Subsea Bop PDF

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS
SUBSEA BOP STACK SYSTEMS
Subsea BOP Stack Systems incorporate the newest technology required by the
demands of deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling. Subsea engineers have
tackled the tough challenges of deepwater by successfully evaluating
deepwater criteria including:
Subsea BOP Stack Systems 2

Height and Weight
Several features incorporated into BOP stacks to reduce the height and weight
of for deepwater applications are;
BOP stacks using specially designed BOPs that weigh less and are shorter
in height than conventional stacks.
Funnel-up stack design to decrease the height of the LMRP by as much as

18" (46 cm), allowing five BOP cavities to fit into the space of four.
Annular BOP provided in dual body design to further reduce the height
required by two individual annular BOPs.
Lightweight riser systems featuring riser connectors designed to meet the

constraints imposed by variable deck load and space limitations on
existing and new rigs.
Multiplex Electro-Hydraulic Control Systems that are significantly smaller

and lighter than previously manufactured.

Pressure and Bending Loads
In deep water, bending stresses are dramatically increased. This challenge has
been met with a range of high capacity, deepwater collet connectors for the
wellhead-to-stack and BOP stack-to-lower riser package connections.
Innovative designs have also been introduced to strengthen the API connector
flanges to handle increased bending loads. Riser systems are thus designed to
accommodate high bending loads in the deepwater riser string.

Intervention
Deepwater equipment must be ROV compatible. E.g. functions such as riser

connector unlock, choke and kill connector unlock, shear ram close and lock,
pipe ram close and lock, accumulator dump and emergency stack recovery
ROV compatible. MUX control system can also offers options for ROV assisted
pod installation and retrieval.

Operational Considerations
Closing a pipe ram or shear ram displaces wellbore fluids below the annular
BOP, increasing the pressure being contained by the annular. Bleed valve
arrangement in the LMRP allows a controlled bleed-off of the increased
pressure between the pipe rams and the shear rams.

Time Savings
Time savings is of critical importance when operating in deepwater. Drilling

systems therefore utilize quick make-up riser flanges, retrievable subsea pods
and long life BOP elastomers.
BOP stacks are available in funnel-up or funnel-down designs at the Lower

Marine Riser Package (LMRP)-to-BOP Stack interface and the BOP stack to
wellhead interface.

LMRP Connection
The funnel-up design allows the stack mandrel to become shorter, reducing
overall stack height by as much as 18" (46 cm). The funnel-up design allows
five BOP cavities to be incorporated into a stack height comparable to a funnel-
down stack with only four cavities. Funnel-up design also increases the LMRP
pull-off angle. The funnel-down design still provides precise alignment for
choke and kill line connections and control pods.

Wellhead Connection
Stack frames are often provided with bolting patterns for both funnel-up and funnel-
down installation. To convert a funnel-down stack to funnel-up, simply unbolt the
structure for the funnel-up system. Bolt-on guideline capability allow easy convertion
from guideline less to guideline operation.

Subsea Control systems
Subsea control systems enable remote control of seabed and downhole valves
and monitoring of the multiplicity of valves, chokes and gauges included in a
sophisticated subsea production system. Such a system is vital to the safe and
efficient operation of a subsea system. They differ from surface systems in that
they may have to be in operating service without failure or repair for a longer
working period (i.e. in this case 15-20years filed life.)
Hydraulic power is transmitted to the seabed template Central control manifold

(CCM) through hydraulic lines whilst command signals from the surface are
transmitted through hydraulic and/or electric umbilicals to the CCM.
The CCM is then connected to individual Subsea control manifolds on each well
via similar smaller hydraulic/electric umbilicals. Information from all monitoring
devices are transmitted from each well, via SCM to CCM and then to the surface
facility via hydraulic and/or electric lines.
Subsea Control Systems 13

