Abstract: A connector is configured to couple a first annular member to a second annular member. The connector includes a rotatable plate and multiple lock segments. The connector further includes a coupling assembly that is configured to couple the rotatable plate to the multiple lock segments, such that rotation of the rotatable plate in a circumferential direction drives the plurality of lock segments along a radial axis to adjust the connector between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration.

Abstract: A system for operating a blowout preventer (BOP) includes a front piston positioned at least partially in a front chamber. The front chamber includes a front volume on a front side of the front piston, and a back volume on a back side of the front piston. The system also includes a back piston connected to the front piston. The back piston is positioned at least partially in a back chamber. The back chamber includes a front volume on a front side of the back piston, and a back volume on a back side of the back piston. The system also includes a first valve configured to permit fluid flow into the front chamber during a free closing stroke of the BOP. The system also includes a second valve configured to permit fluid flow between the front and back volumes of the back chamber during the free closing stroke.

Abstract: A system for operating a blowout preventer (BOP) includes a front piston positioned at least partially in a front chamber. The front chamber includes a front volume on a front side of the front piston, and a back volume on a back side of the front piston. The system also includes a back piston connected to the front piston. The back piston is positioned at least partially in a back chamber. The back chamber includes a front volume on a front side of the back piston, and a back volume on a back side of the back piston. The system also includes a first valve configured to permit fluid flow into the front chamber during a free closing stroke of the BOP. The system also includes a second valve configured to permit fluid flow between the front and back volumes of the back chamber during the free closing stroke.

Abstract: A dual function ram system for a blowout preventer (BOP) includes a first dual function ram that is configured to move within a cavity of the BOP between a withdrawn position to cause the BOP to be in an open configuration and an extended position to cause the BOP to be in a closed configuration. The first dual function ram includes a shearing surface that is configured to shear a tubular within a central bore during a shearing operation and a pipe-sealing surface that is configured to seal against the tubular within the central bore during a pipe-sealing operation.

Abstract: A dual function ram system for a blowout preventer (BOP) includes a first dual function ram that is configured to move within a cavity of the BOP between a withdrawn position to cause the BOP to be in an open configuration and an extended position to cause the BOP to be in a closed configuration. The first dual function ram includes a shearing surface that is configured to shear a tubular within a central bore during a shearing operation and a pipe-sealing surface that is configured to seal against the tubular within the central bore during a pipe-sealing operation.

Abstract: A ram type blowout preventer is designed to provide substantial hang off capability. Improved hang off capacity is provided by the ram bodies having shaped upper centralizing lobes and/or semi-circular or U-shaped central openings. In particular, the interface between the upper centralizer lobe and central opening is tapered such that the hang off load is spread over a larger area of each ram body.

Abstract: A connector is configured to couple a first annular member to a second annular member. The connector includes a rotatable plate and multiple lock segments. The connector further includes a coupling assembly that is configured to couple the rotatable plate to the multiple lock segments, such that rotation of the rotatable plate in a circumferential direction drives the plurality of lock segments along a radial axis to adjust the connector between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration.

Abstract: A ram type blowout preventer is designed to provide substantial hang off capability. Improved hang off capacity is provided by the ram bodies having shaped upper centralizing lobes and/or semi-circular or U-shaped central openings. In particular, the interface between the upper centralizer lobe and central opening is tapered such that the hang off load is spread over a larger area of each ram body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system that includes a body surrounding a bore, a first ram disposed adjacent a first end of the body and coupled to a first actuator, a second ram disposed adjacent to a second end opposite the first end of the body and coupled to a second actuator, and a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second actuators. The controller is configured to actuate the first actuator to direct the first ram toward a tubular string disposed in the bore, such that the first ram aligns the tubular string with a first shearing portion of the second ram when the first ram is in an actuated position, and to actuate the second actuator, after actuating the first actuator, to direct the second ram toward the tubular string such that the first and second rams completely cut the tubular string.

Abstract: A blowout preventer may be used for shearing a tubular positioned in a bore extending through the blowout preventer. The blowout preventer includes a first shear ram movable towards the tubular, the first shear ram including a first blade, and the first blade including an outer cutting profile and an inner cutting profile. The blowout preventer further includes a second shear ram positioned opposite the first shear ram with respect to the tubular and movable towards the tubular, the second shear ram including a second blade, and the second blade including the outer cutting profile and the inner cutting profile. The outer cutting profile includes blade portions on opposite sides of the inner cutting profile, and positioned between an angle of about 120 degrees and an angle of about 140 degrees from each other.