Single Ram BOP Drilling Blowout Preventer API 16A Well Control Equipment

Single Ram Blowout Preventer – API 16A Well Control Equipment for Drilling & Workover Operations

Product Overview

The single ram blowout preventer (BOP) is one of the most critical components of any well pressure control system. Installed at the wellhead, it serves as the primary barrier against the uncontrolled release of oil, gas, or other formation fluids during drilling, workover, well servicing, and oil testing operations. When a kick or blowout threatens, the ram BOP can be activated to seal the wellbore and prevent a catastrophic event.

A single ram BOP contains one set of ram blocks (one pair of opposing rams) housed within the BOP body. These rams are pushed inward by hydraulic or manual actuators to seal around the drill pipe or to close off the wellbore entirely. The BOP body features side outlets that can be connected to choke and kill manifolds, enabling well control operations such as mud circulation, pressure relief, and well killing even after the well has been sealed.

All our single ram BOPs are designed, manufactured, and tested in accordance with API Spec 16A — the international standard for drill-through equipment— and can be supplied with NACE MR0175 compliance for sour service (H₂S) environments.

Ram Types – Four Configurations for Every Well Control Scenario

The ram blocks installed in the BOP determine its sealing capability. We offer four types of rams to match different well conditions:

Pipe rams are the most commonly used type. They feature rubber packing elements that conform to the outside diameter of the pipe, creating a pressure-tight seal while still allowing fluid circulation within the drill pipe.

Blind rams have no openings for tubulars. When closed, they completely seal the wellbore — ideal for situations where the drill string has been pulled out of the hole.

Shear rams are equipped with hardened steel blades that can cut through drill pipe, tubing, or even wireline cables in an emergency. After shearing, the ram seals the wellbore, providing a final barrier.

Variable diameter rams offer flexibility by sealing around different pipe sizes within a specified range. This eliminates the need to change ram blocks when the drill string diameter changes.

BOP Classification – Understanding the Options

Ram BOPs can be classified in several ways based on their configuration and operation:

By Number of Rams

Single Ram BOP – Contains one set of rams (one pair)

Double Ram BOP – Contains two sets of rams

Triple Ram BOP – Contains three sets of rams

By Ram Opening/Closing Method

Manual Locking – rams are closed and locked manually using a handwheel or similar mechanism

Hydraulic Locking – rams are closed and locked using hydraulic pressure

By Bonnet Opening Method

Rotating Bonnet – The bonnet rotates on a hinge pin fastened to the body for ram change-out; features a rectangular ram cavity

Linear Bonnet – The bonnet opens in a straight line (less common)

Key Features – Engineered for Safety and Reliability

1. API 16A Compliance

All our BOPs are manufactured in accordance with API Spec 16A, the industry standard governing blowout preventers and associated well control equipment. This ensures design integrity, material quality, and manufacturing traceability.

2. High-Strength Alloy Steel Construction

The BOP body and bonnets are forged from high-strength alloy steel (typically 4130 material or equivalent), providing exceptional strength, impact resistance, and durability under extreme downhole pressures. Forged construction eliminates casting porosity and ensures consistent mechanical properties.

3. Wide Pressure and Size Range

Our BOPs are available in bore sizes from 7-1/16″ to 30″ and working pressures from 2,000 psi to 15,000 psi (14 MPa to 105 MPa). This extensive range ensures compatibility with virtually any well design.

Available Combinations:

4. Multiple Connection Types

The BOP is offered with studded, flanged, and hubbed top and bottom connections. Flange sizes, bolts, clamps, and ring grooves conform to API 16A and GOST standards, ensuring compatibility with existing wellhead equipment from all major manufacturers.

5. Sour Service Capability

For wells containing hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), BOPs can be supplied with internal H₂S-resistant trim in compliance with NACE MR0175/ISO 15156. This includes specialized materials and hardness controls to prevent sulphide stress cracking.

6. Interchangeable Components

Our BOPs are designed so that rams, seal kits, and other critical components are interchangeable with major OEM designs. This significantly reduces maintenance time and simplifies spare parts inventory management.

7. Hydraulic Bonnet Opening

The bonnet can be opened hydraulically, allowing for quick and easy ram change-out without the need for heavy lifting equipment. This feature dramatically reduces downtime during routine maintenance.

8. Forged Body Construction

The BOP body is manufactured using a forging process that aligns the metal grain structure, resulting in superior mechanical properties compared to cast alternatives.

Operational Applications – How the Single Ram BOP Works

When Pipe is in the Well

When drill pipe, tubing, or casing is present, the pipe ram or variable diameter ram can be closed to seal the annular space between the pipe exterior and the casing or wellbore. The ram packing elements conform to the pipe OD, creating a pressure-tight seal.

When No Pipe is in the Well

When the wellbore is empty, the blind ram can be closed to completely seal the wellhead. This is typically done when the drill string has been pulled out for tripping or when the well is shut in for extended periods.

Emergency Shearing

In critical situations where the drill pipe cannot be retrieved, the shear ram can be activated to cut through the pipe and seal the wellbore. This is a last-resort measure to prevent a blowout.

Well Control Operations

Once the well has been sealed, the BOP's side outlets allow operators to perform essential well control operations through the connected choke and kill manifold:

Circulating drilling fluid to condition the mud

Choking to control wellbore pressure

Killing the well by pumping heavy fluid

Releasing pressure safely

Long-Term Well Closure

When the wellhead must remain closed for an extended period, the ram can be mechanically locked using the integrated locking device. This ensures the seal remains intact even if hydraulic pressure is lost.

Why Choose Our Single Ram BOP

API 16A certified – Full compliance with the latest edition of API Spec 16A

NACE MR0175 compliant – Available for sour service (H₂S) environments

Wide size and pressure range – 7-1/16″ to 30″ bore; 2,000 psi to 15,000 psi working pressure

Four ram types available – Pipe, blind, shear, and variable diameter rams

Forged alloy steel construction – Maximum strength and durability

Interchangeable components – Compatible with major OEM designs

Hydraulic bonnet opening – Quick and easy ram change-out

Multiple connection options – Studded, flanged, and hubbed connections

Complete documentation – Mill test reports, NDE reports, pressure test records, and API compliance certification included with every shipment

Contact us to order the right single ram blowout preventer for your drilling or workover operation. We provide the correct bore size, pressure rating, ram type, and connection configuration for your specific well conditions — with full API 16A compliance, NACE MR0175 sour service capability where required, and on-time delivery.