Appendix J BOP Testing

Appendix J BOP Testing

Appendix J BOP Testing

The blowout preventer (BOP) stack was pressure and function tested numerous times over the course of the Macondo well, including on the day of the incident. See Table 1. From this evidence, the investigation team concluded that the BOP stack was fully operational and that there were no defects that would have impacted the ability of the BOP to function. Function and pressure testing are performed on the BOP stack and control system on the rig prior to lowering the BOP to the ocean floor and continue while the BOP Stack is deployed subsea to confirm the integrity of the rigs well-control system. Routine pressure and function tests were performed on the Deepwater Horizon subsea BOP equipment in compliance with Transoceans internal policies and regulatory requirements. The BOP passed all pressure and function testing while conducting operations on the Macondo well. Testing Requirements BOP testing requirements are stated in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 30: Mineral Resources. The purpose of the tests is to ensure the BOP system and system components are pressure tight and fit for purpose.1 Function Testing The purpose of function testing is to ensure the subsea well-control equipment is operational. A complete function test is performed on the BOP stack from both control pods prior to lowering it to the ocean floor. This is done to ensure the equipment is operating properly and that there are no problems. After the BOP stack is in operation, it is function tested weekly.2 Method of Function Testing Surface function test (prior to running the BOP stack) Operate all functions on the BOP stack from both control pods and record gallon counts to verify that there was a complete operation of the tested function. Visually verify that there are no leaks in the system. Verify there are no system faults. Subsea function test Operate all functions on the BOP stack from one of the control pods (alternating pods and control panels) and record gallon counts to verify that there was a complete operation of the tested function. Verify that there are no leaks in the system. Verify that there are no system faults. There are a number of functions that are not tested when the BOP stack is deployed on bottom due to the risk of disconnect from the well or damage to equipment that may require retrieval of the BOP stack to correct.3

Pressure Testing The purpose of pressure testing is to verify that the well-control equipment is operating and leak-free, as well as to verify the integrity of casing and the well. A complete pressure test is performed on the BOP stack to full working pressure prior to lowering it to the ocean floor. This is done to ensure the equipment is operating properly and is leak-free. After the BOP stack is deployed, it is pressure tested at a minimum of every 14 days. During some critical well operations, it is not possible to test the BOP stack. When this occurs, a request is submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), formerly the Minerals Management Services (MMS), asking for a BOP test extension. See Table 1.4 Recording Pressure Tests Chart Recorder Method Shut-in test pressures are recorded on circular chart recorders. The BOP stack is pressurized, followed by a waiting period (stabilization period) until stable pressures are obtained. Then a five-minute hold period (no pressure increase or decrease) is required as proof of integrity. Reasonably stable pressures must be greater than or equal to the required test pressure and allow for temperature-related pressure variations.

Appendix J BOP Testing

Digital Testing In July 2008, BP introduced digital testing on the Deepwater Horizon for BOP stack pressure tests. BP developed a digital method for pressure testing that decreased the time required to test the BOP stack, which they called Anatomization. In 2008, BP submitted a request, and MMS approved this digital testing method.5
Test Conducted Function Test Both Pods (Surface Pre-run) Pressure Test BOP (Surface Pre-run) Function Test Diverter Pressure Test BOP Pressure Test BOP Function Test BOP Well Casing Integrity Test Pressure Test Upper Annular Function Test BOP Function Test Diverter Pressure Test BOP Pressure Test BOP Function Test BOP Function Test Diverter Casing Integrity Test Function Test BOP Function Test Diverter MMS BOP Test Extension MMS BOP Test Extension Pressure Test BOP Function Test BOP Test Date February 5, 2010 February 6, 2010 February 9, 2010 February 9, 2010 February 10, 2010 February 10, 2010 February 10, 2010 February 12, 200 February 17, 2010 February 17, 2010 February 24, 2010 February 25, 2010 February 25, 2010 February 25, 2010 March 1, 2010 March 4, 2010 March 4, 2010 March 12, 2010 March 13, 2010 March 15, 2010 March 15, 2010 References Daily Drilling Report, February 5, 2010, TRN-HCJ-00076220. Daily Drilling Report, February 6, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019063. Daily Drilling Report, February 9, 2010, BP-HZN-BLY00101577. Daily Drilling Report, February 9, 2010, BP-HZN-BLY00101577. Daily Drilling Report, February 10, 2010, TRN-HCJ-00076236. Daily Drilling Report, February 10, 2010, TRN-HCJ-00076236. Daily Drilling Report, February 10, 2010, TRN-HCJ-00076236. Daily Drilling Report, February 12, 2010, TRN-TBD-00000162. Daily Drilling Report, February 17, 2010, TRN-HCJ-00076240. Daily Drilling Report, February 17, 2010, TRN-HCJ-00076240. Daily Drilling Report, February 24, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019196. Daily Drilling Report, February 25, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019202. Daily Drilling Report, February 25, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019202. Daily Drilling Report, February 25, 2010 BP-HZN-CEC019202. Daily Drilling Report, March 1, 2010, BP-HZN-BLY00047076. Daily Drilling Report, March 4, 2010, TRN-HCJ-00076264. Daily Drilling Report, March 4, 2010, TRN-HCJ-00076264. Daily Drilling Report, March 12, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019117. Daily Drilling Report, March 13, 2010, TRN-TBD-00000191. Daily Drilling Report, March 15, 2010, TRN-MDL-00011448. Daily Drilling Report, March 15, 2010, TRN-MDL-00011448.