Functionality
Subsea Control systems must be designed for both system installation, well
reentry operations and for long term control and monitoring of the producing
completion, Xmas tree and template components.
During drilling and completion an interface between drilling rig and intervention
vessel or in Oceanus case potentially the FPSO itself would be able to control
and operate individual functions from surface. E.g. hydraulic latches, running
tools, control over production Xmas tree etc.
During production all functionality would be performed from the FPSO itself.
The functions that would be controlled are:
Operation of tree wing and crossover valves
Operation of downhole safety valves
Operation of subsea chokes and manifold valves
Monitoring information regarding choke positions, reservoir or seabed flowing

temperatures and pressures, control system variables, hydrocarbon leaks,
electric or hydraulic supply failure,

Multiplexed electro hydraulic
Activated electric signals would be encoded and transmitted from the surface
facility down a single cable to the subsea central control manifold (CCM) where
they would be decoded, processed then transmitted to respective wells subsea
control manifold (SCM). The signals then operate solenoid pilot valves which in
turn release hydraulic power from the function larger, hydraulic lines to actuate
the selected function.
Such systems improve response times, require fewer hydraulic and electric
conduits , needing only one for the signal and one for the main power supply.
With a complex multiplexed system, there is increased life of failure and hence
provision of back up facilities or redundancy would be built into any system to
reduce risk.

HPU, Control panel Control lines & control fluid
A hydraulic power unit (HPU) would be located on the FPSO, providing storage
fluid, high pressure generation and high pressure fluid storage. The HPU would
comprise of a low pressure fluid storage reservoir to store control fluid, a high
pressure pump, and a high pressure (3000psi) storage reservoir (accumulator).
Accumulators would be of sufficient capacity to accommodate system cycle
rate and recharging of the pumps, and fluid filter to ensure cleanliness of the
control fluid. Accumulator capacity would also have sufficient capacity for
certain redundancy if all electric power to pumps was lost.

Control panel
The control panel may be a stand alone or an integral part of the HPU. It utilizes
a series of valves to direct the hydraulic and/or electric signals or power to the
appropriate functions.

Control lines
Control lines transmit information in form of pressure pulses or electric signals

or to conduct high pressure fluids to activate the subsea functions.
Hydraulic control lines conduct fluid from the surface to the subsea function.
The lines mat be manufactured from carbon steel, be corrosion resistant alloys
or thermoplastic materials. The control lines are generally bundles together
with a protective jacket and/or armour protection.
Electric control lines or cables generally contain both power and signal
conductors and can be deployed as a separate control line or combined in a
common bundle with hydraulic control lines.
Electric connectors at the subsea end of the system are of two types. Either
inductive couplers where electric energy is transmitted through the magnetic
coupling of the two connector halves. Or energy that is more common where
electrical is transmitted with little power loss through conductive pin and
socket connectors.

Control fluids
Both water based and petroleum-based fluids are used in hydraulic systems.
Petroleum based are more desirable as they do not cause corrosion or
Biological growth within the system. Control fluids need to comply with the
National Aerospace standard 1638, Class 6 cleanliness standard. (NAS6)

Control Pods (CCM & SCM’s)
The control pods are the subsea distribution points for the surface generated
power and surface control, to the components positioned on the template
facilities. They are also the data collection and transmission points for the data
collected by the various monitors on or below the seabed. The pods are
Mounted in accessible positions, are retrievable for repair, maintenance or
replacement as necessary.
The pods are therefore functionally self contained and retrievable units,
housing typically the following components.
Solenoid operating pilot valves and logic decoding system of the

Electrohydraulic control systems.
Pressure operated valves of the piloted hydraulic control systems
Hydraulic operating cylinders that operate the mechanisms that lock and
interface pods to base plates and common lines.
Hydraulically operating cylinder that operates a retractable multi-pin
Electrical connector.

