The blowout preventer, usually denoted by BOP for blow-out- preventer, is a device designed to prevent blowouts. A blowout is an uncontrolled release of crude oil or natural gas. In its simplicity, a blowout preventer covers the opening so nothing else can come out of the hole. Somewhat like a manhole cover in shape, there are, in general, several such mechanical devices in redundant stacks called "safety pods."
Before the development of blowout preventers, operators allowed pressured fluids to flow uncontrolled from formations to the surface and into the atmosphere. Only after the pressure supporting these blowouts abated and surface pressures fell to a manageable level were rig workers able to cap the well. Blowouts were dangerous for the crew, threatened the well-being of the surrounding environment, damaged drilling equipment, wasted resources and caused irreparable harm to the producing zone.
In 1922, Harry Cameron and Jim Abercrombie designed and manufactured the first blowout preventers (BOPs). Assemblies of valves and other devices installed atop a wellhead during drilling operations are called BOP stacks; they provide a means by which rig crews are able to contain unexpected flow and high pressures. They allow crews to manage these influxes by injecting dense fluids down the well, which stop, or kill, the flow of formation fluids; this kill operation is accomplished while preventing well fluids from being released into the atmosphere.
Within the E&P industry, the terms blowout preventer, BOP stack and blowout preventer system are used interchangeably. During drilling and completion operations, they are the second barrier to formation flow; hydrostatic pressure at the formation created by a column of drilling fluid and zonal isolation provided by casing and cement constitute the primary barrier.
The individual BOPs that constitute a system are stacked vertically atop the well. They are aligned to allow access through them into the wellbore while their various functions provide a variety of methods for sealing the well during drilling, completion or intervention operations. They are sized to fit the internal diameter of the wellhead and expected surface pressures.
As a leading manufacturer in the oil and gas industry, Vigor's Blowout Preventer includes Rod BOP, Ram BOP, Annular BOP and BOP control unit. Vigor has always insisted on providing customer-centric service. From the moment the customer places an order, Vigor will provide you a set of service until you receive the product safely. We always know that customer satisfaction is the driving force behind Vigor's continuous progress. If you are interested in our products, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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