Self-contained portable, automated blow down apparatus

Abstract

A blow down apparatus for a well has a tank for receiving an emulsion of water and natural gas, a piping connectable to a well from which the emulsion is supplied and connected to the tank so as to direct a flow of the suspension from the well into the tank, a control valve provided in the piping for closing and opening the piping, a vent for venting the gas from the vessel to atmosphere, and a transporting structure for transporting the apparatus to and from the well, the tank and the piping unit being mounted on the transporting unit.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:  
     
         1 . A blow down apparatus for a well, comprising a tank for receiving an emulsion of water and natural gas; piping means connectable to a well from which the emulsion is supplied and connected to said tank so as to direct a flow of the suspension from the well into said tank; a control valve provided in said piping means for closing and opening said piping means; means for venting the gas from said vessel to atmosphere; and means for transporting the apparatus to and from the well, said tank and said piping means being mounted on said transporting means.  
     
     
         2 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 1;  and further comprising means for mounting said tank and said piping means on said transporting means.  
     
     
         3 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 1;  and further comprising a gas metering device for determination of parameters of the flow of the suspension.  
     
     
         4 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 1;  and further comprising a controller for controlling opening and closing of said valve.  
     
     
         5 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 1;  and further comprising a shut off switch provided in said tank for controlling a maximum level in said tank.  
     
     
         6 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 1;  and further comprising heating means for heating said tank and said piping system.  
     
     
         7 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said control valve is a pneumatically operated control valve; and further comprising means for operating said control valve with compressed gas.  
     
     
         8 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 1;  and further comprising an enclosure which accommodates said tank and said piping means.  
     
     
         9 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in claim  8 ; and further comprising heating means for heating an interior of said enclosure.  
     
     
         10 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 8 , wherein said transporting means have a platform which forms a floor of said enclosure.  
     
     
         11 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in  claim 10 , wherein tank and said piping means are mounted on said platform.  
     
     
         12 . A gas blow down apparatus as defined in claim  8 ; and further comprising gas venting means extending from said tank through and outwardly of said enclosure.