Patent attributes
A system and method for shutting in a wellbore in the event that primary blow-out preventer (BOP) system fails. The system comprises a smart-BOP shear ram system that operates independently and autonomously from the primary BOP system and that includes a pneumatically actuated shear ram installed on top of the primary BOP preventers. A dedicated control system and pneumatic pump are encased inside one or more explosion proof boxes. The control system detects primary BOP failure using sensors located above and below the primary BOP shear ram and actuates the smart-BOP shear ram accordingly. The control system is configured such that, activation of the primary BOP stack automatically activates the smart-BOP shear ram system and the control unit assumes autonomous control over operation of the smart-BOP shear ram until the control unit confirms that a complete seal has been made against the wellbore fluids.
