Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Drilling Notes
Drilling Notes
Drilling Notes
2011
Equipment
Equipment Contents
Section I
1. Using the BOP configuration shown below answer the following questions.
ANNULAR
HCR HCR
RAM
a. With drillpipe in the hole, is it possible to shut the well in under pressure and
repair the side outlets on the drilling spool?
A. Yes B. No
b. With no drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut the well in under pressure
and repair the drilling spool?
A. Yes B. No
c. Is it possible to shut the well in with drill pipe in the hole and circulate through
the drill pipe?
A. Yes B. No
d. With drill pipe in the hole, and the well shut in under pressure with the annular
preventer, is it possible to circulate through the kill line and choke line?
A. Yes B. No
Gulf Technical & Safety Training centre Page 2 of 137
Equipment Exercises Rev. 2011
e. With no drillpipe in the hole, is it possible to shut the well in under pressure
using the annular preventer and change pipe rams to blind rams?
A. Yes B. No
f. While replacing the ring gasket on the drilling spool choke line flange the well
starts to flow. There is no drill pipe in the hole. Can the well be shut in under
pressure?
A. Yes B. No
2. Using the BOP configuration shown below answer the following questions.
ANNULAR
RAM
HCR HCR
a. With no drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut the well in under pressure
and repair the side outlets on the drilling spool?
A. Yes B. No
b. With no drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut the well in under pressure
and repair the drilling spool?
A. Yes B. No
c. Is it possible to shut the well in with drill pipe in the hole and circulate through
the drill pipe?
A. Yes B. No
d. While changing blind rams to pipe rams with drill pipe in the hole the well
starts to flow. Can the well be shut in?
A. Yes B. No
e. With no drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut the well in under pressure
and change the pipe rams?
A. Yes B. No
f. With drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut the well in under pressure and
change blind rams to pipe rams?
A. Yes B. No
3. Using the BOP configuration shown below answer the following questions.
ANNULAR
5” PIPE RAM
HCR HCR
a. With the well shut in under pressure on 5” drillpipe in the hole, is it possible to
repair the side outlets of the drilling spool?
A. Yes B. No
b. With no drillpipe in the hole, is it possible to shut the well in under pressure
and change the 3-1/2” rams to 5” rams?
A. Yes B. No
c. With the well shut in on 3-1/2” rams (on 3-1/2” pipe) under pressure, and with
a safety valve in the string, is it possible to change 5” rams to variable bore
rams?
A. Yes B. No
d. With the well shut in on 5” pipe rams under pressure, is it possible to change
blind rams to 5” pipe rams?
A. Yes B. No
e. With the well shut in on 5” pipe rams under pressure, can the annular element
be replaced?
A. Yes B. No
f. With the well shut in on 5” pipe rams under pressure, can the manual valve on
the choke line be replaced?
A. Yes B. No
4. Using the BOP configuration shown below answer the following questions.
a. With the drillstring in the hole and the well shut-in on Upper Pipe Ram, can
the well be circulated whilst repairs are made on annular?
A. Yes B. No
b. Should the well be circulated and killed with the Lower Pipe Rams closed,
when the drill string is in the hole? (I.e. circulate via the casing head valves).
A. Yes B. No
c. Can the casing head valves be repaired with the string in the hole and the well
closed on the annular?
A. Yes B. No
5. Using the BOP configuration shown below answer the following questions.
a. With the drillstring in the hole and the well shut-in on 5” pipe rams, can we
repair the HCR valve?
A. Yes B. No
b. With no drillstring in the hole and the well shut-in on blind/shear rams, can we
repair the HCR valve?
A. Yes B. No
c. With the drillstring in the hole and the well shut-in on 5” pipe rams, can the
Blind/Shear rams be changed to pipe rams?
A. Yes B. No
Valve Line Up
1. The well is shut in on the pipe ram. It is planned to circulate from the Mud
Pump No. 1 through the kill line into the annulus and bleed off mud or gas
through the Manual Choke to the Mud Gas Separator.
3
CEMENT
PUMP
2
MUD
PUMP
1 REMOTE
MUD
PUMP CHOKE
17 18 19
MUD GAS
SEPERATOR
7
16
4
ANNULAR PREVENTER
(BAG)
8 9
5” PIPE RAMS
13 15 20
VENT
25 LINE
KILL 5 6
LINE BLIND/SHEAR RAMS
5” PIPE RAMS
10
WELLHEAD
11 12 14
FLARE
BOOM
MANUAL
CHOKE
Which one of the following groups of valves must be open to kill the well safely
and monitor the operation?
3
CEMENT
PUMP
2
MUD
PUMP
1 REMOTE
MUD
PUMP CHOKE
17 18 19
MUD GAS
SEPERATOR
7
16
4
ANNULAR PREVENTER
(BAG)
8 9
5” PIPE RAMS
13 15 20
VENT
25 LINE
KILL 5 6
LINE BLIND/SHEAR RAMS
5” PIPE RAMS
10
WELLHEAD
11 12 14
FLARE
BOOM
MANUAL
CHOKE
Which five (5) valves must be open in the Figure above, when pumping down
the drillstring and reading the pressure from the choke manifold gauge?
3. The well is shut in on the Upper Pipe Rams. It is planned to circulate using mud
pump No.2, down the drillstring, through the Remote Choke and mud gas
separator?
3
CEMENT
PUMP
2
MUD
PUMP
1 REMOTE
MUD
PUMP CHOKE
17 18 19
MUD GAS
SEPERATOR
7
16
4
ANNULAR PREVENTER
(BAG)
8 9
5” PIPE RAMS
13 15 20
VENT
25 LINE
KILL 5 6
LINE BLIND/SHEAR RAMS
5” PIPE RAMS
10
WELLHEAD
11 12 14
FLARE
BOOM
MANUAL
CHOKE
Which one of the following groups of valves must be open to kill the well
safely and monitor the operation?
4. The well is shut in on the Annular BOP. It is planned to circulate from the
Cement Pump down the drill string and bleed off through the Manual Choke to
the Mud Gas Separator.