Table 1 Identifies All Tests Performed on the BOP Prior to and During the Macondo Well

Appendix J BOP Testing

Test Conducted Function Test Shear Rams Pressure Test Shear Rams Function Test BOP Pressure Test Shear Rams Function Test Shear Rams Casing Integrity Test Function Test BOP Pressure Test BOP Test Diverter Pressure Test Shear Rams Casing Integrity Test Function Test BOP Function Test Diverter Pressure Test Shear Rams Pressure Test BOP Pressure Test BOP Function Test BOP Function Test Diverter Function Test BOP Function Test Diverter Function Test Shear Rams Function Test Diverter Casing Integrity Test Pressure Test Shear Rams

Test Date March 21, 2010 March 21, 2010 March 22, 2010 March 26, 2010 March 26, 2010 March 26, 2010 March 27, 2010 March 27, 2010 March 31, 2010 April 1, 2010 April 1, 2010 April 3, 2010 April 3, 2010 April 8, 2010 April 9, 2010 April 10, 2010 April 10, 2010 April 10, 2010 April 17, 2010 April 17, 2010 April 17, 2010 April 19, 2010 April 20, 2010 April 20, 2010

References Daily Drilling Report, March 21, 2010, TRN-MDL-00026217. Daily Drilling Report, March 21, 2010, TRN-MDL-00026217. Daily Drilling Report, March 22, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019186. Daily Drilling Report, March 26, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC19211. Daily Drilling Report, March 26, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC19211. Daily Drilling Report, March 26, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC19211. Daily Drilling Report, March 27, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019217. Daily Drilling Report, March 27, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019217. Daily Drilling Report, March 31, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC019232. Daily Drilling Report, April 1, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00336968. Daily Drilling Report, April 1, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00336968. Daily Drilling Report, April 3, 2010, TRN-TBD-00000212. Daily Drilling Report, April 3, 2010, TRN-TBD-00000212. Daily Drilling Report, April 8, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333539. Daily Drilling Report, April 9, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333544. Daily Drilling Report, April 10, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333548. Daily Drilling Report, April 10, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333548. Daily Drilling Report, April 10, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333548. Daily Drilling Report, April 17, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333577. Daily Drilling Report, April 17, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333577. Daily Drilling Report, April 17, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333577. Daily Drilling Report, April 19, 2010, BP-HZN-CEC011567. Daily Drilling Report, April 20, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333592. Daily Drilling Report, April 20, 2010, BP-HZN-2179MDL00333592.

Appendix J BOP Testing

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

IADC Deepwater Control Guidelines 3.7.2.1, TRN-TBD-00003062; 30 C.F.R. 250, 446-451; Transocean Well Control Manual. Ibid. POD Function Test, April 8, 2010, TRN-TBD-00006091; 30. C.F.R. Deepwater Horizon Yellow Pod Function Test, April 8, 2010. TRN-TBD-00006090. BP, Digital Interpretation of Subsea BOP tests, 2008, TRN-TBD-00008133.