Control Pods (CCM & SCM’s)
The electronics are housed in a pressure compensated oil-bath. A pressure

compensation bladder unit in or adjacent to control pods interface with the
Ocean environment to maintain balancing pressure at any operating depth.
Other electrical components, such as pressure switches, transducers, flow-
meters etc. are normally designed to operate at ambient temperatures.
Pods can be retrieved using a running tool or a work class ROV. The control
hose bundle would supplies running tools with the required control pressures
to latch, unlatch pods once tools were attached.
Finally, a hydraulic override of the control system could maintain the tree in
production or service state while the pod is being retrieved and serviced.

Reliability of control systems
Reliability as a whole is dependent on the reliability of each of its components

parts. Valves: Are probably the most critical components especially so in a
subsea completion. Most common failure being high fluid leakage rate, valves
sticking after a long period in pressurised state. The only method to predict
valve behaviour is extensive testing under conditions identical to field and
environment operating conditions.

Status Sensors
Used for the control module functions’ and production tree. The control module
status is normally referred to as housekeeping status because it provides data
on the incoming supply voltage, the voltage of the module power supplies and
the hydraulic supply pressure.
Monitoring Capabilities and Equipment 23

Pressure sensors
The most simple being where the transducer is located within the control
module housing. This provides accuracy’s of 1% and the best reliability as the
most simple circuits can be used. Disadvantage is that the measured pressure
must be tied into the control module on a hydraulic stab, placing sensing lines
at risk and requiring isolation to be attended for. To eliminate this risk sensors
that mount at the sensor point are used, mounted on flanged ports that contain
block and bleed valves for safe removal. The housings for such pressure
transducers contain the necessary signal conditioning to use inductive
couplers designed to be a secondary containment vessel in case of transducer
leakage. This design does not allow diverless replacement therefore the
circuitry has been kept as simple as possible to maintain high reliability.
Accuracy is +/- 3% over full pressure range.
Downhole pressure sensors now have accuracy of 0.5% and have been adapted
from standard downhole sensors to the subsea control electronics, utilizing a
in to pin type connector to provide the Dc connection required to the downhole
element.

Temperature sensors
Use standard platinum wire probe interfaced with the signal conditioning
electronics. The probe is mounted in a thermal well to allow its removal without
interrupting production, Such design required subsea intervention for
replacement.

Pig detector
If through flowline tools are used for well maintenance to clean production
flowlines, it is desirable to know the location of the tool in the pipe prior to
performing critical operations. The detector simply uses a strap tool on a
sensor to sense the reluctance between its elements. When a steel pig passes
the pole pieces it is sensed and the data transmitted to the surface by the
control module.

Leak detector
A leak detector monitors the build up of hydrocarbons or gas under an inverted

still pan. The sensor uses two coils in close proximity to measure the
conductivity of the surrounding medium. When sea water is around the sensor
it conducts current and couples the excited coil to the passive coil and the
signal is detected by the electronics. When the conductive path is broken by
hydrocarbons or gas, the excited coil is no longer coupled to the passive coil
with a resultant loss of signal detected by the electronics.

Sand detector
Generally one that uses erosion on a probe in the flow stream and a go/no-go
device. Sand eroding through the reference tube allows production pressure to
shift a valve in the end of the probe. The position of this valve is sensed by a
hydraulic circuit using an orifice and pressure transducer.