3
CEMENT
PUMP
2
MUD
PUMP
1 REMOTE
MUD
PUMP CHOKE
17 18 19
MUD GAS
SEPERATOR
7
16
4
ANNULAR PREVENTER
(BAG)
8 9
5” PIPE RAMS
13 15 20
VENT
25 LINE
KILL 5 6
LINE BLIND/SHEAR RAMS
5” PIPE RAMS
10
WELLHEAD
11 12 14
FLARE
BOOM
MANUAL
CHOKE
Which one of the following groups of valves must be open to kill the well
safely and monitor the operation?
5. Which valves would need to be open to circulate, using the mud pump, down
the drillstring, through the remote choke and mud gas separator?
6. Which valves would need to be open to circulate, down the kill line, using the
cement pump, through the manual choke and mud gas separator?
7. Based on the following diagram what valves would be open when circulating a
kick using the mud pump, down the drillstring and returning through the remote
choke and mud gas separator?
3
CEMENT
PUMP
2
MUD
PUMP
1 REMOTE
MUD
PUMP CHOKE
17 18 19
MUD GAS
SEPERATOR
7
16
4
ANNULAR PREVENTER
(BAG)
8 9
5” PIPE RAMS
13 15 20
VENT
25 LINE
KILL 5 6
LINE BLIND/SHEAR RAMS
5” PIPE RAMS
10
WELLHEAD
11 12 14
FLARE
BOOM
MANUAL
CHOKE
Valve Numbers-...................................................................................
8. Based on the diagram below what would be the valve line up if we were going to
use the Cement pump to perform a leak off test down the drillstring and measure
pressure at the cement pump.
3
CEMENT
PUMP
2
MUD
PUMP
1 REMOTE
MUD
PUMP CHOKE
17 18 19
MUD GAS
SEPERATOR
7
16
4
ANNULAR PREVENTER
(BAG)
8 9
5” PIPE RAMS 13 15 20
VENT
LINE
KILL 5 6
LINE BLIND/SHEAR RAMS
5” PIPE RAMS
10
WELLHEAD
11 12 14
FLARE
BOOM
MANUAL
CHOKE
9. In which order should the valves for the choke line be installed on surface BOP
with a 'rated working pressure' of 10,000 psi according to best practice?
10. On a surface BOP stack, in which position must the valves on the kill line and
choke line be placed during drilling?
a. Both types of valves closed on the kill line and opened on the choke line.
Section II
1. Figure below illustrates a diverter in place while drilling with a surface BOP.
b. .............. Head.
g. .. ............ Body.
a. A vent line of sufficient diameter to permit safe venting using the mud-
gas separator
□ True □False
□ True □False
□ True □False
7. The requirements of a diverter system are a low pressure annular preventer and
□ True □False
8. Pick the correct procedure for the operation of a surface diverter system.
9. What are the components of a 29-1/2 inch diverter system? (select two
answers)
b. A vent line of sufficient diameter to permit safe venting using the mud-gas
separator.
e. A vent line of sufficient diameter to permit safe venting and proper disposal of
flow from the well.
10. Which one of the following is 'good practice' in relation to diverter systems?
b. For safety, the diverter should only be operated some distance away from
the rig floor.
c. As the equipment is not used for lengthy periods of time, the diverter
system doesn't need to be included in the rig maintenance program.
12. Which of the following factors limit the success of diverter operation when
Annular Preventers
a. Opening Chamber.
c. Preventer Body.
d. Operating Piston.
e. Screwed Head.
f. Packing Unit.
c. Packer inserts.
d. Operating Piston.
e. Ring groove.
f. Packer.
1 7
2
8
3
9
4
10
11
5
12
6
13
d. …………. Vent.
e. …………. Donut.
f. …………. Packer.
a. Opening Chamber.
c. Piston.
e. Packing Unit.
(TWO ANSWERS)
c. The secondary chamber allows balancing the open force on the piston created
by drilling fluid hydrostatic pressure in the marine riser.
a. Latched head.
b. Operating piston.
c. Packing unit
d. Opening chamber
e. Wear plate
Piston
Opening chamber
Closing chamber
Packing unit
Piston
Head (latched)
Opening chamber
Closing chamber
Packing/Sealing insert
Piston
Head (latched)
Ring groove
10. Match the items listed below to the number indicated on the drawing.
Opening Chamber
Packer Element
Piston
Piston Seals
11. Why is it important to reduce the regulated hydraulic pressure for annular BOP
before running a large sized casing?
d. To enable the packing unit to fit uniformly around the casing body without
damaging the steel segments.
12. Annular preventer sealing elements are made primarily to seal around any size of
pipe in the hole, but can also seal off the borehole with all pipe removed.
a. True.
b. False.
13. Which three statements about Annular Preventers are true? (Select three answers)
e. Will allow reciprocating or rotating the drill string while maintaining a seal
against well bore pressure.
f. Can require a variable hydraulic closing pressure according to the task carried
out.
14. When annular BOPs are hydraulically pressure tested, it often happens that the
test pressure cannot be kept steady during the first attempt. They have to be
charged up two or more times before an acceptable test is obtained
Why is this?
a. Annular BOPs always leak until the packing element finds its new shape. This
motion can take several minutes.
b. The compressibility of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic control unit
below the closing piston causes the test pressure to drop.
c. The packing unit elastomer is flowing into a new shape because the rate of
flow is influenced by the applied pressure.
15. What has to be checked before the installation of any annular packing element?
(TWO ANSWERS)
After taking a kick while tripping the well is closed in on 5 inch pipe using the
Annular Preventer. After stabilisation of shut in pressures the casing gauge
reads 1,000 psi.
Using the diagram below what hydraulic pressure should the annular closing
pressure be adjusted to for stripping?
b. 400-600 psi.
d. 1000-1500 psi
17. Which type of rubber should be installed in an annular BOP while working in
coldest temperature (-20/-30 Celsius -4/-22 Fahrenheit)? (TWO ANSWERS)
a. Neoprene rubber.
b. Nitrile rubber.
c. Natural rubber.
18. Which type of annular BOP was designed with a weep hole?
a. Cameron Model D.
19. Which one of the following statements defines 'Well Pressure Assistance"?
a. The well pressure acting on the piston produces an increasing pressure in the
closing chamber.
b. The pressure exerted by the well on the exposed surface of the piston gives a
result force that is added to the force produced by the pressure in the closing
chamber.
c. The pressure exerted by the well on the exposed surface of the piston gives a
result force that is subtract from the force produced by the pressure in the
closing chamber.
