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What is a blowout preventer, and what is a blowout?
A blowout preventer, or BOP, is the mechanical device intended to control and close off a well if there is an uncontrolled flow of oil and gas. The BOP is positioned at the top of a well and just under the drilling floor of the rig while the well is being drilled. It contains mechanical "rams," which are to be closed if there is an uncontrolled flow of fluids up the well.
The rams seal off the well, preventing the oil and gas from reaching the rig floor where a fire or explosion might occur or from where oil might spill off the rig into the environment.
The drilling fluid, or the "mud" is the first line of defense against a blowout. As the well is drilled, mud is pumped down the drill string to the drill bit...