What is a blowout preventer (BOP)?

A device attached immediately above the casing to control the pressure and prevent the escape of fluids from the annular space between the drill pipe and casing or shut off the hole, if no drill pipe is in the hole, should a blowout occur. These devices are pressure tested between 3,500 to 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi) when installed and every two weeks afterwards.

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1. How many wells have been drilled in Mansfield?
2. Who inspects the gas wells?
3. Where do I get a Specific Use Permit (SUP)?
4. How long will the zoning process take?
5. Can I apply for a Gas Well Permit prior to obtaining a SUP?
6. Where do I get a gas well permit application?
7. How long is the process to get a Gas Well Permit once zoning is acquired?
8. Are gas wells noisy when they are operating?
9. Do natural gas wells produce bad odors?
10. At nighttime I see tall, brightly lit derricks with lots of activity. Is this what I can expect in my neighborhood?
11. How will traffic in my neighborhood be affected? Will there be a lot of trucks and construction vehicles?
12. How long is a gas well active or producing?
13. How is natural gas transported?
14. What is Rigging Up and Rigging Down of drilling rig?
15. What is the term “spudding” a well or "spudding in"?
16. What is a frac pit?
17. Where does the water used in the fracturing process come from?
18. What is a Closed-Loop Mud System?
19. What is circulating?
20. What is cementing casing and waiting on cement (WOC)?
21. What is hydraulic fracturing?
22. What is a wellhead or Christmas tree?
23. What is a tank battery?
24. What is a blow out?
25. What is a blowout preventer (BOP)?
26. What happens if there is a gas well emergency?
27. Whom do I call regarding gas well royalties and/or mineral rights?
28. How is our fresh water drinking zones protected?
29. How can I register a complaint or contact an inspector?