29 1/2” 500 psi WMSP Diverter

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Operation & Maintenance

Preface
The information in this operator’s manual describes the 29 1/2 inch 500 psi WMSP Diverter
manufactured by Worldwide Oilfield Machine, Inc. in Houston, Texas.
If any questions arise concerning this manual, contact WOM’s BOP factory at:

Worldwide Oilfield Machine, Inc.

5800 Cunningham Road, Houston, Texas 77041
Phone: 1+ (713) 937-0795
Fax: 1+ (713) 937-8574

Date of Publication:
March 5, 2013

Manual Identification Number: ABOP-D29500-V2

© 2013 Worldwide Oilfield Machine, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright
may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, broadcasting or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from
Worldwide Oilfield Machine, Inc.

TM

Preface
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Operation & Maintenance

Table of Contents
Table of Contents...................................................................................4

Certifications..........................................................................................6

Installation & Operation.........................................................................8

Components...........................................................................................8
Major Components............................................................................................ 8
Parts Description.............................................................................................. 9
Parts List........................................................................................................... 10-11

Principle of Operation............................................................................12

Operation...............................................................................................13
Surface Hookup................................................................................................. 13
Tool Joint Stripping.......................................................................................... 15

Physical Data..........................................................................................16
Engineering Data.............................................................................................. 16
Bolt and Wrench Data....................................................................................... 16

Dimensions.............................................................................................17
Inside Dimensions............................................................................................. 17
Outside Dimensions.......................................................................................... 17

Packing Unit...........................................................................................18
Packing Unit..................................................................................................... 18
Packing Unit Selection..................................................................................... 18
Packing Unit Replacement............................................................................... 19
Splitting Packing Unit...................................................................................... 19
Packing Unit Testing........................................................................................ 19

Maintenance & Testing..........................................................................20

Maintenance Procedure.................................................................................... 20
Seal Testing....................................................................................................... 21

Disassembly & Assembly........................................................................22

Disassembly...................................................................................................... 22
Vent All Pressure...................................................................................................22
Remove the Lid....................................................................................................22
Remove the Piston................................................................................................22
Assembly........................................................................................................... 23
Clean & Inspect All Parts Before Assembly...........................................................23
Install the Piston...................................................................................................23
Install the Packing Unit........................................................................................23
Install the Lid.......................................................................................................23

Storage of Rubber Goods........................................................................24

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Table of Content
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Operation & Maintenance

Appendices
Index of Figures
Figure 1. Isometric Cross-Section.............................................................................................. 7
Figure 2. Major Components...................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3. Exploded View............................................................................................................. 9
Figure 4. Parts of Diverter.......................................................................................................... 10
Figure 5. Diverter Fully Open..................................................................................................... 12
Figure 6. Diverter Closed on Drill Pipe...................................................................................... 12
Figure 7. Diverter Closed on Open Hole.................................................................................... 12
Figure 8. Detail of Closing Chamber Line.................................................................................. 13
Figure 9. Detail of Control System............................................................................................. 13
Figure 10. Control Pressure Graph............................................................................................ 14
Figure 11. Closing Chamber Line.............................................................................................. 15
Figure 12. View of Inside Dimensions........................................................................................ 17
Figure 13. View of Outside Dimensions..................................................................................... 17
Figure 14. Inspection Guide....................................................................................................... 20
Figure 15. Items of Note in Seal Testing.................................................................................... 21
Figure 16. Items of Note in Disassembly.................................................................................... 22
Figure 17. Items of Note in Assembly......................................................................................... 23

Index of Tables
Table 1. Item Description.......................................................................................................... 9
Table 2. Diverter Parts List........................................................................................................ 11
Table 3. Engineering Data......................................................................................................... 16
Table 4. Bolt and Wrench Data................................................................................................. 16
Table 5. Inside Dimensions....................................................................................................... 17
Table 6. Outside Dimensions.................................................................................................... 17

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Appendices
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Operation & Maintenance

Certifications
WOM is licensed under the latest edition of API
6A and API 16A and has fully implemented API
Q1 quality system. The API 16A license not only
6A-0394,
applied to drill-through equipment, but also ram 16A-0079
and annular type BOPs.

