RAM BOP

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RAM BOP

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 31
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

32 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GENERALITY

 Ram BOPs can be single, double or triple type and must be equipped with either manual or
hydraulic ram blocking mechanism (API regulations).
 They are equipped with main and side flanged or clump hub connections and all of them, with
few exceptions, are H2S service.
 They are particularly suitable for stripping operations, but cannot be used alone.
 During stripping or at high pressure ratings, they can be combined with either annular BOPs, or
with another ram BOP.

SINGLE DOUBLE TRIPLE

 Rams are fit for any pipe diameters. Some more recent models with variable bore rams allow
sealing on different pipe diameters.
 Rams must be replaced whenever the pipe diameter is changed and before running a casing.
Before running a casing a set must be replaced with one of the same diameter.
 Ram BOPs must always be closed around tubing with a fixed size. With the exception of blind
rams, which allow sealing without pipes inside the wellbore.
 Ram closure ensures upwards hydraulic sealing only. During assembly, make sure they are
installed in the right direction to obtain the correct sealing.
 Ram BOP closure ensures both upwards and downwards mechanical sealing. Upwards
mechanical sealing prevents the drill string from being expelled in case of high well pressure
values or of insufficient pipe weight.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ 33
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Main advantages of ram BOP compared with annular BOP

 Better resistance to high pressure values

 Less control fluid volume required, which implies shorter closing time
 They can support the drill string weight (during hang-off)
 They allow stripping in case of very high pressure values (ram to ram)
 Once they have been closed they prevent the drill string from being expelled

2.1 COMPONENTS AND OPERATIONS

Parts

The BOP has a closing/opening system composed of two horizontal pistons hydraulically operated
through their respective chambers pressurisation. They activate the rams for the well opening and
closure.

Body

Designed with Finite Element

technique to stand high
pressures. All models have a
forged body.

Closing/opening system

Composed of:
- hydraulic circuit
- ram closing/opening
mechanism (cylinder, piston,
stem, rams)

To avoid mistakes during installation, opening and closing line connections are clearly marked.

Ram locking system

It is used after closing the BOP to avoid unforeseen ram closure. The locking system can be:
- manual
- automatic (poslock SHAFFER or MPL HYDRIL)
- hydraulic (wedgelock CAMERON)

Packing units (rams)

Secondary sealing

All ram BOPs are presently equipped with secondary sealing to be used only in case the primary
sealing should not be complete.

34 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 35
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Operations

Hydraulic closing/opening: The closing/opening system is composed of two horizontal pistons

and is hydraulically operated through the two chambers to activate
rams for wellbore opening or closing.

Ram locking: in case of blow-out control, if the ram BOP has been closed, ram
closing must always be blocked.1

Manual locking: the manual locking system can also be used to close the BOP in case
of emergency (failure of the hydraulic circuit). 2

Note 1: Wheels for manual locking should be installed during the BOP assembly, making sure they are at
hand and easily operated.
Note 2: To accomplish manual sealing the hydraulic circuit must be set in the closing position, so that the
discharge line can be opened to let oil out of from the opening chamber.

Closing/opening working
pressure

 Opening and closing working

pressure is 1500 psi, but it can
be raised to 3000 psi in case of
emergency.
 The closing time for each BOP
type, regardless of the working
pressure value, must be less than
30 seconds (API RP 53
regulations).
 One of the most important ram
BOP features is the "closing
ratio" which is the ratio of the
BOP maximum allowable
pressure to the closing pressure
minimum value. In the same
way the "opening ratio" can be
defined as the ratio of the piston
area within the opening chamber
to the rod section area.
Example: a 7:1 closing ratio indicates that the minimum pressure required to close the rams is 7
times lower than the maximum working pressure. In this case, a 1500 psi pressure is
enough to close up to the maximum working pressure the BOP has been designed for
(1500 x 7 = 10.500 psi).

Note: The closing pressure must always be high enough to seal the well assuming in the well the BOP highest
working pressure.

