JL Daeschler, subsea engineer and inventor, sent me some preliminary drawings for a new BOP concept.
- JL’s design concept is based on 2 slab gate valves, one above the other, that move in the opposite direction and are beveled for shearing.
- The sealing element is fixed (solid, one-piece) to the main body of the BOP, does not move with the rams, and is fully protected in the drilling mode.
- The hydraulic system would retract the gate rather than close it (fail-safe closed).
- The upper and lower rams (gate valve type) are self-centered with a guiding system to minimize side movement and deflection.
- Well pressure assists in forcing the upper ram against the sealing element.
- JL is considering a similar concept (single shear) for xmas tree workover system.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 