WOM ensures that the product conforms to the

essential requirements of the applicable EC
directives and permissions for the use of the CE
(Conformité Européenne) mark.

No. CE-0041-PED-H-WOM-001-08-USA

CERT-0020744

WOM is certified to ISO 9001.

Products are designed to NACE MR-01-75

materials standards for resistance to sulfide stress
cracking.

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Certifications
29 1/2” 500 psi WMSP Diverter
Operation & Maintenance
Installation & Operation
Figure 1: Isometric Cross-Section
The 29 1/2” 500 psi WMSP Diverter is an
annular type BOP which will close and
seal off on tubulars in the wellbore or
completely seal off the open hole to full
rated working pressure by compression of a
reinforced packing unit. The 29 1/2” 500 psi
WMSP Diverter has been developed for use
on surface installments.
Hydraulic pressure applied to the
closing chamber raises the piston forcing the
packing unit into a sealing engagement.
Closing pressure must be maintained
as wellbore pressure (or test pressure)
acting on the piston from below the sealed off
packing unit decreases the closing force.
During well control operations, drill pipe can
be rotated and tool joints stripped through
a closed packing unit while maintaining a
full seal on the pipe.
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Any normal closing unit having a
separate pressure regulator valve for the
annular blowout preventer and sufficient
accumulator volume (60 gallons) can
be used to operate the Diverter. The
hydraulic operating fluid may be clean, light
petroleum hydraulic oil, or water with
a water soluble added. In cold climates,
anti-freeze should be added to prevent
freezing.
The closing time of the Diverter is
determined by the rate at which the
hydraulic fluid can be delivered to the
closing chamber. Minimum closing
time is achieved by using short, large
diameter control lines, large bore control
valves, and a large accumulator volume. An
excessively high setting on the pressure
regulator valve will have little effect on
the Diverter closing time.
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Installation & Operation
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Operation & Maintenance

Components
Major Components

Locking Plate
Lid

Packing Unit

Cage
Piston

Body

Figure 2: Major Components

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Components
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Parts Description
6 Item Description
8 1 Body
10
9
7 2 Lid
3 Packing Element
4 Piston
11
2 5 Cage
6 Short Plate
7 Long Plate
8 Nut
9 Stud
3
10 Screw: Short and Long Plate
11 Seal: Lid Gasket
12 U-Seal: Piston Upper
12 13 Double U-Seal: Piston Lower
14 Non-Extrusion Ring: Piston Lower
14 4 15 U-Seal Piston Inner
13
14 16 O-ring: Cage
15 17 Pipe Plug
18 Seal Kit Assembly

5 Table 1: Part Description

16

17

Figure 3: 29 1/2 Exploded View

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Parts List

13 14
5
12

15

21
2
16
7
11 8
17
3
18
1
17
4

9
19
10
20
Figure 4: Parts List

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Part Numbers

Item Qty. Part No. Description

1 1 W-1002661 Body

2 1 W-1002663 Lid

3 1 W-1002665 Piston

4 1 W-1002667 Cage

5 6 W-1002670 Locking Plate, Long

6 6 W-1002669 Locking Plate, Short

7 1 W-1002663-06 Wear Plate

8 1 1003275-02 Packing Element

9 1 981-115-300 Pipe Plug, Hex HD. 1.25” NPT, SS

10 1 981-120-300 Pipe Plug, Socket HD. 1.25” NPT, SS

11 12 981-096-300 Hex HD. Cap Screw, .50-13UNC-2A x .75” LG.

12 12 981-096-300 Hex Hd. Cap Screw, .75-10UNC-2A x 2.0” LG.

