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Rig Equipment and Blowout Preventers

In Pursuit of the Safe Well Secondary Well Control Rig Equipment and Blowout Preventers

Now that we learned about the purpose of blowout preventers (BOPs) and some of their basic components, let’s take a look at where technologies associated with BOPs are located on a drill rig. Open the Drilling Interactive and follow the instructions below.

For review on the basic four components of a BOP we covered on the previous page start by clicking on the Blowout Preventer (BOP) Ram. Watch the short clip and answer the following question:

What does the shape of the ram determine/dictate and what is the shape of a pipe ram?

The shape of the ram will dictate what the ram will seal against. The shape of a pipe ram is a half moon.

Correct.

The shape of the ram will dictate the size of the wellbore. The shape of a pipe ram is a half moon.

Incorrect.

The shape of the ram will dictate what the ram will seal against. The shape of a pipe ram is a square.

Incorrect.

Next click on the Blowout Preventer (BOP) Blind Shear Ram.

Why are shear ram BOPs the most effective?

They have the largest ram in comparison to other BOPs.

Incorrect.

They are designed to sever the drill string and seal off the wellbore entirely.

Correct.

They seal the wellbore at a very high speed in comparison to other BOPs.

Incorrect.

Wellbores that contain drill string piping will not be sealed by a blind ram. Click on the Blowout Preventer (BOP) Blind Ram and watch the short clip.

What is the shape of the blind rams, and what number of blind rams are used to seal the well?

Blind rams consist of two rams that are square/blunt shape designed to close the open borehole.

Correct.

Blind rams consist of three rams that are square/blunt shape designed to close the open borehole.

Incorrect.

Blind rams consist of two rams that are half moon shape designed to close the open borehole.

Incorrect.

Click on Blowout Preventer (BOP) Annular Type and watch the short clip.

Are Annular BOPs the most effective type of BOPs?

Yes, they are the most effective.

Incorrect.

Acutally, both Annular BOPs and Blind Shear Ram BOP's are the most effective.

Incorrect.

No, they are not the most effective.

Correct.

The crew can control the BOP system with the annualtor, also known as the Blowout Preventer (BOP) Closing Unit, that you should now locate.

How is the pneumatic energy stored at the annulator generated, and why is it important to store energy?

Pneumatic energy is generated by use of compressors. Stored energy is important because it ensures there is pressure available to activate the blowout preventer in the event the rig power systems have failed.

Incorrect.

Pneumatic energy is generated by an onboard motor or external rig system. Stored energy is important because it ensures there is pressure available to activate the blowout preventer in the event the rig power systems have failed.

Correct.

Pneumatic energy is generated by an onboard motor or external rig system. Stored energy is important because it is the only source of pressure on the rig to activate the blowout preventer.

Incorrect.

Oklahoma Academic Standards

Environmental Science: ESS3.2, ESS3.4, LS2.7
Earth and Space Science: ESS3.2

TEKS Standards

Earth Systems Science: 1.A, 1.B, 1.F, 1.G, 2.A, 2.B, 2.D, 3.B, 3.C, 4.A, 4.B, 4.C, 9.B, 12.E, 13.A
Environmental Systems: 1.A, 1.B, 1.D, 1.F, 2.A, 2.B, 2.D, 4.C, 6.A, 12.A, 12.C
Engineering Science: 3.G, 5.B, 6.A, 6.B, 6.C, 14.A
Principles of Applied Engineering: 2.B, 6.A, 6.E
Integrated Physics & Chemistry: 1.A, 1.B, 1.D, 1.F, 1.G, 2.D, 3.B, 4.A, 4.B, 4.C, 6.H
Oil and Gas Production I: 3.A, 3.B, 3.D, 3.E, 3.I, 4.A
Oil and Gas Production II: 3.B
Oil and Gas Production IV: 3.A
Foundations of Energy: 3.B, 10.C, 10.D
Petrochemical Safety, Health, and Environment: 2.F, 3.A, 3.E, 5.E

College Board Units and Topics

AP Environmental Science: 5.9, 5.11

Next Generation Science Standards

Earth and Space Sciences: HS-ESS3-2, HS-ESS3-4
Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science: HS-ETS1-1, HS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-3

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