Risers & umbilicals
Riser and umbilicals are important and complex items of any offshore
development. Production, drilling, work-over, wire-line and production export
risers may all be required for a development project. The functional and design
specification for each of these systems is different and must be specific for the
type of riser preferred.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
INTRODUCTION
Subsea blowout preventer (BOP) stacks used in deep water drilling are hydraulically actuated
as are BOP stacks used in conventional shallow water operations.
The primary element of the hydraulic control system is the subsea control pod mounted on the
BOP stack. The control pod contains hydraulic control valves which on command from the
surface direct the flow of hydraulic power fluid to and from the blowout preventers, hydraulic
connectors and valves, etc. of the BOP.
The control valves are two-position, three-way valves or three-position, four -way valves
actuated by hydraulic pilot pressure. In conventional, shallow water hydraulic control systems,
pilot pressure to actuate the pod control valves is supplied directly from the surface through
individual pilot hoses contained in a flexible hose umbilical.
In most deep water control systems, pilot command signals are transmitted electrically through
a multi-conductor cable to the subsea pod in order to achieve quicker response times. These
deep water control systems are termed electro-hydraulic or E/H control systems. In both
hydraulic and E/H systems, hydraulic power fluid to actuate BOP stack components is supplied
to the pod from a surface pump/actuator unit either through a control hose umbilical, a
separate hose, or a rigid conduit (usually a corrosion resistant alloy) integral with the riser
joints. Generally, subsea control components are duplicated to provide redundancy.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS 31

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
INTRODUCTION
Rapid response is of particular importance when drilling in deep water.