13 28 985-083-300 Stud: T.E., 1.75”-8UN x 8.0”

14 28 983-011-300 Nut: 1.75”-8UN

15 1 295-46742 O-ring: Lid

16 1 295-46742 O-ring: Upper, Piston

17 2 295-3106271-5 Non-extrusion ring: Outer, Piston

18 1 295-3106274 U-seal: Double, Outer, Piston

19 2 275-100327-02 U-seal: Inner, Piston

20 1 1920085 O-ring: Cage

21 4 1018598 Anchor Shackle: 13 1/2 Tons, G-209

Table 2: Part Numbers for Diverter

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Operation & Maintenance

Principle of Operation

This view shows the Diverter with the

packing unit fully open. The Diverter opens
to full bore to allow passage of large-diameter
tools through open bore as well as maximum
annulus flow of drilling fluids. The packing
unit returns to full open position due to normal
resiliency of elastomer packing unit.

Figure 5: Fully Open

This view shows the Diverter with the

packing unit closed on the drill pipe. The
packing unit seals off on the tool joint, pipe,
casing, or wireline to rated pressure.

Figure 6: Closed on Drill Pipe

This view shows the Diverter with the

packing unit closed on an open hole. Complete
closure of the packing unit will safely hold well
pressure, without leakage, equal to the rated
working pressure of the Diverter.

Figure 7: Closed on Open Hole

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Principle of Operation
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Operation & Maintenance

Operation
Surface Hookup
The surface hookup of the Diverter shown
in Figure 8 connects the hydraulic operating
pressure to the closing chamber.

Pressure applied to the closing chamber

raises the piston and affects the initial seal
between the packing unit and drill pipe.
Closing pressure must be maintained. Well
pressure or test pressure also acts on the
piston below the sealed-off packing unit
Closing Chamber Line

to decrease the closing force acting on the

packing unit.

The Control Pressure Graph, Figure 9, shows

Figure 8: Detail of Closing Chamber Line
the relationship of closing pressure and well
pressure required to affect optimum seal off
Control System for the 29 1/2” 500 psi WMSP Diverter.

During normal drilling operations, it is

recommended that the pressure regulator
valve for the Diverter be set at the initial
closing pressure shown for the size pipe
being used. This pressure will ensure that
initial seal off is achieved should a “kick” be
Hydrostatic Lid

encountered.

During testing operations, once initial seal

off is achieved, closing pressure should be
maintained as well as pressure is increased.

Caution: The 29 1/2”-inch 500 psi WMSP Diverter is

sensitive to its position relative to the control system. If the
control system is located at a level higher than the closing
chamber of the Diverter, the hydraulic lid of the
operating fluid may be sufficient to prevent the piston from
coming completely down. This will prevent the packing
unit from opening to full bore. For these situations, the
installation of a spring-activated normally closed 2-way valve
rated for 3000 psi in the closing line to drain the fluid lid is
Closing Chamber
recommended (refer to Figure 9). Be sure to drain the fluid
Spring to close into a container.
2-way valve

Figure 9: Detail of Control System

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Operation
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Operation & Maintenance

500

400

Maximum Operating Pressure

Well Pressure in PSI

Open Hole
300

7” pipe
200

12” pipe
100

0 500 1000 1500 1750

Closing Pressure in PSI
Figure 10: Control Pressure Graph

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Operation & Maintenance

Tool Joint Stripping

Closing Chamber Line

Figure 11: Closing Chamber Line

During well control operations, drill pipe can be rotated and tool joints stripped
through a closed packing unit while maintaining a full seal off on the pipe. Rotation or
stripping through a closed and sealed packing unit will shorten its life. Longest life for the
packing unit is obtained by adjusting the closing forces low enough to maintain a seal on the
drill pipe with a slight amount of drilling fluid leakage as the tool joint passes through the
packing unit. This drilling fluid leakage indicates optimum seal off for minimum packing
unit wear and provides lubrication for the drill pipe motion through the packing unit.