20. In which one of the following annular BOP's "closure" not assisted by well
pressure?
c. Cameron model D
21. What pressure must be kept in the annular BOP closing chamber during stripping
operation?
b. The minimum pressure that allows the tool joint to go through the packing.
c. 500 psi.
d. 300 psi less than the closing pressure of the ram operation.
Section III
Ram Preventers
1. Match the items listed below to the number indicated on the Cameron blind/shear
ram.
4. Most of the conventional front packer elements fitted on ram BOPs are enclosed
between steel plates. What are the main reasons for this type of design.
(TWO ANSWERS)
b. To prevent the rubber extruding top and bottom when the rams are closed.
c. To feed new rubber into sealing contact with the pipe when the sealing face
becomes worn.
5. Match the items listed below to the numbers indicated on the drawing.
a. ………. Body
c. ………. Bonnet
a. ………. Holder.
b. ………. Block
9. The main functions of the “weep hole” on ram type B.O.P is to: (Two answers)
10. With regard to ram locking devices, are the following statements True or False?
□ True □False
□ True □False
□ True □False
□ True □False
e. Rams are designed to hold pressure from both above and below.
□ True □False
11. If a primary mud seal fails during a kill operation you have no back-up seal.
□ True □False
12. When a ram type surface BOP is operated, the hydraulic fluid on the opposite
side of the operating piston is being displaced.
a. The fluid leaves the operating cylinder and drains off in the borehole
through a check valve.
b. The fluid leaves the operating cylinder and returns back to the opposite
side of the piston to enforce the closing pressure.
c. The fluid leaves the operating cylinder and returns back to the fluid
reservoir (as a function of the four-way valve for each preventer).
13. Which statements are correct with respect of fixed bore ram type BOP’s?
(select two answers)
a. Ram type BOP’s are designed to contain and seal Rated Working Pressure
from above the closed rams as well as from below.
c. Fixed bore ram type BOP’s can close and seal on various pipe sizes.
d. Fixed bore ram type BOP’s can be used to hang off the drill string
15. On a ram type BOP preventer, in which position will the 4-way valve be put to
assist with the removal of the bonnet after backing off the bonnet bolts?
a. Open.
b. Closed.
c. Neutral (Block).
16. Which of the following statements about fixed bore ram type BOPS are correct
(THREE ANSWERS)
a. Ram type BOPs are designed to contain and seal Rated Working Pressure
from above the closed rams as well as from below.
c. Fixed bore ram type BOPs can close and seal on various pipe sizes.
d. Fixed bore ram type BOPs can be used to hang off the drill string.
e. Ram type BOPs are designed to contain and seal Rated Working Pressure
only from below the closed rams.
17. When a ram type BOP on a surface stack is closed, what happens to the
operating fluid displaced from the opening chamber?
18. Which ram type preventer on a Cameron 13-5/8, 10,000 psi BOP stack is
equipped with thicker intermediate flanges?
a. Pipe rams.
b. Blind rams.
c. Shear rams.
d. Variable rams.
a. To shear tubulars like drill pipe while simultaneously sealing the hole.
20. What is the meaning of “Closing Ratio” for a ram type BOP - as defined by API
RP53?
d. The ratio between BOP rated working pressure and hydraulic control unit
working pressure.
21. Can ALL ram type BOPs open in a situation where Rated Working Pressure is
contained below the rams and hydrostatic pressure to the flowline is above the
rams?
a. Yes
b. No
22. Can ALL ram type BOPs close on Rated Working Pressure in the well bore
when the hydraulic operating pressure is 1,500 psi?
a. Yes
b. No
TRUE FALSE
24. A Hydril 183/4", 10,000 psi, W.P Ram type BOP, has a closing ratio for pipe and
shear rams of 10:1.
25. A Cameron 13 5/8”, 10,000 psi working pressure, ram BOP, has a closing ratio
for pipe and shear rams of 7.0 - 1.
What is the minimum pressure required to close the BOP at maximum wellbore
Pressure?
27. What is the correct meaning of the term ‘primary seal and secondary seal’ when
used in connection with ram type BOPs?
a. Primary seal is shutting in the well using the annular BOP. Secondary seal is
shutting in the well using the rams after the annular BOP has already been
closed.
b. Primary seal is well control utilising only mud hydrostatic pressure. Secondary
seal is well control utilising both mud hydrostatic pressure and the BOPs.
c. Primary seal is the mechanical ram shaft packing. Secondary seal is injected
plastic packing intended to activate an extra seal on the ram shaft in an
emergency -if the primary seal is leaking.
d. Primary seal is a seal between the ring gasket and the connection on the side
or end outlets. Secondary seal is a seal established by a ring gasket wound
with Teflon tape.
28. What are the correct reasons for including a weep hole on ram type BOPs?
(TWO ANSWERS)
a. The weep hole indicates if the primary ram shaft packing is leaking well bore
fluid.
b. The weep hole prevents leakage through the primary ram shaft packing from
the well bore into the opening chamber.
c. The weep hole allows for visual inspection of the ram shaft and should be
plugged with a bull plug between inspections.
d. To allow the installation of a grease nipple so that the ram shaft can be
greased.
e. The weep hole is a grease release port that prevents over-greasing of the ram
shaft packing.
29. What is the primary function of a weep hole (drain or vent hole) on a ram type
BOP?
30. During a routine test it is noticed that the weep hole (drain hole/vent hole) on
one of the blowout preventer bonnets is leaking fluid.
a. The weep hole only checks the closing chamber seals, leave it till the next
maintenance schedule.
b. Energise emergency packing. If leak stops, leave it till the next maintenance
schedule.
c. A leak is normal because the metal to metal sealing face in the bonnet needs
some lubrication to minimise damage.
d. Ram packing elements on the ram body are worn out, replace immediately.
e. Primary ram shaft seal is leaking, secure the well and replace immediately.
31. Before running 7 inch casing with a variable pipe rams (5-7 inch) already
installed, is it necessary to change over to 7 inch casing rams.
□ Yes.
□ No.
