Patent ID: 6484806
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling a BOP stack, comprising:(a) a surface controller for transmitting hydraulic control signals and electronic control signals; (b) one or more umbilical cables comprising a plurality of hydraulic control lines and a plurality of dedicated electronic control wires that extend from the controller to an umbilical junction plate; (c) one or more retrievable control pod assembly comprising: (1) a pod junction plate that is selectively mateable to the umbilical junction plate; (2) a plurality of direct operated solenoid valves in electronic communication with the controller through one or more of the dedicated electronic control wires, wherein each solenoid valve translates electronic control signals from the controller into hydraulic control signals that are in communication with a hydraulically operated pilot valve to cause delivery of hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a critical function of the BOP stack; and (3) a plurality of hydraulically operated pilot valves that deliver hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a non-critical-function of the BOP stack upon receiving a hydraulic control signal directly from the controller through the umbilical.