Slow tool joint stripping speeds reduce surge pressures, prolonging packing unit life.
The pressure regulator valve should be set to provide and maintain the proper control
pressure. If the pressure regulator valve does not respond fast enough for effective Diverter
control, a surge absorber (accumulator) should be installed in the closing chamber control line
adjacent to the Diverter. Pre-charge the accumulator to one-half of the closing pressure
required to affect a seal off at the existing well pressure for the pipe size in use.

Caution: Rotation of drill pipe in one position generates heat which is detrimental to the packing unit if continued for a
long period of time.

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Operation & Maintenance

Physical Data
Engineering Data
Measurements
Bore 29½ inches
Working Pressure 500 psi
Shell Test Pressure (Factory Test Only) 800 psi
Closing Chamber Test Pressure (Factory Test Only) 2,250 psi
Volume – Closing Chamber 60 gallons
Piston Stroke 13 9/16 inches
Port Size 1.25–11.5 NPT
Weight – Single (Approximate - varies with connections) 24,500 lb
Pad Eye Safe Working Load (Each) 27,000 lb
Normal Operating Pressure 1500 psi

Table 3: Engineering Data

Bolt and Wrench Data

Ref No.1 (Lb/Ft) Description Thread Wrench Size Recommended
Torque2
9 Pipe Plug 1 ¼ - 11 ½ NPT ¾ Snug
12 Cap Screw .750 – 10 UNC 1 1/8 Snug
1 Refer to 1.1.1 Parts List for Dimensions of Rubber Goods
2 Torques based on use of standard lubricant

Table 4: Bolt and Wrench Data

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Physical Data
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Operation & Maintenance

Dimensions

Inside Dimensions
Inches
A Bore 29.50
B O.D. Upper Piston 65.73
C I.D. Upper Body 65.75
D I.D. Piston 33.75
E Top of Body to Top of Sleeve 33.41
F I.D. Lower Body 50.00
G Piston Height 32.44
H Top of Sleeve to Bottom of Lid 15.20
J Packing Unit Height 15.00
K Stroke (Not Shown) 13.56
L Lid Height 15.00
Figure 12: Inside Dimensions Table 5: Inside Dimensions

Outside Dimensions
Inches
A 84.5
B 75.38
C 12.5
D 40.06
E 8.41
F 43.00
G 54.00
H 69.00
J 67.84
Table 6: Outside Dimensions

Figure 13: Outside Dimensions

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Operation & Maintenance

Packing Unit
Packing Unit
The heart of the Diverter is the packing unit. The unit is manufactured from high quality
rubber, reinforced with flanged steel segments. Each unit has a large volume of tough,
feedable rubber to meet any requirement.

The molded-in steel segments have flanges at the top and bottom. These segments anchor the
packing unit within the Diverter and control rubber extrusion and flow when sealing off well
pressures. Since the rubber is confined and kept under compression, it is resistant to tears
and abrasion.

Packing Unit Selection

Because of the importance of the packing unit to operation of the Diverter and to the
safety of the crew and rig, the best available packing units should be used as replacements
for original equipment.

Packing units for Diverters are manufactured from compounded Natural rubber or Nitrile
rubber

Natural rubber is compounded for drilling with water- base drilling fluids. Natural
rubber can be used at operating temperatures between -30°F to 225°F (-35°C to 107°C).
When properly applied, the compounded natural rubber packing unit will usually provide the
longest service life.

Nitrile rubber (a synthetic compound) is for use with oil-base or oil-additive drilling fluids.
It provides the best service with oil-base muds, when operated at temperatures between 20°F
to 190°F (-7°C to 88°C). The Nitrile rubber packing unit is identified by a red colored band.

Expected H2S Service does not affect selection of packing unit material. H2S service will
reduce the service life of rubber products, but the best service life is obtained by matching
the packing unit material with the requirements of the specific drilling fluid. Performance
of elastomeric materials can vary significantly, depending on the on the nature and extent of
exposure to hydrogen sulfide. The operator should monitor pressure sealing integrity
frequently to assure no performance degradation has occurred.

