Shear Teston New Drill Pipe
The study discusses the following:
The Shear-Blind Ram test procedures contained in API Spec 16A The testing procedures and acceptance criteria used to conduct the shear tests. Additional pressures that should be considered for shearing pipe. Findings: 5 of 7 rigs successfully sheared pipe and sealed the well bore in shop tests (or 2 of 7 failed). When operational considerations were accounted for, shearing success dropped to 3 out of 6.
Other Observations:
West was involved in acceptance reviews on 14 rigs, 7 of those rigs did not examine shearing capabilities. 2 rigs modified their BOP equipment after testing the shearing capabilities. The drill pipe referenced in API Spec 16A is not representative of that used on 5th generation drilling rigs. That pipe in use is generally heavier and thicker. Old and new drill pipe (of the same grade) may take differing pressures to shear. West wrote It appears that at least some of the rigs currently in operation have not considered critical issues necessary to ensure that their shear rams will shear the drillpipe and seal the wellbore.