Well Integrity Technical Section

 View Only
  • 1.  Testing of a braided line BOP

    Posted 03-16-2025 09:48 AM

    Hello everyone , Please let me know how is a braided wireline BOP pressure tested



  • 2.  RE: Testing of a braided line BOP

    Posted 03-16-2025 11:47 PM
    All,
    Normally a Braided BOP is tested both from above and below to confirm the integrity of the rams, and only using a solid rod the same dimension as the wire
    IMHO I believe that the space between the rams should be filled with grease and tested while a length of cable is across the BOPS, this is occasionally requested by Clients, especially during fishing operations
    Gordon Duncan
    Thailand
    Sent from my iPhone




  • 3.  RE: Testing of a braided line BOP

    Posted 03-18-2025 10:54 AM

    I agree with Gordon.

    Often the element pressure test is done on the ground or even in a shop before deployment to the top of the tree/frac tree. This may use a solid rod and not braided wire.  For critical wells, HPHT or H2S, the test may be done, before hand, with braided wire and even with grease added to ensure the rams will seal if required. This may test from below,  The rams seals are rarely retested after being lifted into place for use as this would require opening up the lubricator system to well pressure, lowering the tools into the well until wire across the BOPs, and then closing the BOPs, and pressure testing.  The risk of well issues, creating a DP across the rams, and even hydrates make this an unusual step.  

    Pump down operations, where e-line is pumped to bottom, might not test the rams beyond the steel rod shop test as no hydrocarbon is being pumped and the operation is in full control of the surface equipment and oversight.

    On low pressure swabbing wells with large diameter braided wire the testing will be limited to shop testing with a steel rod. 

    Of course exceptions exist to every rule. 



    ------------------------------
    Dan Gibson
    aka The Well Doctor
    Completion & Well Integrity Advisor
    Houston, Texas
    ------------------------------