In nearly two years, the ram-type blowout preventer (BOP) will turn 100 years old. Its birth has greatly improved rig safety and oil control processing in the oilfield industry. Without the innovation of blow out preventers, drilling for oil could have hazardous consequences.

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The first ram-type BOP was invented in 1922 by James Smither Abercrombie and Harry S. Cameron in Humble, TX. After many other engineers had failed, the oilman and machinist were able to design a blowout preventer that could seal the wellbore and prevent leaks. Like many innovations in oilfield history, the arrival of the ram-type BOP led to greater efficiency and overall safety.

Oilfield Operation Before 1922

When Abercrombie and Cameron first invented the blowout preventer, there had been any historical accounts of dangerous and wasteful oil gushers. One of the most famous blowouts occurred at Spindletop Hill near Beaumont, TX. Without a blowout preventer to restrict the flow during oil drilling, a six-inch stream of oil and gas erupted nearly 100 feet into the air. It reportedly took nine days and 500,000 barrels of oil before a shut-off valve could be installed to stop the flow.

That being said, the early 1900s had its share of unpredicted oil blowouts, and the engineers knew a solution had to be found. When Ram BOP inventors, Abercrombie and Cameron formulated a plan in 1922, the future of petroleum drilling was changed drastically.

Key Design Features

When the first ram-type BOP was designed, the engineers focused on maintaining the pressure control of the drill pipes. By using a small number of parts, the ram preventers were built to be installed on a range of pipe diameters. Typically, a ram blowout preventer consists of two halves of a cover for the well that is being sealed. The hydraulic cylinders force the two halves of the cover together to seal the wellbore.

Pro Tip: For fast and reliable application, choose the Series 700 Ram-type BOP to maintain the working pressure of the wellbores on your oil rigs.

The Evolution of Ram BOPs

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Since 1922, the design of the ram blowout preventer has been improved and redesigned. Today, Ram BOPs now include manual locking screws, hydraulic locking crevices, and large bore shearing bonnets. The simple, compact design of this preventer makes it a popular choice for BOP stacks to ensure pressure control even in abnormal situations.  

Reliable Oilfield Equipment

In the oilfield, it’s important to maintain a high level of quality for your equipment. Our ram-type BOPs feature a strong, durable design to ensure your wellhead will stay completely sealed. With the ability to withstand high pressures without leakage, our ram BOPs will ensure your oil rig is able to work safely and efficiently.

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Safety Around BOPs

Crew members need to remember that blowout prevention equipment is heavy any very unforgiving.  Working around BOPs (nippling up or down, ram replacement, etc.) puts workers in a high hazard area.  All personnel involved in the operation must be fully alert and knowledgeable in their tasks.  All crew members should participate in the Pre-Job Safety meeting. Communications are critical in this operation and all personnel should be aware of the signals to be used.

1. Clean the BOP stack then jet and clean the cellar before making changes to the BOP rams.
2. When changing rams under the rig floor, make sure the footing is good. The BOP stack should be as clean as possible.
3. Be sure the BOP scaffolding is installed and secure.
4. Utilize a fall arrest system when working 6 ft’ or more above the deck (ground).
5. Before working on the BOP, have the proper tools to work on the equipment.
6. Before working on the BOP, be sure the hydraulic fluid pressure is off and the pressure is bled off from the hydraulic lines.
7. Be sure the rings and ring flange grooves are clean and are in good condition.
8. Be sure that the bolts, nuts and BOP bolt holes are clean and threads are in good condition.
9. When handling the hammer to tighten the BOP bolts, keep your gloves clean and as dry as possible.
10. Use sash cord (soft rope) or other tool holding line to hold the hammer wrench in proper position to eliminate facial or hand injuries from a glancing blow of the sledge hammer.
11. Make sure all lines used for hoisting are in good condition.
12. Check out hoisting systems to make sure their brakes and auxiliary equipment are in good condition.
13. When hoisting the BOP or any accessory equipment, a flagman should be stationed so that he can see the load and the hoist operator can see the flagman.
14. When hoisting, lowering or moving the BOP stack, personnel should stay clear from below the stack.
15. Keep hands clear of the BOP flange when setting the BOP in place.
16. Once the BOP is set in place, install at least four bolts (on opposite sides of the BOP flange) before removing the hoisting sling.
17. Double check all manifold lines to make sure they are connected in the right place.
18. Function test the BOP controls and check to ensure that the rams operate correctly.
19. Be sure the manual ram lock extensions are installed properly.
20. Pressure test the BOP system.

Choke Manifold

The choke manifold is for the purpose of directing the mud to the proper choke during a well kick.  It allows alternate paths in case a valve or choke washes out, or allows flow directly to a separator or bypass line.

Becoming familiar with the operation of a choke manifold is a hands-on activity and each crew member should become familiar with the choke manifold system on his rig.  There are two things, however, common to all manifolds:

1. Gate type manifold valves should be turned back 1/4 to 1/2 turn after they have been turned fully closed or open. Plug valves are pushed full open or full closed.
2. Manifolds should be left in a standard operating condition.

Maintenance of a manifold requires inspection to see that the manifold is set in the standard condition for use on the rig.  All valves should be operated full open and closed and lubricated if necessary.  Care should be taken that there is no pressure on grease fittings when attempting to lubricate the valves.  All discharge lines should be securely anchored.

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