32. Which one of the following rams will be replaced before running casing?
a. Wellbore pressure.
Section IV
API Flanges
a. Dimension No. 1.
b. Dimension No. 2.
c. Dimension No. 3.
d. Dimension No. 4.
Which one of the flanges has a specified distance between “made-up flanges”
that require occasional re-tightening of bolts/studs and nuts?
a. Type.
b. Serial Number.
c. Dimension.
d. Trademark.
(TWO ANSWERS)
The four figures below illustrate cross sectional profiles of four different API
Which one of these gaskets matches the 6BX type flange shown at top of page.
a. Type R Octagonal.
b. Type BX.
c. Type RX.
6. Figure below illustrates the cross-sectional profiles of four different API ring
gaskets commonly used on wellhead equipment.
Select the correct types that illustrate pressure energised ring gaskets.
(TWO ANSWERS)
a. Type R Octagonal.
b. Type R Oval.
c. Type RX.
d. Type BX.
7. Figure below illustrates the cross-sectional profiles of four different API ring
gaskets commonly used on wellhead equipment.
Select the pressure energised type of ring gasket that should be used for flanged
BOP connection type 6B as stated in API RP 53.
a. Type R Octagonal.
b. Type R Oval.
c. Type RX.
d. Type BX.
b. It has a 10,000 psi test pressure and 5000 psi working pressure.
9. What would be the effect of fitting a 7-1/16” x 5,000 psi flange to a working
10,000 psi rated BOP stack?
10. What does 13-5/8 mean when the equipment in use is described as “15M, 13-
5/8”?
c. The cylinder diameter of the hydraulic actuator for the ram BOPs.
11. Of the 4 types of gasket listed, indicate which flange (API 6B, API6BX) they
would be used with.
Type R Octagonal ……
Type R RX …………..
Type BX ……………..
… …… & … ……
12. Are the following statements true or false regarding API ring gaskets?
□ True □False
□ True □False
□ True □False
13. Which statements are correct with respect to ring gaskets used for flange to
flange make up? (TWO ANSWERS)
b. The same material specifications apply for ring gaskets as for ring grooves.
d. Type BX flanges, which are designed for face-to-face make up, make use of
type BX ring gaskets only.
14. The figures illustrate the cross sectional profile of four different API ring
gaskets commonly used on wellhead equipment.
Indicate the type of ring gasket that matches the type 6BX flange.
a. Type R Octagonal
b. Type R Oval
c. Type RX
d. Type BX
15. Figures 1, 2 and 3 below show three different types of end outlet connections or
side connections used on BOPs.
1 2 3
c. The distance between the two flanges when installed with the studs and
the nuts tightened
Section V
1. Before cutting the drilling line. With the bit at casing shoe, which item of
a. Circulating head.
2. There is only one inside BOP with an NC50 (4-1/2 inch IF) pin connection on the
rig.
Which of the following crossovers must be on the rig floor while tripping?
3. There is only one inside BOP with an NC50 (4-1/2 inch IF) pin/box connection
Which of the following crossovers must be on the rig floor while tripping?
(TWO ANSWERS)
4. Figure below illustrates six components often used to test BOPs or control drill
pipe pressure.
5. Full opening safety valves (stab-in kelly cock type) should be placed on the rig
floor at all times, ready for use, to fit the tubulars being used.
Which of the following actions can be performed with a full opening valve in
the string? (THREE ANSWERS)
6. Stab-in non-return safety valves (inside BOPs) should be placed on the rig floor
at all times, ready for use, to fit the tubulars being used.
(THREE ANSWERS)
8. A conventional flapper type float valve is installed in the bit sub in the closed
position. What effect does the float valve have on the drill string when tripping
a. It increases the risk of hydraulic collapse of the drill pipe - if not filled.
9. Indicate whether the following operations can or cannot be performed with a float
Can the correct shut in drill pipe pressure be read on the gauge after the pumps
are stopped
a. Yes.
b. No.
10. Indicate whether the following operations can or cannot be performed with a float
a. Yes.
b. No.
11. Indicate whether the following operations can or cannot be performed with a float
a. Yes.
b. No.
12. Indicate whether the following operations can or cannot be performed with a float
a. Yes.
b. No.
13. A well kicks with the bit off bottom and is shut in - the kellycock should now be
What equipment should be made up onto the string in order to perform the
stripping operation safely, assuming there is no float sub or dart sub in the string?
c. The drill pipe safety valve (open) with an inside BOP installed on top.
d. The inside BOP with a drill pipe safety valve (closed) installed on top.
a. An element inserted into the annular preventer to reduce the inside diameter.
15. Match the items listed below to the numbers indicated on the drawing.
a. ………. Ball
d. ………. Body
e. ………. Crank
a. Full Opening safety valves are easier to stab than Non Return valves if back
flow occurs.
TRUE FALSE
TRUE FALSE
TRUE FALSE
d. Full Opening valves must not be run into the hole in the closed position.
TRUE FALSE
18. With regard to drillstring floats which of the following are true or false?
TRUE FALSE
TRUE FALSE
TRUE FALSE
TRUE FALSE
TRUE FALSE
TRUE FALSE
19. When RIH with a solid float, the drillstring must be filled from the top on a
regular basis. What might be the result if this procedure is not carried out
a. Drillpipe collapse.
c. Riser collapse.
d. Mud losses.
e. Stuck pipe.
20. The upper Kelly valve is installed to isolate the surface installation from
b. In well control situations when the surface pressures may exceed the rated
working pressure of the rotary kelly hose and the stand pipe manifold.
21. While pulling out a kick is taken. The Hydril • drop in back-pressure valve'
is dropped and pumped down and the well shut in. After a while it is
observed that the pressure on the drill pipe gauge continues to increase.
(TWO ANSWERS)
c. The indented surface inner seat is washed out by the mud flow.
22. There is only one inside BOP with NC38 (3-1/2 inch IF) pin / box
Which of the following crossovers must be on the rig floor while tripping?
b. NC38 (3 1/2 inch IF) box X NC31 (2 7/8 inch IF) box.
Section VI
Choke Manifold
1. What is the purpose of the choke manifold vent /bleed line that by-passes the
chokes?
b. To by-pass the chokes and connect the choke manifold to the kill line.
