BSEE to Host Forum on Next-Generation Blowout Preventer and Control System Technology, Management and Regulations
2012-05-08
WASHINGTON —As
part of its on-going efforts to improve the safety of offshore oil and gas
operations, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will host
a public Forum on Next-Generation Blowout Preventer (BOP) and Control Systems
Technology, Management and Regulations on Tuesday, May 22, 2012.
In the aftermath of the Deepwater
Horizon, BSEE’s predecessor agency, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,
Regulation and Enforcement published a Drilling Safety Rule that contained a
number of critical provisions related to offshore drilling safety and blowout
preventers. Additionally, other governmental and independent investigations of
the Deepwater Horizon have identified additional issues with BOPs, which
BSEE will address in anew proposed rule to be published this summer.
“The blowout preventer is the most critical piece of safety
equipment on a drilling rig, yet advancements in their design, operation, and
maintenance had lagged far behind the industry’s move into increasingly deep
waters. The investigations into the Deepwater
Horizon tragedy highlighted the need for innovation in how BOPs are built
and how they are regulated, and we will work deliberately and expeditiously toward
getting a draft rule published. This is an area where we will need active
involvement from the oil and gas industry, academia, stakeholder groups, and
the public,” said Director James Watson.
“This forum will bring experts in from around the country to participate in an
open and candid dialogue about how we can take the next step in offshore
drilling safety.”
Several panels will discuss:
- BOP technology needs identified from Deepwater Horizon investigations;
- Real time technologies that can aid in diagnostics
and kick detection;
- Design requirements needed to provide assurance
that BOPs will cut casing or drill pipe and seal a well effectively;
- Manufacturing, testing, maintenance and
certification requirements needed to ensure operability and reliability of BOP
equipment; and
- Training and certification needs for industry
personnel operating or maintaining BOPs.
Panels
will be made up of representatives from government organizations, trade associations, equipment manufacturers, offshore
operators, consultants, training companies, and others.
The
forum will be held at the South Interior Building, located at 1900 Constitution
Ave., Washington, D.C., 20245, and last from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is
required as seating is limited.
To register, please submit the registration form found at http://www.bsee.gov/NexGen-BOP.aspx .
-BSEE-