36 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Packing unit

The BOP rams can be:

 pipe rams (fixed or variable bore)

Pipe rams allow closure around one-

diameter tubing ( "fixed" pipe rams) or
around sections with pipes of different
sizes (variable bore rams).

 blind

Blind rams can be closed with no pipes

in the wellbore.

 blind-shear rams

Blind-shear rams permit pipes to be cut

and ensure hydraulic sealing. They are
mainly used in offshore installations to
allow emergency abandoning.

Secondary sealing

Secondary sealing is performed

by a seal inserted around rams
rod. Leaking is prevented by
energising the seals with the
provided grease through a hole on
the BOP body.

The secondary sealing has been

designed to work in static
conditions; once it has been
actuated rams should not be
opened nor closed, to avoid
damaging the ram shaft.

Therefore, the secondary sealing must not be energised during BOP pressure testing, but in case of
emergency only, when the primary sealing is leaking.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 37
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Secondary sealing energising

If a primary sealing leakage is detected, two procedures can be adopted at the moment of
detection:

 during BOP pressure tests: replace faulty primary packing unit;

 during blow-out control: energise secondary sealing.

Leakage can be observed through the provided peep hole:

- if mud is leaking through the hole: the primary sealing is leaking

- if oil (during opening) is leaking through the hole: the sealing between the opening chamber and
the rod (O ring) is faulty.

The peep hole has also been designed to avoid pressurisation of the opening chamber due to well
pressure in case the primary sealing leaks, which might involve the risk of opening the BOP.

For this reason it is highly recommended to periodically check obstructions of the peephole (API
RP 53 regulations).

To energise the secondary sealing

keep to the following instructions:

1. remove the threaded plug (upper

or lateral)1

2. Tighten the hexagonal screw to

inject the grease stick around the
secondary sealing until the
leakage stops. 2

After energising the sealing and once emergency is over, replace primary sealings and the grease
stick.

Note 1: make sure that the special grease stick is inside the threaded hole and that it is plastic enough to be
injected.

Note 2: grease must pass through a check valve which will oppose a certain resistance.

38 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.2 RAMS TYPOLOGY

Components

The main ram components are:

 body:

made of steel it is connected to the rod

through vertical or horizontal seats; in
some models it is equipped with a
support to accommodate the ram itself. It
has a front guide to centre small-diameter
tubing in the wellbore during closing.

 rubber front packer

for sealing off around tubing.

 rubber upper sealing

for sealing off between ram and BOP body.

In some models the two packers (front and upper) are in one single block.

Ram front packers are self-energised to ensure long-lasting sealing under pressure and during
stripping operations. Energising is obtained by two steel plates connected to the front packer.
During closing, these are pushed backwards thus pushing forwards the reserve rubber (stored in
the upper part).

The rubber extrusion deriving from this compensates rubber wear and allows to maintain sealing.

WARNING! In order to avoid excessive rubber extrusion and subsequent seal damage, never
close pipe rams when there are no pipes in the wellbore.

During closing rams are assisted by well pressure, which energises the top seal.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 39
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pipe Rams

Pipe rams can be closed only when the tubing is in the wellbore. There are two types of pipe rams:

fixed pipe rams: they allow closing around one-size tubing only.

variable bore rams: they can seal around pipes whose diameter lies within a given range,
including the kelly, provided that its diameter lies within the same
range.

Pipe rams can support the drill string weight during hang-off operations.

Depending on pipe ram types, manufacturers state the maximum allowable load for each type.

As a rule, variable bore rams can bear a lower weight than fixed rams.

Fixed pipe rams

Being diameter-specific, they must not be closed if the tubing inside the well does not suit the ram
size since this would determine rubber extrusion compromising the BOP sealing.

Because of this, ram BOP tests must always be carried out with pipes in the well.

Variable bore rams

They can be installed on any type of BOP

and are particularly suitable for subsea
applications when different-diameter pipes
or aluminium pipes (variable external
diameter) are being used.

In subsea BOPs these rams allow pipe diameter changes without requiring to retrieve the BOP
stack.

