Compare the use of a slim high-pressure riser system and a surface BOP to the conventional subsea BOP and large diameter low-pressure drilling riser in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico region.
The study included:
A literature review to assess the state of the art in the use of surface BOPs on MODUs; the review included: Equipment currently being utilized by operators and drilling contractors where this technology is being applied, as well as sea conditions (currents, wave height, and storm frequency and severity)
Comparison of the sea conditions where surface BOPs are utilized on MODUs to those in the Gulf of Mexico. Analysis of the frequency of riser failures for both conventional large diameter risers as well as the smaller diameter high pressure risers. The review included the causes of the failures based on analyses performed by others.