Rapid response is important because of the possibility of a DP system drive-off necessitating
an emergency disconnect from the BOP stack. The response time constitutes the two main
elements; signal time and hydraulic execution (flow) time.
According to NPD, the response time for closing of blowout preventers, when located at
seabed, will be up to 45 seconds. API RP 16E, section 16E.3.1, states the control system for a
subsea BOP stack should be capable of closing of each ram BOP in 45 seconds or less.
Closing response time should not exceed 60 seconds for annular BOPs. Operating time
response time for choke and kill valves (either open or close) should not exceed the minimum
observed ram close response time. Time to unlatch the LMRP should not exceed 45 seconds.
The above should be regarded as a minimum requirement. Stricter requirements with regards
to unlatching the LMRP may apply if a possible drive-off situation of a drilling unit demands
this.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
INTRODUCTION
Electro-hydraulic control systems were developed to provide rapid signal time. In 3000 ft water
depth, an E/H control system will function substantially faster than a conventional hydraulic
system. Pilot signal transmission time with an E/H system (3000 ft depth) is a fraction of a
second whereas hydraulic pilot signal time through 3000 ft of pilot hose can be as much as 30
seconds and more depending on the type of system and the type of pilot hose. A hydraulic
system called quick response system is able to transfer a pilot signal through a pilot hose in
about 4.5 seconds in 3000 ft water depth. This system is briefly described later. The basic
difference between E/H and hydraulic control systems is pilot signal transmission. The E/H
system achieves its rapid response by transmitting an electrical pilot command signal to a
solenoid operated pilot valve in the subsea pod which in return directs the pilot pressure to the
designated hydraulic control valve. Early electro-hydraulic BOP control systems utilized DC
circuits to actuate each solenoid pilot valve in the control pod. This required a large number of
conductors resulting in a large, stiff control cable Considerable difficulty with system reliability
was experienced with the early DC circuit E/H control systems due, in part, to problems with
the large, multi-conductor control cable and its terminal fittings. The E/H cable terminal fittings
were subject to progressive sea water flooding which resulted in short circuiting the command
functions. Additionally, the early E/H circuitry did not have sufficient safeguards against
spurious commands. In one instance, a BOP stack was dropped to the sea floor when sea
water created a short circuit across the face of a cable connector causing the upper hydraulic
connector to open. These problems with the early E/H control systems prompted the
development of the multiplex E/H control systems which are now in use on most specially
designed deep water DP drilling vessels.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
INTRODUCTION
Hydraulic execution time is in the time it takes for the hydraulic fluid to move the hydraulic
actuator from the one extreme position to the other, for example a set of rams from fully open
to fully closed position. This time depends mainly on operating pressure, line size, line length,
valve and fittings restriction factors and hydraulic fluid viscosity. Large size lines, valves and
fittings are the main parameters that can be varied to improve on the hydraulic execution time.
Execution times of about 15 seconds for 18¾” ram BOPs and 30 seconds for annular BOPs can
be obtained with proper selection of hydraulic components. In addition to the dual main control
system, back up systems are also often installed. These are normally an acoustic control
system as described later, and a ROV operated hot line system. The hot line system allows a
hydraulic line to be connected to the desired function on the BOP stack (such as the LMRP)
connector, the wellhead connector, etc.) by means of a ROV.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
MULTIPLEX BOP CONTROL SYSTEMS
The primary difference between multiplex E/H systems and the earlier individual DC circuit E/H
systems is in the mode of signal transmission between the surface control units and the
subsea pods. A typical multiplex control systems is illustrated schematically in. Utilizing
electronic transceivers in the surface control unit and the subsea control pods, the multiplex
system transmits coded command and data signals similar to FM radio transmission over a
small multi-conductor cable . Command signals are received at the control pod, decoded,
verified by reciprocal transmission to the surface and then executed within a fraction of a
second. In addition to command/data signal transmission, the multiple x control cable
transmits television signals and power for solenoid valve actuation.
The principal advantages of multiplex over earlier E/H systems are a much smaller, lighter
weight control cable and less susceptibility to spurious command signals that could be
generated by short circuits or other component failures since coded signals are used. A typical
deep water multiplex BOP stack with TV cameras can be controlled through a 16 conductor,
1.4-inch OD. armoured cable. Earlier standard E/H control systems required a 2.5 in OD. cable
with in excess of 100 conductors to control a similar BOP stack. The incident mentioned earlier
of a BOP stack being dropped because of a short circuit would not have occurred with a
multiplex control system.
Multiplex E/H BOP control stack systems currently in use on DP vessels are those
manufactured by Shaffer (formerly Koomey), Cooper Oil Tools (formerly Cameron Iron Works)
and Tri-Tech Systems. All of the systems have performed quite successfully.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
POWER FLUID SUPPLY
As mentioned earlier, hydraulic power fluid to actuate BOP stack components is supplied either
through a control hose umbilical (hydraulic system), a separate power fluid hose or through a
rigid conduit that is integral with the riser joints similar to choke/kill lines. The rigid conduit can
supply high pressure power fluid with less lag time than hoses because it does not exhibit the
“ballooning” effect that occurs with pressure surges in hoses. Some of the early individual
circuit E/H systems incorporated a 0.5-inch hydraulic supply hose in the electrical cable. This
design was abandoned when it was determined that ballooning of the hydraulic hose due to
pressure surges was contributing to cable flooding problems.
To minimise actuation time for BOP stack components, most deep water BOP stacks have been
equipped with accumulators mounted directly on the BOP stacks. Subsea accumulators would
provide an immediate source of high pressure power fluid which could actuate BOP stack
components faster than surface accumulators alone supplying power fluid through several
thousand feet of hose or conduit. However, by introducing an acoustic control system
according to the NPD rules, a substantial accumulator bank will be required just for this. If one
wants to stay within a normal BOP stack envelope size, it will be difficult or impossible to fit
enough accumulators to cater for both needs, especially for a large size BOP (18 ¾ ” – 10 or
15000 psi wp). In addition subsea accumulators becomes less efficient with increasing water
depth (see discussions in section 5). It should therefore be considered to use large size conduit
lines (2-2½” ID) in combination with a few surge accumulators only.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
SHEAR RAM POWER PACKAGE
According to NPD, the shear rams shall be capable of shearing the drillpipe in use after a
certain number of BOP operations have been performed and with the hydraulic pumps not
running.
As shearing may require hydraulic operating pressures close to the maximum hydraulic
accumulator pressure a vailable, one of the following arrangements will be required:
A very large accumulator bank (at surface)
Higher accumulator system pressure (5000 psi system)
Dedicated accumulator bank for the shear rams (subsea)