Variable bore rams permit to reduce the number of BOPs in the stack, but are not completely
suitable for hang-off or striopping operations.

Variation range depends on the type of BOP installed and on the manufacturer. The most common
are:

- from 2 3/8" to 3 1/2"

- from 3 1/2" to 5"
- from 5" to 7"

40 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Blind Rams

They can only be used without pipes in the

wellbore. During drill bit replacement they can
be closed to prevent objects from falling inside
the well.

The controls (opening and closing) to operate

blind and shear rams are usually protected to
avoid unlooked-for operations.

Shear rams

They can cut drill pipes only and are mainly

adopted in offshore operations to allow
emergency abandoning.

They can be used on land to face particularly

serious emergency situations which cannot be
solved by adopting standard procedures.

Shear rams can be used as blind rams during normal operations.

There are two types of shear rams:

- single blade
- double blade

Shearing test table

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 41
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pipe shearing

The pipe is cut and the lower part is

bent below the rams sealing off the
BOP. The shearing keeps the two lips
separate to allow the circulation through
the pipes to be restored.

Shear rams can have different degrees

of hardness depending or the presence
or absence of H2S:

 high degree of blades hardness:

high shearing capability and low
resistance to H2S
 low degree of blades hardness:
low shearing capability and high
resistance to H2S

The shearing operation requires a

closing pressure increase from 1 500 psi
to 3000 psi.

Drill string hang-off on rams

Drill string hang-off on rams is adopted

in case of emergency or in particular
situations.

In offshore installations, it is carried out

when abandoning the well in safety
conditions is needed.

To accomplish hang-off operations

suitably hard rams (fixed or variable
bore) are required (less than 26 Rc) and
90° tool joints should be used, since it
has a better hang-off capability.

Hang-off capability decreases:

- in case 18° tool-joints are used

- if the pipe diameter decreases causing an increase of the bending moment between the ram and
the tool-joint.

42 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Operational sequence

1. Position the tool-joint above the hang-off pipe rams

2. Close the ram BOP
3. Place the drill string loading all weight on the BOP
4. Block the rams in the closing position
5. Release closing pressure

Rams replacement

Allowing closure around fixed-diameter tubing only, the rams must be changed frequently to adapt
the BOP to any working situation in the well.
Replacement procedure changes depending on the type of BOP being used.:
 bonnet type
 bonnet hydraulic opening/closing type (CAMERON)

Bonnet model procedure

1. Open rams hydraulically

2. Release hydraulic pressure
3. Disengage bonnet bolts
4. Open the bonnet 4
5. Attach on the ram the provided lifting eye
6. Remove the ram
7. Carry out a visual check
8. Lubricate the ram, its seat and the bonnet bolts.
Clean and lubricate the bonnet closing surface.8
9. Install the new ram
10. Close the bonnet
11. Tighten bonnet bolts 11
12. Follow the same procedure for the other ram 12

Note 4: do not use the hydraulic system to open the bonnet, otherwise you might cause damages to the albero
porta rams and to the rod connection.
Note 8: Lubricate all ram surface and rod connection (ram - rod junction point ).
Lubricate the body internal cavity (ram seat)
Lubricate with the proper grease the bonnet bolts thread.
Clean and lubricate with a thin oil coat the bonnet closing surface (mobile part) and the corresponding
closing surface on the BOP body where the gasket seals.
Warning: do not put any grease on these surfaces
Note 11: tighten bolts using the provided torque
Note 12: if the BOP has not been installed, do not open the bonnets at the same time since this would cause the
BOP to lose balance and fall.

Well pressure test

As stated in the API RP 53 regulations, the well pressure test should be carried out each time the replacement of
any of the well head components takes place. If the replaced rams are casing rams, the well pressure test should
involve the bonnet seal only, at a pressure rating of 300-500 psi. To accomplish the well pressure test, lower the
provided test tool.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 43
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.3 INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE

Visual inspection

Visual inspection must be carried out periodically and whenever rams are replaced (API RP 53
regulations).

