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=
In order to alleviate this, there is an
outer and inner piston. The outer piston
has a diameter of 22 in., which is used
through all of the stroke of the shear
operator with the exception of the last
in. The inner piston has a diameter
of 12 in., and it slides inside the outer
piston during that last in. of stroke.
The force created by the inner piston is
565,000 lbs (Figure 6), which in turn cre-
ates a much smaller rubber pressure of
45,000 psi.
psi
in
lbs
in
psi in
P
rubber
5 4 , 0 0 0
2 1 .5
5 6 5 , 0 0 0
2 1 .5
5000 113
2 2
2
= =
=
By reducing the rubber pressure, the
rubber has less of a tendency to extrude
which in turn increases rubber life.
Lower rubber pressure also reduces the
stresses on the shear ram blocks as it
does not need to contain as much rubber
pressure.
FLUID RECOVERY SYSTEM
Some area regulations require that the
BOP control fluid be recovered for envi-
ronmental reasons. Todays systems are
designed such that the hydraulic fluid is
water-based with additives to add some
lubricity and anti-corrosion character-
istics. In many areas of the world, this
fluid is considered environmentally safe;
therefore, when a BOP is operated, its
exhaust fluid is dumped to the environ-
ment (sea). Figure 7 shows a basic lay-
out for a conventional system.
An easy way to recover the fluid could be
to run a return line to surface, wouldnt
it? Unfortunately, this is not the case, as
the high return flow rates create high
Figure 5 (top): Without the split piston, a potential rubber pressure of 152,000 psi is
created. Figure 6 (bottom): By using an outer and inner piston, a much smaller rubber
pressure of 45,000 psi is created.
F = 1,900,000 lbs
A = 12.5 in2
22
A = 380 in2
P = 152,000 psi
12
F = 565,000 lbs
A = 12.5 in2
A = 113 in2
P = 45,000 psi
100
March/April 2008
D R I L L I N G CON T R A CT OR
WE L L C O N T R O L
back pressures. The high back pressure
can then cause other BOP functions to
inadvertently close. This phenomena
is created by the difference of area
between open and close side of a BOP
operator (area of close side > area of
open side). The high back pressure acts
on both those areas simultaneously,
which then creates a net force closing
the rams (Figure 8).
k c a B s s e r p Area k c a B s s e r p Area Force
Opening o l C g o l C g
. .
sin sin
=
This force can be as high as 60,000 lbs,
plenty of force to close the BOP opera-
tor. The solution to this problem is to
pump the fluids to surface with a com-
plete fluid recovery system. The system
design and its components can be seen
in Figure 9.
PUMP
A reciprocating pump was designed to
keep the system simple, easily powered
by hydraulics and to use as much exist-
ing subsea technology as possible. The
flow capacity and the ratio of hydraulic
power section to discharge pumping sec-
tion is a function of discharge pressure.
Discharge pressure is a function of the
length and diameter of the return tube
and pump discharge flow. The piping
used to pump the fluid to surface is one
of the rigid conduit lines on the riser
(12,000 ft and 2.32-in. inside diameter).
Some annular functions can see inter-
mittent flows of up to 225 gallons/min ,
which equals a back pressure of up to
4,000 psi. A pump this size (225 gallons/
min , 4,000 psi discharge pressure) would
be exceedingly large and consume too
much hydraulic fluid to pump it to sur-
face. It was decided to design a more
reasonable, smaller pump and add a
reserve capacity. The decided ratio of
the hydraulic section to the discharge
section was 6:1, which yields a discharge
pressure of 500 psi.
At 12,000-ft water depths, the flow
capacity is approximately 60 gallons/
min. Over- and underpressure protection
was added to the returns line to ensure
the integrity of the system when it is
deployed or should the fluid recovery
pump fail, the fluid is dumped to the
environment and the BOP can still func-
tion in an emergency situation.
RESERVE CAPACITY
The reserve capacity serves two pur-
poses. First, it provides a surge capacity
for the high return flows from the BOP s
when the return flow is greater than the
Figure 7 (right) shows
the basic layout for
a conventional fluid
recovery system. Fig-
ure 8 (below, middle)
shows that in a
conventional system,
high back pressure
can cause other BOP
functions to inadver-
tently close. Figure
9 (bottom) shows a
fluid recovery system
that can resolve this
problem.
