Questions You Should Know about Hydraulic Lock Ram BOP

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Well Control Equipment – BOP Control System

1) The following statements relate to the driller’s remote control BOP control panel located on the rig floor. Decide if the statements are true or false.

a) If you operate a function without operating the master control valve that function will not work.
b) The master control valve on an air operated panel allows air pressure to go to each function in preparation for you operating the function.
c) The master control valve must be held depressed while BOP functions are operated.
d) The master control valve must be depressed for five seconds then released before operating a BOP function.

Answer:
a) True
b) True
c) True
d) False

2) The API RP53 states that closing time should not exceed X seconds for annular BOPs smaller than 18-3/4″. What is the value of X?

a) 30 sec.
b) 60 sec.
c) 2 min.
d) 45 sec.

Answer: d

3) Which is the correct definition of the HPU reservoir volume according to API RP53?

a) 2 times usable accumulator volume.
b) 2 times accumulator volume.
c) 5 times total accumulator volume .

Answer: a

4) Which two pressure readings decrease during normal operation of the pipe rams?

a) Manifold pressure.
b) Annular pressure.
c) Accumulator pressure.
d) Precharge pressure.

Answer: a & c

5) When closing the annular preventer from the remote panel, which two gauges show a reduction in pressure?

a) Manifold pressure.
b) Annular pressure.
c) Accumulator pressure.
d) Air pressure.
e) Bypass pressure.

Answer: b & c

6) A BOP operating unit has 8 accumulator bottles, each with a capacity of 10 gallons.
Operating pressure is 3000 psi. Precharge pressure is 1000 psi.
What is the total usable fluid volume when the minimum BOP operating pressure is 1,200 psi?

Answer: 40

7) On a 3000 psi accumulator system, what are the normal operating pressures seen on the following gauges on the drillers remote control panel?

(i) Air pressure.
(ii) Accumulator pressure.
(iii) Manifold pressure.
(iv) Annular pressure.

Answer:
(i) Air pressure = 120 psi
(ii) Accumulator pressure = 3000 psi
(iii) Manifold pressure = 1500 psi
(iv) Annular pressure = 750 – 1500 psi

8) On which two gauges on the remote panel would you expect to see reduction in pressure when the annular preventer is being closed?

Answer: 2 & 4

Read Also Oil Well Drilling Problems

9) If the air pressure on the drillers panel reads 0 psi, which of the following statements is true?

a) No stack function can be operated from the remote panel.
b) All stack function can be operated from the remote panel.
c) Choke and kill lines can still be operated from the remote panel.
d) The annular preventer can still be operated from the remote panel.

Answer: a

10) Which of the problems below would not stop the BOP from closing?

a) Master control valve was not held down.
b) Four-way valve did not shift position.
c) Closing line in the BOP was blocked.
d) Leak in the hydraulic line to the BOP or in the BOP closing chamber.
e) Air pressure to the panel was lost.
f) A bulb has blown on the remote panel.

Answer: a

11) When drilling, which may be the correct position of the 4-way valves on the BOP accumulator unit?

a) open
b) close
c) neutral
d) open or closed depending on BOP stack function

Answer: d

12) What is the normal precharge for the accumulator bottles on a 3000 psi accumulator unit?

a) 1000 psi
b) 3000 psi
c) 1200 psi
d) 200 psi

Answer: a

13) Name three indications that a function operated normally.

Answer:
a. light changes color.
b. read back pressure drops & read back pressure recovers.
c. flow meter stops at a proper reading.

14) A driller needs to close in a flowing well with drill pipe in a subsea BOP stack. He pushes the “Annular Close” button and the pilot light changes, but all gauges and the flowmeter remain static. What is his best option?

a) Change pod and try again.
b) Call and wait for the subsea engineer.
c) Send assistant driller to manually operate the 4-ways valve on the Hydraulic Control Manifold to close the annular.
d) Close the lower annular preventer.

Answer: a

15) While drilling, an alarm goes off indicating low accumulator pressure and the flow meter indicates a rapid loss of fluid. The best course of action is:

a) Stop drilling and shut the well in.
b) Stop drilling and call subsea engineer.
c) Stop drilling and put all function in block one at a time until the flow stops.
d) None of the above.

Answer: c

Read Also Drilling Rotating Equipment

16) When a function is operated, which of the following is true?

a) SPM valve will operate in both pods.
b) SPM valve will operate only on the active pod.
c) The SPM valve will operate after the function is complete.

Answer: a

17) How much time is allowed for ram type preventers to close in API RP53?

Answer: The BOP control system should be capable of closing each ram BOP in 45 seconds or less.
API RP53 3rd edition March 1997 (13.3.5, p.31)

18) Name two items on the stack that are supplied by fluid from the manifold regulator.

Answer: pipe rams, connectors, failsafe valves, shear rams.