Storage conditions are important for realizing the maximum life of the packing unit.
Packing units should be stored in a cool, dry dark storage area. Atmosphere, light, and
heat accelerate deterioration of rubber goods. It is also essential to practice first-in,
first-out when storing packing units. See Page 24, Storage of Rubber Goods for more detailed
recommendations and precautions.
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Packing Unit
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Operation & Maintenance

Packing Unit Replacement

Refer to Pages 22-23, Disassembly & Assembly for detailed instructions on installing and
replacing the packing unit.

Splitting Packing Units

In case of an emergency, packing unit replacement is possible with the pipe in the hole. After
removing the worn packing unit, cut the new packing unit completely and smoothly through
one side between any two steel segments preferably 90° from eye-bolt holes to achieve easier
handling. The cut should be made with a sharp knife as this will not affect the efficiency of
the packing unit. Spring segment apart with a pry bar to put rubber in tension for easier
cutting. Do not use a saw or other rough cutting tool. Spring packing unit open sufficiently
to pass around the pipe as shown, drop the unit into position in the body, and install the lid.

Packing Unit Testing

Proper procedure for pressure testing any Diverter ensures subsequent seal-off and
maximum packing unit life. Reliable pressure seal-off tests are made by closing the packing
unit with prescribed closing chamber pressure on 4½-inch or 5-inch test pipe. Optimum
packing unit life is obtained by testing at low rubber stress levels. Minimum packing unit
stress is achieved by use of the minimum closing chamber pressure that will initiate and
maintain seal-off on the recommended size test pipe. The Diverter is designed to operate
with closing pressure maintained on the closing chamber during all seal-off operations.
Closing pressure required to effect seal-off may vary between individual packing units.
Begin the test with the recommended closing pressure.

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Maintenance & Testing
Maintenance Procedure
1 2 3
7 wear is excessive, the area must be repaired.
6 4. Check the inner body cage for wear,
7 5
2 4
7 3
1
Figure 14: Inspection Guide
Prior to placing the Diverter into service,
the following visual inspections (as noted in
above, Figure 14) should be performed.
1. Inspect the upper and lower connections
for pitting, wear, and damage, especially
in ring grooves and stud bolt holes. Worn
or damaged ring grooves must be welded,
machined, and stress relieved in a machine
shop.
2. Check the body for wear and damage,
especially in the internal cylinder walls for
pits and vertical scores. Check the lid for
damage to the surface that contacts the
packing unit. Remove minor pits and scores
with emery cloth. Coat the repaired surface
with silicone grease or castor oil. Severe
pits and scores that require matching and/
or welding must be repaired in a machine
shop.
Maintenance & Testing
29 1/2” 500 psi WMSP Diverter
Operation & Maintenance
3. Inspect the vertical bore for wear and
damage from drill string and drill tools,
especially in the area of the ring grooves. If
damage, and looseness. Check slots in inner
body cage for cuttings which may restrict pis-
ton movement.
5. Check the piston for damage and
wear, especially the seal surfaces for pits
and vertical scores and the tapered bowl for
pits and gouges.
Remove minor pits and scores on the walls
with emery cloth. Coat the repaired surface
with silicone grease or castor oil. Severe
pits and scores that require matching and/
or welding must be repaired in a machine
shop. Remove sharp or rolled edges with
emery cloth or a grinder. The repair is
satisfactory when the surface is relatively
smooth.
6. Inspect the packing unit for wear,
cracking, hardness, and correct elastomer
composition. Refer to Page 18 - 19 for packing
unit information and for packing unit testing.
7. Check the seal rings for nicks, cuts,
fraying of lips, and abrasion. Replace worn or
damaged seal rings.
Note: The Diverter is a primary pressure vessel. As supplied, the
Diverter surfaces exposed to well bore fluids meet the requirements
for H2S service. Proper handling and repair are required to maintain
the original integrity. Field welding is not recommended as it induces
undesirable stresses which must be relieved by prior heat treating
procedures or controlled by special welding procedures.
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Operation & Maintenance

