BOP Stack Organization and BOP Stack Arrangement

Blow Out Preventor (BOP) is a very important part of well control equipment and the first thing
which we would like to discuss in this article is the BOP stack organization. The BOP stack can
be configured in various configurations which must be suitable for the operation.
API has the recommended component codes for BOP as listed below:
A = Annular Preventer
G = Rotating Head
R = single ram type preventer with one set of rams, blind or pipe.
Rd = double ram type preventer with two sets of rams, blind or pipe.
Rt = triple ram type preventer with three sets of rams, blind or pipe.
CH = high remotely operated connector attaching well head or preventers
CL = low pressure remotely operated connector attaching; the marine riser to the BOP
S = spool with side outlet for choke and kill lines
M = 1000 psi
How can I know the BOP configuration and rating from the codes?

When you see the code, you need to read upwards from the bottom of BOP stack. Let's take a
look at the following example:
15M 13-5/8" RSRRA
This BOP stacks has pressure rating of 15,000 psi with a bore size of 13-5/8" inch. There are
following BOP component from bottom to top
Rams Spool Rams Rams Annular ( see the figure below)

You need to keep in mind that the BOP stack is able to shut the well in and allow you to perform
well control operations with the greatest flexibility. Considerations of how to arrange the BOP
stack are as follows:
The BOP stack must be suitable for the drilling operation.
The stack should be able to serve the stripping operation not just only shut the well in.
Pressure rating must be higher than expected surface pressure on surface when the well control
situation is happened.
Excessive BOP rams cause difficulty to handle and maintenance. Additionally, the cost of BOP
stack is more expensive.
Sour gas and temperature on surface directly affects the element in the BOP's/
The best BOP stack arrangement is the one that is suite for the operation within safety limit.