Blowout Preventor
A blowout preventer (BOP) is a large, specialized valve used to seal, and control oil and gas wells. A BOP Stack (Well control package) is the assembly of well-control equipment including preventers, spools, valves, and nipples connected to the top of the wellhead.
Components of BOP:
- One (1) annular preventer
- One (1) shear ram preventer
- Two (2) pipe ram preventers
- Minimum one (1) Choke Line outlet
- Minimum one (1) Kill Line outlet
- One (1) Wellhead coupling or connector
- Minimum two manual gate valves
- Minimum two remote operated gate valves.
Annular Preventer Pipe Ram
Blind Shear Ram
Safety functions of a BOP Stack
- Prevention of blowouts and well leaks
- Seal around drill pipe
- Seal an open hole
- Shear drill pipe and seal off well
In a summary, there are basically two functions of BOP:
- The annular preventer/pipe ram function (function 1)
- The shear ram function (function 2 & 3 combined)
The BOP’s are used for a number of drilling related safety functions
- Well intervention
- Drilling
Note: SIL level of BOP is 3. (SIL = Safety Integrity Level)