1. Check bonnet wear and possible damages

where the seal is more subject to friction and
check the seal itself. Check ram-rod
connections.

2. Check conditions of rams front and upper

packers (wear, cuts, damages).

3. Check rams seat with special care to the

central upper part where the top seal works.
Measure distance between the ram upper part
and its seat to define the maximum vertical
and side clearance in compliance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.

Operating test

According to API RP 53 regulations ram BOP operating tests should be carried out at every trip,
with a maximumfrequence of one test per day. The test must be carried out during the trip with the
drill bit in the shoe, as stated in stages.

 Install a safety valve on the drill string

 Activate valve on choke line
 Activate power choke
 Through pumping in each single line, verify that the choke mkanifold lines are not obstructed
and set them in the correct working position
 Close every pipe ram BOP installed on the stack *
 Reset all valves and BOP's to their initial position. Record test results.

Notes : Closing operations must not take place where there are no pipes in the well.

Annular BOP's must not be operated at every complete trip. However, they must be operated at least
once every seven days.

Spare parts
44 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

All parts subject to wear (rams, ram and bonnet seals) can be replaced on the site , thus allowing
the BOP to be always efficient.

API RP 53 regulations recommend to keep the following parts available for each installation:

 a complete set of drill pipe rams and ram rubbers for each size od drill pipe being used;

 a complete set of bonnet or door seals for each size and type of ram preventer being used;

 plastic packing to energise the blowout preventer secondary seals;

 ring-gaskets to fit flange connections.

2.4 TYPOLOGY OF RAM BOP

Types and models

Below, the following ram BOP models are described

 CAMERON type "U"

 SHAFFER types LWS, SL

 HYDRIL

All models are fit for a wide range of diamters and working pressures. Diameters usually range
from 7" 1/16 to 21" 1/4, while working pressures can reach as high as 15.000 psi.

In all these models the ram position can be detected by observing the BOP from outside.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 45
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.5 CAMERON TYPE "U"

Main features

 Bonnets are bolted to the BOP body and ram replacement operations are made easier by the
hydraulic circuit used for bonnets opening and closing.
 It can be equipped with hydraulic wedgelock locking systems for subsea applications. Most
recent models (Large bore shear bonnets) have a larger seat which permits pipe shearing
 Oil-resistant and H2S-service rubbers are provided and 175°C-resistant (350°F) rubber is also
available.

Functioning

The whole hydraulic circuit is within the preventer and controls both ram opening and closing
operations as well as bonnet opening and closing (unscrewing locking bolts) to carry out ram
replacements.

46 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Working pressure

The working pressure is 1500 psi, test and emergency pressures are 3000 psi and can reach 5000
psi in extreme cases.

Closing pressure values higher than 1500 psi can be required for BOP's with a working pressure
ranging between 10.000 and 15.000 psi.

In most CAMERON "U" models, the closing ratio is about 7:1, which means that during closure
the piston thrust surface is 7 times bigger than the surface of the ram-piston rod section.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 47
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rams

CAMERON is the direct manufacturer of rubbers used in its BOP's; for ram BOP's it has patented
the following types of rubber:

 CAMRAM for temperatures around 120 °C with peaks at 150 °C

 CAMRAM 350 for temperatures up to 176 °C and up to 20% concentration of H2S

The front rubber structure has been designed to force rubber compression to obtain extrusion, thus
giving better results since the characterstics of this type of rubber improve with compression.

Pipe rams

They can or cannot be H2S service depending on

the degree of hardness. Only few models of
CAMERON pipe rams can be used for hang-off
operations.

Variable bore rams

(VBR)

Variable bore rams are made of iron

segments, cast in rubber, whose
closing system rotates in a similar
way to type D CAMERON annular
BOP.

They allow sealing around different

diameters and around the kelly.

Shear rams

To obtain the necessary shearing force, large bore shear bonnets have been designed which
increase such force by 35%. To install the shear rams an intermediate thickened flange must be
installed to obtain a longer piston stroke for pipe cutting.The shearing pressure is 3000 psi, and in
general the shearing actually takes place with a pressure value below 2800 psi.
Blades are inserted in and part of the ram body in order to obtain a better resistance and to
eliminate the sealing between the blade and the body.