19) From which position in the hydraulic circuit is readback pressure taken?
a) Upstream of the regulator in the pod?
b) The regulator itself?
c) Down stream of the regulator in the pod?

Answer:
(b) The connection is to the regulator, the measurement is taken on the downstream (regulated) side.

20) What is the principal reason for fitting ram locking devices such as wedgelocks or poslocks to a subsea stack?

a) To give additional force when closing in, thus reducing delay times.
b) To lock the ram in the closed position and maintain the shear rams locked during disconnect.
c) To lock the BOP stack to the well head and lock the lower Marine Riser Package to the BOP stack.

Answer: b

21) The subsea hydraulic BOP control system is divided into a Control System and a Pilot system. Which two statements are true with respect to the Pilot System?

a) The fluid in the Pilot System flows continuously while a function on the BOP takes place.
b) The Pilot System dumps fluid to the sea at every operation of BOP functions.
c) The Pilot System controls the position of all shuttle valves on the BOP stack directly.
d) The Pilot system is a closed dead-end system.
e) Pilot fluid consists of potable water, water soluble concentrate and glycol.

Answer: d & e

22) Which two statements are true with respect to shuttle valves on a subsea stack?

a) The shuttle valves automatically seal any hydraulic leaks in the selected pod.
b) The shuttle valves prevent communication between the selected system and the redundant system.
c) The shuttle valves are pilot operated.
d) The shuttle valves allow the retrieval of a malfunctioning pod without losing hydraulic BOP control.

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Answer: b & d

23) What is the purpose of the “Memory Function” on electric control panels?

a) Memory Function indicates a malfunction by giving permanent light on the alarm panel after an alarm has been acknowledged and the audible alarm has stopped.
b) Memory Function reminds the driller to add anti-freeze fluid when the temperature drops below a set level.
c) Memory Function indicates the previous position before “Block position” of three position functions.
d) Memory Function reminds the driller to engage Wedge Locks before hanging off.

Answer: c

24) Mark the following statements true or false regarding to the use of “manipulator” type 4- ways valve used in subsea hydraulic BOP control systems.

a) If the valve is shifted to the center or “block” position, pressure will be vented from the line previously pressurized.
b) The center or “block” position can be used for troubleshooting hydraulic leaks.
c) The “pod selector” valve on a subsea hydraulic BOP control system is of the manipulator type.
d) If the valve is shifted to the center or “block” position, pressure will be trapped in the line previously pressurized.
e) Manipulator type valves are the types typically installed inside the pod hose

Answer: 
a) True.
b) True.
c) True.
d) False.
e) False.

25) Mark the statements below “true” or “false” when drilling with a float valve in the string.

a) Surge pressure.is reduced.
b) Reverse circulation is possible.
c) Flowback through the drillstring often occurs after pumping a slug.
d) Shut-in drillpipe pressure can be taken without starting the pumps.

Answer:

a) False.
b) False.
c) True.
d) False.

26) What is the primary function of the choke in the overall BOP system?

a) To divert contaminant to burning pit.
b) To hold back pressure while circulating up kick.
c) To divert fluid to the mud tank.
d) To prevent the loss of mud due to expansion of gas.
e) To close the well in softly.

Answer: b

27) What is the reason for installing a riser fill-up valve in the marine riser of a subsea operation?

a) To relieve the diverter system on the rig when diverting a shallow gas kick.
b) To prevent collapse of the marine riser in an emergency.
c) To increase buoyancy on the marine riser in order to relieve the riser tensioning system on the rig.
d) To save time filling the hole when tripping out.

Answer: b

28) Identify the situations in which a BOP pressure test is required per API RP-53
a) After circulating out a gas kick.
b) Prior to drilling into a known high pressure zone.
c) After changing out BOP components or after maintenance.
d) After setting a casing string.

Answer: b, c , d

29) Which tool would you use if you wanted to test the BOP stack, the casing head and upper casing seals.

a) Plug type tester
b) Cup type tester

Answer: b

30) While testing the BOP stack, it is noticed that hydraulic oil is leaking from the weep hole on the upper rams. Which one of the following best describes the proper action to be taken?

a) Energize plastic seal and repair BOP at next scheduled maintenance.
b) A primary seal is leaking, secure the well and repair the seal.
c) The rams packer is leaking due to wear. Change the worn packer.
d) Do nothing. The seal requires a slight leak for lubrication purpose.

Answer: b

31) Why should the side outlet below a test plug be kept in the open position while testing a surface BOP stack?

a) Because of potential damage to casing/open hole.
b) Because the test will create extreme hook load.
c) Otherwise reverse circulation will be needed to release the plug

Answer: a

References:
1.Transocean Sedco Forex – Jakarta Learning Centre – Pre-school exercises for Well Control With Answers.
2.  Well Control Manual part.1 & 2 – from Well Control School 

Ram BOPs are indispensable safety devices in the oil and gas drilling industry. Safety is of utmost importance in the modern oil and gas drilling industry, whether in drilling and maintenance operations or in natural gas production. Such as Ram BOPs, are crucial equipment for ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. Today, Sino Mechanical would like to discuss the functions, working principles, types, and prices of Ram BOPs with you, with the aim of assisting customers in selecting the appropriate blowout preventer system.