BOP Operator
VENT TO SEA
Pressure = 5350 psi
Subsea
Bottles
Surface Bottles
Pump
Valve
Control
POD
Area Open < Area Close
Return P = 2000+ psi
O
v
e
r
2
0
0
0
p
s
i
B
a
c
k
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
INADVERTANT
CLOSURE!!!
RETURN LINE TO
SURFACE
PRESSURE
PROTECTION
Sea Level
BACK PRESS REG VALVE
Compensates for Density difference
between SW & Hyd Fluid
Surface Bottles
Pump
BOP Operator
Subsea
Bottles
Valve
Return Press < Sea Water Press
RESERVE
CAPACITY
Allows for
smaller
pumps
MINI PISTON
Keeps Return
System below SW
Press
Pumps Fluid
Back to
Surface
FLUID
RECOVERY
PUMP
102
March/April 2008
D R I L L I N G CON T R A CT OR
WE L L C O N T R O L
pump flow rate. Once the high return
flow surge has ceased (the BOP has
closed/opened), the pump can continue
to pump out the reserve capacity. The
second function equalizes the pressure
between the environment (sea water)
and hydraulic returns. By equalizing the
pressure for the return fluids, the sys-
tem acts the same as a system without
the fluid recovery system. The reserve
capacity is comprised of an 80-gallon
bladder type accumulator . Hydraulic
returns are fed into the steel side of the
accumulator. Sea water is introduced
into the bladder side of the accumulator,
and the bladder is the barrier between
the two.
MINI-PISTON
The challenge is to keep the hydraulic
fluid evacuated from the reserve capac-
ity bottle when the BOP s have been func-
tioned. This is performed via an innova-
tive mini-piston that keeps the hydraulic
return side of the reserve capacity at
a slightly lower pressure (up to 45 psi)
than the sea water pressure. Figure
11 shows a cross section of the fluid
recovery pump, where the mini piston is
identified. It is simply a tube that always
has system pressure on it. This tube and
associated pressure forces the piston
down creating a negative pressure on
the return volume, as well as compensat-
ing for seal drag on the pistons of the
pump.
BACK PRESSURE
REGULATING VALVE
The density of sea water is heavier
than that of the water-based hydrau-
lic fluid. Although they are very close,
the difference in pressure at 12,000-ft
water depths can be as high as 150 psi.
Without a back pressure regulating
valve, the under-pressure protection
valve would open, allowing sea water
to enter the return line until the pres-
sures equalized. With the back pressure
regulating valve located on the return
line, this issue is resolved. The pressure
setting of the back pressure regulating
valve is set to the equivalent density dif-
ference between the fluids at depth.
PUMP CONTROLS
The hydraulic pump controls are
simple, passive and use existing valve
components. The MUX control system
only needs to command when the fluid
recovery system is to be turned on, the
reciprocating motion of the pump is done
via mechanical and pilot actuation of the
valves on the pump, no discrete input/
output is required for the reciprocating
motion of the pumps. Once the reserve
capacity is evacuated, the pump stalls
and waits for another BOP function to
be fired. The valves used are the same
types of valves used on BOP control sys-
tems for the past 20 years.
SMART CONTROLS
Imagine a control system that knows it
will fail before it fails. The more chal-
lenging reservoirs and higher burden
rates require this level of diagnostics.
Lets look at a basic overview of the
control system to understand how this is
possible (Figure 10).
On the vessel, at the surface, are redun-
dant controllers, which communicate
commands to the BOP via the MUX
cable. Once the MUX cable reaches the
BOP stack, commands are received by
the redundant control pods. In the pod
are input / output bricks that convert
those commands to signals to drive the
solenoids or other field devices.
MUX CABLE MONITORING
The MUX cable is comprised of both
fiber cores for communication, as well
as copper cores to transmit power to the
BOP. It is probably one of the most criti-
cal, complicated, robust and expensive
cables on a rig today. Because of the
critical nature of the cable, continuous
monitoring has been implemented. The
fiber signal strength can be measure by
db of light signal, and the copper cores
are measured by ground fault monitor-
ing. The monitoring is then trended over
time to see if there has been any degra-
dation of any particular portion of the
cable and can be rectified prior to loss
of signal.
SYSTEM CHECK
Monitoring the MUX cable is only one
part of the electrical controls for the
BOP stack. To check the rest of the sys-
tem, a complete system test is performed
every 8 minutes. The system test checks
the signal from the controller to the pod,
through the output brick to the solenoid
by sending a command for each sole-
noid to fire for 5 ms. This time isnt long
enough to actuate the hydraulic valve,
but it is long enough to confirm the
integrity of all the system components.
