Ram Blowout Preventer

Definition - What does Ram Blowout Preventer mean?

A Ram Blowout Preventer is a valve used to quickly monitor, control and seal oil and gas wells. Also known as Ram BOP or simply blowout preventer, this valve works in a same way as a gate valve but it uses a Ram, which is usually a pair of opposing steel plungers. The Ram Blowout Preventer restricts the flow by extending toward the center of a wellbore and allows flow by retracting outwards.

Petropedia explains Ram Blowout Preventer

A Ram Blowout Preventer is used in oil wells to prevent a well blowout. Rams are available in variable-bores so that a wide range of pipe diameter can get covered for sealing. There are four common types of Rams:

Pipe Ram– This doesn’t disturb the flow within the pipe, but it restricts the flow between the wellbore and outside of drill pipe.
Blind Ram– It used to close off a well when there is no drill string or tubing. It has no opening for the tubing.
Shear Ram– It uses the shearing technique to cut the hardened steel through the drill string.
Blind Shear Ram– It cuts through the drill string to seal a wellbore even when it is occupied by the string.