Improving Performance – Electrification of Well Control Equipment

Conventional BOP systems have used hydraulic operation for decades which limits both the performance and provides limited feedback on operational conditions. Electrically actuated BOP systems replace these complex hydraulic circuits with simplified components that improve overall system reliability. This paper will discuss the ambition to pivot from conventional hydraulic BOP systems to electrically enabled ones, with specific focus on the development of an electric bonnet for ram BOPs. The new electric components are designed to be backwards compatible, such that major components like ram blocks and ram BOP bodies do not need to be replaced. The electric BOP system features a battery powered control skid that replaces traditional accumulators, while electrically actuated BOP components replace the conventional hydraulic versions. Verification and validation of this new technology includes shear modeling, system simulation, and laboratory testing. The equipment is designed to meet the intent and exceed the performance requirements of the latest industry and regulatory standards. During development of the electric bonnet, the design team has shown that electric actuation of BOPs will provide equivalent shear force to existing hydraulic bonnets. The controlled actuation results in a more consistent and efficient shearing action. This improved shearing performance is achieved in the same BOP footprint as existing hydraulic BOPs. Additionally, the electric bonnet can perform as both a shear ram bonnet and a pipe ram bonnet which simplifies customer maintenance and spares stocking plans. As a result of these efforts, the electric BOP system development will provide greater operational latitude to meet a broader range of shearables, improve reliability, lower total cost of ownership, and reduce size and weight of the BOP system.