Blowout Preventers (BOPs) are safety devices used to “prevent” the uncontrolled flow of liquids and gases during well drilling operations.
Blowout preventers are large, high-pressure valves that are capable of being remotely controlled. When the driller closes the valve, a pressure-tight seal is formed at the top of the well, preventing the fluids from escaping. There are two major types of Blowout Preventers, Annular (also known as Spherical) and RAM.