IWCF

SURFACE DRILLER EQUIPMENT PAPER

NO. 1.

Name: ---------------------------------------

Date: ---------------------------------------

Start time: ---------------------------------------

Finish time: ---------------------------------------

Mark: ---------------------------------------

Percentage Mark: ---------------------------------------

Training Centre Name: ---------------------------------------

Invigilator Name: ---------------------------------------

Invigilator Signature: ---------------------------------------

Duration: One hour (1 hours)

Total paper value: 172 marks

All questions require only ONE answer unless otherwise stated.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 1

1: Using the BOP configuration illustrated in the Figure Alert 001 below answer questions by
ticking the YES or NO box. The questions are based on whether the operation can
be physically performed and do not reflect the field practice or operating procedure of any
company

Alert 001

a. With drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut in the well under pressure and repair the side
outlets on the drilling spool?

Yes No

2 marks
b. With no drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut in the well under pressure and repair the
drilling spool?

Yes No

2 marks
c. Is it possible to shut the well with drill pipe in the hole and circulate through the drill pipe?

Yes No

2 marks
d. While changing blind ram to pipe ram with drill pipe in the hole the well starts to flow, can
the well be shut in?

Yes No
2 marks

2. Using the BOP configuration illustrated in the Figure Alert 002 answer questions by ticking
the YES or NO box. The questions are based on whether the operation can be physically
performed and do not reflect the field practice or operating procedure of any company.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 2

 Alert 002

a. With drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut in the well under pressure and repair the side
outlets on the drilling spool?

Yes No

2 marks
b. With no drill pipe in the hole, is it possible to shut in the well under pressure and repair the
drilling spool?

Yes No

2 marks
c. Is it possible to shut in the well with drill pipe in the hole and circulate through the drill
pipe?
Yes No

2 marks
d. While changing blind rams to variable bore rams with drill pipe in the hole the well starts to
flow, can the well be shut in?

Yes No

2 marks

3. What pressure do the manufacturers use to test a new 10,000-psi working pressure BOP,
(shell test or hydrostatic test)?

a. 15,000 psi.

b. 11,700 psi.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 3

 c. 20,000 psi.

d. 17,500 psi.

3 marks

4. What is the meaning of the API term "closing ratio for a ram type BOP"?

a. The ratio between closing volume and opening volume.

b. The ratio of the wellhead pressure to the pressure required to close the BOP.

c. The ratio between closing time and opening time.

2 marks

5. What is the primary function of a weep hole (drain hole, vent hole) on a ram type BOP?

a. To show that the ram body rubbers are leaking

b. To show that the closing chamber operating pressure is too high.

c. To show that the mud seal on the piston rod is leaking.

d. To show that the bonnet seals are leaking.

3 marks

6. What is the meaning of the expression "6BX" for a flange?

a. Type.

b. Dimension.

c. Trademark.

d. Serial Number.

2 marks

7. Figure Alert 003 below illustrates an U-Type Ram BOP. Some components have been
marked with a number. Match the correct number to the component descriptions.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 4

 Alert 003

Ram Body.

Operating Cylinder.

Bonnet.

Operating Piston.

Locking Screw.

Ram Assembly.

Locking Screw Housing.

Bonnet Seal.

Ram Change Cylinder.

1 mark for each correct answer

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 5

 Alert 004

8. From the Figure Alert 004 above of an U-Type Shearing Blind Ram. Some components
have been marked with a number. Match the correct numbers to the component descriptions
below.

Lower Body Assembly.

Blade Packer.

Top Seal.

Upper Ram Body.

Side Packer.

Upper Ram Assembly

1 mark for each correct answer

9. Figure Alert 018 show a Hydril GK annular preventer match the items listed below to the
numbers on the drawing.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 6

 Alert 018

Piston seals. Closing chamber.

Piston. Opening chamber.

Screwed cap. Packing element.