2. What is the recommended diameter for the choke manifold vent line/bleed line by-
passing the chokes according to API RP53?
c. At least 5 inches.
3. What is the main function of the choke in the overall BOP system?
5. Why are some choke manifolds equipped with a glycol or methanol injection
system?
6. Which method is used to operate the remotely operated valves on the choke line?
a. Hydraulic fluid.
b. Air.
c. Nitrogen.
d. Wires.
7. The reason for having at least two chokes in the manifold is:
8. The main function of the Choke in the overall B.O.P system is:
Section VII
1. Which of the following dimensions in the diagram below, limit the maximum
working pressure of the mud/gas separator?
D2
H4 GAS TO VENT
FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
D3
MUD/GAS
SEPERATOR H1
D1
TO SHALE
SHAKERS
LIQUID SEAL
H2
D2
H4 GAS TO VENT
FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
D3
MUD/GAS
SEPERATOR H1
D1
TO SHALE
SHAKERS
LIQUID SEAL
H2
a. The length and the inside diameter (D3) of the inlet pipe from the buffer tank
to the choke manifold.
c. The body height (H1) and the body inside diameter (D1).
d. The derrick vents pipe height (H4) and inside diameter (D2).
3. Use the illustration of the mud/gas separator in Figure below and the following
data to calculate the operating pressure at which gas blow-through may occur:-
D2
H4 GAS TO VENT
FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
D3
MUD/GAS
SEPERATOR H1
D1
TO SHALE
SHAKERS
LIQUID SEAL
H2
a. 3 - 4 psi
b. 5 psi
c. 7 - 8 psi
d. 76 - 77 psi
5. Based on the following diagram, with a mud weight of 11.3 ppg flowing through
the MGS and liquid seal. Height of Dip Tube = 18 ft.
D2
H4 GAS TO VENT
FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
D3
MUD/GAS
SEPERATOR H1
D1
TO SHALE
SHAKERS
LIQUID SEAL
H3 H2
6. Based on the following diagram, with a mud weight of 11.3 ppg flowing through the
MGS and liquid seal, how much hydrostatic head (back pressure) would have to be
overcome to allow gas to vent to the shale shakers?
GAS TO VENT
FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
MUD/GAS
SEPERATOR
TO SHALE
SHAKERS
15 ft LIQUID SEAL
10 ft
D2
H4 GAS TO VENT
FROM CHOKE
MANIFOLD
D3
MUD/GAS
SEPERATOR H1
D1
TO SHALE
SHAKERS
LIQUID SEAL
H2
8. In the figure below. Which of the following dimension is the primary factor in
limiting the capacity of the mud-gas separator?
9. A Vacuum Degasser is often used to remove gas from drilling fluid while drilling.
Where the suction line to the Vacuum Degasser should be connected according to
best practice?
10. Why can a Vacuum Degasser not to be used in place of a Mud/Gas Separator
during the control of a kick?
Section VIII
Answer : …….gallons.
Answer : …….gallons.
3. How much hydraulic fluid is required to close, open then close again: -
‘Three pipe rams and One annular preventer
Answer : ………….gallons.
4. How much hydraulic fluid is required to close, open then close again: -
Three Pipe Rams, One Annular Preventer, one Kill Line and one Choke line
valve’.
Kill and Choke Line Valves: 1.5 gallon to close. 1.5 gallon to open
Answer: ………….gallons.
5. In a BOP stack with one annular, three rams, an HCR on the kill line and an HCR
on the choke line the following volumes are required:
Open 31.1 23 2
How many gallons are required to close, open and close all functions?
Answer: ………….gallons.
6. In the drawing of the Surface BOP stack, it requires 24.9 gallons to close and 23
gallons to open each Ram. The annular preventer requires 31.1 gallons to close and
31.1 gallons to open. Each HCR valve requires 2 gallons to open and the same
volume to close. It is required to close, open and close all functions on the BOP, how
many gallons of fluid will be required if a safety factor of 20% is included?
Answer: ………….gallons.
Testing
1. When testing a Surface BOP stack with a test plug, the side outlet valves below
the plug should be kept in the open position.
(Two Answers)
b. When you require to test entire casing head, outlets and casing to
wellhead seals.
3. A test cup for 9-5/8 inch casing is used to test a BOP stack to a pressure of
10,000 psi using 5 inch drill pipe. The area of the test cup subjected to pressure
is 42.4 square inches.
What is the MINIMUM grade of drill pipe to use (exclude any safety margin)?
4. When testing the BOP stack with a test plug or cup type tester in place, why is a
means of communication established from below the tool to atmosphere?
5. You are testing a Surface BOP stack with a test plug, the side outlet valves below
the plug should be kept in the open position. (Choose two answers).
6. What pressure does the manufacturer use to test the body of a new 10,000 psi BOP?
a. 15,000 psi.
b. 10,000 psi.
c. 20,000 psi.
d. 17,500 psi.
7. The body of a new BOP is given a hydrostatic body or shell test after manufacte.
If the BOP has a Rated Working Pressure of 15,000 psi, what hydrostatic body
test pressure is required according to API recommendations?
a. 15,000 psi.
b. 17,500 psi.
c. 20,000 psi.
d. 22,500 psi.
e. 25,000 psi
Gulf Technical & Safety Training centre Page 88 of 137
Equipment Exercises Rev. 2011
8. After connecting the open and close hoses to the BOP good practice would be to
carry out which of the following first?
9. What is the first action that should be taken after connecting the open and close
hydraulic lines to the surface installed BOP stack?
a. Drain the accumulator cylinders and check the nitrogen precharge pressure.
c. Place all functions in neutral position and start pressure testing the BOP stack.
10. According to API RP 53, 1997; BOP stacks should be pressure tested on a regular
basis. This would include: (THREE answers)
11. When should a BOP function test be performed according to API RP53?
12. The lower kelly cock, upper kelly cock, drill pipe safety valve and inside BOP are
tools used to prevent flow from inside the drill string.
a. Two times the rated working pressure of the tool used (up to 5,000
psi).
b. One and a half times the rated working pressure of the tool used.
13. Drillstring safety valves are required to be tested (According to API RP53):
(TWO answers).