Note: In some older models a bonnet with a larger internal diameter (14") and piston must be installed to
obtain enough force to shear the pipe.

48 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAMERON manufactures 3 types of shear rams:

1. SBR (Shearing Blind Ram): which is the most common type and is available for all pipe
diameters.

2. H2S: equipped with an interchangeable blade with the right degree of

hardness to carry out shearing and H2S service. It is available for
13 5/8" models and for 5.000 / 10.000 psi.

3. DS: it is the most recent model; it has a wider sealing zone, which
ensures a better sealing after shearing. It is available for 11" and
13 5/8" models and for 5.000 /10.000 psi.

Closing rams locking systems

Two systems are available:

 Hydraulic locking (wedgelock) used in subsea applications

 Manual locking

The rams are kept in the closing position by a The manual locking system can be used as a
threaded rod, manually screwed in from shut-in system in case of failure of the
outside, which works on the piston back hydraulic circuit, whereas ram opening can
part.1 only be accomplished hydraulically. 2

Note 1: 1. The threaded rods must be constantly lubricated to protect them from weather damage and mud
from the rig floor.
2. Before operating the hydraulic opening control, unscrew the rod until stroke end.

Note 2: During transportation the rams must be kept closed and locked to avoid incidental bendings of the
manual locking screws which stick out of the BOP body.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 49
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Maintenance

Maintenance procedures as described in API RP 53 regulations and recommended by include:

 visual inspection between wells
 periodical inspection every 2 years
 disassembly and complete revision every 5 years
 replacement worn-out parts after 546 operations or after 18 months.

Shear rams replacement

1. Unscrew the bonnet locking boltsand take them to stroke end 1

2. Reduce the working pressure to 500 psi. Apply working pressure to the closing chamber to
open the bonnets
3. Apply light pressure to the opening chamber to let the rams out.3
4. Replace the rams by lifting them with the lifting eye. Inspect and lubricate their seat in the BOP
body. 4
5. Check wear of bonnet and ram seals.
6. Clean and lubricate bolts threads
7. Install the new set of rams and apply pressure to the opening chamber to close the bonnets
8. Tighten bonnet bolts with the provided torque. Restore a 1500 pressure.

Note 1: Cameron T and U models are equipped with a bolt hydraulic tightening system which facilitates
tightening and loosening, granting a better control of the coppia dio bloccaggio?
Note 4: For visual inspection, the maximum clearance allowed between the ram seat and the ram itself is:
 vertical clearance, between ram seat and ram upper part, less than 0.15 mm (0.060 inc. )
 horizontal clearance (sum of right and left side), less than 0.2 mm (0.080 inc.).
Note 5: front sealing must be correctly installed and oriented.

Pipe rams replacement

1. Unscrew the bonnet locking bolts and pull them to stroke end 1
2. Reduce the working pressure to 500 psi. Apply the working pressure to the closing chamber to
open the bonnets
3. Replace rams by lifting them with the lifting eye. Inspect and lubricate the ram seat on the BOP
body 3
4. Check wear of bonnet and ram seals 4
5. Clean and lubricate bolt threads with the provided grease
6. Install the new ram set
7. Apply pressure to the opening chamber to close the bonnets
8. Tighten bonnet bolts with suitable torque. Restore a 1500 psi pressure value.

Note 1: Cameron T and U models are equipped with a bolt hydraulic tightening system which facilitates
tightening and loosening, granting a better control of the coppia dio bloccaggio?
Note 3: For visual inspection, the maximum clearance allowed between the ram seat and the ram itself is:
 vertical clearance, between ram seat and ram upper part, less than 0.15 mm (0.060 inc. )
 horizontal clearance (sum of right and left side), less than 0.2 mm (0.080 inc.).
Note 4: front sealing must be correctly installed and oriented.