1 mark for each correct answer

10. According to the recommendations set out in API RP 53, accumulator units may have multi-
banks of accumulator bottles. This should include,

a: A minimum of two bottle banks, if the accumulator capacity is more than 160 gals.

b: A pressure gauge for each bottle bank.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 7

 c: Valves and fittings rated to 5,000 psi.

d: 15% excess capacity for a safety margin, over usable fluid volume.

2 marks

11. There is only one inside BOP with an NC50 (41/2inch IF) pin connection on the rig and the
drill string consists of 5 inch pipe, 5 inch Heavy Weight drill pipe (NC50) and 8 inch (65/8
Reg.) drill collars. Which of the following crossovers must be on the drill floor in case of a
kick while tripping?

a. NC50 (41/2 inch IF) Box x 65/8-inch Reg. pin.

b. NC50 (4 1/2 inch IF) Box x 7-5/8 inch Reg. pin.

c. NC50 (4 1/2 inch IF) Pin x 6-5/3 inch Reg. box.

d. 6-5/8 inch Reg. Box x 7-5/3 inch Reg. pin.

2 marks

12. Two types of valves may be used in the drill string:

Type A: Non-return valve (Gray Valve IBOP).

Type B: Full opening safety valve (TIW Valve).

Mark the type in the corresponding box with an X.

Type A Type B
a. Requires the use of a key to close
b. Must not be run in the hole in the closed position
c. Has to be pumped open to read "shut in drill pipe pressure"
d. Will not allow wireline to be run inside the drill string
e. Has potential to leak through the open/close key
f. Easier to stab if strong flow is encountered up the drill string

1 mark for each correct answer

13. Mark the following statements with an "A" (if it is an advantage) or a "D" (if it is a
disadvantage) of using a non-ported float valve in the drill string.

a. For shut in drill pipe pressure reading.

b. For back flow while tripping.

c. For reducing surge pressure.

d. For reverse circulation.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 8

 e. For reducing the collapse potential of the drillpipe.

f. For reducing tripping speeds.

1 mark for each correct answer

14. What is the minimum capacity of the hydraulic fluid reservoir on a BOP operating unit as
recommended in API RP 53?

a Equal to two times the accumulator capacity.

b. Equal to five times the closing volume of the BOP.

c. Equal to two times the usable fluid of accumulator system.

2 marks

15. While drilling, what is the position of the 3 way valves on the BOP hydraulic closing unit?

a. All valves in the open position.

b. All valves in the closed position.

c. Neutral position for all valves.

d. Open or closed, depending on BOP stack function.

4 marks

16. On the pneumatic 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.

True False

3 marks

17. On the pneumatic Remote BOP Control panel on the rig floor, the master valve
handle/button must be held depressed while BOP functions are operated.

True False

3 marks

18. On the pneumatic 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 function.

True False

3 marks

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 9

19. On the pneumatic Remote BOP Control panel on the rig floor, if a function is activated
without operating the master control valve that function will not work.

True False

3 marks

20. According to API RP 53 how often should a BOP operating test be performed?

a: Every seven days, but no longer than ten days from the last test.

b: Prior to drilling out the casing shoe or

no more than fourteen days from the last test.

c: On each round trip but not more than once a day.

d: On each sixth round trip but not more than once a week.

3 marks

21. Which gas must be used to pre-charge accumulator bottles?

a. Air.

b. Nitrogen.

c. Oxygen.

d. Carbon dioxide (CO2.)

3 marks

22. Figure below Alert 007 shows a Mud Gas Separator (poor-boy degasser) which of the
following dimensions limits the capacity of the separator. That is before blow-through takes
place?

a. The height of the main body (H1).

b. The total height of the vent line (H2).

c. The length of the dip-tube (H3).

d. The maximum mud level in the trip tank (H4).

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 10

 Alert 007

5 marks

23. In figure Alert 007 on page 11 which of the following dimensions determines the pressure
build-up in the Mud Gas Separator.

a. The height (H2) and ID of the vent line (D1).

b. The length and ID of the inlet pipe from the choke manifold.

c. The inner diameter of the main body.

d. The length of the dip-tube (H3).

