KissMy
Free Breast Exam
- Thread starter
- #21
Gulf of Mexico Activities and OCS Regulatory Trends - March 27, 1998
1998 Minerals Management Service (MMS)
BOP Testing
A study to investigate the performance of blowout prevention (BOP) equipment on offshore drilling rigs was referenced at last year's seminar. The MMS was joined by the Offshore Operators Committee, American Petroleum Institute, National Ocean Industries Association, International Association of Drilling Contractors, and Independent Petroleum Associates of America in funding the BOP Performance Study. The study concluded that no statistical difference in failure rates exists between BOP's tested every seven days and those tested between the 8- to 14-day interval.
The MMS has prepared a Final Rule to implement the findings of the BOP study, specifically allowing operators to test BOP equipment at intervals not to exceed 14 days between tests. The Final Rule should be published by June 1998. As guidance for BOP testing and maintenance, API Recommended Practice 53 will be included by reference in the Subpart D rewrite.
Safety and Pollution Prevention Equipment
A Final Rule regarding quality assurance for safety and pollution prevention equipment (SPPE) used in OCS wells and facilities was published in the Federal Register on August 8, 1997, and became effective on October 7, 1997. The rule allows the use of noncertified valves for as long as the device functions properly. It further addresses under what criteria a noncertified valve must be replaced with a certified valve. After April 1, 1998, an operator may no longer install a noncertified SPPE that is in his inventory.