Seal Testing

When it is known or suspected that a seal within the Diverter is leaking, it is recommended
that all the seals be replaced. However, if only the seal in question is to be replaced, it must
first be determined which seal is leaking. The following procedure is provided:

1. Test seals 17, 18, 19 (lower), and 20

a. Pressurize closing chamber. Test

pressure to be the closing pressure
required for the size test pipe of a
packing unit, if installed (1500 psi if no
15 packing unit is installed).

If: Closing fluid is seen coming out the

port on the body, seal 18 and 17 are
leaking.

If: Closing fluid is seen coming from the

16 slots in the body cage, seal 19 (lower) is
leaking.

If: Closing fluid is seen coming from

the bottom of the body cage, seal 20
is leaking.

2. Test seals 19 (upper), 16, and 15.

a. Closing chamber open.
17
18 b. Pressurize the body to 500 psi
17
with blind flanges installed on top and
bottom connections.

If: Fluid is seen coming from around

19 (upper) lid, seal 15 (lid) is leaking.
19 (lower) If: Fluid is seen coming from port in the
body (or gusset), seal 16 (piston) is
20 leaking.
Figure 15: Items of Note in Seal Testing
If: Fluid is seen coming from closing
chamber, seal 19 (upper) is leaking.

3. For packing unit testing, see Page 19.

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Operation & Maintenance

Disassembly and Assembly

Disassembly
Vent All Pressure
Refer to Figure 16 while following this procedure. Vent the closing chamber to atmospheric
pressure to ensure that no trapped pressure
exists. This will prevent injury to personnel
2 5 6 12 1 (Body) and damage to the equipment. Open the valves
in the control system to exhaust the pressure
and/or loosen the hydraulic connections to
allow the pressure to leak out.

Warning: Stand clear of escaping pressure to avoid injury.

15
Remove the Lid
To remove the lid, install the lid assembly tool
onto the lid so that the two beams are in a cross
arrangement.

Using the long studs provided, tighten down the

16 beams to depress the lid (item 2).
3
Remove the locking plates (items 5 and 6) held in
place by the cap screws (item 12).

After the locking plates have been removed,

4 loosen the four hold down nuts. The lid (item 2)
will for forced up by the packing element. When
the upward force has been relieved remove the
17 lid assembly tool, install eyebolts in the holes
18 provided in the flange, remove the lid, and then
17 the packing element.

Remove the Piston

19 (upper)
Hydraulic pressure can be applied to lift the
piston item 3). Only a few pounds pressure will
19 (lower) be required to lift the piston. Normal city water
pressure is usually sufficient. Bolt the lifting lugs
Figure 16: Items of Note in Disassembly 20 to the top of the piston and remove.

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Disassembly and Assembly

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Operation & Maintenance

Assembly Clean & Inspect All Parts Before Assembly

Ensure that working surfaces are free of burns,
Refer to Figure 17 while following this procedure. rough edges, or other defects.

Inspect all seals and replace any damaged seal

or seals in use over one year.

Coat all seals and non-extrusion rings with

2 5 6 12 1 (Body) silicone grease or castor oil before installation.
Caution: Use of petroleum base oil or grease will reduce seal life.

Install the Piston

Install the lower double U-seal (item 18) and
the non-extrusion rings (item 17) on the lower
15 O.D. segment of the piston (item 3).

Install the U-seals (item 19) on the lower I.D.

segment of the piston.

Lubricate all mating surfaces before lowering

the piston into the body (item 1). Bolt the lifting
16 lugs to the top of the piston. Ensure that the
piston is aligned vertically with the body prior
3 to lowering. With proper vertical alignment, the
piston will slide its normal stroke to the bottom
of the preventer body.