In the event that one of the redundant
system components fails, an alarm is
activated.
In conclusion, the next generation of
BOP stacks and controls are smaller, by
advent of an innovative depth compen-
sated accumulator; stronger, by increas-
ing the piston size and designed to con-
tinuously operate at 5,000 psi; cleaner,
by way of a complete fluid recovery sys-
tem; and smarter, by continuously moni-
toring MUX cables and doing frequent
complete system checks.
About the authors: Frank Springett, a new
product line engineer with National Oilwell
Varco, has 13 years of experience in the petro-
leum industry . He is a mechanical engineer
by training and holds a B.S. in mechanical
engineering and marine engineering technol-
ogy from the California Maritime Academy.
Dan Franklin is the engineering manager for
Koomey Control Systems at National Oilwell
Varco. He is an electrical engineer by train-
ing and holds a B.S. in electrical engineering
from the University of Nebraska.
This article is based on a presentation at the
IADC International Well Control Conference &
Exhibition, 28-29 November 2007, Singapore.
Figure 10: An overview of the subsea control system that provides high-level diagnostics.
36
May/June 2007
D R I L L I N G C O N T R A C T O R
S P E C I A L MA R I N E E D I T I O N
Desi gn evol uti on of a subsea BOP
THE FIRST RA M BOP was devel-
oped in 1920, and, in the last 90 years,
the principle of operation of a ram BOP
has not deviated much from the original
concept.
In a typical design, a set of 2 rams is
mechanically or hydraulically closed
either around a wellbore tubular to form
a pressure-tight seal against downhole
pressure or wellbore fluids. Shearing
rams were introduced in the 1960s.
These rams sheared the pipe in the
wellbore, but an additional BOP cav-
ity containing a set of blind rams was
required to seal the bore. Later, these
functions were combined into shearing
blind rams, commonly known as SBRs,
which reduced the number of BOP cavi-
ties required to 1.
From the 1st BOP design to the pres-
ent designs, the basic mechanisms
have remained constant: A BOP body is
sandwiched between 2 operating sys-
tems. The rams are opened and closed
mechanically either by manual interven-
tion or by hydraulically operated pistons.
What has changed, however, and is in
a constant state of flux are the oper-
ating parameters and the manner in
which BOPs are used in todays drilling
activities. Today, a subsea BOP can be
required to operate in water depths of
greater than 10,000 f t, at pressures of up
to 15,000 psi and even 25,000 psi, with
internal wellbore fluid temperatures up
to 400 F and external immersed temper-
atures coming close to freezing (34 F).
THE C HA LLENG E
The deepwater challenges being expe-
rienced by drilling contractors and oil
companies alike are critical technical
challenges that must be overcome if
drilling is to move into deepwater envi-
ronments
Todays deepwater BOPs can be required
to remain subsea for extended periods
of time ranging from 45 to 90 days for
a single well, to more than a year in
cases where drilling and completions on
multiple wells are required. In all cases,
however, when the BOP is called on to
function in an emergency situation, it is
the main barrier protecting human life,
capital equipment and the environment.
Therefore, it must function without fail.
One possible enhancement involves tak-
ing advantage of advances in metallurgy
to use higher-strength materials in ram
connecting rods or ram-shafts.
The newbuild drilling and production
facilities under construction for todays
market are limited for space and han-
dling capabilities and, therefore, require
that BOP stacks be lighter-weight and
take up less space on the rig while pro-
viding the accustomed functionality. In
addition, existing limited capacity rigs
have the potential to be upgraded for
use in deepwater with higher-capabil-
ity equipment, but the upgrade must be
accomplished within limited height and
weight parameters. With deck space
and load capacity of these rigs already
at a premium, lighter weight BOPs can
help offset distribution of alternative
equipment such as subsea riser joints
necessary for increased water-depth
capability.
BOPs today are also being used not only
in drilling and workover applications but
also in completions and production envi-
ronments . The industry is not just deal-
ing with drilling mud anymore.
By Melvyn F (Mel) Whitby,
Camerons Drilling System Group
The above shows a typical BOP operating piston assembly with a transverse-mounted locking mechanism.
Bl owout preventer requi rements get tougher as dri l l i ng goes ever deeper
37 May/June 2007
S P E C I A L MA R I N E E D I T I O N
BOPs have traditionally evolved using
conventional design methodology. Today
the envelope is rapidly changing, forc-
ing some fundamental paradigm shifts.
