Patent attributes
A fluid containment device has a sleeve-like housing defining an inner chamber and an elongate slot or opening. At least one inner door is received in the inner chamber, and can rotate between a first retracted position (leaving the elongate slot open or unobstructed) and a second position (causing the elongate slot to be blocked or obstructed). With the inner door in the retracted position, the device can be quickly and efficiently positioned around a threaded connection existing between adjacent pipe sections. A safety door prevents undesired placement of body parts or other objects in the elongate slot (and in the path of the inner door) during powered rotation of the inner door. A variable diameter seal assembly is selectively closed around the outer surface of any pipe sections. The device prevents drilling fluid from uncontrolled splashing or spilling on personnel or the surrounding environment upon separation of the pipe sections, while also saving and redirecting the drilling fluid to a rig's mud system for further handling.