Remove the lifting lugs.

4 Caution: Be careful not to damage the seals during assembly.

Install the Packing Unit

Lubricate the piston bowl with silicone grease
17 or castor oil.
18
17
Lift the packing unit and set it into the piston
bowl.

Install the Lid

19 (upper) Install the O-ring (item 15) in the seal groove on
the outside of the preventer lid (item 2).
19 (lower)
Lift the lid onto the body (item 1).
Figure 17: Items of Note in Assembly 20
Install the lid assembly tool across the top of
the body and depress the lid to install the
locking rings (items 5 and 6). Bolt the locking
rings in place using the cap screws (item 12)
before removing the lid assembly tool.
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Storage of Rubber Goods
At the conclusion of each well or prior
to placing the Diverter in storage for even
a brief period, it is recommended that the
Diverter be disassembled, cleaned,
inspected, lubricated thoroughly with
non-petroleum base oil such as castor oil
or rapeseed (canola) oil, and reassembled.
Replacement of worn packing units, or
packers, seat rings, and other parts can be
made conveniently at this time.
Flange or hub faces and ring grooves should
be protected with covers, and ports should
be plugged.
The term“rubber goods”includes synthetic
compounds such as Nitril Copolymers and
Neoprene, as well as natural rubber parts.
The ideal storage situation for rubber goods
would be in vacuum-sealed containers
maintained in a cool, dry, dark storage area.
The following recommendations will allow
vendors and users of oilfield equipment
to maximize normally available storage
facilities for rubber goods.
1. Keep the rubber storage area as dark
as possible, preferably indoors, not
outdoors, and away from direct sunlight,
skylights, windows, and direct artificial
lighting.
2. Select a cool location (approximately
65°F) that is away from heaters, stoves,
and direct blasts of space heaters.
3. Keep rubber goods away from
electrical machinery (motors, switch gear,
or any high voltage equipment producing
corona). Avoid locations susceptible to
Storage of Rubber Goods
29 1/2” 500 psi WMSP Diverter
Operation & Maintenance
drafts that will carry the atmosphere
from electrical machinery to the rubber
goods storage area.
4. The practice of FIFO (first-in,
first-out) is essential with rubber goods.
5. Store rubber goods in a relaxed position
in their normal shape. For example,
do not hang O-rings on nails. Do not
keep assemblies in stretched
attitudes, e.g. O-rings on glands,
BOP testers, and operator parts.
6. Rubber goods storage areas should be kept
as dry as possible. Remove oil, grease or
other foreign materials form the storage
area to preclude spillage on rubber goods.
7. If storage for extended periods is
anticipated, then vacuum-sealed
containers are recommended.
Impervious surface coverings such as
waxing will increase shelf life.
Factors that accelerate the deterioration of
rubber goods are atmosphere, light and
heat.
The term “aging” means cumulative
effects of all three attacking agents over
a period of time. Other factors that
will affect rubber goods include
stretching or bending from normal
shape, extreme cold, chemical reactions
with solvents and petroleum products.
Oxidization results from exposure to the
atmosphere allows oxygen to react with
the rubber goods. Ozone (O3), a very active
form of oxygen, is especially detrimental to
rubber goods. The principal sources of ozone
contributing to rubber goods deterioration
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29 1/2” 500 psi WMSP Diverter
Operation & Maintenance
are: (1) atmospheric ozone, and (2) ozone
created by electrical discharges such as high
voltage corona, electrical machinery and
lighting. Points of strain in rubber goods
attacked first by ozone will be characterized
by deep cracks. Ozone and normal oxygen
(O2) will attack rubber goods much as steel
rusts.
Oxidization is characterized by a hard skin
which eventually crazes in small cracks
and may turn chalky or assume a bark-like
appearance.
Strong, direct light especially sunlight,
has a harmful effect on rubber goods. The
ultraviolet light content of the light
spectrum accelerates cracking. Light,
especially sunlight, is undesirable and
should be avoided at all times.
Heat whether the result of sunlight,
artificial, or accidental heating, will also
have a harmful effect on rubber goods.
Heat results in a gradual hardening of the
rubber goods. The process is greatly
accelerated when ozone or oxygen is
present.
In extremely cold climates, some rubber
goods will become so brittle that they will
shatter when dropped or handled roughly.
Any stretching or bending of rubber goods
in storage from a relaxed, normal shape will
result in accelerated aging or cracking.
Various solvents may cause deterioration of
rubber goods, both natural and synthetic,
especially oilfield liquid hydrocarbons.
These materials cause swelling or
shrinkage of the rubber goods with which
they are in contact.
25 of 28
Since the aging of a rubber product is
dependent upon all of the above factors,
plus its size, specific composition, and
function, no precise figure is available for
“storage life.” Generally, the greater the
ratio of surface area to volume, the
more susceptible a part is to being
rendered useless by aging. For example, a
relatively large part (by volume) of a
packing unit might be expected to have
a much longer useful shelf life than a
thin-walled, large diameter O-ring.
No general rule can be drawn regarding
usability.
A large, heavy part might suffer the same
total amount of aging as a small, light piece
and still be usable, whereas the light piece
would be rendered useless. Thus, judgment
becomes the rule and, where there is doubt,
replace the part.
These checks should be made prior to
using rubber goods that have been stored
for periods of time:
• Is there “chalking” or “barking?”
• Has the part developed a “hard skin?”
• Do cracks appear? Do cracks
appear when the part is stretched?
(Sometimes cracks will be obvious;
stretch or bend the part in question so
that any incipient cracks or very thin
cracks will be revealed).
• Will suspect part pass a hardness test
with a Shore “A” Durometer? (In the
event that the hardness runs 15 points
higher than the normal hardness of the
part is considered non-usable).
Note: Hardness is affected by temperature, and readings
should be taken the rubber part at 70o to 100oF. The hardness
measurement should be made on a flat surface of the rubber part
having a minimum thickness of ¼ inch.
TM
CONTACT US:

