Active fluid containment for mud tanks

Abstract

Apparatus, method, and a containment system for a mud tank. The system includes a pan extending from a base of the mud tank and configured to receive fluids leaked therefrom, a fluid sensor coupled with the pan, and a pump in fluid communication with the pan, wherein the pump is configured to remove fluid from the pan when the fluid sensor reads a predetermined threshold fluid level in the pan.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A containment system for a mud tank, comprising:
 a pan extending from a base of the mud tank and configured to receive fluids leaked therefrom;   a fluid sensor coupled with the pan; and   a pump in fluid communication with the pan, wherein the pump is configured to remove fluid from the pan when the fluid sensor reads a predetermined threshold fluid level in the pan.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a controller coupled with the fluid sensor and the pump, wherein the controller is configured to receive a fluid level signal from the fluid sensor and to at least partially control an operation of the pump. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pan extends to a first distance from a center of the mud tank, and an upper portion of the mud tank extends to a second distance from the center of the mud tank, the first distance being less than or equal to the second distance, such that the upper portion of the mud tank shields the pan. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a kickplate extending upwards from the pan. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a drain line comprising one or more openings in fluid communication with the pan, the drain line being in fluid communication with the pump and configured to deliver fluids from the pan thereto. 
     
     
         6 . A method for fluid containment of a mud tank, comprising:
 catching fluid leaked from the mud tank or a connection therewith in a pan extending from a base of the mud tank;   determining, using a fluid sensor coupled with the pan, that a fluid level in the pan is at least at a predetermined threshold level; and   in response to determining that the fluid level in the pan is at least at the predetermined threshold level, pumping the fluid from the pan.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising continuously monitoring the fluid level in the pan. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein determining comprises:
 generating a signal representing a fluid level in the pan using the fluid sensor;   transmitting the signal to a processor; and   determining, using the processor, that the fluid level is at least at the predetermined threshold level based on the signal.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein pumping the fluid from the pan comprises transmitting a signal from the processor to a pump in fluid communication with the pan. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein pumping the fluid from the pan comprises pumping the fluid to a secondary containment vessel.