14. What is the Rated Working Pressure for BOP equipment according to API RP
59?
15. What is the correct definition for “Rated Working Pressure” according to API
(SPEC 16E)?
c. The hydrostatic proof test pressure a body or shell member shall hold
prior to shipment from the manufacturer’s facility.
16. Regarding the Rated Working Pressure (RWP) of a BOP, are the following
statements true or false?
a. The criteria used to determine the required R.W.P. of a BOP is the maximum
□ True □False
designed to hold.
□ True □False
17. How should the manually operated and hydraulically operated kill line valves on
the BOP be pressure tested?
a. From the well bore side; with the check valve installed.
b. From the pump side; with the check valve removed so that the pressure can be
bled off.
c. From the well bore side; with the check valve removed and the kill line
vented.
d. From the pump side; because the check valve on the outside of the valves
prevents the detection of a faulty valve if they are pressure tested from the
well bore side.
Section IX
System.
Select the list below that indicates the valves that should be open while drilling.
System.
Select the list below that indicates the valves that should be closed while drilling
Reservoir Tanks
1. What type of fluid should be used in the reservoir of the BOP Control Unit when
temperatures below zero degrees centigrade (32 degrees fahrenheit) are expected?
(subsea)
a. Diesel oil.
b. Kerosene.
2. What is the minimum (API RP53) recommended capacity of the hydraulic fluid
reservoir on the hydraulic BOP control unit?
3. The hydraulic control unit has a reservoir filled with hydraulic control operating
fluid. The capacity of this reservoir should be equal to at least twice the usable
fluid capacity of the closing unit system. What type of fluid should be used?
(subsea) (select two answers)
b. Salt Water.
c. Gearbox oil
a. Only one.
2. Which type of power source should be available to operate the BOP control unit
pumps?
a. An electrical system.
b. An air system.
d. A hydraulic system.
3. API RP53 states that each closing unit should be equipped with sufficient number
and sizes of pumps to satisfactorily perform the closing unit capacity test.
With the accumulator system isolated, the pumps should be capable of closing
the annular preventer on the size of drill pipe being used, open the
hydraulically operated choke line valve and obtain a minimum of 200 psi
pressure above accumulator pre-charge pressure on the closing unit manifold.
a. 1 minute or less.
b. 2 minutes or less.
c. 3 minutes or less
d. 4 minutes or less.
4. What is the minimum pressure at which the charge pumps start up, according to
API RP53?
a. When accumulator pressure has decreased to less than 50% of the operating
pressure.
b. When accumulator pressure has decreased to less than 75% of the operating
pressure.
c. When accumulator pressure has decreased to less than 90% of the operating
pressure.
Accumulator Bottles
a. Air.
b. Nitrogen.
c. Oxygen.
e. Methane.
3. What is the minimum recommended (API RP53) pre-charge pressure for the
accumulator bottles on a 3000-psi Hydraulic Control Unit?
a. 3000 psi.
b. 1000 psi.
c. 1200 psi.
d. 200 psi.
TRUE FALSE
5. The purpose of having stored fluid under pressure in the accumulator bottles is:
(Two Answers)
c. The total volume recoverable from the cylinders between the accumulator
operating pressure and the minimum operating pressure.
d. The total volume recoverable from the cylinders between the accumulator
operating pressure and the pre-charge pressure.
e. The total volume recoverable from the cylinders between the accumulator
operating pressure and 500 psi above the pre-charge pressure.
Calculate the total usable fluid volume for the accumulator bank?
a. 40 gallons.
b. 100 gallons.
c. 66 gallons.
d. 200 gallons.
Calculate the total usable fluid volume for the accumulator bank?
a. 40 gallons.
b. 27 gallons.
c. 66 gallons.
d. 43 gallons.
10. A.P.I. RP53 recommends a minimum operating pressure of 1200 psi and a
maximum operating pressure of 3000 psi. How much usable fluid would you get
from a 10 gallon capacity bottle?
Answer …. Gallons
11. If the capacity of the bottle in the last question was increased to 25 gallons how
much usable fluid would you now have?
12. An accumulator system has 24 ten-gallon capacity bottles. How many gallons of
usable fluid are available according to recommendations stated in A.P.I. RP53. -
Maximum operating pressure 3,000 psi - minimum operating pressure 1,200 psi.
a. 240 gallons
b. 480 gallons
c. 120 gallons
d. 100 gallons
13. The following data is given for a surface installed ram type BOP stack.
Hydraulic fluid requirements (including safety factor) for all functions on this
BOP stack is 150 gallons.
a. 30 cylinders.
b. 36 cylinders.
c. 41 cylinders.
d. 51 cylinders.
Gulf Technical & Safety Training centre Page 103 of 137
Equipment Exercises Rev. 2011
14. The following data is given for a surface installed ram type BOP stack.
Closing Ratio – 10 : 1
Hydraulic fluid requirements (including safety factor) for all functions on this
BOP stack is 118.6 gallons.
a. 12 cylinders.
b. 24 cylinders.
c. 36 cylinders.
d. 48 cylinders.
15. In a BOP stack with one annular, three rams, an HCR on the kill line and an HCR
on the choke line the following volumes are required:
RAM 24.9 23
HCR 2 2
a. How many gallons are required to close, open and close all functions?
16. A Cameron 13 5/8”, 10,000 psi working pressure, ram BOP, has a closing ratio
for pipe and shear rams of 7.0 - 1.
b. Hydraulic fluid requirement to close, open and close all functions is 258
gallons. How many 10 gallon accumulator bottles will be required?
4-Way Valves
1. 3 position/4 way valves are used on a BOP control unit to control stack functions.
Which of the following statements are true?
(TWO ANSWERS)
2. While drilling, what is the correct position of the selector valves (3-position/ 4-
way valves) on the BOP hydraulic control unit?
3. On the hydraulic BOP control unit for a surface BOP stack a number of selector
valves are installed. (Selector valves control the BOP functions).
a. A selector valve is a 3 position/4 way directional control valve that has the
pressure inlet port blocked, the operator ports blocked and the pressure trapped
in the centre position.
b. A selector valve has two or more supply pressure ports and only one outlet
port. When fluid is flowing through one of the supply ports the internal shuttle
seals off the other inlet port and allows flow to the outlet port only.
c. A selector valve is a three position directional control valve that has the
pressure inlet port blocked and the operator ports vented in the centre position.