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Headquarters/U.S.A Worldwide Oilfield Machine M.E.
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Worldwide Oilfield Machine, Inc.
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Houston, Texas 77041 USA Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) South,
Phone: +1 (713) 937-0795 Plot# S61302, Near Gate # 12,
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Worldwide Oilfield Machine, Inc. Phone: (971-4) 81 63 600
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Houston, Texas 77035 USA
Phone: +1 (713) 721-5200
Fax: +1 (713) 721-5205 WOM UK
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WOM India 7 St Machar Road
Aberdeen
Worldwide Oilfield Machine Pvt. Ltd. AB24 2UU
Gat No. 778, at Post Velu Scotland
Pune Satara Rd. Tel: +44 (01224) 484400
Tal. Bhor, Dist. Pune. 412 205. India Fax: +44 (01224) 489740
Phone: +91-8308210300
+91-8308215300
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Magna Casting & Machine Works
Gat No. 777, at Post Velu WOM Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd.
Pune Satara Rd. 17 Gul Way
Tal. Bhor, Dist. Pune. 412 205. India Singapore 629194
Phone: +91-8308210300 Phone: +65 6560 3857
+91-8308215300 Fax: +65 6560 3859

Magnum Forge & Machine Works Magnum Subsea Systems

Gat No. 777, t Post Velu 17 Gul Way
Pune Satara Rd. Singapore 629194
Tal. Bhor, Dist. Pune. 412 205, India Phone: +65 6560 3857
Phone: +91-8308210300 Fax: +65 6560 3859
+91-8308215300

www.womusa.com
TM

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16A-0079 6A-0203
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16A-0080.1 17D-0023 No. CE-0041-PED-H-WOM-001-08-USA

www.womusa.com
Revised APRIL
JAN 2013
2013 - SM