5 marks
24. From the data given in figure Alert 007 on page 11, calculate at which operating pressure
gas blow through may occur?

H1: 40 ft.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 11

 H2: 165 ft.
H3: 33 ft.
H4: 46 ft.
Mud density: 12.5 ppg.

psi.

5 marks
25. What is meant by a 71/16 x 10,000 flange?

a: The flange requires a RX type ring gasket.

b: The flange has a 10,000-psi test pressure and 5,000 psi working pressure.

c: The flange has a 10,000-psi working pressure and an ID of 71/16.

d: The flange has a 10,000-psi working pressure and an OD of 71/16.

3 marks
26. What is the minimum recommended (API RP53) pre-charge pressure for the bottles on a
3000-psi hydraulic accumulator unit?

a. 3000 psi.

b. 1000 psi.

c. 1200 psi.

d. 200 psi.

3 marks

27. What are the normal pressure readings on the following gauges on a 3000-psi BOP
hydraulic accumulator unit:

1. a. 3000 psi. Accumulator

Pressure
b. 2500 psi.

c. 1500 psi.

d. 700 to 1500 psi.

2. a. 3000 psi Manifold

Pressure
b. 2500 psi.

c. 1500 psi.

d. 1000 psi.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 12

 3. a. 3000 psi. Annular
Pressure
b. 700 to 1500 psi.

c. 500 psi.

d. 1500 psi.

4. a. 3000 psi. Air

Pressure
b. 700 to 1500 psi.

c. 100 to 120 psi.

d. 1500 psi.

5 marks

28. Figure below Alert 006 illustrates a BOP hydraulic control unit. Some components have
been marked with a number. Match the correct numbers to the component descriptions
below.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 13

 Alert 006

Electric Motor Driven Triplex Pump Assembly. Check Valve.

Accumulator Bank Isolator Valve. Hydroelectric Pressure Switch.

Accumulator Pressure Gauge. Pressure Transmitter.

Manifold Pressure Gauge. Manifold Regulator.

1 mark for each correct answer

29. A BOP hydraulic control unit has 8 accumulator bottles, each with a capacity of 10 gallons.
The maximum pressure is 3000 psi and the pre-charge pressure is 1000 psi.
What is the total usable fluid volume when the minimum BOP operating pressure is 200 psi
above pre-charge pressure?

Gallons

3 marks
30. Which of the, following functions is activated by Manifold Pressure?

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 14

 TWO answers required.

a. Ram preventers.

b. Hydraulically operated valves.

c. Annular preventer.

d. All stack functions.

e. Remotely operated chokes.

4 marks
31. On which gauges on a Remote BOP Control panel would a reduction in pressure be
observed when the annular preventer is being closed.
TWO answers required.

a. Air Pressure Gauge.

b. Accumulator Pressure Gauge.

c. Manifold Pressure Gauge.

d. Annular Pressure Gauge.

4 marks
32. If the air pressure gauge on a Remote BOP Control panel reads zero, which of the following
statements is true?

a. The annular preventer can still be operated.

b. Choke and kill lines can still be operated.

c. No stack function can be operated from the remote panel.

d. All functions can be operated.

3 marks

33. 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.
Which of the following is the cause of the problem?

a. Hydraulic closing line to BOP is leaking.

b. The 4-way valve has not actuated.

c. The charge pumps are not working.

5 marks

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 15

34. What is the main function of the choke in the overall BOP system?

a. To direct fluid to the mud tank.

b. To direct wellbore fluids to the degasser.

c. To close the well in softly.

d. To hold back pressure while circulating out a kick.

2 marks

35. Which of the following recommendations are stated in API RP53 for BOP hydraulic
pressure testing?
TWO answers required.

a. After setting a casing string.

b. After any changes of a component in the BOP.

c. After circulating out a gas kick.

d. No less than once every two months.

