Section 245.550  Installation and Testing of Blowout Prevention Equipment

After the surface casing has been set and cemented pursuant to Section 245.530, the permittee shall install and test blowout prevention equipment pursuant to the requirements of this Section (Section 1-70(e)(1) of the Act).

a)         The permittee shall contact the Department's District Office by phone and electronic mail at least 24 hours before conducting pressure tests on the blowout prevention equipment to enable an inspector to be present when the tests are performed.

b)         The permittee or permittee's designated representative shall be present at the well site when the blowout preventer is installed, tested, and in use.

1)         That person or personnel shall have a current well control certification from an accredited training program that is acceptable to the Department; and

2)         The certification shall be available at the well site and provided to the Department upon request. (Section 1-70(e)(3) of the Act)

c)         The permittee shall install all blowout prevention equipment using pipe fittings, valves, and unions placed on or connected to the blow-out prevention systems that have a working pressure capability that exceeds the anticipated pressures. (Section 1-70(e)(2) of the Act)

d)         A remote blowout preventer actuator that is powered by a source other than rig hydraulics shall be located at least 50 feet from the wellhead and have an appropriate rated working pressure  (Section 1-70(e)(6) of the Act).

e)         Pressure testing of all pressure control equipment, including the blowout preventer and related equipment for any drilling or completion operation must be performed.

1)         Testing must be conducted in accordance with the industry standards set forth in the document referenced in Section 245.115(a)(7).  A record of the pressure tests must be made on a form prescribed by the Department.

2)         Testing of the blowout preventer shall include testing after the blowout preventer is installed on the well but prior to drilling below the last cemented casing seat.

3)         Pressure control equipment, including the blowout preventer, that fails any pressure test shall not be used until it is repaired, or replaced, and passes the pressure test. (Section 1-70(e)(5) of the Act)

4)         Records of all pressure tests and repair work on blowout prevention equipment shall be maintained by the permittee in the well file at the well site and made available to the Department upon request.

f)         After installation and testing, the blowout prevention equipment must be in use during all drilling and completion operations and shall be maintained in good working condition at all times (Section 1-70(e)(1) and (3) of the Act).

g)         Appropriate pressure control procedures must be properly employed and equipment must be installed and maintained in proper working order while conducting drilling and completion operations, including tripping, logging, running casing into the well, and drilling out solid-core stage plugs (Section 1-70(e)(4) of the Act).