API Spec 16D - Specification for Control Systems for ...

API Spec 16D - Specification for Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for Diverter Equipment Last update: January 23, 2013 Standard

Edition

Section

Inquiry #

Question

Reply

16D

2nd Edition, July 2004

5.1.2.3

16D-02-12

Referring to API 16D, 5.1.2.3, is it ok for a relief valve to have a by-pass around it for relieving pressure from the system (the bypass does not isolate the relief valve)?

A bypass around a relief valve is acceptable as long as it does not defeat the purpose of the relief valve it meets the intent of 5.1.2.3.

16D

2nd Edition, July 2004

5.5.2

16D-01-12

Background: We are in the commissioning stages of the diverter and well control equipment and require a clarification of API 16D, Section 5.5.2. We have a 49-1/2 in. diverter with insert packers for various size pipe; the main diverter packer is 35.5 in. ID. We are currently trying to test and confirm the closing times on a 10 in. bore insert packer installed closing on a 5 in. pipe mandrel. The manufacturer contends that “nominal bore” as stated in API 16D, Section 5.5.2, is defined as the main packer of the diverter, even though the actual bore is reduced to 10 in. due to the insert packer. By this interpretation, they contend that since the diverter main packer is larger than 20 in. and the closing time should be 45 seconds.

The annular packing element and the insert packer are two different components used for sealing in a diverter, therefore, if an insert packer is used for a specific application, the closing time would still be based on the nominal bore of the annular packing element (i.e., the I.D. before the insert was installed).

Question: Since the insert packer is installed and thereby reducing the bore to 10 in., should the “nominal bore” be considered less than 20 in. and the closing time be 30 seconds in accordance with Section 5.5.2? 16D

2nd Edition, July 2004

5.5.2.1

16D-01-08

In Section 5.2.2.1, what constitutes the “entire accumulator system” in this section for a subsea stack?

All surface and subsea bottles are considered in the “entire accumulator system”. However, when and where those bottles are independent and/or assigned to a specific purpose or set of functions (i.e. acoustic, auto shear or deadman) they are not included in the entire accumulator system count. If for some reason they are “shared” they should be counted in the “entire system count”, but if they are in place and only support those specific tasks and not normally used in the day to day operation of the BOPE they are not counted in the “entire accumulator system” count.

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API Spec 16D - Specification for Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for Diverter Equipment Last update: January 23, 2013 Standard

Edition

Section

Inquiry #

16D

2nd Edition, July 2004

10.1.2

16D-01-08

Question Background: Our inquiry is in regards to flame retardant flexible piping outside of the API 500, Div. 1, area relative to the wellhead. Section 4.3.4.2, Piping Systems, reads: “All rigid or flexible lines between the control system and BOP stack shall be flame retardant, including end connections, and shall have a rated working pressure at least equal to the rated working pressure of the system or subsystem in which the piping is installed.” The second reference is Section 10.1.2, Fire Tests, which reads: “The control lines, and any component of the control lines to a surfacemounted BOP stack or diverter, located in a Division 1 area, as defined by API 500 (area classification), shall be capable of containing the hose rated working pressure in a flame temperature of 1300°F (700°C) for a 5minute period.”

Reply No, however system operators should keep in mind that personnel will require time to evacuate to a safe location knowing they retained control over the hydraulics to the subsea and surface equipment during a fire. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure the safe evacuation of the personnel during such an event.

Question: Is it required that flame retardant flexible piping outside an API 500, Division 1 classified area comply with the API 16D, Section 10.1.2 fire testing requirements? 16D

2nd Edition, July 2004

Annex D

16D-01-09

Background: We have a request for quote from a customer that wants us to supply a BOP control system with wireless remote interfaces built and monogrammed to API 16D. I know that wireless interfaces are not addressed in second edition of API 16D and have great concern with trying to monogram a system with a wireless interface. Question: Is it permissible for API 16D Monogram licensees to apply the API monogram to BOP control systems with wireless interfaces?

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Reply: No. The API Monogram license agreement states: "Licensee agrees that use of the API Monogram on the products shall constitute a representation and warranty by Licensee to API and to the purchasers of the Licensee’s products that the products conform to the applicable standards, specifications, and requirements of API.” Since API 16D does not contain requirements for wireless BOP control systems, it is not possible for the licensee to warrant that such systems comply with the standard.