NDAC 43-02-03-23
Blowout prevention
Cite as N.D. Admin. Code ยง 43-02-03-23
In all drilling operations, proper and necessary precautions shall be taken for keeping the well
under control, including the use of a blowout preventer and high pressure fittings attached to properly
cemented casing strings adequate to withstand anticipated pressures. During the course of drilling, the
pipe rams shall be functionally operated at least once every twenty-four-hour period. The blind rams
shall be functionally operated each trip out of the well bore. The blowout preventer shall be pressure
tested at installation on the wellhead, after modification of any equipment, and every thirty days
thereafter. For pad drilling operations, moving from one wellhead to another within the thirty days,
pressure testing is required on connections when the integrity of a pressure seal is broken or a
component appears to be damaged or compromised. The director may postpone such pressure test if
the necessity therefor can be demonstrated to the director's satisfaction. All tests shall be noted in the
driller's record.
In all workover operations, proper and necessary precautions must be taken for keeping the well
under control, including the use of a blowout preventer and high pressure fittings attached to properly
cemented casing strings adequate to withstand anticipated pressures.