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
SHEAR RAM POWER PACKAGE
The first option is normally unwanted because of large space requirements and high cost, the
second option may be unwanted because of high cost and that such a system is not normal
standard. In case of system conversions, high cost and additional space requirement will be an
important consideration. The third option may therefore be a practical solution, and especially
the solution described below that requires only a relatively small accumulator bank which
ismore important for a BOP stack for deep water as discussed in the next chapter.
Hydril Company has designed a Shear Ram Power Package expressly to facilitate simple and
economical compliance with the NPD’s regulations for shear ram operation.
This power package provides dedicated power fluid just when it is needed the most – when
shearing pipe. The emergency hydraulic supply is triggered to action by contact of the shear
rams when closing on pipe in the bore. The system senses shear ram closing pressure at the
BOP. The reserve accumulators feed power fluid to the shear rams to sever the pipe and seal
the bore.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
ACOUSTIC BACKUP CONTROL SYSTEMS
Most deep water drilling vessels are now equipped with an acoustic control system to serve as
an emergency backup in case the primary control system becomes inoperative because of
cable failure or hydraulic supply line failure, etc. A simplified schematic of an acoustic backup
system is shown in. These systems function independently of the primary control system and
are usually configured to operate three or four critical BOP stack functions such as shear rams
close, pipe rams close, ram locks close, and lower riser connector open (including possible kill
and choke line connectors and disconnect assist (lift-off) system).
NPD requires the use of an acoustic back-up system or an alternative control system when
drilling on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. This includes the Voering Plateau. This system
shall as a minimum be capable of operating the pipe ram preventers, shear ram preventer and
the connection for the marine riser. The dedicated accumulators for this system shall have
sufficient capacity for closing of two (2) pipe ram preventers and one (1) shear ram preventer,
as well as opening of the riser connection plus 50%, The accumulators shall have sufficient
pressure for cutting of the drill string, after having closed a pipe ram preventer. In addition, the
pressure shall be sufficient to carry out disconnection of the riser package (LMRP) after cutting
of the drill string has been completed.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
The acoustic control system operates basically like a multiplex E/H system except that coded
command signals are transmitted acoustically through the water rather than through an
electrical cable. The surface control unit transmits coded acoustic signals from a transponder
beneath the vessel hull or from a portable unit that can be operated from a work-boat. The
signals are received by a hydrophone and processed by electronics in an acoustic “mini-pod”
on the BOP stack. The acoustic control pad contains solenoid pilot valves and pilot operated
control valves for directing power fluid to the designated BOP stack functions. Electric power
for the acoustic pod is supplied by a battery pack. Hydraulic power fluid if supplied by a
dedicated bank of accumulators that is charged through a check valve by the primary control
system supply line.
Acoustic control systems can operate in the water depths at the Voring Plateau. Compared with
systems for the shallower water, a more narrow acoustic beam angle may be used to achieve
sufficient acoustic signal strength and thereby reduce power requirements and the size of the
battery package. Also, the system container will be of a heavier design to withstand the
increased external pressure.
Acoustic control systems have a longer response time than the main hydraulic or E/H systems
and is therefore not suited for emergency disconnect situations.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
Subsea accumulators are less efficient with increasing water depth. The reason is because of
the higher nitrogen precharge pressure that is required (surface accumulator precharge
pressure plus hydrostatic pressure of the sea). This causes less expansion of the gas (smaller
relative difference between maximum and minimum gas pressure). For that reason operations
in 2000m water depth will require about 30%-50% more accumulator volume than in the more
normal water depths. The accumulator bank required for the acoustic system on a deep water
BOP stack will therefore occupy most of the available space inside a normal BOP stack
envelope. Increasing this envelope size may have significant impact on the handling and
storage systems on board the drilling unit.
It should be noted that the maximum absolute pressure in subsea accumulators is the sum of
the surface accumulator pressure plus the hydrostatic pressure between the surface and the
subsea accumulators. This pressure (about 5900 psi in 2000m water depth) would be trapped in
the accumulators when pulling the BOP stack to surface. Therefore either a system (or
procedure) for bleeding down the pressure must be provided or the pressure rating of the
system must be sufficient.
Acoustic back-up systems are manufactured by Shaffer (formerly Koomey), Cooper Oil Tools
(formerly Cameron Iron Works), Tri-Tech Systems and Simrad.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
FAST RESPONSE HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
Hydril Company and Shaffer has developed hydraulic fast response systems that extend the
operational water depth for straight hydraulic systems considerably. The fast response
systems offers the simplicity and reliability of hydraulics with an operating response
comparable to multiplex at water depths up to 5000 feet.
As an example, a standard hydraulic system has a signal time of 15 seconds at 3000’ water
depth; a fast response system has a signal response time of only 4.5 seconds at 3000’. The
difference in response time widens as depth increases.
The increase in operating speed is accomplished by keeping the signal hoses at about 1000
psig minimum pressure at all times. First, this eliminates most of the hose expansion due to
pressure. Second, signal pressures are varied from 1000 psig to 2000 psig, rather than from 0
psig to 3000 psig.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
FAST RESPONSE HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
A complete fast response system includes a special surface manifold and a subsea fast
response manifold, together with the remainder of a conventional hydraulic subsea system.
Such a system can be normally retrofitted to an existing hydraulic subsea system with a
minimum of complications.
The main consideration when selecting between a multiplex and a hydraulic fast response
system will normally be the time required for an emergency disconnect. The potential of getting
additional 4-10 seconds available in an emergency disconnect situation may be a determining
factor, especially for a dynamically positioned drilling unit. This has to be evaluated for the
individual unit based on its marine characteristics (drift-off and drive -off characteristics for a
dynamic positioned unit and transient movements for an anchored unit).