1. Functions and Importance

Ram BOPs serve critical functions in drilling operations, with their primary roles including:

Blowout Prevention: During drilling and well servicing operations, Ram BOPs are the first line of defense against uncontrolled releases of oil or gas from the well. They can rapidly close and seal the wellbore to prevent blowouts.

Pressure Control at the Wellhead: Ram BOPs maintain wellhead pressure within a controllable range, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. They can quickly close off the well to contain pressure buildup.

Safety Assurance: Ram BOPs significantly reduce the risk of accidents and environmental incidents, protecting both human lives and the environment.

2. Ram BOP Working Principles

The working principles of Ram BOPs are based on their internal ram assemblies. When there is an unexpected surge in wellhead pressure, these rams move horizontally or vertically to block the wellbore, effectively sealing it. The operation of these rams is controlled by hydraulic or pneumatic systems, allowing for rapid responses to pressure changes.

3. Ram BOP Types

Ram BOPs come in various types, each with its unique characteristics:

Annular Ram BOPs: These BOPs have a flexible sealing element that can adapt to different wellbore sizes, providing a versatile solution for sealing the wellbore.

Blind Ram BOPs: Blind Ram BOPs are used to close off and seal the wellbore completely. They are effective when there are no drill pipes or tools in the well.

Pipe Ram BOPs: Pipe Ram BOPs are designed to seal around the drill pipe, making them suitable for operations involving pipe and casing.

4. Ram BOP Prices

The pricing of Ram BOPs varies depending on factors such as the model, specifications, and supplier. Standard models typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, while customized solutions may have higher costs. Prices are influenced by market demand, raw material costs, and manufacturing processes.

When applying blowout preventers on-site, multiple combinations are used as needed. Typically, the upper section consists of a universal blowout preventer, the middle section has a variable bore gate valve blowout preventer, and the lower section includes shear gate valve blowout preventers, among others. Various combinations of blowout preventers are used based on the specific requirements of the site. The collective term for these various combinations of blowout preventers is referred to as a Blowout Preventer Assembly (BOP).

6.Selection of BOP Stacks

Factors to consider when selecting a hydraulic blowout preventer assembly include the well type, formation pressure, casing size, formation fluid type, personnel expertise, process technology requirements, climate impact, transportation conditions, material supply status, and environmental protection requirements, among others. In summary, the assembly should facilitate balanced drilling, ensure drilling safety, and save drilling costs.

Selection of Pressure Rating

The working pressure of a hydraulic blowout preventer assembly depends on factors such as the internal pressure resistance of the casing used, the formation fracture pressure at the casing shoe, and the anticipated maximum wellhead pressure. However, it primarily depends on the anticipated maximum wellhead pressure the blowout preventer assembly is expected to withstand. Blowout preventer pressure ratings come in five categories: 14 MPa, 21 MPa, 35 MPa, 70 MPa, 105 MPa, and 140 MPa.

Selection of Bore Diameter

The bore diameter of the blowout preventer assembly depends on the casing size in the wellbore structure design and must be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connected casing. Blowout preventer bore diameters are available in nine sizes: 180mm, 230mm, 280mm, 346mm, 426mm, 476mm, 528mm, 540mm, and 680mm. Among these, commonly used sizes in the field are 230mm, 280mm, 346mm, and 540mm.

Selection of Combination Configuration

The choice of combination configuration is primarily based on formation pressure, drilling process requirements, drilling tool structure, and equipment compatibility.

In conclusion, Ram BOPs play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and success of drilling operations in the oil and gas industry. Understanding their functions, working principles, types, and prices is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring the safety of both personnel and the environment during drilling operations.

Sino Mechanical's Ram BOPs offer a reliable and high-performance solution, ensuring the safety and efficiency of drilling operations. We not only provide standard configurations but also offer customized products to meet our customers' specific needs.

Over the years, Sino Mechanical has been dedicated to delivering high-quality Ram BOPs to the international market. To date, we have established long-term partnerships with drilling contractors in various countries and regions, including South America, Europe, the Middle East, and more.

Whether you are a large oil and gas corporation or a small drilling contractor, we have the right Ram BOP solution for you. Our products have received accolades from numerous users who highly praise our reliability and exceptional performance.

If you are interested in Sino Mechanical's Ram BOP products or have any questions about our products, please feel free to contact our sales team. We are committed to providing you with assistance and offering the best solutions.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit BOP Spare Parts.