Emerging technologies give way to new
manufacturing techniques and innova-
tion of design of operation. Sealing tech-
nology has improved radically with new
materials and compounds being used to
formulate sealing elements able to with-
stand extreme temperatures and hostile
fluid environments.
RELIA BILITY O F O PERA TIO N
The increased design complexity of mod-
ern-day BOPs can come at a price. While
high-tech solutions may seem desirable,
the intricate mechanical components
that may result must be considered,
along with other factors, such as pos-
sible leak paths and redundancy of criti-
cal seals.
In addition, control system functions can
be limited and, in order to save func-
tion availability, hydraulic functions are
often combined. An example of this is the
integrated closing and automatic lock-
ing of the BOP when the closing function
is initiated. This combined function has
now been discarded, in many instances,
in favor of separate close and lock func-
tions. It is now understood that the
chances of a locking system problem are
increased with a proliferation of locking
cycles.
Many drilling contractors today are reluc-
tant to operate the locks subsea in order
to prevent unnecessary unlocking prob-
lems. The locks are tested on the surface
for assurance that they will operate
should the situation arise. In the perfor-
mance characteristics section of API 16A,
API suggest that the locks be fatigue-
tested in concurrence with a 546 cycle, 78
pressure cycle API ram fatigue test.
This test initially was designed to
simulate 1 closure per day and a weekly
pressure test for an estimated period
of 18 months service. In combining the
locking system test into this test, it was
recommended that every 7th pressure
cycle be conducted in locked mode. This
means that during the course of an 18-
month service period, the locks were
expected to be used a total of 11 times.
Combining the closing and locking
system function meant that the locks
were being exposed to a locking opera-
tion every time the BOP was operated,
requiring a complicated mechanical or
hydraulic sequencing arrangement be
incorporated. In addition , a locking sys-
tem can be exposed to extremely high
load forces during a shearing operation
and is therefore required to be extremely
robust by design. The complexity of such
systems and their mechanical function
can be impaired by the acute mechani-
cal detail required to make them work
adequately.
FLUID C O NSUM PTIO N,
A C C UM ULA TO R VO LUM E
Fluid consumption is a double-edged
sword: Less fluid typically comes at a
high cost because conventional design
philosophy often means that smaller pis-
tons yield smaller force output. In deep-
water applications, this force is addition-
ally reduced by the hydrostatic column
of seawater and/or drilling mud. In order
to mitigate these factors, 2 things must
be considered closing ratio and piston
area.
Smaller-diameter pistons mean that
wellbore-exposed areas are minimized
and, therefore, will not rob the oper-
ating system of much-needed power.
However, the piston area must be large
enough to provide sufficient power for
ram seal energizing and rubber feed,
and must provide the power to shear
high-strength, ductile tubulars when
necessary.
The downside of traditional design phi-
losophy is that a piston large enough
to provide the much-needed power is
almost the same area in opening as it
is in closing. Ergo, a BOP that requires
22 gallons of fluid to close will require
approximately 18 gallons to open, a fac-
tor that can affect the surface and sub-
sea accumulator bottle count.
Another negative impact is that a larger
BOP opening area can actually put the
equipment and the environment at risk.
If opening pressure is inadvertently
applied to a BOP that is retaining well-
bore pressure or residual pressure,
damage can result to the connecting
rod and/or the ram to connecting rod
interface. This damage can result in the
loss of sealing integrity or ram control,
leaving the rig at risk and increasing the
potential for environmental harm, not to
mention the associated downtime neces-
sary for repair.
By separating the closing function from
the opening function and reducing the
opening area, a number of benefits can
be realized:
Reduced operating volume. More clos-
ing power can be achieved by using
D R I L L I N G C O N T R A C T O R
38
May/June 2007
D R I L L I N G C O N T R A C T O R
S P E C I A L MA R I N E E D I T I O N
a large closing piston diameter and a
second smaller piston diameter for the
opening function. For example a closing
area of 224 sq in. and an opening area of
41 sq in. results in 22 gallons to close but
only 8 gallons to open.
Reduced opening area. Smaller oper-
ating piston diameter reduces the effec-
tive opening ratio of the BOP, thereby
protecting against accidental operation
with wellbore or residual pressure in
the BOP bore. In the event that open-
ing pressure is applied in this case, the
operating piston would stall, preventing
potential damage to the connecting rod
or ram.
The closing piston and opening piston
seals may be separated, preventing pos-
sible leak communication. Additionally,
in the unlikely but not impossible
event that wellbore pressure was to
bypass the connecting rod seals, the
structural integrity of the BOP bonnet
would not be at risk.
