A BOP is a high pressure safety valve at the top of an oil well that stops uncontrolled fluid/gas flow. There are two main types of BOP valves: annular and ram. Annular BOPs can seal around different pipe sizes. Steel insert plates reinforce elastomeric sealing rings in annular BOPs, transferring force to create an effective seal. Nickel-chrome-moly steel alloy 8627 was chosen for the insert plates due to its strength and hardness properties being well-suited for the requirements.

1. Blow-out Preventer (BOP) A blow-out preventer (BOP) is a high pressure safety valve system at the top of the well head which stops uncontrolled fluid/gas flow in the well bore. There are two types of BOP valves: annular and ram. -- One advantage the annular blow-out preventer has over ram-type blow-out preventers is the ability to seal on a variety of pipe sizes.

3. BOP Seal Ring Function

5. Insert Plates -- Description

9. Reducing Stress Concentrations

14. Moulding Methods

18. Orientation in the Mould