BOP Control Unit for Blowout Preventers – Safety Starts with Precision Control

What Is a BOP Control Unit?

A BOP control unit (also known as Blowout Preventer Control System) is a hydraulic system designed to operate and control the opening and closing of blowout preventers (BOPs) on a drilling rig. It is the heart of the well control system, ensuring immediate response to kick or blowout situations.

This unit enables remote operation of annular and ram BOPs to:

Seal the wellbore

Prevent uncontrolled fluid release

Ensure safety for workers, equipment, and the environment

How Does a BOP Control System Work?

The control unit consists of:

Accumulator bottles (store high-pressure hydraulic fluid)

Pneumatic/hydraulic control panels

Pressure regulators and valves

Remote control stations

Electrical or air-driven pump systems

When activated, the system transmits hydraulic pressure to the BOP stack, quickly closing or opening the rams or annular elements to control formation pressure.

Technical Specifications of Goldenman BOP Control Units

Specification	Value / Description
Standards	API 16D, GB/T 22513
Accumulator Bottles	8–12 bottles (28L/each), customized available
Rated Working Pressure	21 MPa (3000 psi) or 35 MPa (5000 psi)
Pump Type	Pneumatic pump / Electric motor-driven pump
Pump Quantity	Dual pumps (main + backup)
Power Supply	380V/50Hz or customized (e.g., 460V/60Hz)
Control Mode	Manual / Remote / PLC control / ESD
Control Circuits	Up to 10 BOP functions (open/close)
Explosion-Proof Grade	Ex d IIB T4 / ATEX Zone I/II options available
Tank Capacity	600L – 1200L hydraulic oil tank
Application	Onshore, Offshore, HPHT wells
Optional Features	PLC touchscreen, SCADA interface, Mobile trailer mount

Product Features & Advantages

API 16D certified for full well control compliance

Dual redundant pumps ensure system backup and fail-safe function

Emergency Shut Down (ESD) capability for critical operations

Remote panel operation via cable or wireless control

Large accumulator capacity to operate multiple BOPs simultaneously

Skid/trailer-mounted designs for flexibility in field use

Case Study: High-Pressure BOP System for UAE Rig

In 2025, a major drilling contractor in the UAE selected Goldenman’s skid-mounted BOP control unit for their 15,000 psi HPHT rig. The unit successfully:

Operated 3 ram BOPs and 1 annular BOP

Passed 100% FAT and SAT with zero leakage

Integrated with SCADA via Modbus protocol

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between a BOP control unit and an accumulator unit?
A: They refer to the same system. The accumulator unit is a core component of the BOP control system, storing hydraulic energy to control the BOP.

Q2: Does the control unit meet API 16D standards?
A: Yes, all Goldenman BOP control units are designed and tested according to API 16D and GB/T 22513.

Q3: Can the system be customized for offshore rigs?
A: Absolutely. We provide Zone II explosion-proof control units with marine paint and offshore corrosion resistance.

Q4: What type of pumps are used?
A: Typically pneumatic pumps or electrically-driven hydraulic pumps, with dual pump setup (main + backup) for safety.

Q5: Can I monitor/control the unit remotely?
A: Yes. Remote control panels and PLC/HMI interfaces are available for real-time well control.

Q6: How many BOP functions can the unit control?
A: Standard systems support 6 to 10 control functions. Custom configurations available for complex stacks.