4. In what position should the BOP operating (4-way) valves be in during drilling
operations?
a. Open
b. Closed
1. On the remote panel the High-Low bypass valve allows you to put full accumulator
pressure to which of the following.
a. Rams only.
b. Annular only.
c. All functions.
2. On which ram operation would you be most likely to use the by-pass
b. Blind/Shear rams.
3. What is the purpose of the by-pass valve on a surface BOP Hydraulic Control
Unit?
4. What is the purpose of the “bypass” button on the driller’s remote control panel for
a surface BOP installation?
a. All BOP functions can be operated from the Driller’s Remote BOP Control
Panel.
b. No BOP functions can be operated from the Driller’s Remote BOP Control
Panel.
2. The Annular “unit/remote” switch on the accumulator allows you to do what when
“unit” is selected.
1. What happens when the handle on the BOP remote control panel is activated to
close the upper ram preventer? (The master valve has been operated)
a. The handle opens the hydraulic valve in the back of the remote control panel
and hydraulic fluid flows to the preventer.
b. The handle operates an electric switch in the back of the remote panel. The
electric current operates the hydraulic valve at the accumulator unit and this
enables the hydraulic fluid to flow to the preventer.
c. The handle operates an air valve in the back of the remote panel. The air
activates a piston at the accumulator unit that operates the 4-way valve
enabling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the preventer.
4. On which gauges on the BOP remote control panel would a reduction in pressure
be observed when the blind/shear ram is closed? (TWO ANSWERS)
5. Answer the following questions using the diagram of a drillers remote control
panel.
A. What are the normal operating pressures seen on the following gauges on the
driller's remote panel?
a. The annular preventer can still be operated from the remote panel.
b. Choke and kill lines can still be operated from the remote panel.
C. On which two gauges on the remote panel would you expect to see a reduction
in pressure when the annular preventer is being closed?
a. Gauge 1&2
b. Gauge 2&4
c. Gauge 3&4
d. Gauge 1&4
e. Gauge 3&2
(TWO ANSWERS)
a. 3000 psi.
b. 2500 psi.
c. 1500 psi.
8. What is the NORMAL Manifold pressure reading on a 3000 psi Hydraulic Control
Unit?
a. 3000 psi.
b. 2500 psi.
c. 1500 psi.
d. 1000 psi.
9. What is the NORMAL Annular pressure reading on a 3,000 psi Hydraulic Control
Unit?
a. 250 psi.
c. 3,000 psi.
10. What would the pressure on the ram opening lines between the BOP Hydraulic
Control Unit and the BOP stack normally be while drilling?
a. Zero.
b. 500 psi.
c. 1,500 psi.
d. 3,000 psi.
11. Which function on a BOP stack is supplied from the annular pressure regulator?
c. Annular preventer and hydraulically operated choke and kill line valves.
d. Ram preventer, annular preventer and hydraulically operated choke and kill line
valves.
e. No function is supplied with this pressure; the value on the gauge only indicates
the maximum allowable working pressure for the annular preventer in use.
12. What pressure rating should we have on valves and fittings between the closing
unit and the blowout preventer. (10,000 psi)
a. 1,500 psi
b. 3,000 psi
c. 10,000 psi
Closing Times
1. What is the closing time for a ram type BOP - according to API RP53?
2. What is the closing time for a 20 inch Annular BOP - according to API RP53
3. What is the maximum recommended closing time for a 13-5/8 inch Annular BOP -
according to API RP53?
4. What is the closing time for a 21-1/4 inch surface annular BOP - according to API RP53
5. What is the recommended closing time according to API RP 53 for the following
components? Surface Stack
Master Valve
1. What is the purpose of the master control valve on an air operated remote BOP
control panel?
2. What is the function of the master control valve on the remote BOP control panel
on the rig floor?
d. To allow pressuring up of the control valves on the remote BOP control panel.
3. On the remote BOP control panel on the rig floor, the master control valve
handle/button must be held depressed for five seconds then released before
operating a BOP function.
a. True.
b. False.
4. On the remote BOP control panel on the rig floor, the master valve handle/button
must be held depressed while BOP functions are operated.
a. True.
b. False.
5. On the remote BOP control panel on the rig floor, the master control valve allows
air pressure to go to each function in preparation for operating the handle/button.
a. True.
b. False.
6. On the remote BOP control panel on the rig floor, if a function is activated without
operating the master control valve - that function will work.
a. True.
b. False.
7. If a function is operated on the remote BOP control panel without operating the
master control valve, how will the function work?
a. Slower.
b. Faster.
c. The same.
8. Which of the following procedures is the correct one to activate a BOP function
from the Driller’s electric remote control panel on a surface BOP stack
installation?
a. The master button must be depressed for 5 seconds and then released before a
BOP function button is depressed.
b. The master button must be held depressed while a BOP function button is
depressed.
c. The BOP function button is depressed and then released. The master button
must then be depressed to activate the function.
9. Which of the following correctly describes the operation of the master valve on the
BOP remote panel?
a. The master valve when operated moves the 3 position valve to the close
position.
c. The master valve must be continually operated whilst functions on the panel
are made.
d. Holding the master air valve for 5 seconds then releasing it will allow
functions to take place.
10. The correct reason for operating the master air valve for 5 seconds prior to the
function on a remote B.O.P. panel is:
11. Which of the following statements is true concerning the remote B.O.P panel:
a. The master valve when operated moves the 3 position valve to the close position.
c. The master valve must be continually operated whilst functions on the panel are
made.
d. Holding the master air valve for 5 seconds then releasing it will still allow
functions to take place.
12. The following statements relate to the Driller's remote control panel on the rig floor.
Gulf Technical & Safety Training centre Page 119 of 137
Equipment Exercises Rev. 2011
For each statement circle what you think is the correct answer.
a. The master control valve when activated supplies air to the other control valves.
TRUE FALSE
b. The master control valve must be operated if other functions are to operate.
TRUE FALSE
c. If you operate a function without operating the master control valve that function
will not work.
TRUE FALSE
d. If you operate the master control valve and a function together that function will
not work.