50 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Main parts

Body Ram bonnet

Working cylinder Working piston

Bonnet opening cylinder Bonnet opening piston

Intermediate flange Ram

Bonnet

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 51
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.6 SHAFFER MODELS LWS AND SL

The most common SHAFFER models are:

 LWS model (Light Weight Stell)  SL model(Slim Line)

mainly used in usually used in high-pressure wells
land installations and in subsea applications

SHAFFER LWS model

The LWS model is relatively light and small-sized, and is mainly used with low working pressure
values and large diameters. The lower ram seat is sloped to prevent mud and sand to fall into the
wellbore hampering BOP closure, while the rams slide on horizontal rails. Bonnets are hinged and
control fluid lines cross the body and reach the opening/closing system passing through the hinges.
The hinges shaped pins send the control fluid to its destination functions.

52 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LWS model pressure table

Rams

The LWS model has a system of floating rams where the upper gasket is in contact with the body-
cavity upper part only when the ram is near the pipe. Such system allows the ram movement to be
adjusted, recovering any clearance that might be caused by wear and giving a better sealing.

In most cases the ram support is equipped with two screws for body locking, and with two other
screws to fix the seal on the body.

SHAFFER has different types of rubber to face different working conditions (such as high
temperatures and H2S).

- pipe rams (type 73)

They can bear up to 270 tons of drill string.

(600.000 lib.).

- variable bore rams (Multi-Rams)

- Shear rams (type 72)

they allow standard pipes to be cut at pressure values lower than:

1500 psi with 14" diameter cylinder

3000 psi with 11" diameter cylinder

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 53
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ram locking systems

Two ram-locking systems are available: manual locking

automatic locking(Poslock, available for few models
only)

Manual ram locking system

It is a mechanical locking system manually operated by a wheel. After closing the BOP, rams can
be manually locked by rotating the tail rod clockwise until the annular protrusion on the screw
reaches the cylinder back surface. The tail rod is installed inside the working cylinder and
immersed in the hydraulic fluid. The thread is thus protected and lubricated by hydraulic operating
fluid and protected from weather, corrosion and any damages which may occur during BOP
handling.

Note: Before re-opening the BOP the system must be unlocked by rotating the tail rod counter-clockwise until
complete screwing in.

Automatic ram locking system (Poslock)

It is actuated whenever the rams are

being closed , ensuring BOP locking
even when pressure is released.
Poslock opening/closing is
accomplished through the same
mechanism as rams opening/closing
(There are no additional hydraulic
circuits) and is caused by the piston
travel. To examine functioning
principles, click on the buttons
below.

Closing

During closure the piston starts to move and pushes the rams forward. After closing, the internal
piston (locking ring) is driven by closing pressure to push the sealing segments/segmenti di
bloccaggio: these expand beyond the piston diameter settling in the seat with the biggest diameter.
The internal piston keeps them in the right sealing positon. a spring prevents unintentional
unlocking due to vibrations or drop of closing pressure.

Opening

During opening the hydraulic pressure overcomes the spring force and pushes the piston
backward.
The sealing segments are retrieved releasing the operating piston which moves backwards to open
the rams.

54 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note: The locking system is regulated during construction and must be reset whenever rams are changed,
from pipe rams to shear rams and vice versa or to adjust to rubber wear clearance.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 55
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SHAFFER SL model

Features

 The SL model is of more recent

construction than LWS, and features some
improvements, such as:

- the flat bonnet facilitates ram

replacement operations;
- the bonnet seal;
- a wear ring between the piston and the
cylinder reduces pitson wear and
improves sealing capability.

 It has been designed for high working

pressures and is mainly used in deep wells,
in both land and sea installations.

 The hinged bonnet can accommodate both manual and automatic (poslock) locking systems,
which are interchangeable.

Working pressure

The working pressure value is 1500 psi for all models, except 15,000 psi 11" and 13 5/8" models
which require a 2100 psi working pressure.

The working pressure value can reach 3000 psi In case of emergency (e.g. pipe shearing) and 5000
psi during testing.

