API SPEC 16D-ed.3

Annotation of standard text API SPEC 16D-ed.3 :

API SPEC 16D, 3rd Edition, November 2018 - Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for Diverter Equipment

These specifications establish minimum design standards for systems used to control blowout preventers (BOPs) and associated valves that control well pressure during drilling operations. The requirements in this specification apply to the following control system categories:

a) control systems for land based and surface-mounted BOP stacks;

b) discrete hydraulic control systems for subsea BOP stacks;

c) electro-hydraulic/multiplex (MUX) control systems for subsea BOP stacks;

d) emergency control systems for subsea BOP stacks;

e) secondary control systems for subsea BOP stacks; and

f) control systems for diverter equipment.

The design standards applicable to subsystems and components do not include material selection and manufacturing process details but may serve as an aid to purchasing. Although diverters are not considered well control devices, their controls are often incorporated as part of the BOP control system. Thus, control systems for diverter equipment are included.

Control systems for drilling well control equipment typically employ stored energy in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid (power fluid) to operate (open and close) the BOP stack components. Each operation of a BOP or other well component is referred to as a control function. The design of control system equipment and circuitry varies in accordance with the application and environment.