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEEP WATER APPLICATIONS
Configuring the BOP Control System for Deep Water
When designing new or retrofitting existing drilling units for deep water operations, the
following is recommended to consider:
Select and install a multiplex control system or a quick response hydraulic control system
to obtain sufficient short signal time. This should be based on the available time for
emergency disconnect and on the NPD/API requirements.
Select and install large size lines (including conduit lines along the marine riser), valves
and fittings for the critical hydraulic control functions to obtain sufficient short hydraulic
execution time. This should be evaluated in connection with the signal time and based on
the available time for emergency disconnect and on the NPD/API requirements.
Install an emergency disconnect sequence system as discussed below.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
Install an acoustic control system that is designed for the water depth and the BOP stack
in question and that has a minimum has the functions required by NPD.
Install sufficient number of hydraulic accumulators for the acoustic control system.
Install a dedicated accumulator package for the shear rams. This system may be actuated
by both the main and the acoustic control system.
Install hydraulic “hot line” connectors for ROV operations. The function to consider ROV
operated are: LMRP disconnect, shear rams close, pipe rams close, wellhead connector
open, and wellhead connector gasket release.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
Emergency Disconnect System for Deep Water Applications
The following should be considered when planning an emergency disconnect system:
Install an emergency disconnect activated mini-panel. This panel should be installed

where the Driller can reach it without leaving the brake. The panel should contain three
buttons to activate a pre-programmed disconnect sequence:
Preliminary Disconnect
Final Disconnect
Push and Hold to Operate
Configure the Riser Connector Unlatch buttons on both Driller’s and Toolpusher’s panels
to invoke the final disconnect sequence if Riser Connector Unlatch is depressed while the
stack is on the wellhead.

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
Preliminary Disconnect Sequence
The preliminary disconnect sequence would be initiated on a “yellow warning”, with the drill
pipe in hang -off position. The sequence may be as follows:
(T=time in seconds from T=0 to the time the described function or set of functions is initiated).

