Spillage control device and method of using same

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling spillage from a well head or other fluid conducting means comprising a channel member having a fluidic conduit and a dynamic collar surrounding at least a portion of the channel member. The channel member and dynamic collar have a total diameter that is less than the well head or other fluid conducting means diameter. Also disclosed is a method for minimizing fluid spillage from a well head opening or other fluid conducting means opening comprising: a) providing the apparatus of the present invention; b) inserting the device into the opening; c) introducing an expansive material into the dynamic collar to expand the collar sufficiently to seal the opening; and d) optionally, collecting the emerging fluids.

1 . An apparatus for controlling spillage from a well head or other fluid conducting means comprising:
 a) a channel member having a fluidic conduit for conducting fluids; and   b) a dynamic collar surrounding at least a portion of the channel member, wherein the channel member and the dynamic collar in an uninflated state have a total diameter that is less than a well head or other fluid conducting means opening.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said channel member has an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the inner wall further defines a fluidic conduit for allowing the fluids to be channeled. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein at least a portion of the dynamic collar is affixed to the outer wall of the channel member. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said dynamic collar is fabricated from a pliable, expansive material. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said dynamic collar configuration is selected from cylindrical, donut, or trapezoidal. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a inlet port attached to said dynamic collar and providing fluid communication with an internal volume of the dynamic collar. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for controlling spillage from a well head or other fluid conducting means comprising:
 a) a channel member having a fluidic conduit for conducting fluids;   b) a dynamic collar surrounding at least a portion of the channel member; and   c) a fluidic inlet attached to said dynamic collar and providing fluid communication with an internal volume of the dynamic collar, wherein the channel member and dynamic collar in an uninflated state have a total diameter that is less than the well head or other fluid conducting means opening.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said channel member has an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the inner wall further defines a fluidic conduit for allowing the fluids to be channeled. 
     
     
         9 . A method for minimizing fluid spillage from a well head opening or other fluid conducting means opening comprising:
 a) providing the apparatus of  claim 6 ;   b) inserting the device into the opening;   c) introducing an expansive material into the dynamic collar to expand the collar sufficiently to seal the opening; and   d) optionally, collecting fluids emerging from the well head.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said expansive material is selected from the group consisting of fluidic materials, foams, and micronized particles. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said fluidic materials are selected from liquids and gases. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said fluidic materials are selected from water, glycols, oils, air, nitrogen, argon, helium, and carbon dioxide. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said foams are selected from expansive and non-expansive foams.