TRUE FALSE
e. If the upper ram close light on the panel illuminates you know the ram is closing.
TRUE FALSE
f. When the close light on the panel illuminates then you know the 3 position valve
on the accumulator has moved to the close position.
TRUE FALSE
g. Operating the master control valve only will illuminate all lights on the panel.
TRUE FALSE
Remote Panel
1. Where are the electric (activating) switches for the BOP remote control panel
lights located?
2. Only a small volume of fluid is required to operate the hydraulic valves on the
BOP side outlets on a surface BOP installation.
On a Driller’s air operated panel, if the Driller pushes “Master’ and “Choke
open” simultaneously - he observes that the lights change colour.
Do the changing lights confirm that the choke line valve is in the open
position?
a. Yes. b. No
3. On a driller’s remote B.O.P. control panel you close the annular preventer and the
close light illuminates. What is the light telling you?
c. The annular 4 way valve on the accumulator unit has functioned and fluid
should be going to the annular.
d. A microswitch in the back of the Driller’s remote B.O.P. control panel has
been activated, indicating that you have pushed the lever to the close
position.
4. The B.O.P stack function has taken place when the indicator light has illuminated on
the remote control panel.
TRUE FALSE
ANNULAR PREVENTER
(BAG) 1. AIR
BLIND/SHEAR RAMS
2. ACCUMULATOR
5” PIPE RAMS
DRILLING
SPOOL
3. RAM
3 1/2” PIPE RAMS
MANIFOLD
WELLHEAD
4. ANNULAR
MANIFOLD
1. What are the normal operating pressures seen on the following gauges on the drillers
remote panel?
2. If Gauge No 1 on the remote panel reads zero which of the following statements is
true?
a. The annular preventer can still be operated from the remote panel
b. Choke and kill lines can still be operated from the remote panel
3. On which two gauges on the remote panel would you expect to see a reduction in
pressure when the annular preventer is being closed?
a. Gauge 1 & 2
b. Gauge 2 & 4
c. Gauge 3 & 4
d. Gauge 1 & 4
e. Gauge 3 & 2
4. You close a ram on the Driller's remote B.O.P control panel. The close light for that
function illuminates but you notice that the manifold pressure gauge does not drop.
What has happened?
d. You forgot to hold down the master control valve for 5 seconds as instructed
5. When shutting in a well from the remote B.O.P panel, a number of problems may
occur that makes you wonder whether the selected function has operated. From the
chart below place an "X" in the box or boxes where the problem may relate to the
cause.
Pressure gauge
drops but does not
rise back up.
Light illuminates
but pressure gauge
does not drop.
6. On the Driller’s air operated panel for a surface BOP the ram close operated and
the following was seen:
a. There is a blockage in the hydraulic line connecting the BOP to the BOP
control unit.
b. There is a leak in the hydraulic line connecting the BOP to the BOP control
unit.
c. The selector valve (3 position/4 way valve) is stuck in the open position.
d. The pressure switch or the pumps on the BOP control unit did not work.
7. On the driller’s pnenumatically operated panel for a surface installed BOP, a ram
close function was activated and the following observations were made:
a. The selector valve (3 position/4 way valve) is stuck in the open position.
b. There is a leak in the hydraulic line connecting the BOP to the BOP control
unit.
e. There is a blockage in the hydraulic line connecting the BOP to the control
unit.
8. If the manifold gauge on the remote BOP control panel reads zero and other
gauges read normal values, which of the following statements is true?
a. Everything is correct.
b. The annular preventer can still be operated from the remote panel.
9. When shutting in the well from the Remote BOP Panel the normal sequence may
not occur.
What has happened if the close light does not illuminate, but the gauge drops and
later rises backup?
10. If the air pressure gauge on the remote BOP control panel reads zero, which of
the following statements is true?
Choke and kill line valves can still be operated from the remote panel.
b. The annular preventer can still be operated from the remote panel.
11. When shutting in the well at the BOP Panel a problem may occur that causes
doubt about whether the selected function has operated.
What has happened if the light does not illuminate and pressure gauge does
not drop?
12. When shutting in the well from the Remote BOP Panel the normal sequence may
not occur.
What has happened if the pressure gauge drops but does not rise back up?
13. When shutting in the well at the BOP Panel, a problem may occur that causes
doubt about whether the selected function has operated.
What has happened if the light illuminates but the pressure gauge does not
drop?
14. When closing the upper rams from the remote control panel on the rig floor the
green light indicator goes out but the red light indicator does not come on. The
Accumulator pressure and the Manifold pressure readings decrease and then
return to normal.
a. The 4-way valves on the BOP hydraulic control unit did not move.
15. A pipe ram has been operated from the remote panel. The accumulator and
manifold pressures have dropped by 400 psi, but only the manifold pressure has
returned to normal.
16. When closing the upper rams, by operating the handle on the BOP remote control
panel, the accumulator and manifold pressures decrease but the close light does
not illuminate.
d. The electric switch that activates the close light circuit failed.
17. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on the Accumulator unit show:
(The BOP has not been operated and the charge pump is not running).
a. Everything OK.
18. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on the accumulator unit show:
(The BOP has not been operated and the charge pump is not running).
a. Everything is OK
19. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on the accumulator unit show:
(The BOP has not been operated and the charge pump is not running).
a. Everything is OK.
20. After stopping drilling and closing the annular, annular pressure dropped and
recovered, now the accumulator unit shows:
a. Everything is OK.
21. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on your BOP accumulator control system
reads as follows: (the BOP has not been operated and the charge pump is not
running).
a. Everything OK
22. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on your BOP accumulator control system
reads as follows: (the BOP has not been operated).
a. Everything is OK
23. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on your BOP accumulator unit system reads
as follows: (the BOP has not been operated and the charge pump is not running).
a. Everything is O.K
24. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on your BOP accumulator unit system reads
as follows: (the BOP has not been operated and the charge pump is not running).
a. Everything is correct.
25. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on your BOP accumulator unit system reads
as follows: (the BOP has not been operated and the charge pump is not running).
26. You are drilling ahead and the gauges on your BOP accumulator unit system reads
as follows: (the BOP has not been operated and the charge pump is not running).
b. Everything is correct.