4-Way Valve Operation in Blow Out Preventer Accumulator

4-way valves in the accumulator (Koomey) unit are used to control the position
of Blow Out Preventer (BOP). Today we will go into the detail of 3 positions of 4way vales in order to see how each position affects to the BOP.

Four-Way Vale in Open Position

When the valve is turned into the open position, it directs hydraulic pressure
from the manifold into the BOP openning port therefore the BOP is in the open
position. The hydraulic fluid in the ram closing chamber will return back to the
reservoir tank. Figure 1 illustrates how the hydraulic pressure is lined up to
open the BOP.

Figure 1 Open position of the 4-way valve

Four-Way Vale in Closed Position

The valve is turned into the close position. It means that the hydraulic
pressure from the manifold is transferred into the BOP close port. The
hydraulic from the opening chamber will return back to the reservoir tank.
Figure 2 shows how the hydraulic pressure is lined up to close the BOP.

Figure 2 Closed position of the 4-way valve

Four-Way Vale in Block Position

When the four-way valve is left in the block position (central position Figure
3), there is no hydraulic pressure going into either the close or open port in
the BOP. You might not know exactly the position of the rams with the block
position.

Figure 3 Block position of the 4-way valve

In normal drilling operation, you should never leave in the block position.
However, the valves can be left in the block position during rig move and
repairing operation.
There is one special thing which personnel must consider about the handle of
4-way valve used to operation the bilnd/shear rams (Figure 4). The control
handle must be protected to mitigate unintentional operation however it still
allows to be remotely operated from the BOP remote control panel.

Figure 4 Blind/shear ram 4-way valve handle

What are differences between Full Opening Safety Valve

(TIW valve) and Inside BOP valve (Gray Valve)?
Two types of stabbing valves that must be prepared for well control are Full
Opening Safety Valve (TIW valve) and Inside BOP valve (Gray Valve). We would
like to describe what the differences between two valves are.

Full Opening Safety Valve or TIW valve

Full Opening Safety Valve or TIW valve is a ball valve
designed for high pressure condition and it can hold pressure from both
directions. It is called Full Opening because when the ball valve is opened;
the flow path through the valve has a smooth inside diameter. One thing that
you need to remember is that the term Full Opening does not mean that the
ID of the valve is the same of drill pipe ID.

Figure 1 Full Opening Safety Valve

The valve should be always located on the rig floor and left in the open
position. Additionally, you need to ensure that personnel on the rig have a right
wrench to close the valve. The valve left in the open position is critical because
the valve can be stab into drill string if the well flows through drill pipe.
For good drilling practices, you must have all size full opening
safety valves which can be screwed into each size of drill pipe, drill collar,
tubing, etc on the rig. When there is any string in the hole, the correct
connection of the valve must be ready on the rig floor to stab in. Furthermore,
it is a good practice to install the valve when there is a sting left on the rotary
table during rig performs any tasks. The full opening safety valve should be
used for shutting the well in while tripping.

Inside BOP valve (Gray Valve)

Insider Blowout Preventer (IBOP) valve has several industrial names as drill
pipe float valves, Gray valves, Omsco valves and drop-in dart valves.

Figure 2 Inside BOP (Dart Type)

This valve is a non-return valve (check valve) allowing pumping through the
valve into the drillstring but it prevents upward flow and the more widely used
type is dart-type. The dart is used to hold the tool open therefore it is possible
to stab the valve while the fluid is flowing through the drillpipe. With the IBOP
valve installed in the drill string, it allows you to strip in hole without mud
flowing through the drillsting. The IBOP valve should not be used for shut the
well in while tripping.

Learn About Drill Pipe Float Valve

A drill pipe float valve is a check valve installed in the drill stem that allows
mud to be pumped down but prevents flow back up. There are two types of float
valves which are flapper type and plunger type.