American Petroleum Institute

Recommended Practice for Diverter Systems Equipment and Operations - Second Edition
 N RP 64

Annotation

PURPOSE

This recommended practice (RP) is intended to provide accurate information that can serve as a guide for selection, installation, testing, and operation of diverter equipment systems on land and marine drilling rigs (barge, platform, bottom-supported, and floating). Diverter systems are composed of all subsystems required to operate the diverter under varying rig and well conditions. A general description of operational procedures is presented with suggestions for the training of rig personnel in the proper use, care, and maintenance of diverter systems.

WELL CONTROL

Opinions differ throughout the drilling industry concerning well control involving shallow gas. Appendix A of this publication is intended to provide some technical understanding of what takes place when shallow gas is drilled and to promote a better understanding of the analysis technique fundamentals. This publication, API RP 64, serves as a companion to RP 59 Recommended Practice for Well Control Operations and RP 53 Recommended Practice for Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Wells . RP 59 establishes recommended operations to retain pressure control of the well under pre-kick conditions and recommended practices to be utilized during a kick. RP 53 establishes recommended practices for the installation and testing of equipment for the anticipated well conditions and service.

DEEPWATER

Operations in deepwater have special requirements with respect to well control and well control systems. This publication discusses some of the special considerations with respect to diverter use in deepwater. The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) has addressed diverter issues in the overall context of deepwater drilling in their publication IADC Deepwater Well Control Guidelines published in 1998.