BOP
BOP Control
Control Systems
Systems
Final Disconnect Sequence
The final disconnect sequence would supersede all previous commands. The final disconnect
sequence would be initiated on a “red warning”. This sequence may be as follows:

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STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS

SUBSEA BOP STACK SYSTEMS

Subsea BOP Stack Systems 2

Height and Weight

 Funnel-up stack design to decrease the height of the LMRP by as much as

 Lightweight riser systems featuring riser connectors designed to meet the

 Multiplex Electro-Hydraulic Control Systems that are significantly smaller

Subsea BOP Stack Systems 3

Pressure and Bending Loads

Subsea BOP Stack Systems 4

 Deepwater equipment must be ROV compatible. E.g. functions such as riser

Subsea BOP Stack Systems 5

Subsea BOP Stack Systems 6

 Time savings is of critical importance when operating in deepwater. Drilling

 BOP stacks are available in funnel-up or funnel-down designs at the Lower

Subsea BOP Stack Systems 7

Subsea BOP Stack Systems 8

Subsea BOP Stack Systems 9

Subsea Control systems

 Hydraulic power is transmitted to the seabed template Central control manifold

Subsea Control Systems 13

 Monitoring information regarding choke positions, reservoir or seabed flowing

Subsea Control Systems 14

Multiplexed electro hydraulic

Subsea Control Systems 15

HPU, Control panel Control lines & control fluid

Subsea Control Systems 16

Subsea Control Systems 17

 Control lines transmit information in form of pressure pulses or electric signals

Subsea Control Systems 18

Subsea Control Systems 19

Control Pods (CCM & SCM’s)

 Solenoid operating pilot valves and logic decoding system of the

Subsea Control Systems 20

Control Pods (CCM & SCM’s)

 The electronics are housed in a pressure compensated oil-bath. A pressure

Subsea Control Systems 21

Reliability of control systems

 Reliability as a whole is dependent on the reliability of each of its components

Subsea Control Systems 22

Monitoring Capabilities and Equipment 23

Monitoring Capabilities and Equipment 24

Monitoring Capabilities and Equipment 25

Monitoring Capabilities and Equipment 26

 A leak detector monitors the build up of hydrocarbons or gas under an inverted

Monitoring Capabilities and Equipment 27

Monitoring Capabilities and Equipment 28

Risers & umbilicals

Monitoring Capabilities and Equipment 29

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS 31

 Rapid response is of particular importance when drilling in deep water.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS 32

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS 33

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS 34

MULTIPLEX BOP CONTROL SYSTEMS

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS 35

POWER FLUID SUPPLY

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS 36

SHEAR RAM POWER PACKAGE

 A very large accumulator bank (at surface)

 Higher accumulator system pressure (5000 psi system)

 Dedicated accumulator bank for the shear rams (subsea)

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR DEEPWATER OPERATIONS 37

Funnel-up stack design to decrease the height of the LMRP by as much as

Lightweight riser systems featuring riser connectors designed to meet the

Multiplex Electro-Hydraulic Control Systems that are significantly smaller

Deepwater equipment must be ROV compatible. E.g. functions such as riser

Time savings is of critical importance when operating in deepwater. Drilling

BOP stacks are available in funnel-up or funnel-down designs at the Lower

Hydraulic power is transmitted to the seabed template Central control manifold

Monitoring information regarding choke positions, reservoir or seabed flowing

Control lines transmit information in form of pressure pulses or electric signals

Solenoid operating pilot valves and logic decoding system of the

The electronics are housed in a pressure compensated oil-bath. A pressure

Reliability as a whole is dependent on the reliability of each of its components

A leak detector monitors the build up of hydrocarbons or gas under an inverted

Rapid response is of particular importance when drilling in deep water.

A very large accumulator bank (at surface)

Higher accumulator system pressure (5000 psi system)

Dedicated accumulator bank for the shear rams (subsea)

Install an emergency disconnect sequence system as discussed below.

The following should be considered when planning an emergency disconnect system:

Install an emergency disconnect activated mini-panel. This panel should be installed

Push and Hold to Operate