Blow Out Preventor (BOP) is a very important part of well control equipment and the first thing which we would like to discuss in this article is the BOP stack organization. The BOP stack can be configured in various configurations which must be suitable for the operation.
API has the recommended component codes for BOP as listed below:
A = Annular Preventer
G = Rotating Head
R = single ram type preventer with one set of rams, blind or pipe.
Rd = double ram type preventer with two sets of rams, blind or pipe.
Rt = triple ram type preventer with three sets of rams, blind or pipe.
CH = high remotely operated connector attaching well head or preventers
CL = low pressure remotely operated connector attaching; the marine riser to the BOP
S = spool with side outlet for choke and kill lines
M = 1000 psi
How can I know the BOP configuration and rating from the codes?
When you see the code, you need to read upwards from the bottom of BOP stack. Let’s take a look at the following example:
15M 13-5/8” – RSRRA
This BOP stacks has pressure rating of 15,000 psi with a bore size of 13-5/8” inch. There are following BOP component from bottom to top
Rams – Spool – Rams – Rams – Annular ( see the figure below)