4 marks

36. According to API RP.53, what is the closing time for a surface ram type BOP?

a. Less than 30 seconds.

b. Less than 45 seconds.

c. Less than 2 minutes.

2 marks

37. The gauges on the Drillers Remote BOP Control Panel for a surface BOP system are used
to observe the status of the BOP accumulator unit.
The Figure Alert 042e below shows the pressure readings on the gauges at the accumulator
unit while drilling ahead, the BOP has not been operated.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 16

 Alert 042e

TWO answers required.

a. Accumulator pre-charge pressure too low.

b. Accumulator pre-charge pressure too high.

c. Hydroelectric pressure switch on triplex defective.

d. Leak in accumulator system.

3 marks

38. The gauges on the Drillers Remote BOP Control Panel for a surface BOP system are used
to observe the status of the BOP accumulator unit.
The Figure Alert 042h below shows the pressure readings on the gauges at the accumulator
unit while drilling ahead, the BOP has not been operated.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 17

 Alert 042h

a. Leaking manifold regulator.

b. Defective annular regulator.

c. Hi/Lo bypass open.

d. Leak in accumulator system.

3 marks

39. The gauges on the Drillers Remote BOP Control Panel for a surface BOP system are used
to observe the status of the BOP accumulator unit.
The Figure Alert 042k below shows the pressure readings on the gauges at the accumulator
unit while drilling ahead, the BOP has not been operated.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 18

 Alert 042k

a. Leaking manifold regulator.

b. Accumulator pressure relief valve has opened.

c. Hi/Lo bypass open.

d. Leak in accumulator system.

3 marks

40. When is a cup type tester used in preference to a plug type tester.

a. There is no difference they are interchangeable.

b. For testing the entire casing head, side outlets

and casing to wellhead seals.

c. To test the stack without applying excess pressure to the

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 19
 wellhead and casing.

2 marks

41. According to API RP.53, what is the closing time for a 20-inch annular BOP?

a. Less than 30 seconds.

b. Less than 45 seconds.

c. Less than 2 minutes.

2 marks

42. During a routine test it is noticed that the weep hole (drain hole, vent hole) on one of the
preventer bonnets are leaking fluid. What action should be taken?

a. The weep hole only checks the closing chamber seals leave it
till next maintenance schedule.

b. Energize emergency packing with plastic. If leak stops,

leave it till next maintenance schedule.

c. Primary seal is leaking, secure the well and replace it immediately.

d. Ram packing elements on the ram body are worn out, replace immediately.

e. A leak here is normal because the metal-to-metal sealing face in the bonnet
needs some lubrication to minimise damage.

4 marks

43. Where are the proximity-switches (sensors) positioned for activating the open/close lights
on the Driller's pneumatic remote panel?

a. In the back of the remote panel.

b. Inside the Bop Ram cavities.

c. On the accumulator unit.

d: On the remote panel operating handles.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 20

 3 marks

44. Two types of valves may be used in the drill string:

Non-return valve (Gray Valve IBOP).

Full opening safety valve (TIW Valve).

A kick was taken on a trip out of the hole for a bit change. The well was secured and it was
decided to use the Volumetric Stripping Technique to return the bit to bottom. From the list
below select the correct answer for the position in the drill string of each of the above
valves.

a. Non-return valve on top closed, full opening safety valve below closed.

b. Full opening safety valve on top open, non-return valve below closed.

c. Non-return valve on top open, full opening safety valve below open.

d. Non-return valve on top closed, full opening safety valve below open.

4 marks

45. The figure below shows a BOP configuration with standpipe and choke manifolds. The well
is shut on the Annular Preventer. State the valve numbers that must be open to circulate
from mud pumps, through the drill string and through the remote choke and the mud-gas
separator. Do not include the remote choke in the line-up.

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 21

 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Answer :
(Valve numbers)

4 marks

IWCF Surf. Dr.Equip. Sept 05 22