall; although the present invention may also be used with non-ferromagnetic pipe materials. 
         [0078]    The winding  1730  is designed and constructed so as to be physically open-circuited (by means that by example arc described hereinafter) in a very rapid manner such that no arcing at the coil opening occurs, thereby causing a very rapid collapse of the magnetic field  1770 . 
         [0079]    This rapid collapse of the magnetic field  1770  induces a large electrical current (density J)  1795  to flow azimuthally/circumferentially in the wellbore/well pipe casing. The interaction of the self magnetic field due to the current flow  1795  (this B field is again axial) and the charges contained in the current flow (electrons) will exert Lorentz forces  1780  and  1790  within the interior of the wellbore/well pipe casing, and these forces will be directed inward as shown towards the constriction or θ-pinch zone  1750 . 
         [0080]    Unlike the well-known magneforming technique for the magnetic deformation of metal, wherein there is utilized the discharge of an energy source such as a Marx capacitor bank or the like, into a work coil, and wherein the maximum magnetic pressure within the work material is observed within the first quarter to one-half cycle of a decaying or ringing oscillatory discharge, the present invention and the various embodiments described and envisioned herein, transfers all of the energy stored in the magnetic field  1770 , due to the large circulating current in the winding  1730 , to the “work piece”, for example the wellbore/well pipe  1700 , in a singular, almost instantaneous manner, without insignificant ringing or oscillatory behavior. This fact, along with the inherent pre-magnetization of the pipe wall material (in the case of ferromagnetic materials) realizes far greater magnetic pressures and deformation forces than were heretofore possible. 
         [0081]    As illustrated, the feed stream  1740 , whether gaseous or liquid, is free to flow past and through the electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving until such time as the large circulating current in the winding  1730  is quickly interrupted. When this event occurs, there will he massive forces deforming and pinching the wellbore/well pipe casing, in fact pinching it shut, as will be further described below. In the above description, electrical current introduction means and cryogenic cooling means are not shown for simplicity, as they are well known in the art. 
         [0082]    Now shown in  FIG. 18 , in schematic top view, is the electrodynamic valving of  FIG. 17 . Shown in schematic top view is the wellbore/well pipe  1700 , the cryostat  1760  containing the solenoidal winding and the interior flow area (upper exit zone)  1720 . Also shown are a high-power (pulsed) laser  1870 , its photon/radiation emission flux beam  1880 , and an optical input aperture  1890  optimally disposed on the cryostat housing  1760  to admit said flux beam  1880  into the interior of the cryostat  1760 . 
         [0083]    When the laser  1870  is energized and its emission flux beam  1880  is admitted into the interior of the cryostat  1760 , and incident on the superconducting winding with power levels appropriate to not only effect a very rapid transition past T C  (Critical Temperature) of a portion of the superconducting coil, but to also cause physical disruption of a portion of said coil, in both cases due to the absorption of a large amount of energy from the flux beam, the flow of current in the coil is effectively open-circuited very rapidly, leading to the rapid collapse of the magnetic field previously established by the large circulating current in said winding. 
         [0084]    Although coil disruption has been heretofore described by utilizing energetic photonic flux from a laser, other disruptive means such as controlled explosives, high-speed mechanical means (i.e., pneumatic), magnetic means (transition past H C ), and the like, may be used to disrupt the coil. Fast coil disruption being necessary to quickly open circuit the coil and cause a rapid collapse of the associated magnetic field, thus resulting in theta pinch of the wellbore/wellpipe  1700 . 
         [0085]    Now shown in  FIG. 19 , in schematic cross-section, is the electrodynamic valving of  FIG. 17 , but now in its closed flow-stemming state. Shown are the wellbore/well pipe  1700 , the lower entry zone  1710 , the upper exit zone  1720 , and the feed stream  1740 . As illustrated, in/at the θ-pinch or constriction zone  1950 , said wellbore/well pipe walls  1700  have collapsed inward, thereby resulting in a magnetic field augmented electrodynamic theta-pinch form of physically deformative valving to be in its closed off state. Exterior remnants  1990  of the coil containing cryostat are also shown for illustrative purposes only. 
         [0086]    Referring back to  FIG. 9 , the theta-pinch interactions employed by the active hyper-magnetic field θ-pinch form of physically deformative electrodynamic valving described in  FIGS. 17 ,  18  and  19  can be seen. 
         [0087]      FIG. 20  is an example of a current carrying hollow conductor physically deformed by the companion zeta pinch electrodynamic interactions of the present invention and the various embodiments described and envisioned herein. The example depicted in  FIG. 20  is representative of the electrodynamic interactions that are possible with applicants valving mechanisms that incorporate theta pinch, zeta pinch, and combinations and variations thereof. 
         [0088]    To further aid in understanding the present invention and the various embodiments of the present invention, and to allow the reader the opportunity to envision further embodiments of the present invention,  FIG. 21  depicts in schematic form a test arrangement for performing zeta pinch experiments and evaluating various material samples under test. 
         [0089]    Depicted in  FIG. 21  is high-voltage power supply  2110 , capable of providing appropriate potential (25 kV to 150 kV) at sufficient power levels to charge storage capacitor  2160  within a reasonable time period. It can be seen that the output  2120  from said supply  2110  is connected to charging switch  2130 , which in turn is connected via limiting resistor  2140  to node  2150 . When said switch  2130  is closed, it is evident that storage capacitor  2160  will be charged up to the potential provided by said power supply  2110  over a time interval, since the other terminal of said capacitor  2160  is connected to the ground/return line  2210 . 
         [0090]    The sample under test (sun  2220 , which for example may be a tubular length of conductive material (i.e., aluminum, copper, brass, iron, steel etc.) is clamped between the upper electrode  2190  and lower electrode  2200 . Said electrodes may be comprised of copper or the like. Said lower electrode  2200  is connected to said return line  2210 , and said upper electrode is connected via line  2180  to discharge switch  2170 . Said switch  2170  may be of the air arc, oil immersion or vacuum type (armor enclosed/explosion proof) and serves to close the circuit in order to discharge the storage capacitor  2160  through the sample under test  2220 . Said discharge switch  2170  must be capable of providing the appropriate standoff to the potential to which the capacitor  2160  is charged, and it must be capable of being closed very rapidly to minimize arcing energy loss, as well it must be safely and remotely triggered, and it must be capable of handling the large discharge currents (10 kA to 10MA or more) that occur during the zeta pinch experiment. In some embodiments of the present invention, said switch  2170  may also be of the one-shot type, for example, sacrificial. 
         [0091]    In use, the apparatus for emergency electrodynamic capping of pipes and wells may be placed about a section of pipe during various situations, such as during installation of the pipe, during a disaster situation, or in a controlled factory setting. For example, the apparatus may be constructed as a section of pipe with the various required components, and shipped to a job location as a component to he installed, similar to the way a valve is installed and fit into a pipe assembly. The steps to be taken to cap a pipe or well using the present invention involve placing a conductive winding circumferentially about a section of pipe, electrically coupling a high current high voltage source to the conductive winding, creating a magnetic Field about the conductive winding, causing a current to flow in the section of pipe, decoupling the high current high voltage source from the conductive winding, rapidly collapsing the magnetic field, and collapsing inward the section of pipe. The result being a pinched off pipe section that does not accommodate flow of material. 
         [0092]    It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, an apparatus for the emergency capping of pipes, wells, and the like. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the present invention as defined by this specification, attached drawings and claims.