LO C KING O PERA TIO N,
RELIA BILITY
Over the course of BOP development,
mechanical locking systems have by
nature become more and more complex.
Considerable BOP downtime has been
attributed to errant operation or inabili-
ty to unlock when required. These events
typically involve possible milling through
closed rams and eventual tripping of the
BOP back to the surface for repair or
remedial work. A lock should ultimately
be reliable, but with complexity comes
risk. Multiple parts must interface for
proper operation.
Taking a step back in time, surface BOPs
have utilized a simple but effective form
of mechanical lock a simple rotating
threaded locking screw placed behind
the operating piston after hydraulically
closing the BOP. With recent
subsea advancements in
hydraulic gear motors
for torque applica-
tions, it may be time to
look down this path for a
simple, reliable locking
operation. A number of
benefits could be real-
ized, including simplicity, ease
of maintenance and reliability, to
name but a few.
SUBSEA INTERVENTIO N
C A PA BILITY
A simple, mechanical-type locking
system for subsea BOPs may open up
opportunities for intervention by a
remote-operated vehicle (ROV), thereby
allowing for intervention subsea. ROVs
are already doing this work in other
applications that require mechanical
intervention, such as on subsea trees
that require manual override and the
torque-up of API Class 1 4 flange con-
nections.
HEIG HT A ND WEIG HT
The height and weight of a BOP body is
determined by factors such as ram cav-
ity height and geometry, and the operat-
ing system or bonnet design. Minimal
cavity height can realize height savings
but at the sacrifice of ram packer vol-
ume, which is important for the longevity
of the sealing mechanisms in operation
subsea. Large operating systems require
excess distances between the cavities of
double and triple BOP bodies.
By careful redesign of the operating
system, cavity height can be increased
for effectiveness while minimizing height
impact. In one such case, using an 11.5-
in. tall cavity, the height of a double
BOP body was reduced from 83 in. tall
to 72 in. tall while maintaining a large
operating system area. This could be
achieved either by using a binocular-
style operating piston arrangement or
an oval-shaped piston instead of the tra-
ditional circular style piston. Shortening
the height of the BOP components in a
subsea stack either allows for a shorter
drilling substructure arrangement or
allows for the incorporation of BOP cavi-
ties within existing substructure height
envelopes.
M A INTENA NC E, O PERA BILITY
Ease of use and simplicity of operation
and maintenance are key components
to BOP design. In order to achieve these
goals, several factors should be consid-
ered:
Leak paths between critical functions
should be minimized.
Redundancy of seals should be utilized
wherever possible.
A means of isolating hydraulic func-
tions to the BOP should be employed,
if possible, to minimize personnel risk
while conducting maintenance opera-
tions with the bonnets open.
Provision should be made to allow safe
handling of the bonnets should removal
for repair or maintenance be required.
Efforts should be made to minimize
the handling of components weighing
more than 20 lbs, or lifting arrangements
should be provided to assist in their safe
removal.
While efforts within the industry have
been made to reduce or even remove
the bonnet securing bolting, the benefits
have been offset by the associative com-
plexity and thereby increasing the risk
of serious mechanical problems. These
problems can cause excessive downtime
when the BOPs are finally pulled back
to the surface, not to mention the pos-
sibility of debris and cement causing
problems with internal bore style bonnet
retaining mechanisms. The complexity
of these arrangements, while appearing
to be high-tech, do little to enhance the
subsea performance and surface main-
tainability of the equipment.
One reasons that BOPs have changed
very little over the years is that it is
extremely difficult to improve on simplic-
ity without sacrificing reliability.
Melvyn F (Mel) Whitby is senior manager
of research and development at Camerons
Drilling System Group.
This article is based on a presentation at
IADC World Drilling 2007, 13-14 June 2007,
Paris.
A 3D view of a BOP operating piston
assembly with transverse mounted
locking mechanism.
An example of a 18 -in. 15M subsea
BOP with 18-in. operating pistons.