Rams

They are mounted horizontally in all models (except the 15000 psi model which is equipped with
vertical rams). There are two types of rams:

SL cannot be used for hang-off operations and in presence of H2S;

SL-D suitable for hang-ogg operations with an 18° tool-joint and H2S service.

Hang-off rams which can bear up to 272 ton (600,000 lbs) are available for all models.

Variable bore rams Shear rams

For all models they are available for pipe Only the 72 type is available for all models,
diameters ranging from 3 1/2" to 5". with the exception of the 7 1/16" 10.000 psi
and 18 3/4" 15.000 psi models.

56 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ram locking systems

As well as the LWS model, LS model features two ram locking systems:

 ram manual locking system

 poslock ram locking system

Functioning of these two systems is the same as the one described for the previous model, which
can be referred to for information.

Maintenance operations recommended by Shaffer

Shaffer suggests a maintenance programme with daily, monthly and quarterly/yearly schedules.
For each due time certain procedures are recommended.

Daily Monthly Quarterly/yearly

Close the rams to test their Carrry out the following - thorough visual inspection,
operational conditions: without opening the bonnets: open bonnets and remove
rams
- with pipes inside the - BOP pressure tests
wellbore: open and close all - hydralic-circuit pressure test
pipe rams - hydraulic-circuit pressure test during opening

- without pipes in the wellbore: - check the manual locking - hydralic-circuit pressure test
open and close all blind rams system or carry out during closing
and inspect visually to detect auytomatic system locking
any leakage test

- lubricate the bonnet-hinge pin Note: carry out yearly measurement

using the provided dispenser of cavity wear

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 57
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
SURFACE WELL CONTROL EQUIPMENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.7 HYDRIL

Generality

The bonnet is hinged and the internal

cavity is sloped towards the well to allow
sediments drainage.
A wear plate has been fixed to the upper
part of the BOP through a set of screws
and a blocking ring.

The whole hydraulic circuit is

accommodated inside the BOP body, and
the hinges have been inserted between the
bonnet hinge pins to distribute the control
fluid.

The fluid distribution hinges are not part of

the hinge and can be removed without
opening the BOP. Bonnet hinges are
completely independent from the hydraulic
circuit and are equipped with self-
lubricating bearings for an easier bonnet
opening and closing.

Note: in some cases two models are available:

"X" model for 13 5/8" diamaters
"V" for all other sizes

Rams
58 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi
 RAM BOP
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The bonnet is equipped with two guide shafts to avoid ram rotation and to facilitate replacement
operations.

Pipe rams In some models (16 3/4" 10.000 psi and 18 3/4" x 10.000 psi) the tool-
joint support zone is made with extremely hard materials which allow
leaning up to 272 ton (600,000 lbs).
Variable bore rams (Hydril Variable Rams HVR)These have steel inserts which reach the
pipe body when closing around small diamaters. For larger diameters
the inserts are pressed within the packer.

Ram locking systems

Manual system

It consists of a threaded rod within the working cylinder. It is operated by clockwise rotation of the
tail rod by a wheel until the annular protrusion on the screw reaches the back of the cylinder,
locking the piston. The thread is protected from weather, corrosion and from any damage which
might occur during the BOP handling. It is constantly lubricated by the control fluid.

Automatic system MPL (Multiple Position Locking)

The MPL system automatically locks the rams even when the front packer is worn, and
automatically recovers any clearance. MPL blocks the working piston in the closing position by a
mechanical clutch. The MPL clutch is unlocked by the opening pressure.

MPL Operations

During closure, the piston

imparts rotation to a disk
connected to the locking ring
nut through a long-thread
helicoidal screw.
When the piston reaches its
stroke end, the rotation stops
and the rear-plate indentation,
pushed by the springs,
matches with the indentation
on the front plate blocking the
piston.

During opening, the working pressure unlocks the rear plate and disengages the indentation. The
nut can rotate allowing the piston opening stroke and locking the piston.

Maintenance

Ordinary maintenance is suggested in compliance with API RP 53 regulations.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 59
Saipem - Training centre E.Gandolfi