ACCUMULATOR DRILL OR ACCUMULATOR DRAWDOWN TEST

Accumulator drills are designed to verify that the accumulator/closing system is in good working order
and that it is properly sized for the particular blowout preventer stack. Accumulator performance must
be proven with an accumulator drill when the blowout preventers are first installed (which verifies
proper sizing). After initial installation, the accumulator unit performance will be proven and verified in
conjunction with the BOP pressure tests schedule (which checks for hydraulic leaks). Results of the
accumulator drill, including closing times of the rams and annular preventer, and initial final
accumulator pressures are to be reported on the Blowout Preventer Test and Equipment Checklist. A
notation should also be made on the tour report that an accumulator drill was conducted. Accumulator
drills must be conducted when the drill pipe is not in open hole, but up in the casing. At least one joint of
drill-pipe must be in the hole for the pipe rams to close on. The (Operator Co. Man) and Contract Tool-
pusher should witness all accumulator drills, but the Tool-pusher is responsible for the actual
supervision of the drill. Use the remote station to close the preventers every other drill.

Procedure
1) Turn off all accumulator-pressurizing pumps.

2) Record the initial accumulator, manifold, and annular pressures.

3) closed all of the preventers (except the blind rams). Substitute a re-opening of a pipe ram to simulate
the blind ram closure when applicable. Open the HCR valve.

4) Measure and record the closing times for each preventer with a stopwatch.

5) Record the final accumulator, manifold, and annular pressures.

6) To pass the accumulator test, all BOP’s must have closed in less than 30 seconds with at least:  1500
psi accumulator pressure remaining (for a 3000 psi accumulator) Note: Equipment that does not meet
these requirements either has insufficient capacity, insufficient pre-charge or needs repair. Closing time
for annular preventers 20" and larger should not exceed 45 seconds.

7) Observe the remaining pressure for at least 5 minutes to detect any possible am piston seal leaks.

8) Turn the accumulator pump(s) back on. Record the time required to charge system back up (re-charge
time).

9) Open BOP’s.