Cameron supplies integrated subsea drilling systems designed
specifically to tackle the demands of deepwater, high pressure
applications including BOP stack systems, control systems, riser
systems and choke systems. Cameron subsea drilling components
include the following:
Subsea Drilling System Components (Surface)
Control System
1. Auxiliary Remote Control Panel and Battery Bank
2. Drillers Panel
3. Hydraulic Power Unit
4. Accumulator Bank
5. Hose/Cable Reels
Choke System
6. Choke Manifold
7. Choke Manifold Control Console
Riser System
8. Telescoping Joint
Motion Compensation System
9. Drill String Compensator
10. Riser Tensioner
Subsea Drilling System Components (Subsea)
Control System
1. Hydraulic Conduit Supply Line
2. MUX Control Pod
3. Conduit Valve
Riser System
4. Riser Joint
5. Riser Connector
6. Termination Spool
Lower Marine Riser Package
7. Flex Joint
8. Annular BOP
9. Choke/Kill Connector
BOP Stack
10. Subsea Gate Valve
11. Double Ram-Type BOP
with Super Shear
12. Double Ram-Type BOP
13. Guide Structure
14. Collet Connector
9 S U B S E A D R I L L I N G S Y S T E M S
Riser
System
Stack
System
17 D R I L L I N G C O N T R O L S Y S T E M S
T
he subsea MUX electro-hydraulic BOP control system
from Cameron offers state-of-the-art controls for
Cameron BOP systems.
Each system is designed with a true systems approach
for maximum efficiency. The modular structure of the
system allows Cameron to look at each drilling program
from a total systems level, not just from an equipment level.
Only Cameron combines this approach with the full
technical and project management resources of the
Cameron organization, offering customers:
Subsea retrievability Unlike any other system in the
industry, the modular design of the Cameron system
allows the subsea control pod to be retrieved and
replaced without pulling the riser stack.
Redundant system architecture Component level
redundancy eliminates single point failures. All critical
system functions have been engineered with multiple
back-ups for continuous operations.
Robust components Subsea components are rated for
up to 10,000 ft (3000 m).
Smaller and lighter Cameron subsea MUX drilling control
systems are the smallest and lightest in the industry.
Functionality Cameron MUX systems provide up to 112
hydraulic functions per subsea control pod.
L AND AND P L AT F ORM BOP CONT ROL S YS T E MS
Cameron offers
reliable, econom-
ical direct hydraulic
drilling control
systems for use on
land or platform.
Systems are design-
ed in accordance
with API 16D
specifications, as well as
all appropriate codes and standards for explosive and
hazardous area classification. Dual control panels provide
maximum flexibility, while the modular components deliver
maximum reliability and field serviceability.
Cameron cellar deck-mounted piloted control systems
are unprecedented
for control of
BOP stacks on
jackup type
rigs. Proven
through years
of field
applications,
these systems
provide significantly increased response time for control of
surface-mounted equipment.
MU X S U B S E A C ON T R OL P OD S
The Cameron subsea MUX drilling control pods combine
rapid response time with an array of features that make
them both reliable and economical at depths of 10,000 ft
(3000 m).
The Mark I Pod, capable of 72 functions, is designed for
most typical and deepwater applications, offering a compact
footprint and weight of
10,000 lb (4536 kg). The
Mark II Pod, capable of 112
functions, is designed for
ultra deepwater environ-
ments and weighs 15,000
lb (6804 kg). The pod
houses the hydraulic module
and electronic MUX
package. Two accumulator
banks are placed
conveniently around
the BOP stack.
The hydraulic
module is a standard
Cameron modular pod. Modules
feature seawater tolerant, stainless steel valves and pressure
regulators with sliding, metal-to-metal, shear type seals.
The electronic MUX package consists of the Subsea
Electronics Module (SEM) and the solenoid valve package.
The SEM contains dual redundant electronics which provide
communications via modem with the surface electronic
system. The solenoid valve package converts the electronic
commands into hydraulic signals which actuate the large
valves in the hydraulic module.
S U B S E A P I L OT E D A N D D I R E C T H Y D R A U L I C
C ON T R OL S Y S T E MS
For operating the BOP stack and associated equipment in
shallower depths of 5000 ft (1500 m) or less, Cameron
offers piloted hydraulic drilling control systems.
These systems offer the same robust, field-
proven components as the MUX system,
but they are controlled via hydraulic
connections between the surface
controls and subsea control pod.
Like the subsea MUX systems,
the piloted systems feature
redundant architecture for absolute
reliability, and are fully retrievable
without pulling the riser. Subsea
system functions can be operated by
either the drillers control panel, tool-
pushers control panel or touchscreen, as well as by the
tertiary operator panel located on the diverter control unit.
MUX Control Pod
Hydraulic Control Pod
Platform Control System
Land Closing Unit
M o R P H D R I L L I N G C O N T R O L S Y S T E M 18
T
he new Cameron MoRPH