api spec 16d - specification for control systems for...
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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.
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?
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).
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.
API Spec 16D - Specification for Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for
Diverter EquipmentLast update: January 23, 2013
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Standard Edition Section Inquiry # Question Reply
API Spec 16D - Specification for Control Systems for Drilling Well Control Equipment and Control Systems for
Diverter EquipmentLast update: January 23, 2013
16D 2nd Edition,
July 2004
10.1.2 16D-01-08 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 surface-
mounted 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 5-
minute period.”
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?
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.
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?
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.
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