Examination of Blowout Preventer Pressure Test Frequency

The blowout preventer (BOP) is a vital tool for the prevention and mitigation of loss-of-well control events during offshore drilling operations. Due to its role as an important safety system, the BOP is subjected to both function tests and pressure tests to gauge its adequacy to fulfill its design requirements. Current regulation mandates that BOP pressure tests be performed at least every 14 days while the BOP is installed on the well. This requirement is in conflict with the industry standard (API 53), which has a 21-day requirement. The goal of the project was to examine the potential impact of extending the time-based BOP pressure test interval beyond the current 14-day regulatory requirement.