Backflow collection system and method for reclaiming the same

{
  "publication_number": "US9687761B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Backflow collection system and method for reclaiming the same",
  "abstract": "The present disclosure provides a backflow collection system and a method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore. The backflow collection system, in one embodiment, includes a collection vessel having an upper section and a lower section, the collection vessel having a side opening configured to receive backflow from an oil/gas well, as well as a discharge port proximate an upper end of the upper section configured to discharge pressurized gas from the collection vessel. The backflow collection system, in this embodiment, further includes an elevated auger positioned in relation to the collection vessel and configured to receive solid and liquid matter from a bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel, the collection vessel designed such that when fluid is contained therein it acts as a liquid/gas seal to prevent the pressurized gas from exiting through the bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A backflow collection system, comprising: a collection vessel consisting of only a single chamber having an upper section and a lower section, the collection vessel having a side opening configured to receive backflow from an oil/gas well, as well as a discharge port proximate an upper end of the upper section configured to discharge pressurized gas from the collection vessel; and an elevated auger positioned in relation to the collection vessel and configured to receive solid and liquid matter from a bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel, the collection vessel designed such that when fluid is contained therein it acts as a liquid/gas seal to prevent the pressurized gas from exiting through the bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel.",
    "2. The backflow collection system of claim 1, wherein the collection vessel is positioned on a movable trailer.",
    "3. The backflow collection system of claim 2, wherein the collection vessel is configured to transition from a substantially vertical operational orientation to a substantial horizontal transit orientation.",
    "4. The backflow collection system of claim 3, wherein the collection vessel is configured to pivot to transition from the operational orientation to the transit orientation on the movable trailer.",
    "5. The backflow collection system of claim 4, wherein one or more hydraulic cylinders transition the collection vessel from the operational orientation to the transit orientation.",
    "6. The backflow collection system of claim 1, wherein the collection vessel is a cylindrical collection vessel.",
    "7. The backflow collection system of claim 6, wherein ends of the cylindrical collection vessel are spherical.",
    "8. A backflow collection system, comprising: a collection vessel consisting of only a single chamber having an upper section and a lower section, the collection vessel having a side opening configured to receive backflow from an oil/gas well, a discharge port proximate an upper end of the upper section configured to discharge pressurized gas from the collection vessel, and a bottom opening in the lower section thereof, the collection vessel designed such that when fluid is contained therein it acts as a liquid/gas seal to prevent the pressurized gas from exiting through the bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel; an enclosure positioned in relation to the collection vessel, the enclosure having an opening in an upper portion thereof configured to receive solid and liquid matter from the bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel; and an elevated auger extending into the enclosure and configured to remove the solid matter from the enclosure, wherein the auger includes a housing and a flighting, the housing and flighting configured in such a way as to promote separation of the solid matter from the liquid matter as the solid matter travels up the auger and out of the enclosure.",
    "9. The backflow collection system of claim 8, wherein the collection vessel is positioned on a movable trailer.",
    "10. The backflow collection system of claim 9, wherein the collection vessel is configured to transition from a substantially vertical operational orientation to a substantial horizontal transit orientation.",
    "11. The backflow collection system of claim 10, wherein the collection vessel is configured to pivot to transition from the operational orientation to the transit orientation on the movable trailer.",
    "12. The backflow collection system of claim 11, wherein one or more hydraulic cylinders transition the collection vessel from the operational orientation to the transit orientation.",
    "13. The backflow collection system of claim 8, wherein the collection vessel is a cylindrical collection vessel.",
    "14. The backflow collection system of claim 13, wherein ends of the cylindrical collection vessel are spherical.",
    "15. A method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore, comprising: collecting solid and liquid matter from a wellbore within a collection vessel, the collection vessel; consisting of only a single chamber having an upper section and a lower section; including a side opening configured to receive solid and liquid matter from the wellbore; including a discharge port proximate an upper end of the upper section; and including a bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel; and discharging pressurized gas located within the collection vessel out the discharge port; and dumping at least a portion of the solid and liquid matter from the bottom opening to an elevated auger positioned in relation to the collection vessel, wherein the collection vessel is designed such that when fluid is contained therein it acts as a liquid/gas seal to prevent the pressurized gas from exiting through the bottom opening."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present disclosure is directed, in general to a system and more specifically, to a backflow collection system and method for using the same.\n\nProduction of oil and gas (e.g., hydrocarbons) from subterranean formations is dependent on many factors. These hydrocarbons must usually migrate through a low permeable formation matrix to drain into the wellbore. In many formations, the permeability is so low that it hinders the well's production rate and overall potential. In other wells, the near wellbore is damaged during drilling operations and such damage often results in less than desirable well productivity. Hydraulic fracturing is a process designed to enhance the productivity of oil and gas wells or to improve the infectivity of injection wells. In the fracturing process, a viscous fluid is injected into the wellbore at such a rate and pressure as to induce a crack or fracture in the formation. Once the fracture is initiated, a propping agent, such as sand (e.g., often referred to as “frac” sand), is added to the fluid just prior to entering the wellbore. This sand laden slurry is continuously injected causing the fracture to propagate or extend. After the desired amount of proppant has been placed in the reservoir, pumping is terminated, and the well is shut-in for some period of time.\n\nAfter the pressure is released from the wellbore, the sand, or at least a significant portion of the sand, remains within the fractured strata thereby holding the strata in a substantially fractured state. Accordingly, the oil and gas is allowed to flow freely.",
  "cpc": [
    "B01D 21/245",
    "B01D 21/0015",
    "B01D 21/2461",
    "B01D 21/2494",
    "B01D 21/283",
    "B01D 2221/04",
    "B65G 33/10",
    "B65G 33/265",
    "E21B 21/063",
    "E21B 21/065",
    "E21B 43/2607",
    "E21B 43/34",
    "E21B 43/35"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B01D 21/00",
    "B01D 21/24",
    "B65G 33/10",
    "B65G 33/26",
    "E21B 21/06",
    "E21B 43/34"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "GRANBURY THOMPSON GROUP LLC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "THOMPSON BRUCE"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-02-03",
  "publication_date": "2017-06-27",
  "grant_date": "2017-06-27",
  "priority_date": "2009-01-09",
  "application_number": "US-201715424005-A",
  "family_id": "48796293",
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}